Some 200 members of the Mountaineers Federation of the Philippines,Inc. converged in Bacolod City last October 16 for a week-long adventure. The objective: to conquer Mount Mandalagan.

Originally, the intention was to climb Mount Kanlaon, but due to adverse circumstances, the climb was diverted to Mandalagan, also a prominent peak within the province of Negros.

Coinciding with the activity was the annual meeting of presidents and leaders of various mountaineering clubs from all over the nation. Issues discussed included the future of Filipino mountaineers and more active participation in public eco-awareness programs and services, like reporting illegal logging activities and stepping-up assistance to environmental care.

The federation members were divided into two groups: one went around
Mt. Mandalagan to Silay (a city still in the same province and the final destination), while the other, taking the scenic route, journeyed over Mt. Mandalagan to check out the mountain first hand.

Camp destination was the Tinagong Dagat, which is actually an extinct volcanic crater atop Mt. Mandalagan. Tinagong Dagat, or Hidden Sea, was named as such because although it can be viewed as a wide, open space full of rocks and pebbles within the mountain, it also serves as a natural water reservoir or catch basin during the rainy season. We witnessed this phenomenon first hand, as the Tinagong Dagat was revealed in full splendor by the sudden turn of weather.

Late in the afternoon of the third day, the group had already reached the target site and had set up camp for the evening when a storm broke out. Soon, the entire crater swelled and flooded our campsite, soaking almost all the equipment we had. Huddled together in groups, the mountaineers sat it out as the rain poured all night, depriving almost everyone of sleep.

By daybreak, the waters that gathered at Tinagong Dagat had risen to a height of four feet, reaching up to the average man's chest.

Further on the final stretch of their journey, they arrived in a clearing called Patag Valley. Here, the weary travelers found a good resting-place. The sky was again as clear as the day before and everybody was thankful for the respite they were allowed. Some took the time to check their belongings, others hung their soaked clothes and spread their equipment to dry; still, others were content to simply hang their hammocks on low-branched trees to finally get some shut-eye.

After regaining our strength, we took on the trail once more and proceeded to Silay, to reunite with our comrades who went ahead and formed a welcome party upon our arrival. Though drenched and weary, everybody was ecstatic over the success of their activity and the results of the presidents' meeting. A celebration was due, not only to toast the event, but also to give thanks for surviving the storm without serious damage to life or property.

All said, no spirits were dampened, even by the storm.