Over the past few years, my fears and anxieties about climbing have grown, whether due to age, a past accident, or lack of training. It is a stark contrast to the days when I would eagerly jump at every opportunity to hit the trails. Now, I have to push myself to say yes. That is why the decision to join the All Women’s Climb of the Mountaineering Federation of the Philippines was not made lightly. It took a lot of thought and courage. But now, I can proudly say I have conquered it.

The All Women’s Climb is an annual event celebrating International Women’s Month. This year’s climb was held in Catmon, Cebu and was organized by the Cebu Outdoor Adventure Team.

I took a red eye flight from Manila the day before to give myself time to explore Catmon since it was my first visit and to ensure I was well rested before the climb.

Our first task was finding a place to stay. The rooms at J and L Huyohoy Resort, where the post climb activities would take place, were fully booked. Just as we were about to look elsewhere, a last minute opening became available.

J&L Huyohoy Resort is simple, without upscale amenities, but it has a wide beach, lots of open spaces, and the most welcoming hosts. They even drove us to town for a seafood feast at Ryan Kawayanan Seafood and Barbecue and pointed us toward local delicacies like torta, and bibingka.

Since it was our first time in Catmon, we also visited San Guillermo Church, a historic structure dedicated to St. William the Hermit.

By late afternoon, participants started arriving. I caught up with familiar faces and met new ones. It had been years since I last joined an event of the Mountaineering Federation of the Philippines and I could feel the excitement building.

The following morning, we gathered at the Catmon Municipal Hall, where we registered, received a warm welcome from Mayor Avis Monleon, and attended a pre climb briefing.

There, I saw the full roster of participants, women from across the country. We were divided into three teams and I joined a group with climbers from Metro Manila, the Bicol Region, and Negros Island. In total, we were sixty one strong. Before heading out, our blood pressure was checked to ensure we were fit for the climb. Yes, I passed.

From the municipal hall, we boarded a truck for an hour long ride to the jump off point.

One of my concerns was climbing with unfamiliar faces without my usual team who knew my strengths and limitations. But once we hit the trail, that worry disappeared. I found myself among women just like me, navigating the same knee pains, backaches, and slow recoveries. Most of us were in our forties and fifties, jokingly envious of the younger climbers who moved with ease.

The trek to the campsite took around two to three hours. It started with a gradual ascent before becoming steeper. We passed through farmland, exposed to the full intensity of the sun.

By dusk, we arrived at the campsite, an open clearing with panoramic views of northern Cebu, the sea, and the surrounding mountains. As the sun set, we pitched our tents, prepared dinner, and exchanged stories. A passing drizzle did little to dampen our spirits.

Used my Conquer Outdoor Equipment X Trails to Empower Kids backpack. For every backpack sold, we give one to a kid in the mountains.

Of course my campsite footwear was my Teva Sandals

The next morning, we woke before dawn, hoping for clear skies at the summit. After a quick breakfast, we broke camp and prepared for the climb highlight. It was a twenty minute hike to the next jump off, followed by a forty five minute ascent to the holding area, then another fifteen minute push to the summit.

At the Holding Area where we had our final briefing

The trail was muddy and slippery, winding through dense forest. Before the final ascent, we had our last briefing. 

The summit push was the most technical. We carefully maneuvered through jagged coral rocks, gripping carefully to avoid missteps. To maintain safety, only a few climbers were allowed at the peak at a time.

At seven hundred eighty meters above sea level, Torre Peak is Cebu’s second highest summit. It is a designated Key Biodiversity Area, crucial for the survival of various species. Historically, Mount Kapayas served as a stronghold during the Philippine American War in eighteen ninety nine, offering revolutionaries a strategic vantage point.

Wore my HOKA Speedgoat 5 At the summit with Yay Ortega, past MFPI president Standing atop Torre Peak was a powerful moment, a reminder of the resilience, strength, and determination of women.

As I made my way up Torre Peak, I kept thinking about how challenging the descent would be. Fortunately, my fellow climbers were there to help.

After the descent, we returned to J&L Huyohoy Beach Resort, where we were welcomed with a well-earned dinner featuring Catmon’s famed lechon, live reggae music, and a night of celebration.

The beautiful and powerful ladies of Cebu Outdoor Adventure Team

So, where were the men? While this was an All Women’s Climb, we were supported by male members of the Cebu Outdoor Adventure Team, the Mountaineering Federation of the Philippines, the National Search and Rescue Team, the Catmon Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, and the Catmon Mountain Guides Association. They assisted in setting up safety ropes, guiding us through technical sections, and ensuring our security while keeping a respectful distance. Even at the post climb gathering, they stayed outside the main hall, allowing the women to fully celebrate their achievement.

On the third day, the summit to sea adventure continued. Organizers arranged free stand up paddle boarding lessons for participants. While some hit the water, I enjoyed the last few hours of camaraderie with my fellow climbers.

That evening, I left Catmon with a heart full of gratitude. Before heading home, I made sure to sample one last local specialty, native chicken.

I am incredibly grateful to the organizers for executing such a well-planned event. I walked away with a renewed sense of empowerment, new friendships, and a deeper connection to the outdoors. Also sore knees.

And yes, I am already looking forward to next year’s All Women’s Climb.