My First Mountain Climb – Mt. Samat in Bataan

On May, 14, 2012, the first day of our trek at Mt. Samat in Bataan, our party was divided into groups of six to seven members. We were told by our leader that those would be our group throughout the camping. There were a series of activities and games lined up and prepared by our coordinators. Everyone was enthusiastic and were having lots of fun running round, laughing and screaming as we did various tasks.  The most challenging event we had was treasure hunting. All the tasks involved were really difficult as you need to accomplish each one before proceeding to the next.

Every morning, each group must have their devotion. After that, we will proceed to the preaching of our Pastor Bantay with the theme of "Come, follow me," Jesus said," and I will make you fishers of men" - Matthew 4:19. The message was divided into two parts since we were going to spend two days at the camping site.

On our third day, we first went to the “Dambana ng Kagitingan” where formal rites were held. We first visited the museum which featured an astonishing collection of items and memorbilia commemorating the struggles of Filipinos and Americans against the Japanese Imperial Army during World War II.

Although I was strarting to feel the fatigue from the past few days, all of it was blown away, when I finally reached the top of the Memorial Cross. The view was so stunning and all I can feel was the fresh breeze. Though it is quite scary for me because I was afraid of heights, by God’s grace I made it to the top and felt that it was all worth it.

My three-day camping trip to Bataan is indeed one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. I love coming back to that place over and over again. The shared moments with my churchmates, the challenges of the hike and the most important was the inspirational message of our pastor during our two days at the camp, all of these taught me a simple message that no matter how hard and tough the situation, you have to stand firm because God is always with you.