Mountain Memories: If party is a person, she would be An

Hello, Hive!

As some of you may have read, @kev.incredible blogged about our recent send-off camping for our friend An. Now, the day has arrived for An to say her final goodbye to the Philippines, and hello to Dubai.

But before happy tears are shed, I would like this post to recapture the smiles and laughter we shared throughout the years.

A walk down memory lane

I first met An back in 2017 when I attended a Hike For A Cause event organized by Sir Aldrich of The Bisaya Traveler. I was a newbie back then, in fact that was my first attempt at hiking here in Cebu. My early memories of An was that she was of Idol Reymund's "baby girls" as we fondly called it. We didn't get the chance to talk though since there were almost 50 people during the hike.

At Mt. Tagaytay in Toledo (September 2017)
Fast forward to 2018, we met again for a weekend escapade. This time, in Bohol. James organized a four-person tour around the eastern side of the province. Coming along were An, Shandy and I which made up the so-called Team Buwad (due to the overflowing dried fish that we bought in Ubay). This was the time that I finally got to interact with An. Turned out she's a very easygoing person.

At Kapayas Dam, Ubay, Bohol (April 2018)

It did not take long for us to meet again for our first major climb. Alto Peak, for most of my SMS peeps, is where our bonds really started. This was where we got to know each other a little bit closer.

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One major climb was followed by another — year after year — as we make the best of our youth. We've reached far distances and heights, learning more about nature, other people, and ourselves. By this time, it became evident that An was party personified. She brings life to wherever and whoever she goes with. From cooking our favorite dynamite, to being the master of our social nights, An never fails to elicit admiration from us all.

At Tres Marias, Biliran (November 2018)

At Mt. Talinis, Negros Oriental (May 2019)

At Mt. Apo, Davao (May 2021)
Our fun with An didn't just end on land. We've had several splashing escapades to the seas, waterfalls and pools that left us with unforgettable memories to keep too.

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These are the moments when we catch a glimpse of An's feminine side. She's the queen of awra and outfit change during trips. And I'd tell you, she'll strike that pose like Asia's Next Top Model. Hehe.

While An's absence in our future weekend climbs (and other ganap) is a sad thought, we are happy for her exciting new beginning. She deserves nothing but the best. Who knows, perhaps the universe might permit us to take our adventures to the Hajar Mountains, or the shores of La Mer. Bekenemen, pa sponsor nemen! HAHA

But kidding aside, my friends and I are looking forward to An's return (yes—even if she just recently left). That's how much she will be missed. See you again, munyeka. Party, party! 😁

_{Maria is a hopeless romantic who travels in pages and places. She is an INFP who loves sunrises and moonlight nights and reading books in between. On weekdays, she works for a self-publishing company as a copywriter. On weekends, she lives for life as a poet or hiker. She hopes to share her love for words and the world with you here on HIVE.}

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