K A P A T A G A N

I’ve said it already from one of my blog posts that I wanted to get even just at the foothill of Mt. Apo. I’ve been yearning to see it myself what my friends have told me after they've experienced the giant beauty of the Philippines.

Browsing through my FB wall, I saw a viral post of an inexpensive resort somewhere in Kapatagan. It’s the closest town to Mt. Apo and it’s quite cheap and convenient for commuters to get there. That’s when I decided to go on the said resort. To make the most of my time out of the town, I did my research of what are the other tourist spots nearby and voila! A lot! I arrived in Digos City early in the morning, from there I took a “habal-habal” to get to Kapatagan. As we climb our way up, I felt the rapid drop of temperature. It’s freezing! The view was spectacular! And that feeling of boundless joy that for how many years of gazing on the mountain from our balcony, I finally had my first ever experience getting there!

Camp Sabros

Saw this horse on our way down from Camp Sabros.

We're supposed to head straight to the resort to check in, get some food, leave our stuff, and start the adventure. Not until we learned that Camp Sabros comes first. So, we went there carrying our bags, that were heavy, and irritating, it wasn't my idea, it's Seph's. There’s a horse rental at the road that can take you to the camp and I was hoping to ride one for the very first time, unfortunately, someone else took it first. At the camp, it’s getting seriously cold!!! It’s crazy! I had a good cup of coffee to lighten up the day (like I always do). At first I was just looking around, selfies there, videos here, and watching the zip line and thought, that’s EZ and seemed to be not scary at all. But I was wrong! Very wrong! I have never committed something that will definitely end my existence in this universe. That’ll be the first and last life threatening outdoor activity I’ll ever do to myself. I mean, I was in panic! I thought I’m gonna die, I thought the rope would break, I’m so paranoid that I closed my eyes, pray to God, and accept the fate I never ask for. Luckily I’m still alive! I was energized, I’m so hyped, like I want more but it’s kinda expensive, so…

Dhen Yho’s Place

Does it look hot out there? NO! It's freezing!

We arrived in the resort by walking all the way from Camp Sabros, not a sweat since the place is at subzero. However, my feet hurt, my waist hurt, my shoulders hurt, and my feelings hurt LOL! That panoramic view of the mountain range is awe-stunning as I walk down from the camp! In the resort, there’s a swimming pool and I’m pretty sure it’s freaking cold! I asked the attendant if there are any places (aside from what I’ve searched) I can go on a tour—a water falls perhaps. But he’s not even finish talking when a lady interrupted, advising that going to those particular areas are strictly prohibited and stated at her credibility since she works for DENR. Ok! I preferred to rent a tent so I completely appreciate the feeling on the mountain and although I’m fine with the designated area for tent users, it all goes down when it can only be used at 5 in the afternoon. Not good ‘coz I was there for like 10 in the morning. I want to take a rest for a while and I can’t be carrying my backpack around going places. When I asked for a room they said what’s left are those that were reserved. In fairness to me I’ve made my reservation few days before. So there, I got a room!

Mt. Apo Highland Resort x Civet Farm x Strawberry Farm

That's a map of the entire Kapatagan, if you wanna feel like Dora.

These tourist spots are located in one place. We went there but the resort is exclusive for their guests only! Like you should pay first. Not even a glimpse to see how the resort would look like. I saw Philippine Civets but they were hangover from last night’s party, sleeping all day, feeling lazy. The strawberries, well, I guess, it's not their season yet so we only saw just green leaves on small pots that looks like yerba buena.

Lake Mirror

Expectation vs Reality. It was so awesome looking on it in the internet but it’s really different when you see it for real. However, those guest rooms are so cute, but I think there’s no one around 'coz it's like a ghost town, only with lively sightings. The lake is actually for swimming. If the sky was clear during that day, I’d probably get a spectacular view of the mighty Mt. Apo reflected on its surface.

Kublai Garden

Who else doesn’t know Kublai? A LOT! Well, for Davaoenos we know very well that he’s a renowned artist doing seemingly odd sculptures with a strong message associated to each of it. I first noticed his work at People’s Park, Davao. For someone who’s imagination and understanding is limitless far beyond than the stick figures, then you’d probably appreciate his thing. His Kublai Garden is just right behind the resort where I’m at. The garden is huge, occupying two adjacent hills with different sculptures. Two of the main attractions are the LAND OF PROMISE and the Agong House. I’m just in love with the place! Perfect for picture taking LOL!

We stayed overnight in the resort. On the last day, I went swimming for like 10 minutes (including the steps I took going to the pool) 'coz the pool can give you hyperthermia! At the end, I enjoyed Kapatagan. Finally, I had set foot half way to Mt. Apo and I'm pretty sure it won't be my last visit.