A 50-kilometer cross-province trek in the Phillipines

What greeted us on our second day were clouds scattered on a clear, blue sky despite having prayed for a dose of some stratocumulus ones to at least cover the sun or hide beneath its shadow. This 4-day trek was too physically taxing but the view that walked with us, coupled with my being able to cross out an item on my bucket list, was worth all the trouble that we got ourselves into.

Although most will call this activity, 'cross-country,' I cannot call it such for we do not really cross from one country to another. I'm more comfortable calling it 'cross-province' because that is what is really done here in the Philippines. Our cross-province commenced in Kibungan, Benguet, passing through Polis, Les-Eng, Tacadang, Batangan and Amburayan; trekked our way to Sugpon, Ilocos Sur, and culminating this climb in Santol, La Union.

It was one 50-kilometer cross-province trek from east to west via high cliffs with approximately seven mountains crossed, definitely my pa-morningan, dive-and-assault, basagan-ng-tuhod climb of the year. We were among the few to pass this trail, extending our gratitude to Sir Mimis and Sir Ranger who made this expedition possible. For the rest of the story, please visit: Promdi/City Girl Diaries.