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3 Simple Rules for Preserving the Environment While Climbing Mt. Apo

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Climbing mt. Apo can be your best and most memorable outdoor experience: The fresh mountain wind gently hitting your face, the magnificent view from above greeting your eyes, and the lush greenery brushing against your shoes. The whole journey may be exhausting, but in the end is all worth the effort. Reaching the summit feels as if you have conquered your greatest challenge yet.

All the while, the picturesque mountain environment envelops you and keeps your eyes staring in awe. A great part of the climb is witnessing the nice view, and it should be that way for all climbers. That’s especially true for those that go after you.

It is every climber’s duty is to preserve the mountain’s environment. As much as possible, the trail should be looking as pristine as it was before the climbers got there. So if you’re an aspiring to trek into mt. Apo, always keep these principles in mind.



 

1. Take nothing but pictures.

Everything that is in the mountain belongs to the mountain. Leave the plants, trees, and animals alone. Don’t pick flowers, fruits, leaves, or anything – not even stones. Nothing in mt. Apo’s environment belongs to you, so leave them where they are. Just keep climbing; enjoy the journey to the summit. If there would be anything that catches your eye, don’t pocket it. Instead, pull out the camera from your pocket and just take a good photo.

2. Leave nothing but footprints.

The first rule of keeping any place clean is “no littering”. Never throw any piece of trash onto the ground. No one wants to go climbing mt. Apo only to find plastic bags and bottles strewn all over the trail. Either pocket your trash or put them in your bag for the moment. You will always find a proper waste bin to dispose of them after the trek. If you don’t want to carry any garbage in your bags, avoid bringing disposable plastics altogether. Rather, go for the reusable ones like tumblers, lunch boxes, and ziplocks.

 

3. Kill nothing but time.

What if you chance upon a cool-looking animal you haven’t yet seen anywhere else? It’s tempting to touch it, pet it, or even feed it. No matter how strong the emotional connection is, though, just don’t. The wildlife are pretty much living fine in their natural habitats. Anyone climbing mt. Apo has no reason to upset the delicate balance of its ecosystem. Let the critters scurry along their merry way. More so, people taking notice of them may already be stressful for them, so it’s really in the animals’ best interests for climbers to leave them be. You never know, doing what you think is harmless may soon spell the end of an entire species.

 

Eco-friendly climbers are the best climbers. Be one of them and surely you’ll make a lot of friends along the way. Ready to begin your journey? Contact us now for the best mt. Apo guides you can get for an affordable price.

Climbing Mt. Apo: Three Tips for Getting Over It

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Climbing a mountain is a common metaphor for conquering your fears. It takes a lot of effort, both physical and mental. It also takes time; convincing yourself of doing the thing you’re afraid of is never done overnight.

At first the idea of climbing mt. Apo may make your hair stand on end. That can be both a good thing and a bad thing. Good because it means you’re filled with excitement, but bad because at the same time, you’re consumed by fear. Worse is most of the time, the fear takes over. Your “what ifs” and doubts overwhelm your mind. Thanks to that, you decide not to climb the mountain anymore.

Before you can even climb to the physical peak of mt. Apo, you must get over that mountain in your mind first.

Facing that fear is an uphill battle too. It may not be physically taxing, but it still takes much conscious effort. Just getting yourself to make the decision to climb is already something to conquer in itself. In this conflict of the mind, you will need all the help you can get, so here are three pieces of advice to get over it.



1. Feeling afraid is normal.

Fear is a natural human emotion. Biology and psychology would say that fear protects us from danger. Climbing mt. Apo does have its risks, so some of your fears are pretty much valid concerns. Feeling afraid does not mean you’re weak; it only means you are a normal human being.

2. People fear what they don’t know.

If people do something for the first time and they have no idea what to expect, they feel afraid. That’s the thing: people are afraid of what they don’t know. Ask yourself this: “Am I afraid of climbing mt. Apo, or am I just afraid of not knowing what will happen?” More than likely, it’s the latter you’re fearing.

3. Facing a fear will only make you stronger.

There’s a quotation that goes like this: “Face your fears and they will disappear.” It’s very true. You are only afraid before the climb. Once you’re doing it, you may still be nervous, but slowly you will feel your fears whittle away. The higher up the mountain you get to, the more confident will be. Excitement will then take over the fear that has overwhelmed you before. And once the fear is gone, you will have the greatest feeling you’ve ever had in your life.

Once you’ve finally made that decision, the next thing you’ll need are some reliable mt. Apo guides. At Discover Mt. Apo, our guides are fully equipped and trained to give you the best mountaineering experience. Contact us now to know more about how to book your climb.

 

Climbing Mt. Apo: An Uphill Battle

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Climbing Mt. Apo is a very exciting prospect.

The feeling of trekking uphill for the first time makes your heart beat faster and gives you a rush of adrenaline. More so if you’re about to head for the tallest mountain in the Philippines. It can certainly feel good when you’re already there. Before that, though, there may be a bigger challenge – getting yourself to actually commit to the climb.

Making that decision can be hard for most people.

You may be feeling the fear yourself. What if I don’t make it to the top? What if I get too tired early? What if I don’t have the endurance to make it? These and many other questions may be on your mind when you have never climbed a mountain yet.

It’s a valid concern. People always fear things they are not sure of because they like to be in control. The issue, though, is exactly that you are not sure of what will happen. Yes, you could be tired early. Yes, you may not make it to the top. All of these are possible, but they are not certain.

Now turn all of that the other way around.

Ask yourself these questions instead: What if I do make it to the top? What if I do have the endurance? What if I won’t get tired easily?



See how everything changes? It’s all in the attitude. If you really, genuinely want to climb Mt. Apo, you have to convince yourself that it’s worth a shot. Don’t let those fears take control of you. Instead, face those fears and watch them disappear. You will be surprised at what you can do when you set your fear aside. Do it anyway. After you’re done with the climb, you will thank yourself a lot.

So, are you trying to find ways on how to climb Mt. Apo? Contact us today and book your climb. We have you covered.

How To Climb Mt. Apo Or Any Mountain

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Climbing a mountain, like Mt. Apo or any peak here in the Philippines, may appear as a very difficult outdoor activity for some. However, for several people, it is both challenging and exciting.

When it is your first time to try this adventure-filled journey, there are actually a number of tips you may consider for you to enjoy it despite the difficulty that you might experience while you are on your way up to the peak.

Below are some practical tips which you can read through while you are still booking a trip to the summit of the country’s highest mountain:

  1. Research, research and research. Like any other thing you would love to check or try, research is definitely a very important factor. Thus, you need to read a lot of materials that can help you prepare yourself for that great Mount Apo climb. After all, with the advent of technology, you can easily browse for good reads. Tips from friends and family members who have tried it out can also be of great help.
  2. Find out if you are mentally ready. Climbing Mt. Apo does not only require a healthy body, but a healthy mind, too. You need to know, therefore, if your mental health is totally prepared by asking yourself the following questions: Do I easily panic whenever something happens? Am I creative enough and quick to solve possible problems while trekking? Am I optimistic yet know when to conclude that something wrong is going to happen or already happening?
  3. Exercise, be fit, prepare your body. As mentioned above, physical health is also very necessary if you are planning about to explore this outdoor activity called mountain-climbing. Some of the best exercise routines you may do are jogging or running and wall-climbing, or anything that will improve your endurance and strength.
  4. Spend for the right gear. To become more comfortable in climbing Mt. Apo, you have to acquire the right gear and equipment.

Keep posted for more tips on mountain climbing and before you even think of reaching the summit of Mount Apo.

The Mystical Lake Venado

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Philippines is a country which is not only rich in natural resources and culture. It is also home to many myths, folklores and superstitious beliefs. In Mindanao, there is a mountain towering to more than 9,000 feet above ground, called Mt. Apo. Upon climbing Mt. Apo, one can pass the beautiful and mysterious Lake Venado. Its name is derived from the Spanish word “Venado” which means deer owing to its deer-like shape.

The lake is what we call as an endorheic lake. This means that the water is stagnant, cold and clean. There is no outflow from the lake, hence, the water remains where it is except when evaporation occurs.

This beautiful expanse of water vividly reflects the majestic mountain as it is situated below the summit. But a word of caution, as it is believed by many locals that behind its alluring beauty, death awaits to those who dare swim the lake.

Based from several urban stories, this tranquil place is inhabited by a deadly fairy who claims lives of those climbing Mt. Apo. In 2007, a group of climbers decided to take a dip into this mystical lake. Unfortunately, one of them wasn’t able to emerge alive. He was heard screaming for help. His comrades immediately went to where they heard the sound, however, he was nowhere to be found. His lifeless body was found floating on the lake days after they have reported the incident to the local authorities. Owing to this, urban legends of fairies, gods and spirits arose. The chieftain of the place believed that he was taken by their god “Apo Sandawa” as a sacrifice.

To avoid similar incidents from happening, climbers are advised to undergo a ritual called “Pamaas” before climbing Mt. Apo. This ritual is performed by the tribal elders of the community to appease the mountain god “Apo Sandawa”. The elders are convinced that spirits and other entities are disturbed from their peace, thus a ritual should be performed to remind locals to respect these paranormal spirits dwelling there.

Amidst this spine chilling story, the mountain offers many beautiful attractions and sceneries to those who know how to respect and value nature and the supernatural entities living there. There are many reasons why everyone should try climbing Mt. Apo. If its mystery baffles you, then perhaps a 3-day trek to the mountain would enlighten your curiosity.

Our very experienced and trustworthy guides will help you make your Mt. Apo climbing adventure a very memorable one. Come visit us at www.discovermtapo.com to help you with your needs.

HOW TO BOOK YOUR CLIMB WITH DISCOVER MT. APO

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Discover Mt. Apo is your number 1 guide to climb the highest peak in the Philippines. Aside from being the leading company when it comes to climbing Mt. Apo, it also offers you an immensely easy peasy method to book your climb. Here’s how.

Step 1: Go to www.discovermtapo.com

Since you are reading this article, you’re already in Discover Mt. Apo’s website. This step has already been accomplished.

Step 2: Go to the “Rates & Booking” Page

Once you click the “Rates & Booking” tab, you can choose whether to go directly to the different packages offered by Discover Mt. Apo or to look first at the list of available dates for a group climb.

Step 3: Choose Your Package

Discover Mt. Apo has 9 impressive packages for you to choose from. Take a look at each package closely to know if it’s a match for you.

What makes this company a cut above the rest is that it offers Package 9. In this package, the clients can customize their climb in case they find the other packages too expensive.

If you’re on a tight budget, don’t worry because Discover Mt. Apo has got you covered.

Step 4: Click “Book Now.”

By clicking the “Book Now” tab, you’re already 1 step closer to conquer Mt. Apo.

Step 5: Wait for your confirmation email.

When you have completed your booking with Discover Mt. Apo, the cordial staff will send your confirmation email as soon as possible.

As regards your payment method, you can pay through Paypal, credit card, or bank wire transfer.

Then, you’re done!

If you have any further questions, concerns or requests or want to schedule for a group climb,  feel free to email Discover Mt. Apo at discovermtapo@gmail.com or call +63-932-882-0828. You can also leave a message through its Facebook account.

Doing business with Discover Mt. Apo is as easy as 1, 2, 3.

So wait no more. Book your climb now.

To know more about Discover Mt. Apo, please check this video.

WHY CHOOSE DISCOVER MT. APO FOR YOUR CLIMB SOON?

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When it comes to booking your climb to Mt. Apo, it is a basic requirement that you opt for a legitimate company to do the job for you. One company, which I highly propose, is Discover Mt. Apo.

First, let me give you a short background of Discover Mt. Apo. It started its operations in 2014. Since it began, it has already served a lot of happy and contented clients, comprising of Asians and Europeans around the globe.

So why choose Discover Mt. Apo?

Offers an all-in package

You are on the right direction if you choose Discover Mt. Apo. It offers a no-hassle package for your climbing needs. It will do the task of picking you from the airport, transporting you from your hotel to the campsite, then back to your hotel. Aside from that, this company will provide you with porters, cooks, and guides, who are experts of the terrain of Mt. Apo.

There’s more. Discover Mt. Apo’s all-in package also includes a 1-day hotel stay, climb certificate from the Department of Tourism, payment of permit fees and entrance and exit fees. Additionally, your filtered water and energy drinks during the actual mountain climbing are supplied. Not only that, the package also consists of food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

As for your outdoor sleeping equipment, no need to worry because you will be handed your tent and sleeping bag.

An additional service, which Discover Mt. Apo offers, is that it can arrange other tours for you, specifically in Davao City, the countryside, and Samal Island.

All you have to do is to come to Davao. Then, Discover Mt. Apo will take care of the rest. How hassle-free is that?

However, when you choose freelancers and fly by night tourist guides, it is doubtful if they can provide such all-inclusive and all-embracing package for you.

Proven and Tested

Like what I have said earlier, Discover Mt. Apo has already served numerous clients. Because of this, the company’s reliability when it comes to climbing Mt. Apo is not an issue. In case you’re curious about finding out what clients have to say about Discover Mt. Apo, you may check out its website.

Further, the guides hired by the company are seasoned mountaineers and have climbed Mt. Apo repeatedly. With this, they have already mastered the Mt. Apo trail.

Not to mention, that they are licensed in mountain climbing and trained in First Aid. Hence, your safety is warranted.

On the contrary, if you select freelancers, their authenticity, capability and expertise in accompanying and leading you to climb Mt. Apo are disputable.

Always Available for you

If ever you have queries about climbing Mt. Apo, Discover Mt. Apo is always ready, steadfast and available for you. You can contact Margaret or Peter, whether by email, by phone, or through Discover Mt. Apo’s Facebook account. They will respond to you in no time.

Adversely, freelancers and fly by night tourist guides may not be accessible all the time. Certainly, this becomes a major concern for you.

In fulfilling your goal to reach Mt. Apo’s summit, choose Discover Mt. Apo. You can never go wrong with it.

WHY BOOK YOUR CLIMB WITH A LEGITIMATE COMPANY?

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In my previous article, I talked about the different hot and fun activities that you can do this summer of 2016, with climbing Mt. Apo as your number 1 priority. After you have read the said article, I assume now that you’re already convinced to take the challenge of conquering the Philippine’s highest peak. Thus, in this article, I’ll be discussing with you the importance of entrusting your Mt. Apo climbing experience with a legitimate company.

The first question that comes to mind is “why choose a legitimate company over some freelancers and fly by night tour guides?”

Legitimate companies will make your every penny count

Let’s be honest. Mountain climbing can be pretty pricey. Although there are a lot of promos and discounts out there, you still have to set aside enough money for you to get through such activity. Besides spending for your mountain climbing apparels and gears, you also have to pay for your airplane tickets (especially if you live in a different continent), accommodations, transportation expenses, and other fees in relation to your climb.

I am not saying that you should not continue your journey to Mt. Apo just because it entails quite a sum of money. What I just want to tell you is to choose a company that you can rely on to give you your money’s worth.

When you choose genuine companies, they will guarantee to be true to their commitment of giving you the best escapade.  They will be with you in your ups and downs in trekking Mt. Apo. Since they are learned about Mt. Apo to the point of mastery, they can guide you as to which trail to take, where to stop for the night, and other things about Mt. Apo. They won’t promise you that it’s going to be all easy. What they would promise is that every sweat and tear will be worth it once you see how beautiful the view on top of Mt. Apo.

On the contrary, freelancers and fly by night tourist guides may not be able to meet your expectations and give you that kind of experience.

Your Climb is 100% legal

When it comes to freelance and fly by night tour guides, you can’t really be certain if they have the required papers or have already settled the fees essential for your climb. In that case, these things pose major problems for you.

However, when you choose to book with accredited companies, you are definitely assured that your climb is legal. They really make sure that they have secured the necessary documents before you head out and start your climb. Also, the climb permits are already taken care of and the entrance and exit fees are already paid once you enter into contracts with them. Aside from that, they also follow protocols and the rules mandated by the Tourism department. That’s how law-abiding these companies are.

Next question is “what company should you trust?”

That company is Discover Mt. Apo.

Let me give you some tidbits about Discover Mt. Apo. It started in 2013, but became fully operational in 2014. Since it began, it has already served numerous satisfied clients worldwide. 70% of the clientele are Asians and Europeans, while the remaining 30% are locals.

Whether you are a newbie, a seasoned mountaineer, a foreigner or a local, Discover Mt. Apo is 100% ready to support you all the way for your quest to Mt. Apo.

Interested? Get to know more about Discover Mt. Apo by checking out our website.

4 HOTTER THAN EVER THINGS TO DO THIS SUMMER

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Summer 2016 would officially kickoff a few months from now. However, as early as January, we already have a taste of summer because it is everyday hot and sunny in Davao.

Do you already daydream relentlessly as to what your adventure would be like this summer?  If you don’t have that picture perfect yet, let me give you some tips on what to do for your 2016 summer getaway.

  1. Scuba Diving

Plunging into the bottom of the deep blue sea is a great way for you to beat the heat this summer. Scuba diving will not only help you cool off, but will also give you a relief from your stresses and anxieties. This will also help you relax while you drift into the sea.



Another thing about scuba diving is that it will make you appreciate the beauty hidden underwater. You will encounter different species of plants and animals that maybe you have only read about in books. Through this water sport, you will realize that the magnificence of Mother Nature does not stop on land, but goes beneath the sea.

  1. Cycling

Cycling, also known as biking, is another activity that I recommend for you to do this summer. It is an easy low-impact exercise that will make you enormously fit and healthy. By doing this sport regularly, not only will you have loads of fun and adrenaline rush, but you will notice an improvement in your balance and coordination, strength, and overall wellness.

A published article says that biking is also good for the heart, muscles, waistline, immune system, and mental health.

Another advantage of cycling is that you are able to contribute for the betterment of the environment. By riding your bike instead of your car, you are able to go to your destination minus the production of greenhouse gases.

  1. Martial Arts

If you don’t know anything about martial arts yet, then this summer is the right time for you to learn about it.

According to Blackbeltmag , the philosophy of martial arts is to teach about respect, discipline, hardwork, sacrifice, and humility. It also trains to walk away from trouble, lose the ego and fight only as a last resort.

Through martial arts, not only will you be in excellent physical condition, but you will also imbibe the values of respect, discipline, and humility, just to name a few.

  1. Mountain Climbing

Mountain climbing is an outdoor sport, which I highly encourage you to do this summer. Among all the activities, you should not miss mountain climbing for the world because the excitement of doing this is at an all time high.

If you are considering this sport, there is no better way to do it than to climb Mt. Apo. Since it bagged the title of the highest peak in the Philippines, it will be your biggest challenge to date.

When climbing Mt. Apo, make sure that you bring with you tons of guts, determination, and discipline because these are your keys to discover Mt. Apo successfully.

I am confident that you already have a mental image of what you want to do. Actually, you can do all 4 of them as long as you make climbing Mt. Apo your priority this summer.

To know more about discover Mt. Apo, check this video.

ENOUGH ALREADY, PROTECT SKIN FROM EXTREME SUN EXPOSURE

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When you’re in to climb Mt. Apo, expect for a long hike before you reach the pinnacle. As a consequence of that extensive trek to Mt. Apo, you would be under the sun most of the time.

Yes, it is true that sunlight is needed by the skin to help manufacture vitamin D, which is important for strong and healthy bone formation, exceptional immune system, and great overall health. However, sun exposure also has a negative side because its UV light has a damning effect on our skin.

UV light’s detrimental effects on the skin

According to the World Health Organization , UV light from sun exposure causes sunburn, wrinkles, and lupus vulgaris or in layman’s term, tuberculosis of the skin. Aside from those, UV light also causes psoriasis or sores and scaling of the skin, vitiligo or patchy loss of skin pigmentation, and worse, skin cancer.

I’m positive that you would not want those diseases to happen to you, especially skin cancer. That’s why I’m giving you some tips on how to shield your skin from the harmful UV light.



Slather on Sunscreen

Skin Cancer Foundation defines sunscreen as a product combining several ingredients that help prevent the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation from reaching the skin. It also mentions that the two types of ultraviolet radiation, UVA and UVB, damage the skin, age it prematurely, and increase your risk of skin cancer.

As regards choosing the right sunscreen, Steven Q. Wang, MD of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, states that an SPF 15 sunscreen blocks 93 percent of UVB radiation, while an SPF 30 sunscreen blocks nearly 97 percent.

In an article published by Time, it says that you need to wear sunscreen everywhere and apply it generously on your legs, back, arms, neck and chest. Not only that, you must also apply on your face, lips (use SPF lip balm), scalp and ears.

Get yourself covered

Choose the right clothing. As stated by wikihow, you should choose clothing with a rated ultraviolet protection factor, which can be brought commonly from outdoor activity stores. Besides that, the right hat would help you block off UV light.

Drink lots of water and other fluids

Never underestimate the importance of hydration for our skin. Drinking lots of water and other fluids would do wonders, not only for our skin, but for our overall well-being.

To be constantly hydrated, John Hopkins Medicine advises you to do the following: first, to drink plenty of fluids, especially when working or playing in the sun; Second, to make sure that you are taking in more fluid than you are losing; and third, to drink appropriate sports drinks to help maintain electrolyte balance.

If you are in for the thrill to discover mt. apo, make sure to follow these skincare tips to maintain your gorgeous and glowing skin. I tell you, a little effort for your skin at present will yield positive results that would last a lifetime.

Do you want to know more about climbing Mt. Apo? If yes, then check out our youtube channel.