You started out to be

One of many goals to achieve

And never in my mind did it occur

That meeting you came least expected.

Seven people convened to go

But only three actually did so

Warrior, Gladiator and Amazona

Sleepless with excitement and high hopes.

The trip went by

Without a glitch

In Lantuyan

We rested and prepared.

First day of climb

Started right on time

But Gladiator suffered leg cramps

Just within the first hour.

It ought to be a reminder

For him to take BMC refresher

And to closely monitor his

Activities prior major climb.

Leeches were everywhere

That’s alright

And rain only came

That afternoon and at camp.

Wind and rain were strong

All night long

Typhoon we can’t confirm

Cell phone signal unobtained.

Overcast skies

Greeted out second day

We met seven days

Unsuccessful in their climb.

We crossed streams and rivers

Until the third to the last

Which almost stopped us from going

Due to ravaging river and rain.

But the water calmed down

After lunch we took the chance

Even without the guide

Nothing can stop the two men’s desire.

Oh how difficult it was

From big waterfalls and up

Rain, wind and difficult trail

Can surely wipe out one’s consciousness.

Warrior and I looked for a camp

Despite Gladiator’s plea for summit camp

He was definitely out of his mind

And I was ready to blow his brains out.

We took consolation

From calling our loved ones;

Gladiator still suffered from diarrhea

Unreasonably refusing medication.

The night was unimaginably cold

Making sleep so uncomfortable

And so we woke up early

To see you, Sheldang, with permission.

Even without backpacks

The ascent was terribly difficult

What more with a full pack

Thin air and cold wind will wear one out.

Finally we reached you

Oh Sheldang

Though just "our" peak

We rejoice in your arms.

The induction rites ended

With tears of joy

And a kiss on the ground

We give to you.

Our journey back to Aplaya

Seemed forever

Exhausted we set camp

And had the most comfortable and warm sleep.

The next and last day

We forced Gladiator to take

Medicine or else

And he finally obliged.

There went the leeches again

Trying to bleed us out

Moreover we stumbled

Slipped and fell.

Though we detoured

And one-hour delayed

We breathed a sigh of relief

As soon as we reached Aling Mary’s.

Our successful return

Was awarded with

An entertaining dinner c/o Erwin

And sumptuous post-climb dinner c/o Rommel.

These can we only say

Gladiator will see you again

But warrior will only do so if…