Each time I go to my cardiologist for my regular visit, no fail would he ask me about my exercises. On occasions, I told him that I have been negligent, he would show his disappointment. My last visit was different, however. I was so eager, and I did tell him about the more than four hours of hiking that I did, together with several other intrepid members of the Camera Club in Battad, Banaue. Upon hearing this, my doctor’s jaw dropped and he gave me a standing ovation. Well, not really. He just smiled, maybe because he doesn’t know where the hell Battad is. He was probably amused by my animated story-telling.

But no matter, I was happy just knowing that I survived the trip to Battad, which to me is the highlight of the Banaue OTS. Not only did I come up close to a world heritage site, more importantly, it was a test of physical condition. It wasn’t a breeze certainly and in fact, I hired a help to carry my camera bag on my way back, as did other members, but the dreaded treadmill tests that I have been used to over the years are nothing compared to the Battad experience.

The hike was not only on rough terrain but was perilous at times, where a wrong footing could bring you crashing down. In certain stages, the only way was on both hands and feet. We went on two jeeploads from the Banaue Hotel and I started the hike with my roommates, Rey Ortiz and Noel Maximo. Somewhere along the way, I lost Rey and Noel and ended up with Armand Apuya, Ricky Vasques and Leo Riingen. Early on, one of Ricky’s shoes gave up and Raul Montifar’s shoulder “froze”. That didn’t stop them, however, from going on and completing the trip. They were probably inspired by the site of the locals passing us by with ease in spite of carrying loads of goods, like sacks of rice or cases of softdrinks. At some point, Kiko Balagtas, Armand and I, bought walking sticks which served as solid support in treading the uneven land. Walking with great difficulty with the sticks on one hand, we probably looked to some like the late Pope John Paul II, especially with our kind faces, although grimacing at times. We had lots of stops along the way, disguised as savouring the scenery but more of taking rests.

I don’t know where the others ended up before going back to where the jeeps were waiting for us. I know that Rey, Kiko and Patrick Uy walked farther than everybody. I was told that Noel and Raffy Santos were unable to go further than we did. On my way back, I chanced upon Rey resting on a shed and together, we caught up with Noel about two hours later. I learned that Noel admired the landscape so much that the walk going back that should have taken two hours took him more than four hours. It was almost dark when we reached the jeeps. We came back to the loading point like stragglers, worn out but happy for being back in one piece. The amazing hike with elements of fear factor now belongs to the unforgettable moments in the club’s history.

Nonetheless, the winning photos did not come from this hike. Disappointing the many who braved the trip to Battad, eventual photographer of the month Eric Gozar did not even come near Battad and the “poto op the month”, as Armand would say, was taken by Armand himself in a place closer to Banaue Hotel. Some theorize jokingly that the judges may have mistaken the OTS to be a contest of portraits. As for me, it was well worth the trip. I always believe that winning in an OTS is a bonus to the more important fellowship that occurs among the participants and the chance to see the rest of our country. That’s what I always say when I don’t win.

(Written by Lito S. Quimel, Reprint from the Viewfinder Vol. X No. 6, June 2005)