Women on top: Conquering heights and celebrating sisterhood
The sounds of squeaky dirt beneath our shoes, the occasional shrieks from near slips, and bursts of laughter and encouragement filled the trail to Torre Peak, the historic summit of Mt. Kapayas in Catmon, Cebu. Sixty-one women from across the country who share a love for the outdoors came together for the “All Women’s Climb” of the Mountaineering Federation of the Philippines (MFPI), an annual event organized this year by the Cebu Outdoor Adventure Team to celebrate womanhood.
I was proud to be one of these women who marked International Women’s Day with another adventure of a lifetime.
I haven’t joined an MFPI event in a long time, not since the pandemic. So being part of this again felt amazing. I got to reconnect with old friends from the federation, meet new ones, and rekindle my love for hiking.
Our group was composed of ladies from Metro Manila, the Bicol region, and Negros island. To help with coordination and pacing, we were divided into three groups. There were also participants from other parts of Visayas and Mindanao, though many were from Cebu. The climb included both seasoned hikers and first-timers, each offering unique experiences and perspectives.
Our adventure started at the Catmon Municipal Hall, where we registered and received a warm welcome from Mayor Avis Monleon, the female leader at the helm of this town. She described Catmon as a sleepy town, so she was delighted to welcome the energy of so many women into her office. She shared that Catmon is largely mountainous, with 13 of its 20 barangays in the mountains.
Worth the trek
We also had another briefing about the climb and a refresher on the Leave No Trace principles, rules ingrained in every step of our journey as mountain climbers and as members of the MFPI. We spent the rest of the morning preparing by getting our blood pressure checked, purchasing last-minute supplies, and having lunch. Then, we set off for the jump-off point at Modesto Nature Mountain Resort, an hour away.
The hike to the campsite took around three hours, starting with an easy climb before getting steeper. The trail hasn’t been used much since 2016. We passed through farmlands, tackling the dry, uneven ground under the scorching afternoon sun. It was tough, but the company of strong women, the beautiful scenery, and the thrill of the adventure made every step worth it.
Before dusk, we reached the campsite, an open area offering spectacular views of northern Cebu, the sea, and the rest of the mountains. As the sun set, we pitched our tents, prepared dinner, and shared stories. A light rain shower failed to dampen our spirits.
After dinner, we gathered in a circle for a short program led by Scarlet Su-Villamor, event head, and Eva Marie Robles, president of the Cebu Outdoor Adventure Team. The organizers took the time to congratulate everyone. Former MFPI president Yay Ortega shared words of encouragement. One of the night’s highlights was the raffle of Teva sandals, the world’s first sport sandal, built for durability and comfort on any terrain. It’s my go-to camp footwear and a great pick for any adventurous woman.
The climb
The next morning, we woke up early, hoping for clear skies at the summit. After a quick breakfast, we broke camp and prepared for the climb’s highlight. It was a 20-minute walk to the jump-off, followed by a 45-minute to one-hour ascent to our holding area, and then a final 15-minute climb to the summit.
We traversed forested areas on very muddy and slippery trails. Before beginning the final ascent, we had a briefing led by Keno Patrick Dumlao, Catmon Community Tour Guide president, MFPI member, and part of the National Search and Rescue Team. He provided insights into the trail conditions and safety reminders for the last stretch of the climb.
It was the most technical, requiring us to carefully maneuver through sharp coral stones. A controlled number of climbers was allowed at the peak at a time to ensure safety.
Torre Peak, at 780 meters above sea level, is Cebu’s second-highest peak. The area is a Key Biodiversity Area (KBA), which means it is crucial for the persistence of biodiversity. Historically, Mt. Kapayas was a hiding place and lookout point for revolutionaries during the Philippine-American War in 1899 due to its strategic vantage.
Standing atop Torre Peak was a powerful moment for all of us, reminding us of the strength, resilience, and determination of women. Unlike previous hikes where conversations focused on past climbs and future conquests, this time, we talked about sore knees, back pain, and recovery tips. Most of us in our group were in our 40s and 50s, with only a few in their 30s and 20s. But nothing was more inspiring than the 61-year-old first-time climber from another team, proving that adventure knows no age.
After descending, we arrived at J&L Huyohoy Beach Resort, where we enjoyed a well-earned dinner featuring Catmon’s famous lechon, live reggae music, and a night of celebration. During the event, the vice president for the Visayas of the MFPI, Neil Mabini, announced that the All Women’s Climb is now an official federation event, joining the Luzon Summit, the Visayas Mountain Festival, the Mindanao Forum, and other national gatherings that unite mountaineers from across the country.
So where were the rest of the men? While it was an All Women’s Climb, we were supported by male members of the Cebu Outdoor Adventure Team, MFPI, the National Search and Rescue Team, the Catmon Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, and the Catmon Mountain Guides Association. They assisted during the climb, setting up safety ropes, assisting climbers during the rock climbing, and ensuring safety while keeping a respectful distance. Even during the celebration, they stayed outside the main social hall, allowing the women to fully enjoy their well-earned moment of triumph.
On the third day, the summit-to-sea adventure continued. The organizers provided free stand-up paddle-boarding lessons for participants. Some took to the water, while the rest of us continued socializing over coffee.
That afternoon, I left Catmon feeling deeply grateful. I carried a renewed sense of empowerment from pushing my limits, the friendships formed along the way, and a stronger connection to the outdoors. I also had sore knees, but I am already looking forward to next year’s All Women’s Climb.
