The Lambunao Adventure: Victorious Journey

Meet the research team: Jucee, Me, Yen and Lyn.

2011 was a great year for our school and for us - pipz dreaming for a medical license (which is now a reality).

Meet our recruits: John and Bryan.

We finished in a Medical School in Iloilo City, Philippines last 2013 and upon browsing my old files I saw these pictures which will always be considered worthy to keep and worthy to share.

Well, anyway I am talking of a national research contest for medical colleges in the Philippines that we joined few years back but I will not delve deeper on it. I would like to share our experiences during our data gathering.

Our goal was to climb a MOUNTAIN in Brgy. Cabatangan, Lambunao, Iloilo which required as more than enough energy stores, determination, trust and prayers to finish and end with flying colors our 2-DAY adventure.

The climb wasn't that easy. We got some special permits from the local government and communicated with the municipal health and Barangay officials for safety purposes.

After the preparations, we're set and excited to go. Without enough sleep due to paperworks before our departure, we woke up very early, like 4 a.m. and proceeded immediately to Lambunao Municipal Hall for the courtesy call. We met our guide and instructions were given. A 4 to 5-hour climb was waiting for us that day. To add on the flavor, we were informed that the mountain trails were very steep and it would require us to experience our knees touching our faces during the climb.

From the main town, we road a motorcycle going to the said Barangay and it was never easy for us. The road wasn't accomodating at all and at a speed of 60 to 80 kmh, you'll never experience a comfortable ride. It was a bouncy ride on a cold morning with the a dim light coming from the motorcycle. But it was a fun ride though quite extreme for medical students who just wanted to finish a research paper.

We arrived at the very foot of the mountain where our guide and some local officials were waiting. The dawn was breaking that time and we felt the excitement and pressure. We brought a liter of water and 2 bottles of energy drinks for each of us while carrying heavy loads of papers... yah.. our questionnaires for our data gathering.

The adventure started here.

As we started the climb, at first was very easy. We laughed, we talked, we teased each other, we ate our baon, we enjoyed every wonderful view we passed by.

Together with our guide.

That moment when we were so tired.

However, as we continue to ascend, we felt every drop of our sweat, the aching heat of the sun, the every stretch of our muscles, the dryness of our tongue, the need to grasp for air, the persistent swallowing of saliva, heard the gurgling sound of our stomachs and the urges to vomit.

We ran out of water and other supplies. We were just on the half part of our adventure on that moment and that means we still need to conquer another 2 or 3 hours climb.

The survival of the fittest. Notice the distances between Yen, Lyn and Jucee.

Lyn, the Quack Doctor... hehe. :)

Fresh water to ease our thirst.

We never gave up for the love of research and adventure. There was no turning back for us. "If others can, why can't we", was in our minds. We continued walking and climbing until we MADE it! At last, our goal was met!

We stayed overnight in the Brgy. Captain's house and the community we saw was so different from our own hometowns.

A view from the mountain top. Brgy. Cabatangan is situated in between two mountains. Imagine how far we walked.

Upon reaching their house, we immediately sat, lied or even rolled over on their bermuda back yard just to ease the tiredness we had. Hahaha... The family was very warm to that point that their pet chickens were cooked for our dinner. Thanks for that!

Apart from our main reason which was to conduct our research study, we enjoyed the sight-seeing and took the opportunity of strengthening bonds with friends.

We had a great sleep for the next day's activities.

The researchers getting ready.

John and his coffee on a sunny morning. Getting ready for another day.

Because of hardwork, enjoyment and perseverance, our Research Paper made it to the 3rd spot in the whole Philippines. We were so blessed and we would like to share this victory to those who helped us during the conduct of our study.