On November 25, 2024, the Northern Mindanao Mountaineering Society (NORMMS) embarked on a remarkable seven-day expedition into the fabled Sleeping Lady mountain range.
Organized by the 5th Infantry Battalion (5IB) Duty Bound, the trek brought together seven seasoned mountaineers and 11 soldiers as they charted a course through the municipality of Butig, the gateway to this rugged and mysterious wilderness.
From the outset, the trail tested both spirit and stamina.
Thick rainforest canopies shielded the path, but the dense, leech-infested terrain quickly became a relentless adversary.
Progress was slow but exhilarating, the rainforest alive with the hum of unseen wildlife and the earthy scent of perpetual moisture.
As we pressed on, the challenge shifted: towering Napier grass formed unyielding walls, their sharp edges and sheer density demanding every ounce of perseverance.
Emerging from the Napier grass on our fourth day felt like stepping into another worldโa pristine mossy sanctuary, untouched and enchanting in its every detail. Ancient trees rose like sentinels, their trunks and branches cloaked in lush green moss that seemed to pulse with life. At over 2,000 meters above sea level, the moss took on an almost artistic quality, its patterns a testament to natureโs quiet craftsmanship. Each step forward brought both wonder and a twinge of guilt, as if we were intruding on a sacred masterpiece.
The tree trunks bore intricate designs, their twisting patterns forming abstract shapes or hinting at familiar imagesโfaces, animals, or symbols, perhaps. Did anyone notice these subtle creations, etched by time and weather? These silent forms seemed to carry the whispers of the mountain, guarding its secrets in a realm beyond time.
As we pressed onward, the landscape shifted once again, and the climb grew steeper. The true reward, however, lay at the summit of Mt. Piapayungan, towering at 2,815 meters above sea level. As the 7th tallest mountain in the Philippines and one of the countryโs least explored peaks, reaching its apex was a moment of triumph.
Midway through the journey, the group arrived at Rab-Rab, a sprawling plain nestled at 1,900 meters above sea level. Rab-Rabโs beauty was a revelation: an African savannah-like expanse stretching wide, its openness a striking contrast to the enclosed forest trails left behind.
This serene plateau served as a vantage point, offering unparalleled views of Mt. Piapayungan and its sister peak, Mt. Latukan.
From this lofty perch, the world further unfolded in breathtaking detail: to the north, the shimmering expanse of Lake Lanao, and to the south, the distant embrace of Cotabato Bay. Here, amidst the clouds, the enormity of Butigโs untamed beauty came into full viewโa landscape shaped by time and resilience, waiting to be rediscovered.
For NORMMS and the 5IB team, this week-long odyssey was not just a trek; it was a journey into the soul of Mindanaoโs wilderness. Mt. Piapayungan and the Sleeping Lady range reminded us that in Butigโs backyard lies a world of incomparable beautyโa world that, once explored, leaves an indelible mark on the heart.
Story by Shania Renee Yulo, President, NORMMS