SBAOC: Trek to Sanchez Peak Jaunts for Christmas

Mountaineering may be an exhausting and unconventional pastime for most, but for some adventurist, mountaineers, as well as nature lovers it said to be a “lifetime ticket to the theater of nature”. That fun and satisfaction were always a blend of eco-cultural exploration and modern day thrills and adventures.

Dazzled with the beautiful landscape of natural attraction, 12 Sarangani Bay Area Outdoor Club (SBAOC) members, 4 guest participants and 2 energetic kids experienced one of a kind Christmas adventure as they ascended to the highest peak in General Santos City, tagged as the marvelous Sanchez Peak. This was In connection with the club annual Christmas Climb activities happened last December 21-22, 2013.

Sanchez peak lies in Barangay Balakayo in the outskirt of Gensan. The three hours trek from the foot of the mountain justified the majestic site of the nature’s beauty. Upon trekking, the mountaineers were very astounded as they trekked up in rugged hills while they conquered the thrills of walking in contradiction of natural gravity. The lengthy and spanning trail fascinated the trekkers with the captivating sites of rare butterflies species, complimented with a splendid hills, mountain ranges and different towering trees that somehow offered shades to the trail. More than that, the narrow rocky trail escalated everyone’s excitement until they set foot to the cities highest peak.

Galloons of sweat were well compensated as the team reached to the natural haven of Sanchez Peak. Amazement and Satisfactions were all seen in every member’s faces as they gaze at the Click and drag to move​view deck the panorama of lowland, mountain ranges and the closer magnificent beauty of mount Matutum. Every one really appreciated the pristine beauty of the campsite along with the attractive terrain, various flora and fauna added with a vast traced of alienable land. Though exhausted from the long hours of hike others could not helped to take pictures of the different wonderful landscape. Indeed, reaching at the top felt like reaching closer to the clouds in sky.

More than the breathtaking natural view, the dramatic scene of sunset could be viewed at the base of the Sanchez peak. During the evening, noticed the perfect site of contrasting colors of city lights. It appears like a giant Christmas tree glittering in different direction complemented by the sky backdrop lit by a million stars. The sightseeing experienced became more memorable with the entertaining talks, group discussions and unexpected bloopers came from the SBAOC members coupled with the soothing coldness of evening wind breezed.

Climbing at Sanchez peak was truly an enjoyable experience wherein more than seeing the different magnificent nature bounty, it also widened the knowledge, strengthened the bonding, and developed the camaraderie of everyone who joined the climb.

​Meanwhile, fun doesn’t end yet as the group descended to the Sanchez Peak the following morning. Everybody became excited for after the thrilling mountain escapades here came the SBAOC annual Christmas Party. Old members were all excited to meet their old colleagues, and as for the newly accepted members and applicants they can’t wait to meet their seniors. The party was held at Salazar’s Compound General Santos City on the night of December 22, 2013.

The gathering started with the sumptuous dinner. All the delicacies were jointly prepared by each corresponding grotto of SBAOC members. As expected the party was attended by different SBAOC associates though some were quite exhausted from their respective worked they willingly lend their precious time just to attend the Club’s Christmas celebration. What made this occasion truly memorable was the reunion of five SBAOC founders which according to Sir Gregory Velos, one of the founders was first time in the SBAOC History.

Highlight of the event was the exchange gift of all members followed by a nervy raffle draw along with a brand new speaker as a grand prize, Feel free 5 liters dry Bag, an orange coverall, 5 one hundred pesos and spoon and fork as the consolation prize. Prizes were all heart fully given by the founders.

The party heated up with the series of entertaining parlor games, amusing dance number, and never ending drinking sessions.

​Indeed, the experienced was truly one of a kind. Started from the extreme highland adventure down to the lowland Christmas escapades all packed of thrilling wonderful and worthwhile surprises. Replete with almost all natural wonders, achieved knowledge through experience, be disciplined, build wonderful friendship, receive the wonderful gift of wildlife through SBAOC nature adventures. Are you ready to trek?