One of the most difficult climbs in the Philippines is a hike to Mt. Guiting-Guiting, in Sibuyan Island, Romblon. In the difficulty scale used by PinoyMountaineer.com, it stands with Mt. Halcon and Mt. Mantalingajan as the upper limit. This is because of the steep, jagged ridge called “Knife Edge” which one has the cross in order to reach the summit, not to mention the ensuing rock formations with colorful names such as “Kiss the Wall”. On top of this precarious trail, the weather is so volatile that mountaineers would use absolute cut-off times (i.e. 1300H) to reach the summit, otherwise they would have to turn back. By implication, only mountaineers with enough stamina are advised to attempt the G2 climb. The possibility of failure is always there: if the local guides perceive a dangerous weather change forthcoming, the assault is aborted. Patience and perseverence – virtues of a true mountaineer – are put to the test in Mt. Guiting-Guiting.
