While most toddlers today enjoy the comfort of cozying up in their playpens, soaked in their toys and iPads whole day, this wonder-kid from Davao has a different story: she took toddler fun to the next level.
Meet the 2 years old Anjolette or Babeyboo, as fondly called by her mom Lisly and dad Anjo. Babeyboo’s record-breaking feat? She has already set foot in the country’s five highest peaks: Mt. Apo in Davao, Mt. Pulag in Benguet, Mt. Kalatungan, Dulang-Dulang and Mt. Kitanglad in Bukidnon, stamping the record of being the youngest girl to ever reach the summit of the Philippines’ Big Five.
Babeyboo’s exposure to the great outdoors started when she was just six months old. It was a hot, sunny afternoon when Babeyboo, wrapped in the rugged arms of his dad, first braved the famed Osmeña Peak in Cebu down to Kawasan Falls in Badian.
“It was a smooth climb. It was just minor climb but we traversed the area from Osmena Peak going to the Kawasan Falls. It was a rather sunny and hot day. But of course, we made sure we got enough shade and cool spot for our baby to be comfy. I noticed that Babeyboo was very keen on observing the nature that surrounds her and she was enjoying it. At that point, I said to myself that she is indeed a born mountaineer”, recalls Lisly.
And that was not her last, of course.
After only a few months, four more Philippines’ giants were ticked off from her bucket list. And next year, she is slated to conquer the other five highest mountains to complete her “Philippines Tough 10” journey.
It might be difficult to borrow a day of Babeyboo’s life, so to speak, but it probably helps being born and raised by outdoor extraordinaire parents. Both Lisly and Anjo enjoy the outdoor life so much that they probably even spend more nights snoring in the mountains than in bed. 😀
“I and Anjo are outdoor folks. So we already planned that our daughter will be one of us and will be tagging along with our trips and adventure”, quips Lisly.
Life up in the mountains can be hostile; the freezing cold can chill your bone plus the wild insects to watch out for. Hence, both Anjo and Lisly ensure everything Babeyboo’s needs & essentials are put in place. “Of course, there are risks and forces of nature that would endanger the well being of Babeyboo, we already know that. But you have to be prepared for whatever venture or trip or climb you will be going. And with Babeyboo with us, preparation is like doubled or tripled even”, says mom Lisly.
While Babeyboo’s idea of fun wowed most of the couple’s hiking circle, some frowned upon the idea.
“Most of the time, people are in awe knowing the baby will go with us. They would often say ‘Wow, sabay nyo ang bata? Kuyawa oi!’. And we would just smile because actually, it’s not that easy bringing a baby, especially during a climb. Most of the time it is an appreciation for both me and Anjo. But there are also people who are skeptical about bringing the baby in the mountains. I understand them because they are just concerned”, admits Lisly.
If there’s a real MVP here, it’s Babeyboo’s parents — for having the grit and zest to take their child to greater heights; for allowing their child to see the world in another perspective, for letting their child see the most beautiful sunrise and sunsets — together as a family!
To Babeyboo, we wish you safe and fun climbs next year! Good luck and please send us your awesome pics commanding the breath-taking views of Mindoro’s Mt. Halcon and Romblon’s Guiting-Guiting (G2).
(Written with permission from Lisly and Anjo Dorado)
Anjo regularly hosts guided hikes in the Philippines. His destinations include Mt. Apo, Mt. Pulag, Mt. Halcon, G2 and the nearby ridges of Bukidnon. (Bonus: may pa-lechon yan if birthday mo during the climb :D).
Contact Anjo on Facebook for hassle-free hike schedules.
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