Not long ago, Team Buwad (James, An Jurvel, Shandy and I) headed north to visit some of its waterfalls. This time, James took us to what he called the LIGID trail, a moniker for the hike starting from Licos Peak in Danao, traversing to Mulao River in Compostela, and exiting in Lanigid Hill in Liloan. Along with us are Shiela and Bryan.
Licos Peak
The first trace of Licos Peak I could find dates back to 2012 when a Cebu mountaineering group, ZETS, posted about it. It remained private from the online scene since then, until the likes of Bisaya Traveler and Demi set foot on its trail last year.
The trail to Licos Peak is a short one but it was rather technical. We were told ahead that we will be using our full body to get through it and so we did. We climbed the steep slope on fours, holding on to rocks, roots, trunks and twigs.
This “monkey trail” reminded us of Alto Peak — minus the ropes. The loose soil and rocks even made it trickier. Shiela herself had a lesson learned that day: Sometimes, you have to learn to trust. 🙂
A limestone outcrop awaited at the top of the Licos which is often compared to that of Mt. Mauyog. The view from above gave us the sight of Northern Cebu and familiar landscapes such as Kan-Irag and Babag.
The way down is, always, as hard as the way up. We clambered down the same trail, taking extra caution. Be careful with those loose soil and rolling stones! And in our descend, Shiela brings with her another lesson learned: Sometimes, you have to learn to let go.
Mulao River
I grew up in a barangay surrounded by river. This is why I am always fond of going to such place because it reminds me of home. From an arduous climb in Danao, we set out on an easy hike going to Compostela. Our destination, Mulao River.
There are many stories and mysteries that surround this river but I will not reiterate them here. What I have here is our own tale during the weekend — one of laughter, thrill and fun.
The huge stones and boulders of Mulao River never did disappoint. The water was low when we went there at seemed like a long bed of rocks.
After some funny stunts, we finally reached Mulao River’s big two: The Stone Ark and Malingin Rock.
Side story: What happened after this last selfie?
Have you ever been chased by a cow? Remember how hilarious and thrilling it was to experience a run for your life? But how would a series of heated encounters with not just one but four cows sound? That’s what happened after this photo. On our way to Lanigid Hill, we happen to step into what seemed like a cow domain. On our first encounter with a mother cow and a calf, we shamelessly ran and left Shandy feeding the last napier grass to the cow. Trying to avoid another cow led us to a creepy abandoned house. And, they really saved the best for last, just when we thought we’re safe, an angry bull saw us and started charging forward. For a split second, we thought we were done. Gladly it was tied to a tree. Phew!
P.S. Their behavior has nothing to do with the color red (though Shandy was wearing one). Bulls, along with all other cattle, are actually color-blind to red. What irritates them is the movement. So the next time you see a cow, stand for your life!
Lanigid Hill
The sun was setting in the horizon when we reached Liloan. We mustered what was left of our energy from the recent “baka apocalypse” and headed straight on top of the hill. It was only 500 meters but it felt like death march. By the time we reached the peak, I sprawled on my back recalling what just happened.
James pointed us Licos Peak and we were reminded once again of our feat. The mountains and trees before us are still. It would have been nicer to see the sunset. Perhaps, next time.
If you ever go and do it for the gram, take your trash with you — every piece, every gram.
DoodleScribbles 
March 25, 2019 at 8:49 pm
🙂 Thank you for the mention, Maria.
Congratulations on your successful Licos feat! Nice kaayo noh? Makatagbaw, nga makamingaw iyang trail. hahaha
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July 30, 2019 at 12:12 pm
Great article Maria.
Would you mind if I ask of your itinerary during your Licos Peak to Lanigid Hill feat? Thanks. 🙂
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