Mayana Peak-San Carlos-Negros Occidental

Our journey began under the watchful eye of the sun, which, like a lazy security guard, decided to take a break just as we reached Don Salvador Benedicto. The sky, in a dramatic mood swing, went from sunny to sullen, and the heavens opened up, as if to say, "Welcome to the mountain, bring an ark." Undeterred, my love and I, armed with nothing but sheer determination and a questionable sense of direction, hopped off the bus. Our chariots awaited—two motorcycles driven by local boys who knew the mountain roads like the back of their hands, which were now gripping the handlebars for dear life as we navigated potholes and puddles with the grace of a pair of roller-skating elephants. At the base of the mountain, a guide greeted us, probably wondering if we were lost tourists or just madly in love with nature. The path to the top was less of a path and more of an obstacle course designed by someone with a wicked sense of humor. Steps carved into the earth, help cables that seemed more 'helpful' in theory, and a fog so thick it could be sliced and served on toast. For a moment, as we stood enveloped in the mist, I wondered if we'd accidentally stumbled into a cloud storage facility. But then, as if on cue, the fog would part, revealing glimpses of the breathtaking landscape, and we'd frantically snap photos like paparazzi at a celebrity wedding. Reaching the summit, our joy was as brief as a commercial break, interrupted by a symphony of thunder and lightning, followed by a downpour that had us seeking refuge in a rustic café perched like a bird's nest on the mountain top. There, we met a woman who served us coffee and, I suspect, a side of pity. As the rain relented and the fog lifted, the view was ours to savor. We took pictures, shot videos, and for a few hours, felt like the gods of Olympus—if the gods had to deal with wet socks and fogged-up glasses. So, what's the moral of this story? Always pack a raincoat, never trust a sunny morning, and remember that the best adventures are the ones that don't go according to plan. Because sometimes, getting drenched, lost, and a little bit cold is just part of the journey to the top. And trust me, it's worth every misstep.

The price? 300 pesos per person for the motorcycle round trip, 250 for the guide, the bus from Bacolod to there I'm not sure, my love paid, in fact she was on budget, I was just eating and walking.

Ah, the joys of travel budgeting and the sweet surrender to the whims of a well-planned partner! Let's dive into the hilarious world of travel economics, where the currency is not just money, but also love, adventure, and the occasional mystery payment for a bus ride you're not quite sure about.

First off, we have the classic motorcycle round trip, clocking in at a cool 300 pesos. That's the kind of ride that makes you feel like a budget-conscious rebel, wind in your hair, bugs in your teeth, and the open road calling your name. It's the two-wheeled equivalent of a financial high-five to yourself.

Next up, the guide. For a mere 250 pesos, you get a human GPS who probably knows more about the local flora and fauna than you do about the contents of your own backpack. This person is the Yoda of your journey, leading you through the wilderness with the wisdom of a thousand travels, all for less than the price of a fancy coffee back home.

Now, the bus from Bacolod, that's where things get a bit fuzzy. The cost? Unknown. The payer? Your significant other, a.k.a. the Budget Master, the Keeper of the Coins, the one who makes sure you don't blow all your money on souvenirs and street food. You're not sure how much it was, but hey, love is priceless, right?

And then there's you, the happy-go-lucky tagalong, just eating and walking, blissfully unaware of the financial logistics, living the dream one bite and step at a time. You're the embodiment of the carefree spirit of travel, unburdened by the shackles of currency, riding the wave of your partner's budgeting skills.

In conclusion, whether you're the penny-pinching planner or the merry moocher of the travel world, it's all about the experience. The memories you make, the foods you taste, and the sights you see are worth every peso, dollar, or heartfelt thanks you give. So here's to the travelers, the planners, and the happy wanderers—may your budgets always balance and your adventures be many! 🌍✈️💰

Remember, folks, travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer, especially when someone else is footing the bill! Happy trails!