I bet you've already noticed how it goes: it all starts with a mountain getting noticed in social media. Thanks to all the photos, the implied sense of awesomeness, and the ensuing hype, the small trickle of visitors increases to a damnable horde. The trail gets pulverized to oblivion and the garbage starts to pile up. Idiots who are used to having someone always clean up after them come in unrelenting droves, dropping wrappers and wastes just about anywhere. And yes, they feel required to etch their names on whatever surface is available to them, along with all the stupidities they can muster.
Maculot. Batulao. Balagbag.
The influx of tourists increases. The campsite, a venerable city of tents, becomes a party. Lavatories are constructed. Locals start putting up stalls selling everything you would ever need. And lots of alcohol. The parties intensify. Posts go up on Facebook declaring how awesome the parties are. People get envious and are drawn to party atop mountains. Obnoxious music is forced into everyone's ears.
Manabu. Gulugod-Baboy.
Tell me, is this what mountaineering is? Contributing to the destruction of what we proclaim to love?
Talamitan. Sicapoo.
Illegal loggers. Kaingin.
Who else do we expect to protect our mountains? The DENR? PAMB? Our efficient government?
Cristobal. Arayat. Kanla-on
When we act as if we are always right, and beyond reproach--unable to accept that we must be marshaled by our fellow mountaineers--on the basis that we must be respected. Go f*ck yourself.
There's nothing I hate more than someone acting like a big-shot mountaineer, thinking he's mightier than every one else. Time for a reality check.
Halcon. Tarak. Makiling.
Respecting those who do not respect the mountain is like assisting murder. Too harsh? You need to open your eyes. Look at the current state of our mountains.
Manalmon. Pico de Loro. Banahaw.
How long do you think our defenseless mountains will last?
Pulag. Apo.
Not long, I assure you.
It's saddening, but I agree. This is especially true for tour groups and for barkada hikes that are organized prematurely. Sadly, what we can do for now is just disseminate information and be on the lookout to try and correct behavior when hiking.
ReplyDeleteI agree. It's so hard to marshal others, especially those who do not want to be marshaled. haaaaaay
DeleteThey are making big bucks out of these sites and the payback is to destroy it. Yeah, been there, a hiker who loves nature but im proud to say that ive been responsible and very sensitive in these issues - that's why i keep on educating hikers especially the new ones who are mostly 'turista mode' throwing trash anywhere possible, going to these places just to get a nice profile pic or to get high. Aside from big shot mountaineers and tourist groups making money out of the mountains and beaches don't forget the mountaineering clubs - mostly not registered and they dont really practice proper ways of guiding or educating newbies they also want to earn money of course. Ive been with them a lot and the same things are happening, one reason why i quit and became a freelancer. Ive observed that these things started to happen when the oldies (older generations of hikers) are almost gone in the scene. Now, I'm seeing it clear that they are giving all their efforts to every mountains or beach to transform it as a wasteland. Very sad indeed.
ReplyDeleteTotally agree with this. Not that the older generations of hikers did not leave a legacy but the truth is- the legacy of practicing mountaineer's creed is just too much to handle for those who just care one how much they will earn in every package tour. The advocacy of mountaineering is fading in a blink and it's very alarming, because the "turista travel operators" are not coming in slow. After all, we now see mountains or nature parks tagged as close due to irresponsible organizing of trips.
DeleteOrganizers of mass climbs play also a big part on the destruction of mountains
ReplyDeleteDapat talaga matutuhan ng iilan yung minsan nang ainabi ni jim libiran na "maging bisita at huwag maging turista.
ReplyDelete