By KING CORTEL
With the incessant weather disturbances recently resulting in floods even during quick and light rain, there needs to have more campaigns to preserve, save and promote positive environmental gains like tree planting activities.
The government had harked that it is doing their share but private individuals needed to step up to compliment what is lacking, at least in the last 25 years and staunch environmentalist and Cebu Mountaineering Alliance Incorporated (CMAI) founder Ricky Sevilla saw the need to advocate for the environment a quarter of century ago.
“There is still a lot to be done for the environment. There is no stopping my advocacy as environmental conditions are not getting favorable for us,” said Ricky, who started Lunatrek Series, “Aside from educating the participants of the need to protect the environment, we also make sure that we plant trees in the vicinity where we hold the Lunatrek.”
In 2001, CMAI members spontaneously decided to celebrate the full moon and found it as a good avenue to talk about the environment, strengthen camaraderie among mountaineers and help out communities we care about.
“If other cultures have their moon festivals, we have Lunatrek for 25 years now. We gather and celebrate when the moon is closest to Earth. Who would not want to see a nocturnal moon? It is hard not to love the moon,” Ricky added.
“And we also celebrate with the community where we hold the Lunatrek. We share food and also we give out essential gifts for the kids.”
The Lunatrek XXV (25) this weekend, September 6 and 7, will be in Sitio Likoliko Barangay Babag I, Cebu City where they will hand out hygiene kits to kids as from sharing food, play various games, raffle off giveaways and will have entertainment performances featuring 22Y Band and Domestic Grass.
Mountaineering Federation of the Philippines Incorporated president Neil Mabini will be the Guest of Honor with Neil Romero, previous CMAI president, taking the stage for the 25th edition of Lunatrek, which is supported by Wynn Fraser, Think Outside, Tribu Tiniil, Domestic Grass, 22Y, Parma Engineering Services, Batyag Mountaineering Club, Habagat Outdoor Equipment, USC Arch 87, District 32, Southpeaks, Rosevelt Heights, Organic Outdoors, Busmon Mountaineering Club, Burger and Bones, Monster Radio BT105.9, Kaplag Outdoors, T Carcel Events and Planning, Terra Firma, Igulot Outdoors, Tess Branzuela, toyota MJ Cuenco and De Malacca.
Lunatrek never missed a year even during the pandemic. “What we did during the pandemic was to let multiple groups climb and trek their respective peaks and practice safety protocols.”
The Lunatrek tradition dictates the participants to gather in the afternoon and when it is about to go dark and the moon rises to light their path, they trek to the campsite.
Previously, the pioneering participants in their prime tread longer trails and more physically challenging to test their mountaineering skills but now with their respective families in tow, the treks are really easy. “We consider those who bring their kids and even babies. It is another way to teach the younger generation about environmental advocacy we are passionately doing along with their parents and guardians.”
This year, which has a registration fee of P650 to cover the souvenir jersey and the gifts to the community, is expected to gather close to 200 participants. The lowest turnout for a Lunatrek in the past was 180 heads while the highest attendance was at 600 mostly from CMAI, which has a decent 700 members that is from 16 other mountaineering clubs, various splinter groups and splinter individuals.
Lunatrek was not all about the mountain, it was also celebrated on various occasions along pristine beaches in Cebu and mystic island province of Siquijor.
“With the full moon floating in the horizon as background of our advocacy and celebration, a unique vibe is an equally beautiful experience compared with being in the mountains,” shared Ricky.
Interested to participate in the upcoming Lunatrek can contact Roger at 0927-996-8105 or Yah at 0995-471-3851.
