‘The Voyager’ mountaineer Van Allen Guerrero traverses breathtaking nature and beyond

The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step, as the saying goes, but Van Allen Guerrero, an adventure lover and mountain climbing aficionado, is ready to take on that journey thru the mountains every step of the way.

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Born Van Allen Escudero Guerrero on December 29, 1993 in Manila to Randy Guerrero and Teofista Guerrero, this 5-foot-9 former Arellano University Braves basketball player is now studying at TUP Manila taking up Bachelor of Arts in Management Major in Industrial Management.

Allen started mountaineering when he was in his elementary because of his involvement in Boy Scout activities. “This year, I have started again to climb mountains and I can say that I am a newbie in this venture. For me, one need not study mountaineering for you to be able to climb a mountain. Even though you don’t have the right skills, the right attitude and willingness to go on the top is far more important” quipped Van Allen.

His memorable experience in hiking would be the spontaneity of climbing up. “Everything that happens along the way are not planned, you will never know what would happen next. For me, there goes the thrill in this kind of activity” Van Allen added. Aside from climbing mountains like Mt. Pamitinan, Mt. Tayak, Mt. Banahaw, Mt. Maculot, Mt. Daraitan, and Pico de Loro, Van Allen also travels with his friends. He already visited places like Palaui Island in Cagayan Valley, Baler Aurora, Alaminos Pangasinan, Camarines Sur, Albay in Bicol Region, Baguio, Marinduque and he looks forward to conquering Mt. Pulag, the second highest mountain in the Philippines. He also plans to visit the wondrous landscapes of Cagayan De Oro City and Camiguin Islands in Mindanao hopefully this year. 

He uses different safety gears like sleeves to protect him from tall grasses and leaves, trekking shoes, water or energy gels. “Each mountaineer must also bring their willingness and guts to be able to reach the summit. Discipline is important when climbing mountains. Everyone should also know the importance of caring for our environment so that the next generation can see and appreciate the beauty of nature. Reaching the top is optional, but going back home is mandatory” added Van Allen. 

Before, Allen has fear of heights, but as years go by, his fear had vanished. He said that it is very fulfilling especially when you are on top. “When you are at the summit, all the hard work pays off. There is fulfillment especially if you’ve overcome all the hardships along the trail”. Asked about his advice to aspiring mountaineers, “Be ready for any possibility that can happen in the mountain. I can say that it is an amazing experience to climb a mountain because aside from its beauty and majestic views, you have overcome all the obstacles to reach it.  Climbing up mountain also inspires other people, so keep on inspiring others. Don’t forget to pray and be thankful to God for all the creations he had given us” said Van Allen. 

Email the author at: paolomanuelfule@yahoo.com or text 09184059751