FORGIVE my catchy title, but it doesn't have anything to do with our country's most revered and oldest "boy band."

Just recently, the Department of Tourism (DOT)-Southern Mindanao upbeat director Sonia Garcia and her staff arranged an almost impossible feat last April up at the peak of Mount Apo.

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Apart from bringing together almost a hundred delegates in a climbing activity, her office has managed to gather around important personalities in a unique gathering on top of the country's highest mountain.

First on the VIP list was Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano, with his wife Carmen and kids in tow (Angela and Joseph), along with nephew James Dinsay. Then there's the Everest Team which consisted of Undersecretary Art Valdez, first recorded Pinoy climber in Mt. Everest Leo Oracion, our native born Erwin Pastour Emata (second Pinoy climber) and the efficient team physician Dr. Ted Esguerra.

Legendary Pinoy reggae singer Popong Landero led the list of an odd mix of delegates to hike the majestic volcano. There's Digos City Administrator Stevenson Mayor, our active City Councilor Leo Avila, avid climber Jackie Dizon with son Marco, and of course, RD Sonia Garcia with son Migo and her office staff whom she felt needed a "little exercise" up the hills.

ROX's Christine Villamor, The Edge, Mulato and a host of other sponsors were present in the climb, too.

With a good team of videographers to create a new music video for the tourism, and DOT's photographer Rhonson Ng (who climbs the peak thrice each year and brought an image of Mt. Apo in the cover of Mabuhay Magazine), the atmosphere was charged with vibrant energy as everyone held a little party and dancing up in the highlands.

So what were two exquisite French chefs (Rosalie and Yves Monestier) doing up there with a culinary table and cooking utensils, dishing up a birthday chocolate cake to surprise the celebrant? It was part of an elaborate setup to surprise Sec. Ace Durano on his 39th birthday.

After blowing his birthday candles, he agreed it was his happiest and highest birthday ever. His family couldn't agree more.

The day before the climb they have been subjected to a heart-stopping zip line thrill in Camp Sabros, Kapatagan. The months previously, they have experienced the scenic wild water rafting ride in Davao.

Here are Rhonson's images of what transpired at the top, which we hope will inspire Sec. Ace to promote our city more, which he actually has been doing well since way back.

Email writer at jojiealcantara@gmail.com or visit her website at www.witerary.com