21/07/2025
Hi Thereβ Welcome to My Story. π€
My name is Manuel Bryant B. Alidon β but most people call me Buboy. Iβm 42 years old, and today, I wear many hats:
π± A 3rd-year BS Forestry student at the University of Mindanao
ποΈ A lifelong mountaineer and trail runner β still active to this day
π And a dialysis patient since 2020
This page is a small space where I share my journey β filled with lifeβs ups and downs, mountain peaks and valleys, battles and breakthroughs β with the hope that someone out there may feel encouraged, uplifted, or inspired.
π About Me in a Few Simple Words
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Status: Single β but happily in a relationship π
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Current Role: Student (Yes, itβs never too late!)
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Previous Work: Customer Service Representative at Sutherland Global Services Inc.
π₯ Health Status & Timeline
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Diagnosed with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) in 2018
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Began hemodialysis treatment in 2020
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Listed for kidney transplant since 2024
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Diagnosed with mental illness due to depression in 2016 (under outpatient care)
I currently undergo dialysis three times a week at NephroMed Dialysis Center in Davao β and through it all, I continue to live with gratitude, hope, and forward motion.
ποΈ My Life on the Trails β Fueled by Faith and Fight
My love for outdoor sports and adventure began early. I started running at age 14, enjoying casual jogs and summertime hikes from 1996 to 1998. When I entered college in 1999, I discovered my true calling β mountaineering.
In 2009, I became a member of the Sandawa-Apo Mountaineering and Ecology Club (SAMEC), where my passion grew through serious climbs, expeditions, and ecological advocacy.
Even after my CKD diagnosis and ongoing dialysis, I remained deeply connected to the outdoors. I returned to trail running in 2022 and havenβt stopped since. As a dialysis patient, Iβve proudly completed:
πββοΈ Hamiguitan 50K Ultra Trail Race β 2022
πββοΈ Muspo 30K Trail Race β 2023
πββοΈ Everesting Loay 5K Vertical Race β 2023 & 2024
πββοΈ Salomon 30K Trail Race β 2023
And Iβve also summited Mount Apo β the Philippinesβ highest peak β in 2022, 2024, and twice in 2025.
πΏ Back to School, Back to Purpose
In 2023, I returned to school with a purpose bigger than myself. While I remained active in trail adventures, I knew I needed to grow academically and pursue something more impactful. So I re-enrolled back in college β not just as a student, but as someone fueled by vision and service.
Remembering my roots, I decided to revive the Sandawa-Apo Mountaineering and Ecology Club (SAMEC), which had fallen inactive during the pandemic. As a member, it was personal. I believed in the mission of the club β training skilled mountaineers, fostering environmental stewardship, and creating a community of hope.
During my term, I helped rebuild the group with fresh energy. I guided and trained new members, led climbs and projects, and organized community outreach efforts. I recently passed the torch, proud to see the next generation carrying on what Iβve restarted.
π Why I Created This Page
The reason is simple:
I want to be a voice of hope.
I didnβt create this page to showcase my accomplishments β I created it to remind people like me that even with sickness, struggle, or sadnessβ¦ life is not over.
Another reason is awareness β about Chronic Kidney Disease, mental health, and the unseen battles of dialysis patients and survivors. Many people are silently fighting these battles. I hope that by sharing my truth, others will begin to understand, support, and care more deeply.
If youβre reading this while carrying something heavy β whether itβs illness, grief, confusion, or pain β I want you to hear this loud and clear:
> You are not alone.
You are still strong.
You still have purpose.
And yes, you can still chase your dreams β with faith, courage, and a little extra care.
So whether youβre here for encouragement, curiosity, or just to walk alongside me β I welcome you warmly.
Letβs keep going.
Letβs keep moving.
Letβs live with a reason for hope. π€οΈ
