• Taginis Falls Moalboal And The Alchemy Of Adventure
    Travel

    Taginis Falls Moalboal And The Adventure Alchemist

    Everyone is, in their own unique way, a brilliant and innovative alchemist. While not everybody has the knowledge and ability to create sparkling golden nuggets, we are all capable of formulating something special. From engineering game-changing architectural wonders to cracking jokes, each one is an alchemist with a special place in the universe’s grand puzzle.  Heck, even a traveler or explorer like me is an alchemist. Trust me, organizing a simple adventure in places like Taginis Falls is a work of art in itself. I, for one, see myself as an alchemist of adventure. And, an architect of my own happiness. Even with limited sources and budget, I can forge…

  • Mantayupan Falls: Indulging On Barili’s Irresistible Natural Wonder
    Travel

    Mantayupan Falls: Indulging On Barili’s Irresistible Natural Wonder

    Human combustion isn’t real. At least, that’s what my science professors in college and high school said. Yet, somehow, I felt like I was on the verge of bursting into flames as the dry season was about to officially kickoff. With Metro Cebu heating up environmentally and politically, I had a craving for a refreshing escapade to get away from the hot spell. And, as I was going through a multitude of options, a beautiful idea flashed into my mind. Why not take a plunge at the island’s tallest waterfall: Mantayupan Falls? So, I, together with my favorite hike buddies, ventured into Barili, and released our happy hormones at Mantayupan…

  • Campo 4 To Mount Naupa: A Beautifully Chaotic Itinerary
    Travel

    Campo 4 To Mount Naupa: A Beautifully Chaotic Itinerary

    I was watching in awe at the finale of a seemingly perfectly-orchestrated symphony. Speechless, I was blown away by a cinematic and splendid sunset in Mount Naupa. The dramatic shades of orange, paired with Naga’s trademark rolling hills, created an awe-inspiring and irresistible showcase of natural beauty. And, as I was soaking up the atmosphere and sunset, a philosophical book quote suddenly flashed into my mind. “Under the whirl and chaos of life lies a strange order”.  As picture-perfect as our ending was, our Campo 4 to Naupa hike itinerary was chaotic.   It was unplanned and full of twists and wrong turns. Heck, I even thought we were just…

  • Guinkamote Peak And The Beauty Of Getting Lost
    Travel

    Guinkamote Peak And The Beauty Of Getting Lost

    It was a blistering, sunny afternoon. Lost in the heart of Toledo’s scenic highlands, the only sound I could hear was my heart beating as loud as Lars Ulrich’s drum. There was no house, local farmer or even a livestock in plain sight. Standing on top of a hill, I soon saw trails branching into different directions. Unsure of where to go, we felt officially lost in the middle of nowhere, following our hike to Guinkamote Peak. And, guess what? It was a moment of bliss for me. The thing is, I’m addicted to getting lost, especially in highlands like Guinkamote Peak. Untouched mountains like Guinkamote Peak are, to me,…