• 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…

  • 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,…

  • Mount Lanhan: A Silver Lining Tucked In Sibonga’s Highlands
    Travel

    Mount Lanhan: A Silver Lining In Sibonga’s Highlands

    They say every cloud has a silver lining. And on an uneventful week scarred by a series of mishaps, Mount Lanhan was my silver lining. Unheralded and likely scenic, Sibonga’s towering sierra was my last hope of kicking off the year on the right foot. In spite of the unfamiliarity and rumored short trail, I was willing to take a chance on this mountain. I had to infuse the optimism that makes things more fascinating and beautiful in my eyes. And, Mount Lanhan might be the hopeful prospect or cure to a seemingly lifeless week. A few months ago, one of my hiking buddies, Beth, forwarded a Facebook post highlighting…

  • Panadtaran, San Fernando: Unleashing My Inner Carefree Child
    Travel

    Panadtaran, San Fernando: Unleashing My Inner Carefree Child

    When we were kids, all we wanted in life was to be grown-ups. Back then, the idea of becoming an adult was so alluring. We daydreamed about our ability to make our own decisions and live life on our terms. Ironically, we, years later, realize that those were the best years of our lives. As matter of fact, most of us wish that we could travel back in time to the carefree years of our youth. As kids, we thought adulthood means absolute freedom. But, the reality is, it’s mostly stress and responsibilities. On the bright side, there are still plenty of ways to temporarily escape the pressures and burdens…