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Mount Tabayoc: An Adventure Above The Clouds
Imagine you’ve just gotten off a dizzying, high-speed 9-hour overnight road trip after a flight. You’re tired, dizzy, and sluggish, and suddenly, you’re climbing the sixth-highest mountain in the Philippines – Mount Tabayoc. Sounds like a recipe for disaster, right? Well, not exactly. With its steep, challenging “monkey trail”, I knew the hike to the top of Mount Tabayoc wouldn’t be a walk in the park. And I could have skipped this part of our Luzon trip and relaxed on Lake Tabeo – the base of our Mount Tabayoc hike. But guess what? There was no way I was passing up this opportunity. I deserve a fun, memorable and challenging…
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Mount Pulag: Chasing The Awe-Inspiring Sunrise
Sunrises are a symbol of rebirth, mystery, and new beginnings. An unstoppable force of nature, sunrise is also comforting, giving us a feeling that our problems are small and temporary. And in Mount Pulag National Park, a magical sunrise gave me hope in a world that badly needs a dose of optimism. Even at our darkest hour, I always believe the sun will rise again. To me, the return of light after hours of darkness represents hope. And the awe-inspiring sunrise in Mount Pulag brought a dash of hope to a new day filled with mystery and surprises. Furthermore, it symbolizes a new beginning for me and an opportunity to…
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Inambakan Falls to Mt Hambubuyog: The Zombie Outbreak Escape
What would you do if you knew you’d die days from now? You’d stuff your face with all the sinfully delicious food that your heart desires, right? And you’d go on adventures and treks, like the hike from Inambakan Falls to Mount Hambubuyog. But what if I told you that we’re slabs of dead meat begging to be buried or burned into ashes? What if you realize that you’re a zombie with a broken spirit performing mindless tasks that you don’t like? And what if I told you that you’re a zombie manipulated by social media algorithms? The truth is, some people die at 25 and aren’t buried until they…
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Ngipon sa Ilaga and the Quest for Perfection
I’m a train wreck perched precariously in Ngipon sa Ilaga. Full of flaws and limitations, every inch of me is a mess and chaotic. I’m a short-tempered, careless, immature, clumsy, stubborn, and disorganized nonconformist. And I embrace every flaw and mistake I have made. That’s why society hates me. The modern world thinks I’m an outcast and a nutcase. Yet, as I stand at the top of Ngipon sa Ilaga, I feel fabulous and free. I don’t feel the pressure of being imperfect. I don’t feel inadequate, exhausted, and frustrated with my messed-up life. And I’m enjoying every second of this imperfect, unplanned, and spontaneous nature trip. As I soak…
