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Sagada: That Thing Called Adventure (And Sofia)
A few weeks ago, I invited my friends on a weekend trip to Sagada. Nothing fancy. It was just a quick escape and a break from life’s never-ending cycle of deadlines, responsibilities, and grind. Most of them had excuses. Some were too busy, and a few left me on “seen.” But one of them replied with a yes. The only problem? She had been dead for over two years. The person I’m talking about is Sofia. At first, I thought it was a mistake. Maybe there was a glitch in the Matrix. Or perhaps it was one of those weird moments that made you question reality for a second. But…
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Banaue Rice Terraces: A Google Maps Mistake That Led To An Unforgettable Adventure
What if Google Maps sent you the wrong way? What if, instead of guiding you to the World’s Eighth Wonder, it takes you straight into disaster? With modern technology, reaching out-of-the-way places like the Banaue Rice Terraces should be easy. Yet, for some bizarre reason, our trip to Sagada and the Banaue Rice Terraces felt like an unpredictable adventure. With wrong turns and unexpected detours, what was supposed to be a convenient weekend trip turned into a journey full of surprises. To some, this might seem like an inconvenience or a disaster. But to me, our not-so-smooth-sailing Luzon trip was an opportunity for growth. The truth is, every wrong turn…
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Buscalan: A Village that Tattoos Souls
Peter Pan was right. Growing up is a trap. I mean. Who wants to live in a world with an endless cycle of workload, bills, stress, taxes, and responsibilities? Who wants to be in a world full of rude people? And why can’t we live a peaceful and simple life like the Butbut Tribe in Buscalan, Kalinga? Here’s the thing. We are a generation of constantly dissatisfied, overstressed, and overworked people. Despite our drive, can-do attitude, and modern technology, we are overwhelmed, anxious, and exhausted. We live in an era where people kill themselves with productivity. We spend hours in long commutes and drives to work. And we work feverishly…
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Mount Amuyao: The Infinite Stairway To Heaven
Why the hell do I do it? Why scale a mountain that promises agony and infinite gut-wrenching possibilities? And why lace up my hiking shoes, carry a hefty backpack, and drag myself up a behemoth like Mount Amuyao? Here’s the deal: Every ruthless, giant mountain I’ve faced serves a buffet of above-average pain and uneasy moments. I’ve dealt with twisted ankles, aching knees, cuts, bruises, cramps, dehydration, and blisters that look like props from a horror movie. Yet, I push on and invite all the agony. Why keep pushing through the grimacing and wincing? Am I a masochist? Why do hikers like me willingly sign up for a world of…
