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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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Mount Dulang-Dulang: A Climb To The Enchanting Mountain
My heart was racing. Anxious and nervous, beads of sweat formed on my forehead, and my mouth turned dry. Shit! Will I make it? Will I make it back home in time? I was in a race against time, and I was losing. These thoughts hammered into my head as we were heading to Davao City after our Mount Dulang-Dulang climb. The unforgiving slopes, slippery moss, and rocky steps of Mount Dulang-Dulang were behind me. But the race against time continued, and a new challenge was waiting. As we navigated through the night, we were enveloped in a thick fog that reduced visibility to nearly zero. We had to slow…
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Lake Holon: A Weekend of Adventure and Stunning Views
Can you fall in love with a place? Because I swear Lake Holon just gave me butterflies. Standing atop the Lake Holon view deck, I was mesmerized by its jaw-dropping scenery. With its towering peaks and dreamy shades of blue and green, it’s a stunning sight and a place where exhausted souls recharge. I rubbed my eyes to see if the view in front of me was real. And it was as real as the air we breathe. So, I soaked up the scenery and snapped photos. And when I looked at my phone, the images were surreal and heavenly (no filters needed). For years, I had dreamt and yearned…
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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…
