• Mount Kitanglad In One Day: That Thing Called Adventure
    Travel

    Mount Kitanglad In One Day: That Thing Called Adventure

    Can you hike Mount Kitanglad in one day? That question kept playing in my mind like a catchy tune, days before I faced this behemoth in Bukidnon. With an elevation of 2,899 meters above sea level, the 4th highest mountain in the Philippines is not an easy day hike. Sure, there have been many brave souls and strong hikers who climbed Mount Kitanglad in just one day. And truthfully, the trail isn’t as technically challenging as some of the tallest mountains in the Philippines. But can I do it? Can a restless insomniac and a not-so-young man with a lot of emotional baggage, injuries, and limited preparation, climb this mountain…

  • Mount Dulang-Dulang
    Travel

    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…

  • A beautiful collage of Mount Hamiguitan
    Travel

    Mount Hamiguitan: A Journey To A Magical World

    What’s the difference between a cat and a man? A cat, as they say, has nine lives. But us, humans? We only have one shot. And that’s why I try to make every moment count. I seek experiences that fill me with peace and happiness. I read books that whisk me away, indulge in mouth-watering food, create memories with my family, and conquer mountains like Mount Hamiguitan.  And despite all the challenges, I celebrate life.  Strangely, on my latest trip around the sun, it seemed like I wasn’t celebrating a milestone. Alone at an airport terminal, I ate a simple meal for dinner on my birthday while waiting for my…

  • Lake Holon: A Weekend of Adventure And Stunning Views
    Travel

    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…