Despite the dread, difficulty, and expenses, the mountains have always been my place of solace. This major climb to Mt. Nangtud reminded me to breathe, to take time for myself, and to pause and appreciate the moment. In an age of instant gratification and short-term trends, the mountains remain a timeless source of peace and adventure. Going to the mountains is not just a phase; you’ll always find yourself going back. Once a mountaineer, always a mountaineer.
When I started joining running events, I was fortunate to have been guided by Sir Mark and Chiarra on what to do and learn to be familiar with some running terminologies. Unfortunately, this is not the case for everyone. But don’t worry. I got you. Here are some beginner-friendly running terminologies that may help you as you navigate your first—or many firsts—in both road and trail running.
I’ll admit, there are days when I question if this life is still worth living. But just like the epiphany during Ed Sheeran’s concert last March, I can’t help but thank God for keeping me sane and alive to watch RADWIMPS perform live to witness these moments. What a time indeed to be alive.
The beauty of these events lies not just in the running itself, but in the community that forms around it. You start the race with a crowd of strangers, but you finish surrounded by friends, each of you buoyed by a collective energy that makes every step worth it.
An exhibition space and contemporary museum, Pintô Art Museum is a must-visit sight for those seeking a rich and immersive artistic experience. Located in the historic pilgrimage city of Antipolo in Rizal, the museum was established in 2010 to showcase the art collection of Filipino neurologist and arts patron, Dr. Joven Cuanang.
The euphoria still lingers days after the Mathematics Tour in Manila. We’ve returned to work now as if the weekend didn’t happen. Yet, amid the hustle, echoes of Ed Sheeran’s live performance still resonate in my ears, each song playing a soundtrack that has subtly shaped the narrative of this life.
Whoa, guess someone’s getting serious about running. Congratulations! Well, if you’re planning to increase your mileage or add a little spice to your LSD (long slow distance) run, then the country’s longest bridge, the Cebu-Cordova […]
I was already entertaining the thought of DNF. But the concern was just too difficult to dismiss. With every local asking where we began and where we will end, I was reminded how long the journey was—and that I don’t want to do it again. Hence the need to finish no matter what.
If pain weren’t involved, who in the world would ever go to the trouble of taking part in sports, like trail running, which demand such an investment of time and energy? It’s precisely because of the pain, precisely because we want to overcome the pain, that we can get the feeling, through this process, of really being alive—or at least a partial sense of it.
Mt. Pangasugan was a dream waiting to happen. Deemed “The Last Frontier in Eastern Visayas”, this notorious mountain range has been hibernating on the waiting list—yearning for the day that it’d become a reality.
For whatever reason you have found this page, hopefully, you’ll find fulfillment and rewarding experiences upon running trails and marathons. If you’re planning to tick that goal of running a marathon this 2023, here’s a quick rundown of the running events in the Philippines.
I’ve followed by heart, and it led me to Mt. Pandadagsaan—to trails only heard on tales, to experiences I’ll keep for life, and to people who were so generous with their time, heart, and effort. They say it takes a village to raise a child, I say it takes a whole running community to complete a marathon, most particularly if it is a road-to-trail kind of event.
For some reason, the meaning of ‘fun’ has now evolved into a pretty much messy definition. From what used to be a chill hike – to temporarily escape the strains of mundane life – now we’re pressured with time, endless assaults, unforgiving downhells, and intense mental battles.
If by chance you’ll be presented with another opportunity to visit the ‘Grandfather of All Mountains’ in the Philippines, I hope you’ll grab the opportunity to do so. For not only will you meet new friends and gain more experience, you’ll also bring back home new insights and lessons learned. Keep growing. Keep going.
Tell me you’re crazy without telling me you’re crazy: I recently joined an ultramarathon event.
4 Peaks: Nothing is Impossible chronicles the journey of Nepalese mountaineer, Nirmal Purja, fondly called Nims, and his quest to climb all fourteen mountains that are higher than 8,000 meters.
But the future I was looking forward to didn’t come into realization. The year 2020 happened. The pandemic put everything to a halt and like everyone else, I found myself in a fork in the road with seemingly dead ends on both paths. I no longer know where I was going and how to keep going.
Cebu Mountain Tour is actually a popular choice among those who fancy mountain adventures. Thanks to Cebu’s unique topography, going to its highlands will only take a few minutes from the city proper. This is the reason why bikers and motorcycle riding clubs frequent these places – accessibility, astounding vista, and gentle mountain breeze.
Sierra Madre is the longest mountain range in the Philippines, fondly called the “Backbone of Luzon”. It spans almost 700 kilometers in length with its highest peak standing at an elevation of 1,266 meters above sea level. It has hindered numerous typhoons that are coming from the Pacific Ocean from devastating the provinces of Luzon. It is also considered as one of the most biodiverse areas in the Philippines.
It’s Okay not to be Okay is a 16 episode South Korean romantic fairytale drama that tackles about emotional and psychological wounds that spring from cases of parental abuse, murder, and trauma that they must confront as they become adults.
The more mountains you climb in the Philippines, the more you are inspired to go higher and farther. How many times have we heard that ‘where to go next?’ praise after cursing the trails with regrets and bombarding the guide with ‘how many minutes more?’ Mountain climbing is addictive.
The Philippines is blessed, not only with beautiful beaches and tropical island destinations, but also with challenging mountain trails that is sure to provide a magnificent view at the summit – or learning experiences that will last for a lifetime.
The Philippines is home to approximately 300 volcanoes, with 24 categorized as active. According to PHIVOLCS (Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology), this high volcanic activity is attributed to the country’s location in the Pacific Ring of Fire, where the Philippine Sea Plate and the Eurasian Plate converge. The interaction of these tectonic plates results in subduction beneath the Philippine archipelago, creating deep trenches along its east and west seaboards.
If you are looking for mountains and trails to hike around Cebu, here’s an ultimate guide on how to get going with your hike.
On a tight budget but still want to take momentous photographs of you and your loved one through prenup photoshoots? Here are affordable locations around Cebu where you can shoot your prenup!
Our adventure in Argao commenced with a combination of river and highland trekking. From the jump-off point, we trekked about four to five kilometers until we finally reached the mystical Agta Cave (Balay sa Agata). To get there, we had to rappel down cliffs and carefully navigate into the cave’s mouth.
It is time to challenge the status quo and imagine a society where growth is not limited to urban economies but is shared. Where farmers, the backbone of our economy, are no longer sidelined. Where every child, regardless of geography, has equal access to quality education and resources, including the internet.
Beyond the plot of filial love, forged brotherhood, and the desperate fight for humanity’s survival, Demon Slayer offers a different lens for looking at society beyond the superficial level. It’s truly a spectacle to watch, whether you’re there for the epic fights or the laughs in between.
Running requires perseverance and mental strength, often challenging us to prioritize it over comfort. Motivational quotes can inspire and remind us why we run, fueling our journey towards improvement and joy.
The Panay Trilogy, featuring Mt. Madjaas, Mt. Nangtud, and Mt. Baloy-Daku, presents formidable challenges for mountaineers in the Philippines. Each peak offers unique difficulties and breathtaking views, attracting adventurers seeking an extraordinary experience. Successfully completing the trilogy requires physical and mental resilience, making it a life-changing journey worth pursuing.
Human Acts by Han Kang is a harrowing examination of the brutality humans inflict on each other, focusing on the Gwangju Uprising. Through intertwined narratives, the novel explores the deep scars of oppression, trauma, and loss, compelling readers to confront the darkness of human nature and the importance of remembrance in the face of atrocities.
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner! But wait… why are you still single? If you’re wondering why Cupid seems to have skipped you again this year, maybe the answer’s here.
She and Her Cat began as a short film released in 1999, later adapted into a mini-TV series in 2016. The story has since evolved into a novel aimed at pet owners and animal lovers alike. Divided into four chapters, it tells the stories of four women and their cats, exploring how their lives intersect and change through their unique companionships. As the wise dog, Jon, puts it: “Why bother looking after people? Because if we don’t, they die.”
Cebu City offers an array of charming cafés perfect for various occasions. From Dahun Café’s impeccable service to Bintana Coffee House’s artful ambiance, each spot exudes unique appeal. Flinders Lane Café satisfies sweet cravings, while Lakeview Le Jardin provides scenic views. Whether you seek history at Bo’s Coffee or a peaceful retreat at Nanda Café, Cebu’s café scene has something for everyone.
The Visayas region offers epic climbs for both beginner and seasoned adventurers, including tough trails and logistical challenges. Top climbs include Mt. Kanlaon, Mt. Baloy-daku, Mt. Nangtud, Mt. Madjaas, Mt. Talinis, Mt. Mandalagan, Alto Peak, Tres Marias, Mt. Pangasugan, and Mt. Suiro, each with unique and captivating experiences. Other notable hikes in Visayas include Mt. Panamao, Mt. Cabalian, Valderrama Trilogy, and Mt. Napulak, catering to all adventure levels.
Biliran, an often overlooked province in Eastern Visayas, offers breathtaking natural landscapes and a rich cultural heritage waiting to be explored. This hidden gem boasts pristine beaches, captivating waterfalls, and historical significance, making it an ideal destination for adventure seekers and nature lovers. From Sambawan Island to Mt. Tres Marias, Biliran promises a unique and unforgettable experience.
Dakilanglaagan 