“Nakakapagod na.” She continued lamenting while still dragging her feet, pushing forward, hoping to not get swept by the bus. Through our short interaction, I learned that she’s from Subic and that she purposely came to Cebu to join the Cebu City Marathon. Oh, the lengths we go to for the things that keep us sane.
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.
Sometimes, it takes years before we get to see the bigger picture of why we have to do or undergo certain things in life, of why our greatest desires are never granted. But probably in the grand scheme of things, maybe everything that we are doing right now is just a practice, a preparation for something bigger.
There’s a part of us that can only be found in solitude, in despair, in anger, in frustration, in defeat. While that is not much celebrated, that part is precious. It is the place where grit is built. And grit—the courage and resolve to push through trying times, the strength in character—is worth it.
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.
Still feels like a bad dream – except that you’re no longer waking up.
Amordino Farm is a humble diner that serves homemade nourishment to hikers, bikers, and locals in Sitio Patayng Yuta, Sapangdaku, Cebu City.
Aside from the sumptuous meal that the owners personally prepare, Amordino Farm, is a perfect vantage point for sightseeing as it gives a relaxing view of the city’s remaining vegetation. The mountain breeze is sure to soothe those aching limbs and cool down the body’s heat after a whole day of hiking, biking, and other kinds of outdoor activities engaged on.
Maybe this is what growing apart does to us. It makes us discover things beyond horizons that we exist in. It allows us to focus on other matters. It helps us dissect through the many challenges that come upon our lives and see through the many decisions – and indecisions – that we have to make.
We are the results of the many circumstances that happen to us.
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.
The shortest distance between two points may be a straight line. But I guess there are certain views that can only be appreciated when we take detours. There are lessons that make more sense when we opt for the rough road. And there are presents that can’t be otherwise enjoyed unless we follow the longer route.
Spending the night with Lixelle and the two Christines brought a lot of beautiful memories spent through our college lives. I felt ‘me’ once again. For a long time, I have always wondered how my life would turn our had I not entered into an exclusive school for girls. But talking with them made me realized that there’s perfectly nothing wrong with me. My thoughts, decisions, and actions are all mine – and owning them do not make me less of a person.
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.
Before 2020 ended, my friends and I decided to do a hike to one of Cebu’s notorious trails: Mt. Babag. We all know how risky hiking is in this ‘new normal’. Those who have been in the outdoors know the potential injuries, trail hazards, and now, virus infection this pursuit of passion entails. Here’s what happened in our recent ascent to Mt. Babag.
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.
We all do sorts of crazy when we’re on the verge of our youth. Today, I look back on this one-day trip from Cebu to Guimaras to Iloilo up to Roxas City – and I still couldn’t fathom how naive I was. Not to mention lucky.
So, here allow me to narrate this unconventional trip around the beautiful island of Panay – from Cebu to Guimaras to Iloilo to Capiz.
My Mindanao trip was more than amazing because of the warmth that you extended. You made me realize that this will never be called a solo backpacking trip because I was never alone. Wherever I go, good Samaritans are always present. This blog post would never be enough to show how I greatly appreciated your hospitality and for changing my views about your magnificent place. Surely, there’s more to life than what mainstream media shows.
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.
This blog wouldn’t last this long without you in the picture. My heart is forever grateful.
Growth happens in times when we least like it. But more than anything else, it’s necessary. There are things that only make sense in the later part of our lives – when the events seem to perfectly coincide to complete the tapestry and lead us where we’re supposed to. While at the moment it’s difficult to appreciate it as the raging emotions most often overpower us, time is a gentle reminder that our lives continue to revolve whether we like it or not.
Dakilanglaagan 