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.
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.
Let me share some of the funniest notes memes I found on Facebook and TikTok. Don’t worry, this isn’t about mocking the original inspirational quotes—just having a bit of fun. A little poke of fun is good from time to time.
Now I realize how timely it was for Carlo to bring up his major climb of Mt. Kalatungan and Mt. Wiji. Fate has its unique way of nudging us toward what truly matters—and the mountains have a knack for discerning one’s character. Considering all the ongoing events in my life, it served as the perfect reset I required. At a more leisurely pace, in such a captivating place, it came precisely when I needed it the most.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Dakilanglaagan 