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.
While Sogod does not usually come to mind when talking about ‘renowned’ tourist destinations in Cebu, this humble town remains one of my favorite go-to places. Not only that it’s serene, but the whole town also exudes nature’s beauty.
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.
Alto Peak is known as the highest peak in Eastern Visayas. But to me, Alto stands beyond its height. The experience we had during our hike and camp on this beautiful sanctuary goes beyond elevation and trail class difficulty. During this hike, I’ve realized how society has fooled us to come up with a very modest description of beauty.
Mt. Kapayas (locally known as Lantawan) is one of the notorious hiking destinations located in Cebu, particularly in the Municipality of Catmon. It stands at around 783+ masl and provides a breathtaking view of the municipality’s neighboring mountain ranges.
Ichigo Ichie is a self-help book compounded together by authors Hector Garcia and Francesc Miralles. It is a short and simple book that hopes to provide a practical guide on how to relish and live every moment of our everyday experiences. Because in this age of digital distraction, instant gratification, and superficial engagement, it becomes more and more difficult to make sense of the moments manifested by the universe to us.
The Philippines is blessed with a number of mountains that provide verdant views at the top. Here are some of the Filipino movies that will help you trace back your personal experience with the mountains – the struggles, reflections, friendship fostered, and simple joys – and fuel your interest to climb once again.
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.
We all have our fair share of stories of being stood up by friends who committed to join a trip then backs out the last minute. But what happens if the one who invited you does not show up on the day of the trip and you are already in the meet-up place? Would you push through with the plan or… go back home?
It’s no April Fools but surely we missed already those pranks we often do or encounter during hikes. Not only that we are fond of hiking with friends, we are also fond of making fun of them to ease the struggles and pain during those day (or multi-day) hikes.
