3/5/2021 0 Comments After a long hiatus ⛰️
As it turned out, I wasn't really prepared physically. Just a few meters of walking and I was already sweating like crazy, catching my breath. It was just an easy start compared to what I have imagined, but since it's been so long since my last hike, it wasn't just a walk in the park. I guess we took the shortcut coz after a while, I can already hear the gushing sound of the waterfalls. The last time I was here, we went through a different trail and we did some sort of bouldering before reaching the falls. Jerven was quite patient with us and made sure we had quick stops every now and then. We started to really talk and have a conversation afterwards. Our conversation even got deeper when we stayed under the shade of mango trees before we hit the last ascent going to the camping site. I think we stayed there for almost an hour? That's when we started talking about our lives and we learned snippet of each other's struggles. Jerven and Chin-Chin had some similar experiences so they dominated most of the conversation and I would just chip in here and there if I have something noteworthy to add. It was actually my favorite part of the whole hike experience. We were sitting under the shade of the trees, I was laying on my back and staring at the clouds and sky above me. Seemed corny, but it actually felt like a movie scene. I even remembered the exact song playing in the background while I was immersed on that scene. Before we even started to talk about aliens and other weird stuff, we started to ascent to the peak since it's almost lunchtime. It was sunny and it was very hot so it took a lot of effort to reach the top. But once we were there, the view was rewarding. We stayed at one of the huts where we recharged and soaked in the beauty of the nature around us. While waiting for our lunch, we spend most of our time talking about random things to our liking. We talked for a long time and shared our thoughts and opinions and sometimes laughed at how crazy our topics were. I really liked and enjoyed that time. During the in-betweens when we run out of topics, I find myself zooming in to the tiny details of the view in front of me. Surprisingly, whenever I try to think of something, I always end up tninking about nothing at all. I have a lot of things in mind but at the same time I find myself unable to think of a single thing. We took a rest separately and stayed in three different huts. After that, time just went by. I find it really annoying how fast time flies when you're having fun and doesn't want an experience to end. We still have a lot to talk about but we decided to head down since it's already past 4PM. I know I was delighted for the whole experience but at the same time I can't help but feel sad because it has come to an end. Endings, no matter how good, leave marks. It leaves a mark of sadness 'coz you never know when's the next time. This hike is quite special because it seems new to me after almost a year of hiatus and when it's new you get to feel different emotions all at once.
I first heard of Panimahawa when I was in high school on a GMA-7 documentary. I instantly got hooked by its charm, and I promised myself that one day, I'd go there. Lo and behold, after many years, I finally got the chance to explore Bukidnon, and of course, the first on my list is to go hiking and camping at Panimahawa Ridge. This hike was my first bukid experience for the year 2020, and I had no idea that it was also going to my last because Covid happened right after this trip. I remember going to my master's class with a huge hiking bag with me. Right after my 3-5 pm class, I immediately went to catch our 7 pm flight to Laguindingan Airport, CDO. We arrived early, but I guess there was a kind of mix up and we ended up boarding the earlier flight. Elizah and Shaira were with me, and we were catching our breath because we almost missed the flight. Upon entering the plane, we were surprised to see Jerlinda on the same flight. It was just the 4 of us that night since Kirsty was already in CDO a day earlier. When we arrived at the Calyx Hotel, we got a surprise. It turned out Kirsty prepared something for us - March bday celebrants. I was genuinely surprised and grateful because I had no idea Kirsty could still pull off a surprise despite the schedule. After organizing our things, we decided to head out to the nearest food park. We arrived in The Hive at Limketkai Center, past 8 pm so there weren't many people around. We ordered some drinks and shared the cake Kirsty prepared for us. There was a local band that night so we We stayed around for some time and enjoyed the night. We started our day early the following day since we have to travel from CDO to Bukidnon. We had our lunch at the Agora Bus Terminal and boarded the bus going to Impasug-ong. We were not familiar with the places, so we kept on asking the bus conductor to drop us off at Impasug-ong Elementary School. We had already contacted someone from the Ant Farm, so they fetched us from there. The Ant Farm is where hikers would register and attend a short orientation before starting the hike to Panimahawa. In our case, we had some time to explore the place since we were still waiting for an available guide. After a short orientation, we started our hike around 3pm. After a strenuous 400m ascent, we finally reached the camp site at the peak of Panimahawa. The trail was relatively easy and manageable. However, it was our first time to be in the trail carrying heavy loads. Naturally, it slowed our pace. There were a lot of times when we stopped and just stood there for a few minutes, trying to catch our breath. Some of the trail doggos who came with us patiently waited beside us on the whole journey. After a few downhill and uphill trail, we stopped by at a local's house because our guide wanted to get some water. After a few meters, we were told to stop by a spot and drop some coins as respect for the unearthly caretakers of the mountain trail.
What followed after that seemed to be a never-ending uphill trail going to the base of Panimahawa. And after a strenuous 400m ascent, we finally reached the camp site at the peak of Panimahawa. The event was made possible through the combined efforts of Jerl, John Ranel, and mine, and of course, with the help of all the people who joined, donated and supported the event. Maam Beth - aka Teacher Traveler, was also a huge help, and I admired her effort in accommodating us together with the principal and all the teachers of New Bucao Elem. School. I don't exactly know what to tell you about this. It actually started as a random business idea. We wanted to create a T-shirt business related to sports and hiking, and we wanted to promote it through this event. However, things got out of hand that we ended up focusing more on this event itself, and we kind of forgot about the whole business venture idea. I couldn't tell you how nervous I was on the days, even weeks, leading to the main event. I did not expect it to blow up, and I certainly did not expect us to have over 50 interested volunteers. I worried a lot because it was my first time organizing an event as big as this, with people we barely know. It helped that there's three of us, and we kind of delegated the necessary tasks. As luck would have it, we ended up having a lot of joiners. They were all a mix of our acquaintances, close friends, online friends, as well as John and Jerl's random invites. When I think about it now, I was pretty amazed at how diverse our group was. I mean, I'm not really the kind of person who likes to mix up my friends from the different areas of my life in one place. But during that time, everyone I know, from my closest friends, college friends, workmates to some acquaintances, were all gathered at the same event with me. PS. Most photos are not mine, credit goes to Bry2 and Maam Beth. It was considered a success, after all. The event made lots of children smile, and I know that no matter how tiring the hike was, the volunteers were also satisfied to see how happy the kids were. It was a different kind of feeling, really. I felt a great sense of relief that everyone was safe and the event's main purpose was achieved. I also felt very grateful because everything I worried about was all worth it. After all, everything worked out all right. Though it was a success, it goes without saying that we also encountered several setbacks on the event's days. The printing of shirts and bags got delayed. Most of the participants did not receive their kit on the day of the hike. I know many of them were disappointed, but we did our best to solve it but to no avail. Aside from that, I haven't thought about a lot of things that I wish I could have prepared everyone for. We didn't get to have a decent lunch after a tiring 3-4 hours of hiking. The lunch budget couldn't accommodate everyone in the school. Also, we kind of mixed up the number of students per grade level, so we ended up giving some of them random kits, not on their level. I wish we could have given them more. Nevertheless, the overflowing gratitude and happiness that I have after the event outweighed all the unexpected things I mentioned. Aside from those I mentioned, there were still a lot of things I was grateful for. I felt very thankful that the principal helped us secure a bus going to the jump-off point because we carried many school supplies, and the volunteers would have had a hard time carrying them over. The volunteers were also thankful that they didn't get to spend a dime for the transport there. I was also grateful to Emman and Koring for hosting the program and letting their charm brighten up the kids' day during the program. If you could only see the joy in the children's faces while playing and receiving their tokens. It was priceless. The participants enjoyed incredible scenery overlooking the famous lake in the background. I know everyone was tired, but I also saw their happiness after everything they went through. I didn't know everyone who joined our event, but some of them became our friends after that day. And what made me even happier? After that event, I saw some familiar faces going together for hikes again with the people they met during our event. Many of them bonded over that day and developed close friendships afterward. Even until now, I can see them going to places with those friends whom they met on that day. Thinking about how our event made them crossed paths with one another swells my heart with pride because we get to be God's instrument for those people to meet. I don't know about everyone, but this event will forever leave a mark on me. Something I thought I couldn't do, but I did, with the collective help from a lot of people. During that time, I discovered a different side of me that I didn't know even existed. It pushed me beyond my comfort zone in a good way. It made me do things I would never have the guts to do in any normal circumstances. I experienced asking strangers to join our event, asking office personnel to sponsor our event, sending letters to organizations to ask for donations, connecting with old friends to ask for support, and many more. It was pretty hectic, and I think I've used up a month's worth of social energy for that event that I ended up drained and exhausted for over a week after that. But I'll say it again and again, it was all worth it, a million times over.
2/10/2018 0 Comments Mt. Tagaytay in toledo, cebuI can't even remember now how it all started and how we got there. I think this is one of my favorite destinations so far, not only because of the astounding scenery but because of how smooth sailing that day went. It was my first time organizing a hike this far with all these new people from the team. It's also my first time visiting here, so everything I told the group was based on the blogs and websites I've read. Good thing, Maam Beth - aka Teacher Traveler, was very accommodating and even asked his father to be our guide. I think the most significant part of why this hike was very memorable was because of how enthusiastic our guide was. We learned a lot from him as he often talked about many things along the way. We learned about the nearby lake's spooky history; he even warned us to be careful during our short stay there. We learned about the history of the nearby towns and places. We learned a bit about how the people lived their lives. Away from the city and close to such a natural gem. It was a scorching, sunny day when we started our hike going to Mt. Tagaytay. It was very different from our last hike in January at Mt. Naupa, where it rained, and there's no visibility at the peak. I think it was around 2 or 3 in the afternoon when we arrived at the peak. We stayed there under the shade of a lone tree. Some of us went to the far edge of the mountain and explored a different view while taking cool photos of nature and other whatnot. Blair also did a quick photo shoot. Some of us just stayed under the tree and admired the scenery, absorbing everything we could. After all, it's not every day that we get to see that kind of view. Faith, Emman, and I talked about the stuff that most young adults worry about all the time, like finances, career, and more. I really wanted to witness the sunset there. I could no longer remember why or what happened that we didn't end up staying there long enough to watch the sunset. It was maybe because of the lack of transport going back to the city? Or perhaps a different reason at all. I could no longer remember. All I remembered was the feeling that I wanted to go back there as soon as we left. The ride home was something I remember very clearly until now. By the way, I'm only writing this in 2021; that's why I couldn't remember many details of the hike.
Anyway, while on our way going back to the city, I witnessed one of the most memorable sunsets I've ever seen. We were riding a motorcycle, and there it was on my left - a yon orange sunset giving off its special charm. I could remember the dark silhouette of the mountains while the sun was setting behind them. I couldn't tell you everything, but I was pretty obsessed with that moment for weeks, even after the trip. Even now, I still get a warm feeling whenever I remember it. Unfortunately, I haven't got a photo of it myself. But I got here some screenshots from Rexo's video of that time. 1/20/2018 0 Comments Mt. Naupa
When we got to the peak, there's no visibility, so we couldn't get any view. The only consolation we had was that the foggy surrounding made the journey bearable. I don't know, maybe it was just me, but the fog effect also evokes a special kind of feeling when hiking. I couldn't stop taking pictures. Lol.
10/23/2017 0 Comments Mt. MagoIf you are looking for an adventure together with your friends for the weekend, then a day hike at Mount Mago, Carmen should probably be at the top of your list. Whether you're an all-girl squad or an odd mix of the laid-backs and the outgoings, there no need to worry. Mount Mago adventure is one of the easiest hikes, perfect for your squad's next weekend getaway. Mount Mago, which lies around 700+ MASL, is actually located along the boundary of three Cebu municipalities - Danao, Carmen, and Tuburan. The trail going to the peak of Mt. Mago offers mesmerizing mountain views and fresh mountain air along the way that makes you want to freeze time momentarily and just devour the panoramic green hues in sight. Perks of Hiking at Mount Mago If you are still looking for additional motivation to get off the couch and onto the trail, then you should probably check this list I've compiled just for you. These are the seven good reasons why a hike at Mt. Mago should be next on your list. 1. Easy hike advisable for beginners.Believe me. You don't have to be an experienced hiker to reach the peak of Mt. Mago successfully. The trail is not as strenuous as other hikes, and you just need to traverse 3 or 4 steep up and down green rolling hills. But then again, let me warn you. It's not a total walk in the park, though. Some parts are somewhat steep. Nevertheless, it's all manageable. If your group won't have many stopovers for photo ops, it would just take an hour to get to the peak. Easy, accessible, and worth it. 2. Vast view of the green mountainside and rolling hills. What I love about this hike is the journey itself. The peak may not be as grand as other peaks, but I swear that there's nothing more spectacular than the geographic landscapes you can witness along the way. The green mountainside and rolling hills, plus the strong hug of the breeze, will surely give you a dose of euphoria. At some point, you may feel like you're in Batanes. Every other point offers an amazing view that makes you automatically want to snap a perfect panoramic shot. During the hike, there were a lot of times I stopped and just lived in the moment to get a more prolonged sense of satisfaction with the grand scenery. I tell you, there were a lot of times I felt infinite. *insert Perks of Being a Wallflower theme song* 3. Splendid natural scenery along the wayAside from the green hills, you can also see lots of natural sceneries along the way as you ascend to the peak. The famous lone tree, for example, I guess every hiker going to Mt. Mago appreciates this somewhat nostalgic view of a lone tree in the middle of a vast green landscape. I bet thousands of dramatic photo poses were taken here. You can pass by amazing cornfields and spots with a natural water source where some animals drink for replenishment. There were also times that these animals stay submerged in the water for a long time to find respite from the midday sun. Nevertheless, it offers such a beautiful and natural scene. 4. Conquer three municipalities at the same time. 5. Sidetrip to a nearby falls.
6. Sidetrip at Lapus-Lapus Cave. This trip would be just an option if you wanted to spice up your Mt. Mago hike a little bit. This side trip to Lapus-Lapus cave offers a great experience of both uphill and downhill trail as well as intense rock climbing adventure. For this trip, you and your girls will need to unleash more of your courageous side as you are going bump into many difficult rock assaults in going inside the cave. But all hardships will be more than rewarding upon seeing the awe-inspiring beauty of the cave. Inside Lapus-Lapus cave is a giant image of Mama Mary atop a massive rock. Further details about this trip will be posted soon. *crossed-fingers* 7. The joy of meeting new friends.
MT. MAGO HIKE ESSENTIALS From the North Bus terminal, ride a bus bound for Bogo (Fare: 50) and tell the bus conductor to drop you off at Carmen Public Market. From there, you can ride habal-habal going to Brgy. Santican that will serve as the jump-off point. If you don't have a guide and are all first-timers, you can contact our guide Kuya Sanny Boy - 09550976771. The motorcycle ride to Brgy. Santican will take less than an hour, and you'll enjoy an incredible journey full of amazing sceneries and places. Along the way, you'll pass by the wide range of MLuiller Farm properties. You'll also pass by Durano Eco Farm and Spring Resort and some good spots for Holy Week like the Benedict Monastery in Corte, Carmen where you can find the Lady of Manaoag. "It's not about the destination, it's all about the journey .. "9/20/2017 0 Comments Sirao Flower Farm9/4/2017 0 Comments Sergio's Strawberry FarmCebu's very own strawberry land .. Good news. We don't have to go on a long journey just to see and experience the beauty of strawberry farms in the far-off place of Baguio City. We are all lucky because Cebu now has its very own strawberry land. Even more fortunate, it's just a three-hour drive from the city. Sergio’s Strawberry Farm is said to be Cebu's very first organic strawberry farm which is located at Maloray, Dalaguete Cebu. This farm has been hitting it big on the local tourists for quite some time now. It offers an additional refuge away from the buzzing heat in the metro.
We were a bit disappointed to see very few strawberries in the field that day. The caretaker then explained that it was because they just had completed the harvest the other day. Good thing, they let us have a free taste of some fresh strawberries - not bad for the 50-peso entrance fee, at least.
There were some parts of this quick trip that I really loved. Most of these are the amazing sceneries midway through the site. I had fun on our way to the farm. Here are some of the photos I took along the way. |
Hiraeth
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