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What the mountains teaches me.

It all started one evening as I was scrolling through Facebook. I saw an ad for a Mt. Pulag climb. At that time, I was still in Mindoro. Mt. Pulag—the highest mountain in Luzon—immediately caught my attention. Among its four trails, the Ambangeg trail is known to be the easiest. The majestic view of the mountain and the famous sea of clouds at its peak sparked my curiosity and made me want to sign up. Honestly, I was just bored. I had been stuck at home for the past two years because of the pandemic. I just wanted to let go and experience something new. Mt. Pulag isn’t just far from Manila—it’s also one of the more expensive mountains to climb. The weather during the hike was freezing. The bottled water I brought from the lodge felt like it had come straight from a cooler. Despite the cold, the hike wasn’t that difficult for me since I was used to walking long distances. Although there was no sea of clouds when I reached the summit, I still felt something profound—I felt alive. I felt ...
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A CONVERSATION WITH OUR MOUNTAIN GUIDE

  Norly Nening  Tapulao Mountain Guide         Mount Tapulao, known among hikers as the "Die Hike," is infamous for its grueling challenges. Spanning a 32-km back trail, it is the tallest peak in Central Luzon and a magnet for thrill-seekers and adventurers. The rocky and muddy path proves challenging even for seasoned climbers. I admit I didn’t do much research before this hike, aside from knowing it was the highest mountain in Central Luzon. I chose it partly because the cooler climate was more appealing compared to the typically scorching open trails of Zambales.        I managed to summit the peak during this day hike, but descending proved to be a different story. I slipped multiple times on the rain-soaked, clay-like soil, losing my balance again and again. Thankfully, our guide, Norly Nening, was there to assist us, ensuring we safely navigated our way down this formidable mountain.       One of the things I love ab...

Mt. TAPULAO

  "The danger of an adventure is worth a thousand days of ease and comfort." —Paulo Coelho Since I don't have work on Monday and Tuesday, I decided to take a hike to clear my mind and evaluate where I am in life. I chose to hike Mt. Tapulao, located in Palauig and part of the Zambales mountain range. The hike started at 4:00 AM, with a beautiful sky in the background. The first 3 kilometers of the 18-kilometer hike to the summit (36 kilometers in total, since this is a back trail ) are on an asphalt road that was previously a dirt road. During these first 3 kilometers, I was faster than my co-hikers, but I couldn't keep up with the first guide and the leading hiker. I found myself walking alone on a dark road, reflecting on many things while being wary of cars that could hit me. After 3 kilometers, the end of the asphalt road revealed the West Philippine Sea in the background, where I could spot Chinese ships. This made me think about how close the disputed territorie...

SA QC, SA UP, SA KALSADA NG BGC

       A psychologist once said, 'Relationships are transactions of value.' The transaction remains invisible when functioning well. However, no matter how strong the relationship is, if individuals are in different phases of life, one must let go while the other accepts it's end. Saying goodbye may be bittersweet, yet it involves hoping for someone's best interests and trusting that they will live their best life until their paths cross again. .....  SA QC, SA UP, SA KALSADA NG BGC. Poc.wharfinger · Maki - Saan @Wish

Opacarophile

 Opacarophile - Lover of Sunset Pinamalayan, Oriental Mindoro Patar Beach Bolinao, Pangasinan San Juan Beach, La Union Liwliwa, Zambales Manila Bay (MOA Bayside)

Everyone was a slave of Something (AOT Reflection#1)

  In the world of anime, characters often serve as windows into the human experience, and few illustrate this better than Kenny Ackerman from "Attack on Titan." Despite his initial portrayal as a tough and ruthless character, Kenny's philosophy, shared in a poignant moment before his death, unveils a profound understanding of what it means to be human. As Kenny faces his final moments, he offers a quote that hits home with universal truths about human nature. He acknowledges that everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances, is driven by various desires and attachments. Whether it's enjoying a drink, seeking love, following religious beliefs, or chasing power, these desires shape our lives in profound ways. Kenny's insight into this shared human experience is a testament to his understanding of the complexities of life. What makes Kenny's philosophy so compelling is the contrast it brings to his character. Despite his tough exterior and reputation...

Reaching the clouds at Mt. Ulap

                            IN CLOUD 9!