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 connected to nature in a way I hadn’t experienced in a long time.
Since then, I’ve climbed more than a dozen peaks across different regions in the north. From the cold, countryside charm of Mt. Ulap to the scorching heat of Mt. Mariglem; from the endless steps of Mt. Kabunian to the rocky and grueling trail of Mt. Tapulao. I’ve also endured the infernal heat and witnessed the raw beauty of the Cawag Hexa—a six-mountain day hike where the scenic coves of Zambales unfold before your eyes. Then there are the more relaxed hikes like Mt. 387 and Mt. Batolusong, and the long and thrilling trail of Mt. Makiling.
Every mountain has its own story. Each journey offers a different experience. It’s hard to explain the feeling to someone who hasn’t done it. But for those of us who hike, we know it’s more than just reaching the summit. It’s about the silence between steps, the rhythm of your breath, the challenge of the trail, and the companionship of fellow hikers.
After doing it many times, I’ve come to understand what draws mountaineers to conquer places like Mt. Everest or face the deadly slopes of K2. It’s not just about the achievement. It’s about the process—pushing through discomfort, finding strength in moments of doubt, and realizing that you are capable of more than you think.
The summit may be the goal, but the journey is the true reward. Along the way, the mountains have taught me patience, resilience, humility, and respect—not only for nature but also for the people I meet on the trail. There’s a certain bond that forms with fellow hikers, a mutual understanding of the struggle and the triumph.
In the mountains, I found peace. I found clarity. I found myself.
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