Musings of a human trapped in the Philippines
Sunday
January 29, 2023
After 4 years, I was able to return to my favorite mountain. This is a recount of my first hike since the pandemic; my comeback to Mt. Batulao (811 masl) in Nasugbu, Batangas.
Continue reading “Akyat: Mt. Batulao 2023”
Saturday
September 2, 2017
Finally! I have reached the crater lake in the famous Taal volcano. I’ve always passed by the volcano when going through Tagaytay, but I’ve never really put effort into going to it. Then on a free weekend, I saw my friend Enciong post about a hike to Taal, via a different route than the traditional “tourist trail.” I messaged him immediately to secure a spot. At first we were waitlisted, but then more slots opened up for Khat and me. Yay!
Saturday
May 6, 2017
Probably the most procrastinated mountain I’ve had the pleasure of finally climbing, Makiling is truly a wonder to behold. Even I can’t believe that I haven’t climbed this mountain especially since almost everyone in my circle of friends have done so. And they have even asked me to come with them on their return, but alas, no Makiling re-climb has taken place. Taking matters into my own hands, I found a free weekend and decided to DIY my way to this magical mountain.
Saturday
September 3, 2016
This weekend, I was invited to a fun climb by my legit mountaineer friend and her legit mountaineering group. It was going to be a dayhike up one of the mountains in San Juan, Batangas followed by an overnight at the beach. Having no tent to call my own, I was having doubts if I can do an overnight escapade, but my friend assured that they will take good care of me. With no more doubts and because the mountains are calling, I confirmed my attendance to climb Mt. Hugom.
Saturday
May 7, 2016
This was a special day for me because it is my Mama‘s birthdaaaay! But aside from that, my company also scheduled their annual outing/team-building on this day. I was fine with missing out so Mama can celebrate her day, but she told me that since it was going to be mothers’ day on Sunday, we could just celebrate then. So I confirmed my attendance with my officemates and early in the morning, we were bound for Nasugbu, Batangas!
Continue reading “Gala: The Quiet Place in Calayo, Batangas”
Saturday
April 9, 2016
I was blessed enough to be a contributor for a charity climb. I’ve always wanted to be of service to others, and being able to climb a mountain while doing it just seemed like the best possible scenario. This hike to my father mountain was for the benefit of the NHTA Center for Education in Cainta, Rizal.
Friday
March 25, 2016
I stood on the campsite of my mother mountain and looked up at the summit, still barely visible as the moon shone against it at around 04:30 in the morning. I can faintly make out the parrot’s beak beside it and a thought entered my head: After summiting this mountain, I have three more to go for today.
Continue reading “Akyat: Nasugbu Quadrilogy, 4 peaks in 1 day”
Sunday
March 20, 2016
It’s been a while, and given the issues with the mountain, I’ve purposely avoided hiking Mt. Batulao recently. But I was finally able to return and get the actual blow-by-blow of what’s happening there. The beauty of this mountain is still undeniable, and I am glad to finally get some sense of closure regarding some of the issues with the fees and guideship.
Jai Online 