🏔 My 2025 Hiking Era: Chasing Summits and Sunsets

Breathe. Step. Repeat. That’s how you reach the top.

Hiiiiiiii!!! How’s everyone going?! It’s been so loooong!! How’s your October so far? How’s your 2025 going?

Remember those goals we set at the start of the year? Has anyone achieved theirs already—or almost there?

Well, I’m here to share mine. This year, I officially declared 2025 as my hiking era, and I’ve been embracing it fully—heart, soul, and sore legs included! 😆

Since sinabi ko nga na hiking era ko na ‘to, nag-invest talaga ako sa hiking gears: I bought hiking shoes, a sturdy bag, and a trekking pole. And honestly? I am so damn happy!

First Summit: Mt. Batulao | Month: January

Mt. Batulao 😍

New year, new heights—literally! When I said to myself that 2025 would be my hiking era, the universe must’ve heard me because my friend randomly messaged, “Hike tayo sa Batulao!” So I said, “Let’s goooo!”

Since it was January, the weather was cool, but the trail was a bit muddy from the previous rain. Still, it was a beautiful hike. Medyo hingal at first (it’s been a while since I last climbed), but the cold breeze made everything easier. Our guide kept reminding us to take it slow, rest if needed, and just enjoy the journey.

Mt. Batulao has been on my bucket list for so long—and finally, thank You, Lord, I made it!

Second Summit: Nasugbu Trilogy — Mt. Talamitam, Mt. Apayang, and Mt. Lantik | Month: February

Now this one… whew! This was my struggle hike. 😂

Three mountains in one day, under the blazing sun, with open trails and almost-summer heat. This hike tested my endurance and my willpower! But it was also extra special because more friends joined after seeing our Batulao adventure.

Despite the exhaustion, every step was worth it. The views, the laughter, and that feeling of accomplishment—priceless.

Third Summit: Mt. Ulap | Month: March

This one stole my heart. 💙

Mt. Ulap is hands down my favorite so far. The weather was cool, the trail was relaxing, and everything about the experience felt spontaneous and magical.

Funny thing is—it wasn’t even our original plan! We were supposed to hike Mt. Mariglem, but due to some circumstances, our organizer suggested Mt. Ulap instead. Best. Decision. Ever.

One of my friends, who had always wanted to climb Mt. Ulap, joined us too, which made the experience even better. I fell in love with the mountain views, the crisp air, and the peace that only hiking can bring.

Fourth Summit: Mt. Mariglem | Month: July

Our Mt. Mariglem hike was another beautiful adventure! Thankfully, it didn’t rain (a small miracle in July 😂). The weather was perfect, not too hot, and we started early.

This hike had everything I love—gorgeous views, a river crossing, and an amazing group of people. It’s my second favorite for sure. By the end, my body was screaming in pain, but in the best way. The kind of tired that makes you feel alive.

I’m beyond grateful for the privilege to explore, for the strength to keep going, and for the freedom to chase summits. I’ve met so many wonderful people on the trail—each with their own stories, smiles, and reasons for climbing.

Before the year ends, I’m manifesting one more mountain… Mt. Pulag! (PLEASSSSSEEE!!!) 🙏✨

Huge shoutout to my hiking buddy, Jun — salamat for always guiding me, encouraging me, and making every trail lighter and more fun. Can’t wait for our next climb!

Our Masungi Adventure

At last, our Masungi escapade finally happened!

We’re actually been planning this Masungi trip since July however there’s a lot of uhmm should I say hindrances why it was not able to push through right away LOL. There’s the unpredictable weather, our contradicting schedules and unapproved leave. Haha

Since August 20 is my birthday, I filed a week leave ahead of time because I’m really planning to celebrate my birthday somewhere. My original plan was to go to Bicol, Baler or somewhere outside Batangas at least. Unfortunately, it is just two days that got approved and take note, both are inconsecutive days. So obviously, my original plan is ruined. I chatted with Auline right away and told her to have Masungi instead. And that’s when our Masungi adventure came to life. Haha

Masungi Georeserve is located in Baras, Rizal. You can actually log on to their website to book a tour in Masungi. They offered shared trail and night trail for Php 1,800 per pax. If you are on an exclusive tour, you must form a group of at least 7 pax. Since it is just me and Auline, we got the shared trail wherein we pay Php 1,500 each and there’s a snack included on that.

Masungi is also accessible. We rode a bus from SM Lipa Grand Terminal to Cubao. From there, we rode an FX to Cogeo wherein the jeepney route to Masungi was situated. It is around 30-45 minutes from Cogeo and you can reach Masungi.

You’ll need to walk for about 20-30 minutes before you can finally reach the main entrance of Masungi. From here, you can now see different limestone and rock formations. When we arrived, we were greeted by their friendly staff. They also have lockers where you can rent for Php 20 for your bags and other valuable things. Masungi also provides helmets for safety and string bags in which you can put essential things for hiking. And oh, if ever that you forgot your tumbler, you can also buy one from them for Php 50.

Masungi has this Legacy Tree Project wherein you will be given a certificate as proof that they will plant a tree under your name. It will be planted around the Sierra Madre range. As mentioned on the orientation, once the tree grows and bears fruits, you’ll be invited to see the tree that you donated. Amazing, right?

We started our trek at 10AM. Since the weather is kind of gloomy, they have raincoats ready for the hikers, because rain or shine, trekking goes on. LOL

Masungi has nine trail sites or stations namely Duyan, Kubo, the famous Sapot ni Ric, Tatay, Nanay, Kweba ni Ruben, Bayawak and Sawa. I can’t remember the last one though, apologies for that.

I really had a hard time on Bayawak because it is the eight-trail station and for you to get through this, you must cross a rope shaped like an alligator hence it was called bayawak. It’s like you’re doing rock climbing but there’s no rocks haha you know what I mean. And then, I got a little bit scared of Duyan because you are in the middle of the forest and then you have to walk through a huge swing. Fear of heights, dude. For Nanay and Tatay, you can see the whole view of Masungi.

I must say that it was an awesome experience. So much tiredness, but so worth it. I can now check Masungi in my bucket-list. Yaaay!

Mt. Manabu 2018

It’s been a year since my last hike, that was February 2017 in Mt. Maculot.

Since I was so fed up and stressed in my current job, I filed a 3-day vacation leave. I said to myself that I have to go somewhere to spend my 3 days’ vacation. And since my friend is also mending her broken heart, she decided to go on hiking so why not join her.

We agreed to climb Mt. Manabu in Sta. Cruz, Sto. Tomas, Batangas. One of our friends already climbed Mt. Manabu so we decided not to have a guide.

At 5:30AM, we’re at the registration point already. At 6AM, we arrived at the starting point. (Exciting!!) So nagsimula na kaming umakyat, sabi nila visible naman daw ang trail and kailangan lang namin sundan yun. Meron ding mga guide map so push! Narating namin ang Station 2 around 7AM. Nakakapagtaka lang na parang hindi naman paakyat yung dinadaanan namin. Good thing, may napagtanungan kami, yun pala naliligaw na kami. (yikes! lol) Sabi ni kuya, papunta na raw CALABARZON ang labas namin. Nakakaloka, sa halip na bundok ang mapuntahan, toll way ang mararating. (LOL)

Medyo mahabang lakarin ulit pabalik ng station 2 pero keri, pawis pa mooore! Nung nakabalik na kami sa station 2, tinandaan na namin ang sinabi nila na derecho lang ang daan.

Patarik na ng patarik ang dinadaanan namin kaya feeling namin tama na yung tinatahak namin. Thanks God, narating namin ang Station 5 o kung tawagin nila ay Kapihan ni Tatay Tino. Dito sa station na ‘to libre ang kape at take note, hindi basta kape ha, civet coffee lang naman ang iinumin mo- kape na galing sa poop ng alamid.

Nang makarating kami sa summit kung san nandun ang malaking krus medyo foggy pa kaya hindi pa masyadong kita ang view.

Honestly, I need more of this. Less worry, less stress. Yung happy lang, yung payapa lang ang nararamdaman mo. Panatag ang pagkatao mo.

At pag bumalik na tayo sa realidad ng buhay, mas handa na tayo. Meron na ulit tayong sapat ng lakas at determinasyon para harapin ang lahat.

Masasa Beach 2018

Okay, eto na nga, pagkatapos kong magresign sa UHG last July 2017, wala pa ulit akong matinong gala na as in masasabi ko na nakapag-relax ako. Kasi naman, ang dami kong issue. LOL Nag-apply ako sa Results na tumagal lang ako ng 3 months at nagresigned din, bukod kasi sa medyo hassle yung account, nakaka-stress din ang working environment. Sagaaaaad!! And then, nagbalik- loob ako sa Teletech, pero ibang account na. Dayshift. Mahirap yung account ko ngayon kaya naman talagang sabi ko kailangan ko naman ng break.

Kaya naman nung inaya ako ni Bea na pumunta sa Masasa Beach sa Tingloy, walang pag-aalinlangan, sama agad.

Super na-enjoy ko ang weekend getaway na ‘to. First time ko kasi dito sa Masasa. First time ko din na makasakay sa malakihang bangka na talagang pambyahe. Ang sarap sa feeling.

So pagdating namin, after kumain and all, punta na kagad sa dagat.

Sobrang ganda naman nga pala talaga ng Masasa Beach. Malinaw yung tubig, maputi at sobrang pino ng buhangin.

Kinabukasan, island hopping and snorkeling naman ang pinagkaabalahan namin. Pumunta kami sa Sepoc Island, Sombrero Island (yan lang ang natandaan ko) Hahahaha

Hindi na kami bumaba sa mismong Isla ng Sombrero kasi may bayad na Php 200. Eh ang pag-snorkeling, dun lang din naman sa paligid ng Sombrero Island.

First time ko ding magsnorkeling, ang saya lang. Naisip ko, siguro kung marunong akong lumangoy, mas maeenjoy ko pa lalo yung snorkeling. Ang linaw ng tubig, ang dami ng isda. Tapos may pawikan pa.

Unang getaway ngayon 2018 at sobrang ang saya sa pakiramdam. Parang feeling ko ang dami kong nagawa pero hindi ko ramdam yung pagod. Enjoy talaga.

Mt. Gulugod Baboy version 2.0

sometimes you just need a break, in a beautiful place, to figure everything out

I’ve been to Mt. Gulugod Baboy way back 2015 and last Sunday I got the chance to visit it again.

Around 4pm we were already in Mabini Town Proper and from there we took a tricycle to Gulugod. One of our colleagues is residing in Brgy. Ligaya wherein Gulugod Baboy is located, kaya plano ko na maligo muna bago umakyat.

Medyo maulap ang panahon kaya hindi mainit ang pag-akyat namin. May mga dala kaming baon sa taas para dun kumain. Ang saya na kumakain ka ng pasta, pichi-pichi at gelatin sa taas ng bundok- tanaw ang buong bayan ng Bauan, ang dagat ng Mabini, ang Sombrero Island, pati mata mo busog sa magandang tanawin. Nakakapanatag ng puso.

At maya- maya nga padilim na nang padilim ang kalangitan, parating na ang ulan. So pack-up muna at kailangang bumaba. Dapat hindi maabutan ng ulan at talagang basang-sisw pagkababa. Sige, takbo na parang may zombie apocalypse. HAHA

Medyo natagalan din bago tumila ang ulan. Yung planong manonood ng sunset, wala. Yung planong magtatayo ng tent sa bundok para dun matulog, wala.

Ang plano, kinabukasan maaga gigising para sa sunrise. Sunrise naman ang ilalaban natin bilang nabigo tayo sa sunset. HAHA Pero pag minamalas ka nga naman, wala ring sunrise na nasaksihan kasi umulan na ulit. Hindi naman kami aware na may bagyo pala nun bilang hindi kami nagcheck ng weather forecast. (urghh loser! lol)

Anyways, kahit na nasira lahat ng plano, okay lang. Kahit na walang sunset o sunrise na natunghayan, okay lang. At least nakalayo pansamantala sa gulo at ingay ng syudad (naks, parang Manila girl kung makasyudad haha) but kidding aside, what I mean is yung kahit ilang oras, nakawala sa realidad ng mundo. Yung wala kang ibang nakikita kundi yung magagandang ginawa ng Maylikha. Yung pag tumigil ka pansamantala, marerealized mo na maganda pa rin talaga ang buhay. Kahit may mga problema at pagsubok, masaya pa rin ang mabuhay. Sabi nga, kung may isandaan kang dahilan para malungkot at umiyak, humanap ka ng kahit isang dahilan para maging masaya, ngumiti at tumawa, dahil meron yan. Hindi ka mawawalan ng dahilan para sumaya at magpasalamat.

Kaya kung napapagod ka na sa buhay, pahinga lang ng konti, then laban ulit.

So, to my 27-year-old self, you got this, okay? *winks*

Layag Layag Beach Cove: My Summer Starts Here

Last March 05, 2017 I found one majestic paradise in the heart of Nasugbu, Batangas- the Layag Layag Beach Cove or Layag Layag Island. It’s in Brgy. Papaya, Nasugbu Batangas.

We arrived in Nasugbu proper around 2 in the afternoon. There us a PUV in SM Lipa route to Nasugbu town that costs Php125.00 From Nasugbu, we have our contact Kuya Rodel who will accompany us to the beach. We rode a tricycle that took us 45 mins to reach Brgy. Papaya and that costs Php700.00 back and forth. Going to Layag Layag Beach, you have to take a boat that costs Php220.00 per head. From Brgy. Papaya to the island, it took 15 minutes. (yan lang yung expenses plus food since wala naman entrance fee and cottage #budgetarian)

Why Layag Layag? Because the rock formation in the middle of the sea looks like a sail or layag. This is indeed a virgin beach since there are no cottages, no nearby stores, no electricity, no comfort rooms nor shower rooms. Just pure nature, and I think it’s beautiful because that’s where the real adventure begins.

Looks like a sail, right?

You have to bring your own tent or hammock so you can have something to sleep in. We have our food, water, bread, chips and canned goods. We did not bother to cook anyway. Around 4pm we reached the picturesque island. When we arrived, some people were already leaving, which I find a little bit awesome, so we can have the island all by ourselves. LOL We put up our tent, while inhaling the sea breeze and indulging our eyes to the breath-taking view that is in front of us. By 6pm we watched the sunset. One of the best feelings in the world!! And then we started swimming, you just have to wear slippers to be safe from rocks and sea urchins.

urghhh relaxing!
Sunsets are proof that no matter what happens, everyday can end beautifully. ❤

Since there’s no CR to shower up, I thought it would make me sticky, but no. Ang sarap kaya nung pakiramdam na natutuyo ang tubig-alat sa balat mo.

When the darkness crept in, I can really feel the serenity and the calmness. Sobrang parang kinakalma at hinehele ang buo kong pagkatao. I can hear the ocean waves rustling while reggae music is playing in the background. What is chill?

By 10pm, we started to doze off. I thought I’m not going to have a good sleep but I’m so wrong. That’s one of the best sleeps I’ve ever had. My sister even told me that I’m snoring! (wait, whaaaat?!)

The next day, we had our morning walk, we took pictures and we took our final dip in Layag Layag’s seawater. At 10AM, we decided to text Kuya Rodel for him to fetch us since we still have work on that day. Bilang napakabuting tao ni Kuya Rodel, sa kanya kami nakisuyo para makiligo at makapagbihis ng maayos.

Layag Layag Island escapade is my most memorable experience this 2017 so far. Maybe because it’s full of fun, laughter, craziness and spontaneity. At dahil din siguro ang dami kong “firsts” dito. First time kong makapag- boat ride, first time to camp and first time to sleep in a tent. Haay lahat masarap sa pakiramdam. Hindi lang ako nag enjoy, ang dami ko ring realizations. Una, napakasimple naman pala talaga ng buhay, tayong mga tao lang ang nagpapakomplikado. Sina Kuya Rodel at ang pamilya nila, ang simple lang ng pamumuhay pero ramdam ko naman na masaya at kontento sila. Pangalawa, meron pa rin talagang mabubuting tao, na kahit hindi mo masyadong kilala o isang beses mo palang nakita ay handa kang tulungan ng bukal sa puso. Si Kuya Rodel, hindi nagdalawang-isip na patuluyin kami sa bahay nila para makapaglinis kami ng katawan. Pangatlo, simple things do matter and sometimes those simple things can make you the happiest.

It’s official, my summer starts in this stunning haven! So stay salty everyone!

Rookie of The Rockies 2017

Every mountain top is within reach if you just keep climbing.” – Barry Finlay

It”s been a week since my friends and I went hiking. We climbed the peak of Mt. Maculot, one cold Saturday morning.

Mt. Maculot is situated in Cuenca, Batangas, which is about 947m tall. It has three parts- The Rockies, Summit and Grotto. You can reach these three destinations through traverse day-hike. While some just took the route to the Rockies only, we decided to choose the Rockies-Summit-Grotto traverse and it cost us Php 800.00 for the tour guide.

We arrived at the town of Cuenca around five in the morning. We had our registration and we also met our tour guide, Kuya Elmer. It is our first time hiking as high as Mt. Maculot. What we have in this hiking are just one loaf of bread, bottles of water, chips, body strength and courage.

We had our prayers first, for our safety and guidance. We started our trek about 6AM, and our first destination was The Rockies. The trails is really challenging, it will test your stamina real hard. I lost count how many times we took a rest, and while we are resting, sabi samin ni ate na nagtitinda ng suman, “naku pag narating nyo na ang tuktok ng Rockies, sabihin nyo naman worth it.” At yun naman ang gusto namin, kaya tuloyy ang trekking.

Hindi birong pawis ang nailabas ko dito, agang work-out. When we hiked, the weather was not so fine, medyo umaambon, so sabi namin walang sunrise kasi maulap. But we keep on praying na sana pagdating namin sa taas may clearing and ta-daa! Yaaay! Worth it nga!

You’ll have a perfect view of Taal Lake. Ang sarap sa feeling! Ito yung pakiramdam na pagkatapos ng paghihirap, walang kapantay na saya ang malalasap mo. (Literal, ito yun mga bes!)

At sobrang naappreciate ko at natutuwa ako sa mga tao na nakakasalubong namin na naghahike din. They’re saying “Good morning, Ingat kayo and God Bless!” They are so friendly and approachable. All you have to do is wear your genuine smile and you’ll have a circle of friends in just a snap.

After Rockies, Summit naman. But before going to Summit, we had our lunch first to have our energy back. Going to summit, the stuggle is real. Parang four times yung hirap kesa papuntang Rockies. Dahil nga sa medyo hindi kagandahan ang panahon, medyo umulan ang foggy pa, kaya talagang maputik at madulas yung daraanan. Grabe talagaaaaa!! I slide and stumble twice because of the thick mud and slippery trail. I felt like my knees are shaking because of tiredness and maybe muscle pain. Thank you to our tour guide, if not for him, I think I could not make it.

Lesson learned: Before you hike, prepare your body well. Do some stretching to avoid body pain.

After an hour or two, here we come Summit. Lamig!

Final destination: Grotto. Pagbaba ng Summit, super rapelling talaga ang kailang gawin. Dahil sobrang tarik ng dadaanan, kailangang humawak sa mga lubid para makababa. Konting lakad pa ang ginawa namin at Grotto na. You’ve got the perfect view of the whole town. Sobrang relaxing!

Pababa sa grotto, sementado na ang daan siguro para mas madali sa mga bumibisita lalo na kapag Holy Week para sa Station of the Cross.

At 2:30 PM, matagumpay kaming nakababa ng Bundok Maculot. Sobrang nakakapagod, talagang mauubos ang lahat ng lakas mo pero sobra din nyang worth it. Sobrang fulfilled ka pagbaba mo ng bundok. Talagang napakaganda naman nga ng kalikasan.

Lahat ng pawis, putik, tawa at saya ay babaunin ko sa aking alaala. Napakagandang experience ang pinalasap sakin ng Maculot.

Nakaya ko, kaya mo din. Conquer Maculot and fall in love in it’s beauty.

Our Great North Escapade

My forever soul sisters had our 3-day tour in Ilocos, and I must say that was way too awesome, not just because of the beautiful places we’ve been to while we are in Ilocos but rather it is the moments and the laughter we shared together.

Yung nakakapagod na byahe pero masaya, yung di mo na alam ang posisyon na gagawin mo para lang maging komportable sa byahe (lol), yung mga epic na shots sa sobrang lakas ng hangin, yung jump shots na hindi nyo maachieve- achieve, yung sakit ng katawan nyo dahil sa sand dunes, yung pagkakabagsak ng camera at cellphone nyo, yung paghabol nyo sa tsinelas dahil nadala ng sobrang lakas ng alon sa Pagudpud! Hahaha Really, one of the books!

In this great Ilocos Tour we visited Bantay Church and Bell Tower (St. Agustine Church) and Baluarte ni Chavit Singson. I was totally amazed sa Baluarte, you can find all kinds of animals even the endangered ones. And of course, we had a glimpse to the famous Chavit’s tiger. I just found out that Chavit is one hell of a licensed hunter, so once you got to the museum, you’ll gonna see all the preserved heads of the animals he killed.

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We had our breakfast at Jerry’s Restaurant wherein we first tasted their specialty, bagnet.

We also pay a visit to Marcos Museum and Marcos Mauseleum and Malacanang Ti Amianan. Going to Paoay Church is also part of the itinerary.

One of the activities we had is Sand Dunes, it is just optional: 500 per person for the activity fee, and since andito na din naman kami and we’re here for adventure and fun, we grabbed the chance. Sand dunes pa more!! It was a thrilling experience! We screamed, we laughed! Kahit masakit ang katawan namin after, okay lang.

On our second day, we went to Pagudpud, na sobrang lakas ng hangin, sobrang lakas ng alon. We never know na malalas at malaki ang alon sa Pagudpud that time, so mega tampisaw kami, and then bang! Big waves are coming!!! Sa pagtakbo ko, naiwan yung tsinelas ko, and I was like ‘kukunin ko pa ba, sobrang lakas ng alon, mababasa ako’, but I have to get my freakin’ slippers!!! So Tinay and I struggled the big waves for the sake of my precious slipper. Ayun basa! Aliw lang. Haha And yes, I got my slipper back. Lol We also went to Cape Bojedor, Kapurpurawan Rock Formation, eto sobrang epic ang pagpunta namin dito, sa Kapurpurawan meron ding mga windmills, so sa sobrang excitement namin sa windmills hindi namin napagtuunan ng pansin ang rock formation. Hahaha And then the Bangui Windmill. Gusto sana naming maachieve ang jump shot dito, pero wala eh, epic fail ang mga jump shots! 😂😂 Before we go back to hotel, the last place we visited on our second day is Bantay Abot Cave. Sobrang ganda ng view. Perfect! Perfect! 👌👌

On our last day, Vigan it is! So oras na para bumili ng pasalubong after roaming around. And we also take our chance for the Kalesa ride. Hihi

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So there, sobrang saya ng getaway na to with Angel and Tinay. Sobrang worth it. And this tour is also powered by Triple 8 Travel Agency! Thank you guys for making our Ilocos tour such an amazing and memorable one. Till our next destination!

P.S it should have been posted right after the tour, but the internet connection is not cooperating that time, and then I became busy because of holiday season, kaya ngayon lang sya mapapapost! 😁

 

#Maroon5VTourManila

This blog should have been posted a day after the concert of my favorite band happened, but it took me three days to come up with this, simply because I just can find the right words to describe what I’m feeling. Happy is an understatement. It was total nirvana!! It is just so incredible!

I love all the songs they performed!! They opened it up with Animals, followed by One More Night!! Woahh!!! They also sang their own version of Stereo Hearts!! Lucky Strike, Harder to Breath, Makes me Wonder, This Love, Daylight, Sugar, wow!! What an awesome setlist!!

I got loco when Adam Levine dedicated the song Love Somebody to their crazy fans in Manila. He’s really adorable!

I felt like crying watching them perform!! Your favorite band is in front of you singing all their amazing hits, imagine that!!!

I was soooooo kilig when they sang, She Will Be Loved, my all-time favorite, it was like they’re really singing that one for me. Haha. I am also thankful that they added Lost Stars to their set list!!


I am beyond happy that I am part of this crowd! I am incredibly ecstatic to be appreciated by the band who I love most!

They really slay the night!!

And my heart melted when Adam posted on IG that has a caption like this, “Thank you people of Manila for your passion and enthusiasm for music. Always a bright spot-on tour.” Sweet right?

Until now, I can’t get over it! It’s still all in my head! I am hoping they will be back again and I promised I will have a better seat! Haha

Thank you, Maroon 5, for giving me all the chills and excitement. That was really an experience that made one of the things in my bucket list unlocked!
✔Watched Maroon 5 concert.