Tag: sunset

🏔 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.

  • Super nervous here! (lol)
  • Oh I so love! 💕
  • Fight meeee!!
  • There she goes….
  • Rest for a while and enjoy everything.
  • Wohoooo!! Summit!
  • Old and new trail.

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.

  • Oh, hey there!
  • The gang!
  • Take a rest and take a pic! 😉
  • Let’s swim after the long trail!
  • Hi.
  • I know you’re smiling.
  • Mt. Talamitam
  • Trio
  • Gorgeous.
  • We-hee! I love the adventurous me.
  • Thank you Lord for this.

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.

  • As I said, the trio.
  • Oh I love the sunrise, the colors, the feelings and all of it!
  • This girl is happy.
  • ❤️
  • Another summit.
  • Ang ganda mo naman.

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!

My First… … …

Aside from this simple blog of mine, I do have my own little diary, and as far as I remembered, I’ve written that 2015 will be a fearless year, and it’s going to be a braver me. I also written that this year is all about going to places I’ve never been to, it’s about taking risks and taking chances. So far, everything is going fine, I’ve come to experience some things that are really my FIRSTS.

I just achieved my first trekking experience on Mt. Gulugod-Baboy in Mabini, Batangas. It’s kind of tiring but it’s all worth it. You just got to love the view, the whole municipality of Mabini and even Bauan, the wide blue ocean and the cool breeze that just caresses your skin. How relaxing the feeling is. At the top, I feel how close I am to nature. I appreciate the beauty of nature and the beauty of Batangas more. Indeed, God is really a great painter. He’s really a genius.

I’ve been to many beaches and resorts, but this is also my first time to experience this photo op in this amazing rock formation in the middle of the sea. This one’s also in Mabini. See how beautiful Batangas is!! What makes this experience more awesome is because I have Bea with me. (the pretty girl behind me in the photo). She’s just adventurous as I am.

In my twenty-four years, this is really my first time witnessing such a gorgeous sunset. The feeling is just so surreal that I just witness how everything that surrounds me is slowly embraced by a yellow-orange hue.

As I watched how the sun sets in its haven, I just come to realize that God has so many ways to remind us that life always offers new chances and new beginnings.

It is also my first time experiencing the famous Pahiyas Festival in Lucban Quezon. Every house was designed with different Lucban’s products making it colorful. All the people in Lucban really made an effort to make Pahiyas such beauty. In this festival, you can see plenty of fruits and vegetables such as string beans, pineapples, aubergines, lady’s finger and a lot more.

One of Lucban’s pride is their kiping. It is actually made of rice that is molded in a leaf-like shape in different colors. This was really my first time to taste this so called kiping. It can be fried or grilled. Amazing, right?

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This was taken in Kamay ni Hesus in Quezon, it is just so humbling and blessed experience to reach the giant image of Jesus at the grotto after climbing the less than 500 steps of stairs on the way to the top.

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This is one hell of a ride, the Space shuttle in Enchanted Kingdom, everyone. I’m always saying that I will never ride this one, as in never, I don’t know what’s gotten into us when we just joined those people waiting to have a ride in this thing. As the crew fixes our safety belts, I feel like ‘Noooo, I want out!!’. But at the same time, I feel like ‘This is it!’ As the space shuttle comes to life, I just scream my heart out to the highest level. It feels like you just don’t care at all, you just hang on with your dear life. After that one freaking ride, my world just turned upside down. I felt dizzy and the only way to get my normal self was just a cup of ice cream. Crazy!

This is my first to explore one of the beaches in Sariaya, Quezon, the Villa Prado. We just enjoyed everything, their minions, billiards, slide, the pool, all of it.

Indeed, these experiences really need to be treasured. I just love that I got a taste of these precious moments. Always find time to relax. Always find time to celebrate and enjoy life. Godspeed.