Mt. Ayaas, Montalban, Rizal

Last month, I failed to reach the summit of Mt. Paminitan; I didn't even make it through halfway because I had an asthma attack. I wanted to pursue the climb, but my husband advised me not to. Even Kuya Mac, our guide, said I looked unwell. 

Mt. Pigingan Dayhike (Conquering the Hanging Bridge)

Not for the first-time hikers. It’s a warning. I knew it’s going to be a long hike, but I never realized how arduous it’s going to be. Mt. Pigingan is not your ordinary day hike activity. Ask my badly bruised toenails (still oddly purple-ish as of this writing) 😐

Mt. Sawi, Nueva Ecijia

Warning. This is a broken slash bitter story. Indeed a "sawi" experience in Mt. Sawi. (Ha ha)

Rain was drifting when we arrived at Malinao Elementary School, Gabaldon, Nueva Ecijia. It was 4:00 AM, the school was closed (as expected) and surrounding was eerie dark. While most of my companions including my husband were busy going around the vicinity to locate the registration area, I couldn't stop thinking about travel horror stories. I was honestly freaking out deep inside.

Assault to Mt. Binacayan

Mt. Binacayan is situated at Montalban, Rizal.  It's just 20 minutes away from Marikina (where our place is) with no traffic. My memories of Montalban take me to my childhood days. We used to visit our relatives there. I can still vividly remember how boring it was for me then because all I could see were trees and mountains. When I was a child, my appreciation to mother nature was totally oblivious.  Now that I am an adult, all I could think of is to conquer the 11 mountains of Montalban.

Mt. Cayabu and Mt. Maynuba Traverse Hike

Alarm. 3AM. Shucks! Parang kakatulog ko pa lang! Must be at Cogeo Gate 2 at 4AM! 

Hike bag. Check.
Camera. Check.
Cash. Check.

Okay na. Gusto ko pa sanang mag-kape kaso parang late na.

Taxiiiiiii!!!

Time check - 3:30AM. "Manong, Gate 2 Cogeo, po."  In less than 20 minutes, pag-gising ko, Gate 2 na. Astig! I hope traveling to work is like this.

Braving Pico de Lorro

Our hike to Pico de Loro was originally scheduled in February 2. But due to unavailability of lead attendees, Gia, our team organizer, decided to move it to March. Until one Facebook message from Katie changed the whole plan (ha-ha) and eventually decided to make it February 9. To make the long story short, nag-adik lang sa lakwatsa (he-he).

Chasing Clouds in Benguet, Mt. Pulag

I was very excited, and I must admit anxious, for this date to arrive. Surviving Mt. Pulag was something I thought would be excruciating. I had episodes of serious asthma attacks and had no idea if I would be able to go through the 4-5 hour trail. Mt. Pulag is Luzon’s highest mountain with 2,922 meters above sea level and with such information alone, I couldn’t help but ask myself, “kaya mo ba talaga?”