Mt. Dulang-Dulang - Mt. Kitanglad | D2K Traverse

I gazed at the clouds above and had only the slightest glimpse of blue with the tiniest hint of sun. I closed my eyes and felt the fog slither through my face. Forboding fear and apprehension engulfed my chest. It was a warning from the Gods of Dulang dulang and Kitanglad that this expedition wouldn’t be a normal hike. It was a starting sign of the 3 gloomy days ahead.

Read more >>

Boracay Island | The Famous Paradise Of Aklan

Boracay Island is undoubtedly one of the most popular places in the Philippines. Tourists from all over the world flock here to feel the powdery white sands, the searing hot but clear blue beach and experience the night life that ensues right after the sun comes down. 

Read more >>

Carabao Island | The Peaceful Island Of Romblon

After my band, Maude, got signed by Terno Recordings and with gigs conflicting with our schedules, most of the planned trips Agnes and I had were cancelled. We were supposed to tramp Samar and Leyte months back but the inopportune time of being exactly at the same day as Maude’s big event made me forego the trip.

Read more >>

Tirad Peak | The Assignment 16 Years Too Late

Years back when I was in grade 2, I cheated on an assignment. Well, I didn’t exactly cheat on purpose but I didn’t have any choice. Assigned to get a picture of Tirad Pass by our teacher, I was so saddened by the fact that this historic landmark had no postcards for sale at various bookstores. As a solution to it, I bought a photo of San Juanico Bridge. Idiotic! right? Shamed and worn out, I sat beside my classmates as my homework was being scorned by my teacher.

Read more >>

Sumilon Island | Central Visayas Backpacking (p. 2)

After our solemn Apo Island trip, the planned itinerary was to go directly to Oslob, Cebu. This, being my first time in the southern part of the island, my cousin unexpectedly urged me to delay our sojourn and squeeze in a luxurious Island trip into our plans. I wasn’t really keen on spending that much money but with no other ways to say ‘no’, I hastily agreed to a spontaneous visit to the Island paradise of Sumilon.

Read more >>

Mt. Kanlaon | Guintubdan - Wasay Aborted Traverse

*The photos I'll insert are ones taken the day after the climb inside the DENR ranger station

Since February of 2012, we've been burning our butts off getting ready to pursue the highest mountain in Visayas. We climbed Mt. Ugo, Tirad Peak and the three mountains of Bakun to prime ourselves for the expected ordeal climbing Kanlaon would entail. What we didn't know then was the hard decision we would be facing as we hiked the trail. A decision that if chosen erroneously could spell the difference between life and death. 

Read more >>

Negros Oriental | Central Visayas Backpacking (p. 1)

Five months into the preparation of our Negros-Cebu trip, we were yet undecided where to go and what to visit. After hours of strenuous investigation, virtually hugging the internet for places to visit, searching our hearts out for the best spots we could find, we ended up printing every possible destination. Alas! Our backpacking trip was finally set and ready to begin.

Read more >>

Mt. Tenglawan | Bakun Trio Part 2

I started this day with a smile. Mt. Tenglawan was said to be the hardest of the 3 mountains of Bakun but the fact that it was the last of the consecutive day hikes made me feel ecstatic. In a matter of hours, I would be able to say that I have completed Bakun trio.

Read more >>

Occidental Mindoro | The Surprising San Jose

Anybody who had never touched the sands of Occidental Mindoro would not expect that something in here could figuratively blow one’s mind. We were supposed to climb Mt. Iglit but what we thought to be an unfortunate unavailability of our groupmates turned out to be an unexpected blessing that came in full disguise. With only Agnes and I left to continue the trip, we decided to go on a 5-day backpacking escapade around the province of Occidental Mindoro with our first stop at the surprisingly beautiful town of San Jose.

Read more >>

Mt. Lobo - Mt. Kabunian | Bakun Trio Part 1

“Why am I doing this?” I asked myself, “Why are we here?” I continued. I was desperately groping for answers as these questions lingered in my mind while I was treading the slopes of Mt. Kabunian. “Why am I doing this?” I asked myself halfway through our Bakun Trio climb.

Read more >>