• A beautiful collage of Mount Hamiguitan
    Travel

    Mount Hamiguitan: A Journey To A Magical World

    What’s the difference between a cat and a man? A cat, as they say, has nine lives. But us, humans? We only have one shot. And that’s why I try to make every moment count. I seek experiences that fill me with peace and happiness. I read books that whisk me away, indulge in mouth-watering food, create memories with my family, and conquer mountains like Mount Hamiguitan.  And despite all the challenges, I celebrate life.  Strangely, on my latest trip around the sun, it seemed like I wasn’t celebrating a milestone. Alone at an airport terminal, I ate a simple meal for dinner on my birthday while waiting for my…

  • Lake Holon: A Weekend of Adventure And Stunning Views
    Travel

    Lake Holon: A Weekend of Adventure and Stunning Views

    Can you fall in love with a place? Because I swear Lake Holon just gave me butterflies. Standing atop the Lake Holon view deck, I was mesmerized by its jaw-dropping scenery.  With its towering peaks and dreamy shades of blue and green, it’s a stunning sight and a place where exhausted souls recharge.  I rubbed my eyes to see if the view in front of me was real.  And it was as real as the air we breathe.  So, I soaked up the scenery and snapped photos.  And when I looked at my phone, the images were surreal and heavenly (no filters needed).  For years, I had dreamt and yearned…

  • Buscalan: A Village that Tattoos Souls
    Travel

    Buscalan: A Village that Tattoos Souls

    Peter Pan was right. Growing up is a trap. I mean. Who wants to live in a world with an endless cycle of workload, bills, stress, taxes, and responsibilities? Who wants to be in a world full of rude people? And why can’t we live a peaceful and simple life like the Butbut Tribe in Buscalan, Kalinga? Here’s the thing.  We are a generation of constantly dissatisfied, overstressed, and overworked people.  Despite our drive, can-do attitude, and modern technology, we are overwhelmed, anxious, and exhausted. We live in an era where people kill themselves with productivity.  We spend hours in long commutes and drives to work.  And we work feverishly…

  • Mount Amuyao: The Infinite Stairway To Heaven
    Travel

    Mount Amuyao: The Infinite Stairway To Heaven

    Why the hell do I do it? Why scale a mountain that promises agony and infinite gut-wrenching possibilities? And why lace up my hiking shoes, carry a hefty backpack, and drag myself up a behemoth like Mount Amuyao?  Here’s the deal: Every ruthless, giant mountain I’ve faced serves a buffet of above-average pain and uneasy moments.  I’ve dealt with twisted ankles, aching knees, cuts, bruises, cramps, dehydration, and blisters that look like props from a horror movie.  Yet, I push on and invite all the agony.  Why keep pushing through the grimacing and wincing?  Am I a masochist? Why do hikers like me willingly sign up for a world of…