Tag: Adventure
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Kaparkan Falls: Abra’s Terraced Waterfalls Are Hard to Reach—And It’s a Good Thing
A bumpy truck ride, a forest trek, and a splash into icy water—reaching Kaparkan Falls in Abra is no simple weekend getaway. But that’s part of its magic. Here’s how one weekend trip turned a rough ride into a rewarding adventure at the edge of the Cordilleras.
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The Last Ascent: Conquering Mount Kamuning Before It’s Gone
In this tongue-in-cheek expedition log, we attempt an unassisted summit of Mount Kamuning—Metro Manila’s most unforgiving footbridge. With aching legs, commuter lore, and a Sweet Ecstasy burger at the end, this piece reimagines a daily ordeal as a mountaineering feat before it’s flattened in the name of progress.
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Panguan Island, Tawi-Tawi: We Reached the Edge of the Philippines and Were Surprised by What We Found
Panguan Island lies at the southernmost tip of the Philippines near the Malaysia border. Visiting there, we discover more than just a remote frontier. From pristine beaches to a resilient community and fascinating local culture—with stops at nearby Mardanas and Bulu-Bulu Islands as well—the journey proves well worth it.
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Bud Bongao: We Conquered the Highest Peak of Tawi-Tawi and Here’s What It Taught Me
Bud Bongao is the highest peak in Tawi-Tawi, known for its spiritual significance and breathtaking views. I and a group of fellow travelers set out to conquer the mountain. Along the way, we face (minor) challenges, witness unique wildlife, and discover valuable lessons that go beyond the summit.
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Bongao, Tawi-Tawi: Exploring the Gateway to the Philippines’ Southernmost Frontier
Bongao provides visitors with first impressions of Tawi-Tawi’s coastal beauty, history, and culture. During our stay in the town, our group hikes Bud Bongao, visits mosques, and savors local flavors from Maggi Kari to native coffee. We also explore Badjao weaving traditions and relax by the quiet shores of Bihing Tahik Beach Resort.
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Almost 40 in Japan: Witnessing a Shinhotaka Ropeway Virtual Whiteout
Hoping to get a panoramic view of the Japanese Alps, I instead find myself surrounded by the wild beauty of a near whiteout. From the observation deck, I see winter transform the landscape into an otherworldly scene and feel nature’s power as the Hida region’s mountains vanish behind a thick veil of snow and mist.
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Almost 40 in Japan: Letting It Go in Shirakawa-go’s Winter Wonderland
In Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage village tucked in the Japanese Alps, gassho-zukiri farmhouses are blanketed in snow during the winter, creating a magical landscape. Amid travel challenges, I venture to this serene village, reflecting on its rich cultural heritage and the balance between tourism and preservation.
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The Pyramids of Giza: A Morning Among the Ancient Tombs
This morning–our first in Cairo after a relaxing sleep at the hotel following a long drive from St. Catherine–the sun casts a warm glow over the desert and glints off the pyramid’s limestone. We’re standing at the base of an imposing pyramid, the most famous symbol of Egypt and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Even…
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Holy Lands Tour: St. Catherine’s Monastery
The next morning, following breakfast, we set out once more, this time bound for St. Catherine’s Monastery at the base of Mt. Sinai. Here, we plan to reunite with our groupmates who have climbed to the summit for the sunrise. Leaving the comfort of the resort behind, we make the journey from Taba Heights to…
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From the Classrooms to Cabangan: SPCS Faculty and Staff Retreat 2024
The last few weeks have been ripe for burnout — in every sense of the word. For one, these have been stressful ones (if you’re co-administering a school, honestly, when is it not stressful?); also, the steadily rising heat has also contributed to the physical toll. Not to mention our local government’s order for schools…
The Tourist Gaze 