Thought Catalog: Upat ka Kilo nga Bugas

I don’t really hire guides when hiking because I always plot my routes before venturing onto the trail, and I feel nga mas immersive ang akong hike if I am doing it without one. Labaw pa nga di ko ganahan ug “guides” who are minors nga puwede pa nimo mahimo nga kargo if naay mahitabo sa trail. Pero this time, something in me whispered, “sige, pa-guide nila.”

As we traversed the trail and talked about their lives diri sa bukid, I realized nga somehow, we were sent there at the right time and at the right moment, perhaps by divine intervention. So here is the story...

Imagine spending an entire school day on an empty stomach, only to walk roughly 5 kilometers from school back home. This was their reality when we met them along the river trail. As we continued our traverse, they shared snippets of their lives and how they have been exposed to the harsh realities of poverty.

They come from a family of mangulingay, and if you know how little these people earn, you would feel sorry for them. I will not share everything that we talked about, but suffice it to say nga makaingon ko unfair ang kinabuhi ngadto kanila. And I hope and pray that they will succeed in life.

Nahuman ang trail. The Himbabawod Falls was majestic. The traverse towards Mananga’s headwater was never short of adventure and challenges. It was a fantastic trail nga murag gi layat-layat ra nila ang mga boulders while wearing flipflops nya kami tawn kupot diri, kupot didto. Feel nako kay na deplete gyud akong reserves sa ligtas points. Thankfully, the hike ended with all of us safe and sound.

Giubanan mi nila sa sakayanan ug motor since I decided to cut the hike at 21 km kay late na. I invited them to have some refreshments, which they gladly accepted. Makaingon ko nga gutom gyud kaayo to sila. I handed them the compensation we had agreed upon, and on top of that, gitagaan nako sila ug upat ka kilo nga bugas.

And then the most genuine thing happened.

Mas nagpasalamat sila, dili sa kwarta, dili sa snacks, kundi sa bugas.

At that moment, I saw beyond the young boys they were. I saw responsible individuals with young but remarkably mature minds. In their eyes, those four kilos of rice were not simply food. They were meals for their family. They were something tangible they could bring home. Something that mattered.

Sometimes, we go into the mountains looking for waterfalls, breathtaking views, and unforgettable adventures. But every once in a while, the mountain gives us something far more valuable: a reminder of how fortunate we are, and a chance to make someone else’s burden a little lighter.

That day, I thought I was simply giving them four kilos of rice.

But perhaps, in a way, they gave me something worth far more.

They reminded me that kindness does not have to be grand to be meaningful. Sometimes, it is just four kilos of rice, given at the right place, at the right time, to the right people.

And maybe that was the real reason we met on that trail. 

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Bisayang Latagaw Travel Log: Conquering The MacLehose Trail

Spanning 100 km across Hong Kong’s New Territories, the MacLehose Trail runs from Pak Tam Chung in Sai Kung to Tuen Mun, winding through mountains, beaches, and reservoirs. Here’s a recap of how I took on this unforgiving trail.

I had long planned to do a birthday trail this year, but the missing piece was choosing which one. Then I thought, why not try the longest trail in Hong Kong? And so it happened. With the desire to try something new, I packed my bag and went on a weeklong trip.

My MacLehose journey began with Sections 9 and 10, which stretch from Route Twisk to Tuen Mun. 

 

 

 

After that, I did Sections 7 and 8 in reverse, starting from the endpoint of Section 8 at Route Twisk and heading toward the trailhead of Section 7. Interesting points on this hike include Needle Hill and Lead Mine Pass, where you can appreciate some wonderful rock formations. 

 

   

On my third day of hiking, I picked up where I left off, walked to the exit point of Section 6, and continued toward its trailhead. I wanted to call it a day, but my legs seemed to want more, so I went on to Section 5 and exited off-trail at a practical point. Somewhere along the way, I also encountered a red-necked keelback, a venomous and poisonous snake. Lucky or unlucky, that’s part of the story now. Additionally, the Lion's Rock viewpoint offers a panoramic view of Hong Kong.

  

 

 

The fourth hike took me through the treacherous Section 4, which is considered the hardest part of the trail. To make it more challenging, I did it solo and as a night hike. I didn’t meet a single soul the entire time. It was just me and nature. By the time I finished this section, my legs were already feeling the effects of the consecutive hikes. When I reached my hotel, I slumped into bed and slept like a log.  Fun fact: Section 4 is the steepest and most punishing part of the entire trail, with endless stone steps that locals jokingly call "the leg breaker".

     

     

After regaining some strength and determined to finally seal things off, I completed the last three sections of the trail, which cut through the Sai Kung Country Parks including the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark.

 

 

What started as a random plan ended up becoming a wonderful feat for the not-so-active me. I never thought I could hike on consecutive days, much less cover a hundred kilometers. I pushed my limits this time, and it was all worth it.

And now, off to the next trail... 👌 

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Bisayang Latagaw Travel Log: When You Start Forgetting Your Backpacking Roots

I started backpacking in 2016 with pretty simple goals: to go places for the experience, for the culture, for the fun of getting lost in the moment. To keep it as authentic as possible, I’d look for hostels where a dozen strangers could be crammed into a 12 sqm room with 8 bunk beds. I’d eat in warungs, hawkers, quáns, carinderias—whatever the locals called it. I’d take public transport despite the language barrier. And of course, there was the endless haggling for better rates.

But with my recent trips, something has changed. I’m becoming less of a backpacker and more of a tourist. And truth be told, I don’t like it. I’ve been trading raw experiences for comfort, and that was never the point. On a recent hike, when I took a few detours, I realized the real fun is still in doing what others avoid—the things seen as risky, inconvenient, or unnecessary. Because in this world of ease, luxury, and comfort, it’s those very inconveniences that remind us what it means to truly live.

I want to go back to my roots. To be more spontaneous. To embrace discomfort. To strip things down to less, because less is more. And that doesn’t need any further explanation.

Adios!

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Thought Catalog: Know your numbers

One of the key disciplines many Filipinos struggle with is managing their finances. Admittedly, I’ve been guilty of this since I was younger—and to some extent, I still am. I sometimes overspend on unnecessary things. I help without hesitation, even when it becomes an inconvenience for me.

In a collective culture like ours, it’s not uncommon for us to shoulder the burdens of others. Unlike in Western cultures, where the "I" often takes precedence over the "WE," Filipinos are known for prioritizing family, friends, and even strangers over personal gratification. After all, we’re sometimes dubbed the friendliest people in the world.

However, as I grew older, I became more aware of the consequences of this mindset. I realized it doesn’t always have to be that way. There are times when we must protect our own well-being so we can be better influences on those around us. This realization deepened through my frequent travels over the past few years. Meeting people from all walks of life and different cultures exposed me to diverse perspectives. Their views, opinions, and experiences made me understand that in a societal world, individualism is your shield against exploitation.

With these newfound values, I became more responsible in securing my finances. While helping others is noble, setting boundaries is crucial. One of the most effective ways to practice this is by knowing your numbers. No matter how much you earn, your pocket is not a bottomless abyss. And when tragedy strikes, your best safety net is yourself.

One secret to why I can travel multiple times a year is budgeting. I use planners and meticulously track my expenses. Over the past three or four years, this habit has helped me navigate an adventure-driven life. Moving forward, my focus is on securing my future. And once again, I see that by knowing my numbers, I can build a stable future without becoming a burden to anyone.

Hinumdumi nga ang kwarta naay tawo, mao nga angayan pud nga ang tawo naay kwarta. Kay ang kamatuoran, kung wa tay kwarta, ang tan-aw sa lain nato kay dili tawo.

Mao ra to, skl.

p.s. dili pa ko tawo karon kay wa pa koy kwarta. 😂😂

 

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Bisayang Latagaw Travel Log: The lost wanderer

The true magic of my travels often lies in getting lost—venturing into places where tourists rarely tread. It’s in these hidden corners that I find the soul of a destination, far removed from the crowds and chaos. I always start with a simple question to the locals, asking for their favorite spots. More often than not, it’s in these quiet, secluded places that I find the essence of where I am. As much as I love exploring, I tend to be more of a silent wanderer. I prefer to roam solo, soaking up my surroundings, though I’ll strike up a conversation when it truly matters.

On one of these adventures, I found myself facing a 30-foot, 75-degree cliff with nothing but a weathered rope as my guide. I convinced two fellow travelers from my accommodation to join me—one, a German who’s been living the nomadic life for nearly a decade, and the other, a Middle Eastern medical student on a sabbatical. Despite their initial bravado, they hesitated. So, I went down first, proving it was doable.

Once we all made it, we were rewarded with a paradise that felt like it was plucked from another realm—completely untouched and surreal. What we thought would be a quick two-hour visit turned into an entire day of awe and wonder.

By the time we made our way back, darkness had set in. The med student, in a moment of panic, grabbed onto a patch of shrubs instead of the rope and slipped. Luckily, he managed to latch back onto the rope, escaping with only a few scratches. For him, it was a 'never again' experience. But as for me? I'd take that descent a thousand times over.

What about you? What's your most unforgettable travel adventure?

#bisayanglatagaw #trabilat

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Thought Catalog: Your reaction is valid but is it correct?

In my last drinking session with friends, we tackled how one should react to insults and bad situations. A lot of course of actions were opined and I just said to them that they are valid responses, but they need to consider if what they will be doing is correct.

In philosophy, particularly in ethics and moral reasoning, a reaction to a bad situation can be considered valid but not correct if it is understandable or justifiable based on human emotions or reasoning, yet it does not align with ethical principles or the most appropriate course of action. This distinction is important to consider because it highlights the difference between what feels right in the moment and what is ethically right in the broader context of moral principles and long-term consequences.

A reaction might be valid if it is a natural human response. For example, feeling anger or sadness in response to a betrayal is valid because it aligns with typical emotional reactions. These emotions are part of the human experience and are often immediate and instinctive. Similarly, a reaction may be valid if it can be justified by the context or circumstances. For instance, reacting defensively in a threatening situation is valid because self-preservation is a natural instinct. Such reactions are grounded in the basic human need for safety and survival.

However, a reaction is not necessarily correct if it violates ethical principles such as justice, fairness, or compassion. Responding to hurt with revenge might be emotionally valid but is not ethically correct. Ethical correctness requires a higher level of reflection and consideration of moral principles that guide us toward more just and compassionate responses. Additionally, a reaction might not be correct if it leads to negative long-term consequences for oneself or others. Making a rash decision out of anger might be valid in the moment but harmful in the long run, as it can cause further harm and perpetuate a cycle of negative reactions.

Ultimately, the difference between a valid and correct reaction lies in the alignment with ethical standards and rational analysis. While a reaction that feels right emotionally might be valid, it may not hold up under thoughtful consideration of all factors and potential outcomes. Ethical decision-making involves looking beyond immediate feelings and reactions to consider the broader impact of our actions, striving for responses that uphold principles of justice, fairness, and compassion. In this way, we can ensure that our reactions, while valid, also align with what is ethically correct.

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Thought Catalog: A Year After Typhoon Odette

When Typhoon Odette was about to hit Cebu, most Cebuanos already knew that it will be a strong one, but no one anticipated the extent of havoc that it will bring. For most parts of the island, electricity was out for a month and even longer. The scarcity of potable water, food, and other essentials brought something that the Cebuanos have only seen during wartime. To an island as vibrant and as festive as Cebu, Odette was a test of the Cebuano spirit and how we are able to triumph even in the worst of our days.

In my family’s case, we actually came prepared. I have stocked water, food, and other essentials that I know would bare for at least a month. But still, the storm did so much in the surrounding area of our home, and we even almost got hit by a water tank that was flown from one of the buildings near our house. Thankfully, the tank went in the other direction and our house was spared.

In the afternoon of December 16, 2021, Odette was already ravaging hard. A few moments later, the electricity is out and all we could hear is this roaring sound from the strong winds brought by the storm and the symphony of the debris hitting each other. This continued up until late evening and it was becoming evident that Odette would be leaving our vibrant island a scar like no other.

I am not sure if I was able to really sleep that night. The next day, when light broke the blanket of darkness brought by the lack of electricity, I and my cousins decided to survey the surrounding area and what we saw was heart-quenching – it was a scene like no other. We heard a lot of stories of people being trapped in their homes during the onslaught of the typhoon. There was this ever-rising casualty count. There was this news of a small island community off the coast of Mactan being wiped out completely – thankfully, a preemptive evacuation was made so casualties had been minimized.

We thought that that was the end of Odette's wrath, but we were wrong. With the extent of the damage she brought, Odette took away the festive spirit of our holiday season and made the first quarter of 2022 a struggle for most Cebuanos. The price of gasoline doubled and even tripled in some areas. A 5-gallon distilled water container which originally cost between 15 to 25 pesos is now being sold for 100 to 200 pesos. Food and other commodities prices have significantly increased as well. Most banks and ATMs are not operational, so a lot of individuals were out of cash. To a still pandemic-stricken island, it was like adding insult to injury. 

But Odette did not just bring bad things, it also brought out the best in Cebuanos. We witnessed the spirit of Bayanihan - restaurants offering free hot meals to locals, kind-spirited people bringing water supply from the north to the metro, and companies opening their doors for people to charge their devices. And while not as festive as it was before, we celebrated the holiday season still with smiles on our faces.

It has been a year since Odette, and still, some of us are healing from the wounds left by her wrath. As I look at the days that came by, I can say that it was not an easy year. 

Consequently, Odette was just another reminder about the feebleness of our lives. It was a clear message from Mother Nature that when she takes vengeance, it’s gonna be hard for man to handle. 

 

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Ang namulat ay hindi na muling pipikit

 Ang namulat ay hindi na muling pipikit

Pilipinas, oh inang bayan
Patawad at kami ay nabigo.
Gayun pa man, kami ay hindi susuko.
Magmamasid at patuloy na makikialam.
Patuloy na lalaban para sa kinabukasan.

Susuporta sa tamang adhikain

Tutuligsa sa maling gawain.

Magmamasid at makikialam!

Sambayanan ang nagdikta sa iyong kinabukasan.

Mali man o tama, dapat na ito ay igalang.

Hayaang kasaysayan ang magbigay kapaliwanagan,

At naway pinili nitong lipi ang tamang daan.

Gayun pa man, kami’y di titigil,

Magmamasid! Makikialam!

Pagkat walang katapusan itong laban

Para sa bukas na ikaw ay puno ng kaluwalhatian,

Sa bukas na hindi lulong sa pangakong napapako,

Kundi sa pagbabagong umaagos saan mang dako.

Laging kami magmamasid, makikialam!

Sana nga’y ang namulat ay hindi na muling pipikit.

Na ang alab sa puso’y patuloy na sisidhi

At ang diwa ng yaring isip ay patuloy na gigising,

Hindi maiidlip, di matutulog, di mahihimbing.

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