Last June of 2023, I was finally able to climb one of my target climbs in the north: the formidable Mt. Namandiraan. Situated in the town of Cervantes, it is considered as the highest point in the province of Ilocos Sur. The hike up Namandiraan is strenuous and is definitely for those who are geared … Continue reading Mt. Namandiraan (2,331+ MASL) | Ilocos Sur’s Highest Peak →

For my 4th climb in Mt. Pulag, I took the challenge of hiking up on one of its major trails: the Akiki Trail. The trail is known for its "killer" steep pine forests which are at par with Mt. Purgatory and Mt. Ugo. Moreover, wondrous landmarks within the trail include the Eddet River, Marlboro Country, … Continue reading Mt. Pulag via Akiki Trail | The Killer Playground of the Gods →

Last 8th and 9th of April, 2023, I was able to climb a rarely visited mountain in the province of Abra—Mt. Manmanoc (locally spelled as "Mammanok" and "Manmanok"). For this hike, I was with my friends Rex, Fara, Cristine, JM, Leniva, Sam, Jose, and Jay. We were also joined by avid hiker, Ans. The event … Continue reading Mt. Manmanoc (2024+ MASL) | The Rooftop of Abra →

Mt. Mariveles is a dormant volcano south of Bataan. It has long been a goal of mine to climb the highest peak of this mountain—the formidable Pantingan Peak—and do a traverse to the more famous Tarak Ridge. My curiosity for this mountain and its surrounding peaks started when I climbed Tarak Ridge in 2018, but … Continue reading PanTarak: Pantingan Peak Traverse to Tarak Ridge →

Last February of 2023, I was finally able to go back to Mt. Purgatory, which was the first mountain I climbed in the Cordillera Region back in 2018, and which I consider to be a personal favorite. For this hike, I was with my college classmate and close personal friend JM, who was also with … Continue reading A Return to Mt. Purgatory →