My Type of Weekend - Hiking
My name is Renz, I’m currently working as a Training & Quality Assurance Specialist and I’ve been employed by Telexpress Manila, Philippines for more than 5 years now. Recently, I enjoy travelling and exploring the beauty of nature and I do this on most of my weekends.
Life of a typical Filipino call center employee goes like this: work on weekdays, couch potato on weekends. Yeah I know, stressful and boring! One should find ways to de-stress, recuperate, and have fun once in a while. May it be travelling, engaging into sports, or partying like there’s no tomorrow. Here’s how I do mine – Hiking and Biking!
Hiking
It’s a great way to keep you fit as it mainly improves cardiovascular health and strengthens leg and core muscles. However, this activity could be dangerous as one may encounter steep terrains, unpredictable or severe weather phenomena, and wild animals that can cause harm or injury.
So why did I choose hiking? There’s a distinct fresh air in the forest that makes me feel rejuvenated, the satisfying beauty of the sun falling in the vast horizon, the countless stars and the enchanting full moon making me want to stare and forget all the worries. These are just some of the things I experience when I’m one with the nature.
Philippines has a lot to offer for hiking enthusiasts. Here are some pictures of my mountain and sea adventure. By the way, when I do hiking; I prefer to go to the beach afterwards.
▲Yeah! That’s me and the scenic view of Tarak Ridge (Bataan, Philippines), the first mountain I climbed.
▲We then went to a beach in Bataan, camped overnight and enjoyed swimming the morning after.
His name is Jeff (the one holding the camera), he’s a colleague in Telexpress MNL and he
introduced me to this hobby.
▲The highest peak of Mount Pulag (Benguet, Philippines) with my other colleagues, Shiela and Jasper.
During this trip, we camped overnight and drank liquor (different kinds) before going to sleep.
It’s freezing cold at night! Booze will make you feel warmer, they say. J
▲Mount Pulag is the 3rd highest mountain in the Philippines. High above the clouds, I’m 2,922 meters
above sea level!
▲By far, the most difficult mountain I’ve ever climbed - Mount Balingkilat (Zambales, Philippines).
The scorching heat will dehydrate your body; 10 steps felt like climbing 10 flights of stairs.
▲Below Mount Balingkilat is a 5 hour journey to Nagsasa Cove.
I wasn’t looking as I was amazed by that sunset.
▲The beautiful sunset of Liwliwa beach (Zambales, Philippines).
It’s a 5-6 hr motorcycle ride from Manila. I went here with a friend and camped in the beach.
I can still imagine the soothing sound of ocean waves, truly relaxing!
▲Liwliwa is a surfing spot in Zambales and that’s what I came for. J
▲Sea of clouds on a sunrise in Mount Natib (Bataan, Philippines). I went here with my cousin and some friends;
we camped overnight and enjoyed playing card games at the top of the mountain.
▲Pasukulan Falls, a 3-4 hour travel from the summit of Mount Natib.
The water is as cold as ice, a rewarding bath after a hell of a hike!
…Stay tuned for next adventure “Biking”
