May 2026

21 May 2026

1 entry

7:20 PM field logs photo dumps

Mt. Pulag diaries: Day 2

I wish I have the words to describe how the hike went; how magical it was. But, unfortunately, I still don’t. In fact, a part of me refuses to immortalize my first hike into the written word. It’s strange, given that writing is my most comfortable form of self-expression. That I write as a form of remembering.

I do want to reflect on my experience at some point, but I want the specifics—the journey—to remain embedded in my memory, even if it eventually becomes fuzzy. A vague recollection of an event I’ll forever cherish.

For now, though, I’ll let these photos speak for themselves.

When I finally beheld the beauty of Mount Pulag at sunrise, I had to admit that I shed a few tears. It was too beautiful, and I’m just a girl.

I was spellbound with the colors of the mountains as they were bathed by the early morning sun.

The path to the summit.

I’m just grateful there was clearing that day, even if the sea of clouds was a bit sparse.

I learned that there were so many wild berries in Pulag!

They were juicy and slightly tangy, reminiscent of blueberries. But admittedly, my first thought was, “Are these nightlock berries?”

The dwarf bamboo covered the top of Mt. Pulag and parts of the mossy forest. I was in love with them and the open grassland. I didn’t even know we have that kind of ecosystem in the Philippines!

More views while sitting and meditating by the mountain’s edge.

I could honestly stay here forever.

I welcomed the early morning heat.

It was a pleasure watching the sun take its course in the sky.

While I wanted to stay in the open ridge for as long as possible, I was also excited to descend and finally see the mossy forest in all its glory. I’ve always loved forests and trees.

Everything seemed like it was pulled out of a fairy tale.

The giant fern trunks up close and personal.

I had to admit I walked too slowly in the mossy forest because I was admiring my surroundings.

I’m not even religious, but is this what the entrance to heaven looks like?

More views as we descended Pulag.

I loved seeing these little farms and rice terraces.

Note: Photos taken with my Sony Cybershot DSC-T50 and minimally post-processed on Lightroom.

#forests #hiking #mountains #pulag