​“Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilized people are beginning to find out that going to the mountains is going home; that wildness is a necessity” – John Muir, Our National Parks

Work has been pretty overwhelming the past 3 months. To top that, the traffic and some unexpected raining here and there added more stress than the usual. Well you can say it is really a busy (and anxiety-provoking) metro life.

So when a former colleague invited me to a climb, I did not have a second thought at saying “yes”. And so one weekend, together with some past and present workmates, we excitedly and joyfully made our way to Mount Batolusong — a relatively easy mountain to trek in San Andres, Tanay, Rizal. 

On the way to the mountain peak, we were already greeted by a spectacular display of cottony clouds as the horizon preps up in welcoming a new day. My heart was beaming with so much happiness as it is one of my favorite views whenever I go on a climb. 

There was never a dull moment during our sauntering. Every one of us enjoyed sharing stories related to work, love and adventures. Every now and then we had to stop to catch our breath, kid around, blurt out some infectious laugh, and of course – marvel at the stunning greenery the surrounding serrated and rolling landscape offers. 

Being away from a nature spree the past months, this mountain climbing activity I did with good friends made me feel rejuvenated. I wish I could do this every week (if only work and other responsibilities would allow me to).  Nonetheless, I am thankful that I had an awesome weekend with nature and people who shares the same passion as I do.

Thank you to Marielle, Vlad,  Robi,  Yan and Pam for this delightfully climbing experience. Til the next hike. Do not be a wanted soul, be “juan”derlust. Take it easy ebri”juan”…