Over the past few years, my fears and anxieties about climbing have grown, whether due to age, a past accident, or lack of training. It is a stark contrast to the days when I would eagerly jump at every opportunity to hit the trails. Now, I have to push myself to say yes. That is why the decision to join the All Women’s Climb of the Mountaineering Federation of the Philippines was not made lightly. It took a lot of thought and courage. But now, I can proudly say I have conquered it.

The All Women’s Climb is an annual event celebrating International Women’s Month. This year’s climb was held in Catmon, Cebu and was organized by the Cebu Outdoor Adventure Team.

I took a red eye flight from Manila the day before to give myself time to explore Catmon since it was my first visit and to ensure I was well rested before the climb.

Our first task was finding a place to stay. The rooms at J and L Huyohoy Resort, where the post climb activities would take place, were fully booked. Just as we were about to look elsewhere, a last minute opening became available.

J&L Huyohoy Resort is simple, without upscale amenities, but it has a wide beach, lots of open spaces, and the most welcoming hosts. They even drove us to town for a seafood feast at Ryan Kawayanan Seafood and Barbecue and pointed us toward local delicacies like torta, and bibingka.

Since it was our first time in Catmon, we also visited San Guillermo Church, a historic structure dedicated to St. William the Hermit.

By late afternoon, participants started arriving. I caught up with familiar faces and met new ones. It had been years since I last joined an event of the Mountaineering Federation of the Philippines and I could feel the excitement building.

The following morning, we gathered at the Catmon Municipal Hall, where we registered, received a warm welcome from Mayor Avis Monleon, and attended a pre climb briefing.

There, I saw the full roster of participants, women from across the country. We were divided into three teams and I joined a group with climbers from Metro Manila, the Bicol Region, and Negros Island. In total, we were sixty one strong. Before heading out, our blood pressure was checked to ensure we were fit for the climb. Yes, I passed.

From the municipal hall, we boarded a truck for an hour long ride to the jump off point.

One of my concerns was climbing with unfamiliar faces without my usual team who knew my strengths and limitations. But once we hit the trail, that worry disappeared. I found myself among women just like me, navigating the same knee pains, backaches, and slow recoveries. Most of us were in our forties and fifties, jokingly envious of the younger climbers who moved with ease.

The trek to the campsite took around two to three hours. It started with a gradual ascent before becoming steeper. We passed through farmland, exposed to the full intensity of the sun.

By dusk, we arrived at the campsite, an open clearing with panoramic views of northern Cebu, the sea, and the surrounding mountains. As the sun set, we pitched our tents, prepared dinner, and exchanged stories. A passing drizzle did little to dampen our spirits.

Used my Conquer Outdoor Equipment X Trails to Empower Kids backpack. For every backpack sold, we give one to a kid in the mountains.

Of course my campsite footwear was my Teva Sandals

The next morning, we woke before dawn, hoping for clear skies at the summit. After a quick breakfast, we broke camp and prepared for the climb highlight. It was a twenty minute hike to the next jump off, followed by a forty five minute ascent to the holding area, then another fifteen minute push to the summit.

At the Holding Area where we had our final briefing

The trail was muddy and slippery, winding through dense forest. Before the final ascent, we had our last briefing. 

The summit push was the most technical. We carefully maneuvered through jagged coral rocks, gripping carefully to avoid missteps. To maintain safety, only a few climbers were allowed at the peak at a time.

At seven hundred eighty meters above sea level, Torre Peak is Cebu’s second highest summit. It is a designated Key Biodiversity Area, crucial for the survival of various species. Historically, Mount Kapayas served as a stronghold during the Philippine American War in eighteen ninety nine, offering revolutionaries a strategic vantage point.

Wore my HOKA Speedgoat 5 At the summit with Yay Ortega, past MFPI president Standing atop Torre Peak was a powerful moment, a reminder of the resilience, strength, and determination of women.

As I made my way up Torre Peak, I kept thinking about how challenging the descent would be. Fortunately, my fellow climbers were there to help.

After the descent, we returned to J&L Huyohoy Beach Resort, where we were welcomed with a well-earned dinner featuring Catmon’s famed lechon, live reggae music, and a night of celebration.

The beautiful and powerful ladies of Cebu Outdoor Adventure Team

So, where were the men? While this was an All Women’s Climb, we were supported by male members of the Cebu Outdoor Adventure Team, the Mountaineering Federation of the Philippines, the National Search and Rescue Team, the Catmon Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, and the Catmon Mountain Guides Association. They assisted in setting up safety ropes, guiding us through technical sections, and ensuring our security while keeping a respectful distance. Even at the post climb gathering, they stayed outside the main hall, allowing the women to fully celebrate their achievement.

On the third day, the summit to sea adventure continued. Organizers arranged free stand up paddle boarding lessons for participants. While some hit the water, I enjoyed the last few hours of camaraderie with my fellow climbers.

That evening, I left Catmon with a heart full of gratitude. Before heading home, I made sure to sample one last local specialty, native chicken.

I am incredibly grateful to the organizers for executing such a well-planned event. I walked away with a renewed sense of empowerment, new friendships, and a deeper connection to the outdoors. Also sore knees.

And yes, I am already looking forward to next year’s All Women’s Climb.

What’s better than watching movies under the stars, surrounded by history and timeless beauty? That’s exactly what we did two weeks ago at MiraNila Heritage House and Library.

With friends, we caught Gitling by Jopy Arnaldo and Past Lives by Celine Song, both deeply moving films about what-could-have-beens, cultural divides, and the versions of ourselves we leave behind. A night of heartbreak and introspection, but in the best way possible.

We were seated on native mats, on an expansive lawn, watching on high-definition LED screens while enjoying snacks from Bizu.

Pelikula sa MiraNila was a wonderful fusion of love, history, and cinema. It was the first of two movie nights planned for Valentine's month, but I had to skip the second one as it coincided with my sister’s wedding. I was part of the team that helped promote it, so it was extra special for me.

I had the privilege of working with MiraNila’s archivist, Purissima “Petty” Benitez-Johannot, who lovingly oversees the house and personally gave our team a tour. 

For those who haven’t been, MiraNila is a hidden gem in Quezon City. This ancestral home of the Benitez family sits on Mariposa Street, named after the butterflies that once fluttered around its lush gardens. Built in 1929 on a one-hectare property, a full decade before Quezon City was chartered, the house is a declared Heritage House by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, one of only two in Metro Manila, the other being the Lichauco Heritage House in Santa Ana.

Helena Z. Benitez, a respected educator, senator, and founder of the Bayanihan Philippine Dance Company, grew up here along with her siblings, Tomas and Alfredo.

Walking through MiraNila feels like stepping into another era. The mansion, designed in the California Revival Style, reflects the sophistication of its scholarly residents. With influences from Florence, Italy, the house stands four storeys high, complete with a basement and a tower that once served as an observation point. The name “MiraNila” comes from Helena Benitez herself, who once exclaimed, “Mira a Manila!” (“Look at Manila!”) while standing in the tower and watching a fire engulf Intramuros in the 1930s.

Inside, MiraNila houses 4,000 books, paintings, letters, and art collections, along with all the history that comes with them. These were collected by Helena’s parents, Conrado and Francisca Benitez. Conrado was an educator and constitutionalist, while Francisca was a suffragette and co-founder of the Philippine Women’s University, the first university for women in Asia established by Asians.

The living room is a showstopper, featuring elegant period furniture, ancestral portraits by Filipino masters, and a sweeping staircase. Petty shared that they have hosted musical events using MiraNila’s newly restored 1904 Steinway grand piano, a rare piece in the Steinway & Sons catalog.

Upstairs, the second floor features a spacious private library, meticulously organized using the Dewey Decimal System, complete with index card filing cabinets. Of course, the kids in our group had no clue about this system we used back in school. 

Among the interesting archival materials is a stack of personal letters from Maria Aurora “Baby” Quezon, daughter of President Manuel Quezon, to Helena. Baby was an undergraduate at the University of Sto. Tomas in Manila, while Helena was undertaking graduate studies at George Washington University.

This floor also houses the bedrooms and provides access to the mezzanine and tower attic. 

The climb to the tower is steep but well worth it. Once you reach the top, you are rewarded with a breathtaking view of the sprawling garden and a refreshing breeze, making it the perfect hideaway and a quiet nook to read, reflect, or simply escape for a while. This was a favorite spot of Alfredo, who had a heart condition, as its north-facing orientation maximizes airflow, keeping the tower cool and breezy.

The tour ends at the museum’s gift shop, accessible via the mansion’s three-person elevator (yes, it has an elevator!). 

Beyond the house, the grounds include a chapel built in 2006 and The Blue Leaf, which runs The Gallery MiraNila for events. There’s also The MiraNamin Nest for boutique luxury stays, and for those craving a treat, Bizu MiraNila Café is right on the premises.

I’ve handled two events here before, but I never had the chance to explore the mansion until now. One was a launch for an energy company, and the other was for QCinema International Film Festival. 

If you want to visit, you need a group of at least seven to book a tour, but trust me, it’s worth gathering your friends for an unforgettable experience.

General admission tours are available every Saturday at 10 AM and 1 PM. Private tours can be arranged on other days by appointment for groups of 7 to 20 people. Admission is ₱400 per person, and each tour lasts about 90 minutes.

For regular tours at the MiraNila Heritage House & Library, call 0945 4876827. For events at The Gallery MiraNila, call 0917 7960106. For dining at Bizu MiraNila, call 0927 2015129. For high-end guest suite stays at MiraNamin Nest, book in advance through Airbnb, Google Vacation Rentals, Booking.com, or The Nest by the Sea. To see photos and get directions, visit MiraNila Heritage House on Facebook.

More and more people are choosing Clark International Airport for good reason. It is stress-free, efficient, and honestly, it already feels like part of the vacation.

If you are flying out of CRK, why not extend your trip a little? Stay a night or two and explore Clark. I recently spent three days there and it still was not enough. But if you are planning a visit, this itinerary from Clark Development Corporation will help you make the most of your stay. And if you are not from North Luzon, Clark is a great starting point for discovering this part of the country.

Where to Eat and Drink 

Pampanga is set to become the culinary capital of the Philippines and Clark’s food scene proves why. We enjoyed steaks, authentic Kapampangan sisig, and some of the best cafés in town.

At Quest Hotel’s Rare Bar and Grill, we shared the Rare Butcher Block, a premium selection featuring Veal Hanging Tender, Australian Striploin, and Japanese Wagyu Belly. It is served with garlic aioli, homemade barbecue, béarnaise, and chimichurri sauces, along with signature steak salts including Hawaiian black salt, Pakistani diamond pink salt, and Asin Tibuok. Priced at ₱9,680, it is a feast for steak lovers.

No trip to Pampanga is complete without sisig so we made sure to try the legendary version at Aling Lucing, the place credited with inventing or at least perfecting this iconic dish.

Clark also has a thriving coffee scene with plenty of cozy cafés that serve great brews. Porch Coffee, located at Barn House 2088 along the Clark Parade Grounds, is perfect for unwinding with a good cup and peaceful vibes. Here Cafe is a huge two-story space with a 500-seat capacity and an array of adorable pastries. Café Dia has a cozy industrial vibe and the inviting aroma of freshly brewed coffee. Its al fresco dining setup is also perfect for enjoying the fresh air.

Clark’s Past and Present

Clark has a rich history and a strong cultural identity best experienced at the Clark Museum and 4D Theater. The museum showcases artifacts, scenic dioramas, old photographs, murals, and interactive displays that tell the story of Clark, Pampanga, and the surrounding Metro Clark area.

The museum has four galleries that highlight different aspects of its past and present. Between Arayat and Pinatubo explores Clark’s geography and resilience. People’s Industry and Ingenuity focuses on Kapampangan craftsmanship and rituals. Interregnum Clark Air Field looks at Clark’s military past. Clark Freeport Renewed and Rising showcases its transformation into a modern economic hub.

One of the highlights is the 4D Theater, a 48-seater state-of-the-art cinema featuring a 20-minute documentary called Risen from the Ashes. It tells the story of Clark’s history and how it rose from the devastation of the 1991 Mt. Pinatubo eruption. The theater brings history to life with effects like wind, bubbles, and mist.

For those who love craftsmanship, DECO Central Showroom is a must-visit. Pampanga is home to some of the country’s best artisans and this showroom features beautifully crafted furniture and home decor made by local craftsmen.

Cap the trip like we did with some duty-free shopping at Puregold, where we picked up home essentials, bed and bath items, kitchen wares, and grocery finds, including imported wine and chocolates. Honestly, I wish Clark would bring back more duty-free stores and add some outlet shops.

Clark for the Adventurous 

Clark is also packed with exciting activities from wildlife encounters to outdoor adventures.

At Clark Safari and Adventure Park, a 40-hectare animal haven, we saw 1,500 live animals from 70 species. 

Kingdom Panthera is home to big cats like tigers, lions, hyenas, jaguars, and caracals. Reptile Kingdom features turtles, snakes, anacondas, crocodiles, and iguanas. The park also has baboons, meerkats, the adorable Fennec Fox, and the Patas Monkey, the world’s fastest primate. A special highlight is the Taal Rescue Horses, saved from the 2020 Taal Volcano eruption.

For golf lovers, Clark has Mimosa Plus Golf Course, which offers two 18-hole, par-72 courses open to everyone. Even beginners like me can give it a try. I always thought golf was expensive and not that exciting, but after trying the multi-level driving range, I was surprised at how affordable and enjoyable it was. For just ₱300 for 100 balls and ₱600 for club rental, with a separate instructor fee, you get access to top-notch facilities with stunning views. 

For thrill-seekers, GK Clark Unlimited Sports Club offers action-packed activities. Located near Kamikaze West Airfield where World War II kamikaze pilots launched missions, this spot combines history with adventure. Airsoft lets you experience tactical combat. Archery tests your precision. ATV rides take you on an exciting off-road ride. We also passed by the West Airfield Munitions Bunkers, now covered in vegetation but still a reminder of Clark’s wartime past.

Best Way to Wind Down

Our home base for this trip was Quest Plus Conference Center Clark, which gave us the perfect balance of comfort and convenience. With spacious and clean rooms, great dining options, and its location right next to Clark’s parade grounds, it was the ideal base for exploring. 

Favorite part, we spent our late afternoons relaxing at Q Lounge, which has the perfect sunset view in Clark. Their five to seven evening social hour was a great way to unwind with free cocktails and food for select hotel guests.

Three days in Clark really went by too fast, and there’s still so much more to explore. With endless activities for all kinds of travelers, it feels like there’s always something new to try. Even just driving, biking, or walking around is already incredibly relaxing, with wide open roads, fresh air, and a peaceful atmosphere. No matter the reason for your visit, Clark is always worth the trip.

It’s inspiring to see young people preserving culture and breathing new life into it.

During the Domestic Tourism Invitational Program SOX, organized by the Tourism Promotions Board, I had the privilege of immersing myself once again in Blaan culture and witnessing firsthand how the younger generation is working to safeguard its heritage.

We joined the 1st Blaan Du Tabih Festival in Sitio Amgu-o, Barangay Landan, Polomolok, South Cotabato. It was a vibrant celebration of the Blaan people, one of the largest non-Islamic indigenous groups in southern Mindanao. They are known for their intricate beadwork, brasswork, and colorful handwoven textiles.

The festival highlights tabih, the handwoven cloth that is central to Blaan identity. The rich, vibrant hues of this indigenous textile are achieved through natural dyes, meticulously sourced from endemic plants within the community.

The event also honors the legacy of Fu Yabing Masalon Dulo, a Gawad Manlilikha ng Bayan (National Living Treasure) awardee for textile weaving.

Fu Yabing, born on August 8, 1914, and passing on January 26, 2021, was a master weaver and dyer credited with preserving the mabal tabih art of ikat weaving and dyeing. In recognition of her efforts, the Philippine government, through the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, bestowed upon her the National Living Treasures Award.

At the time of her passing, she was one of the last surviving master designers of this intricate art form.

When we arrived, both young and old community members warmly welcomed us and placed handcrafted lei made from native materials around our necks.

Our attention was drawn to the Gumne, a traditional Blaan house that offered visitors an intimate glimpse into their rich heritage and craftsmanship. Inside, we observed the intricate processes of weaving and embroidery, while the aroma of traditional food and locally brewed coffee filled the air.

The program was a feast for the senses with traditional dances, displays of indigenous clothing, and mesmerizing chants filling the gathering. It was particularly heartwarming to see young girls performing traditional dances, gracefully embodying their heritage.

Key members of the community who have dedicated themselves to preserving these customs were also honored during the event. Among them were Saring Gulili Maligon, an embroidery expert, and Lamina Gulili, a master weaver of tabih, whose craftsmanship continues to keep the Blaan weaving tradition alive.

After the program, we joined a communal feast featuring traditional Blaan dishes.

The event was overseen by Fu Yabing’s grandson, Arthur Gulili. He shared their desire to showcase and share their way of life, emphasizing that they are part of the province, even if they members of an indigenous tribe. 

Alberta Gadia of the Tourism Promotions Board, who led our group, highlighted the importance of cultural exchange, explaining that the objective of the group is not to influence them but for their culture to influence us.

Gadia added that having a large number of tourists is not important; rather, visitors who genuinely want to understand Blaan culture.

Beyond the festival, Arthur continues to keep Fu Yabing’s legacy alive through a weaving center, a new brand called FUYA, and a homestay that offers visitors an opportunity to experience the Blaan way of life.

Before leaving, we stopped by the compound, which houses the weaving center, the homestay, and Fu Yabing’s final resting place. We had a chance to have more intimate conversation with Arthur and also, get our own souvenirs.

The whole visit was a simple yet profoundly inspiring experience that underscored the importance of cultural preservation and the efforts of the younger generation to ensure that the Blaan heritage continues to flourish.