Visiting all the provinces of the Philippines wasn't always a long-standing goal for me, but the more I ventured around the country, the more completing this mission felt within reach. This past weekend, I finally checked off all the provinces north of Metro Manila with a visit to Abra, and what an adventure it was!

The trip to Abra wasn't just about ticking off another destination. I had two compelling reasons to visit: first, to meet Mr. Teofilo Garcia, a Gawad Manlilikha ng Bayan (GAMABA) awardee known for his skill in crafting traditional tabungaw hats, and second, to finally witness the beauty of Kaparkan Falls, the province's famed terraced waterfalls.

Our adventure kicked off with a visit to Kaparkan Falls. 

After a quick briefing, we began boarding the monster truck. With so many participants, there wasn't enough space for me at the back, so I was fortunate to get a seat up front. To my surprise, it turned out to be quite comfortable, and I even managed to catch up on some much-needed sleep during the ride.

The ride to Kaparkan Falls took less than two hours, and upon arrival, we had an easy 20-minute downhill trek.

Kaparkan Falls in Tineg, Abra, is truly a marvel of nature. Although locals had known about it for years, it wasn't until 2015 that an outsider brought attention to it, and it quickly became one of Abra's top tourist attractions.

Kaparkan Falls is unique for its 1,000-meter-high terraced structure, with small basins perfect for dipping. The limestone terraces give the falls a natural, almost otherworldly appearance, and when sunlight hits the water, it transforms into stunning shades of emerald green and turquoise blue.

We stayed in the area for four hours. After that, we went back to the monster truck.

Going back was another story. The trek uphill was far more tiring, and it took me twice as long to ascend compared to the easy descent.

After Kaparkan Falls, we enjoyed some local cuisine. Abra Miki is a noodle soup made with miki noodles in rich pork and chicken stock, colored with annatto seeds, and topped with crispy pork and egg.

On the way to our next destination, we passed by the Calaba Bridge, the longest modular bridge ever constructed in the Philippines.

Next, we visited Leila's Loomweaving, also known as Mang Abel ti Abra, in La Paz. This cooperative, composed mostly of mothers who are weavers and farmers, is dedicated to preserving the traditional handweaving techniques of Binakol, Kantarines, and Tiniri.

We had the opportunity to watch as these skilled mothers and their young apprentices turned threads into beautiful fabrics. Afterward, we purchased some of their exquisite handwoven creations for ourselves.

Our day came to a close with a refreshing dip at Lusuac Spring in Lagayan, where crystal-clear, cold waters emerge from the ground amidst a lush, tree-filled setting. 

The water was invigorating. At first, I planned to simply watch and wait, but the sight of the clear waters was too inviting to resist.

After Lusuac, we traveled to Bangued for our overnight stay at Saint James the Elder Cathedral Parish, or Bangued Cathedral. Though I've stayed in parish accommodations before, it was a new experience for some of my companions, who found it a bit creepy. Nevertheless, the stay was very comfortable. The rooms were clean and spacious, and I felt a quiet sense of peace being so close to the cathedral. 

The next morning, we visited the cathedral. While we didn't have time for mass, we made sure to pause and offer a prayer.

After breakfast, we drove to Cassamata Hill National Park. At the end of the road lies Victoria Park, where you can take in a panoramic view of the capital and surrounding municipalities. We enjoyed a bird's-eye view of Abra's plains, mighty rivers, and mountain peaks.

Afterward, we traveled to San Quintin, Abra, where I met Mr. Teofilo Garcia. Although there was a bit of a language barrier, we could communicate with a few companions' help. 

It may not have been the first time I saw a tabungaw hat, but it was the first time I truly appreciated its craftsmanship. These unique Ilocano hats are made from gourds, and I was fortunate enough to purchase one for myself. Mr. Garcia even signed it as a keepsake, and it has since become one of my most treasured possessions, alongside other crafts I've collected from the homes of other GAMABA awardees I've had the privilege of meeting.

We wrapped up our ABRAmazing adventure at Tangadan Tunnel, locally known as 'Usok,' in Brgy. Tangadan, San Quintin. Tangadan Tunnel is the first historic landmark you encounter upon entering Abra. 

It served as the perfect conclusion to an incredible journey through one of the Philippines' most culturally rich and naturally stunning provinces

As part of a side trip during one of our Trails to Empower Kids (TREK) missions, we ventured into two of Iloilo’s best-kept secrets - Mari-it Wildlife Conservation Park and Montillano Falls in Lambunao.

TREK, a volunteer group focused on providing assistance to children in remote communities, likes to include local tourism in our missions.

Wherever we go, we also take the opportunity to explore local attractions, combining our humanitarian efforts with the appreciation of the rich culture and natural wonders of the areas we visit. It was also moment to recharge after our TREK mission.

On this mission, we made a stop at Mari-it Wildlife Conservation Park in Lambunao, a hidden gem of biodiversity in the Philippines. 

The park serves as a safe haven for some of the country’s rarest and most endangered species. Its name, Mari-it, comes from an indigenous belief that nature is inhabited by taglugar, or nature spirits.

It is home to animals like the Usa Pamitun-on (Visayan Spotted Deer), the flagship species for biodiversity conservation on Panay Island. 

It also houses the Dulongan (Visayan Writhed Hornbill), the second most critically endangered hornbill in the world, along with the Tirik (Visayan Tariktik Hornbill), another endangered species.

One of my personal favorites, the maral (Visayan leopard cat), which has been listed as vulnerable, is also here. making the conservation efforts even more critical. Other species like the Baboy-Talunon (Visayan Warty Pig) and various species of cloud rats also find refuge here.

Managed by West Visayas State University’s College of Agriculture and Forestry, the park is a leading conservation center in the Visayas. 

Beyond the wildlife, the park boasts spectacular landscapes that include a diversity of unspoiled habitats and ecosystems. These natural sanctuaries are home to unique, and often ancient, trees that cannot be found anywhere else in Iloilo, adding to the park’s allure as a vital conservation site.

After our visit to Mari-it, we continued on to Montillano Falls, a short trek away. The journey itself was a treat, with scenic forest views and the sound of rushing water guiding us to the falls. 

Montillano Falls is a beautiful cascade tucked into the heart of Lambunao, with a natural pool at the bottom perfect for a refreshing dip.

Lambunao, according to our friends from the town, is home to around 70 waterfalls and many of which remained unexplored.

Visiting places like Mari-it Wildlife and Montillano Falls allows us to enjoy nature's beauty while also supporting TREK's mission to help communities and protect the environment. By exploring and backing conservation efforts, we contribute to a thriving future for both the communities and the children we serve.

Our group, Trails to Empower Kids (TREK), is turning 17 soon, and what better way to celebrate than by heading back to the Visayas for one of our most ambitious projects yet—TREK Nasidman and TREK Ajuy. This wasn’t just any outreach; it was a summit-to-sea adventure, connecting mountain and island communities. It was ambitious, a bit crazy, and absolutely worth it.

At first glance, the odds were against us. Four schools. Two municipalities. One faced peace and security challenges, and the other involved remote islands that are tricky to access when the weather isn't ideal. On top of that, we planned this during a typhoon-prone month. To make matters even more challenging, the rising cost of living has affected everyone, making it harder to stretch resources. 

As always, we moved forward with faith and determination, and we were blessed throughout the journey.

Summit: Reconnecting with Panay Bukidnon Culture

Back in 2015, TREK visited three Schools of Living Tradition - Masaroy, Garangan, and Agcalaga - and had the honor of meeting Federico Caballero, a National Living Treasure from the Panay Bukidnon community.

The Panay Bukidnons, also known as Suludnons, reside in the mountainous areas of Capiz, Antique, and Iloilo. This time, we chose Cabatangan Elementary School, located in the Lambunao part of the same mountain range, as one of our recipients. I was especially excited because it allowed us to reconnect with a cultural community I've long admired.

Cabatangan Elementary School. Photo taken during our recon

However, just before the scheduled turnover, military activities in the area escalated. Our plan to personally deliver supplies, interact with the community, and let our volunteers experience the mountains had to be adjusted for safety reasons. We made the difficult decision to meet the school’s representatives at the jump-off point instead.

Though it wasn’t the interaction we had hoped for, we were still able to make a meaningful impact. Every student received a new backpack filled with school supplies, along with slippers, raincoats, hygiene kits, and storybooks.

After the turnover, we headed to Barangay Panuran for lunch at the Panuran School of Living Tradition (SLT).

Since community tourism is a key part of TREK’s mission, and with the hike to Cabatangan no longer necessary, we decided to visit Panuran SLT instead, originally planned as a side trip.

Though we were a bit disappointed that the Cabatangan hike didn’t happen, the day was anything but wasted. 

The Panuran community surpassed all expectations with their generosity. School officials, barangay leaders, tribal elders, and culture masters warmly greeted us. They even prepared a delightful spread of rice cakes, corn, peanuts, and drinks—our third breakfast that day! We had already eaten before setting out and again at the Cabatangan jump-off, thanks to the hospitality of the Barangay Captain.

Breakfast at Panuran SLT

What truly impressed us was the performance by the students and culture masters. A cast of about 30 put on a show that gave us rich insight into Panay Bukidnon life. It felt like watching a live musical, with scenes showcasing courtship rituals, formal family visits for marriage proposals, weddings, and traditional celebrations.

After the performance, we were treated to an even grander feast, featuring traditional meals for lunch. 

Since our plans for Cabatangan had to be canceled, we decided to hold a dental mission for the SLT students and some of their parents.

I have to admit, I felt a bit humbled by how much the community gave in comparison to what we could offer. I will make sure they remain in our thoughts and future plans.

Sea Journey: Sailing to Ajuy’s Islands

From Lambunao, where we stayed, we traveled early in the morning to Ajuy to board the boat that would take us to two island communities with last-mile schools.

The land trip took about two hours, and the boat trip to our first destination—Tagubanhan—took less than an hour. We were fortunate with good weather and the support of the local government unit (LGU). 

Once again, we were welcomed with a sumptuous breakfast spread prepared by the Barangay Captain of Tagubanhan, Girly M. Amante.

After breakfast, we headed to the school, where the students were already gathered, leis in hand, waiting for us. We got right to work. Our kitchen team began preparing lunch for the children, the dentists started accepting patients, and the rest of the volunteers organized donations, which included backpacks, raincoats, storybooks, and loot bags.

Meanwhile, we kicked off the program with a storytelling session, followed by a surprise birthday celebration for two of our volunteers—Lanie and Doc Jing. Afterward, we held the formal turnover ceremony.

Lunch followed, and once again, the Barangay Captain floored us. The meal was a seafood feast: the best ceviche I’ve ever had, along with crabs, shells, squid, and more—truly a meal that can only be experienced in a community like this.

After lunch, a few volunteers, including myself, sailed to Nasidman. Our dentists stayed behind to continue their mission while the rest of us boarded a speedboat for the next island. The ride was rougher, and I ended up getting wet, but I wasn’t worried. In fact, I felt lulled to sleep and probably took a short nap!

When we arrived at the school, the children were waiting in one of the classrooms due to the rain. We continued with more storytelling while some volunteers set up the book and toy nook that the school had requested. 

Our very simple book and toy nook for the Nasidman kids

When everything was ready, we gathered outside for a simple program.

We wrapped up the day by distributing loot bags to the children and sharing snacks before heading back to the port to meet the rest of the volunteers.

Side Trips: Wandering Through Iloilo’s Wonders

As mentioned, as part of our missions, we like to include a bit of tourism. 

On our fourth day in Iloilo, we explored Lambunao, visiting the Mari-it Conservation Park, where we saw Visayan spotted deer, trekked to Montillano Falls, and ended the day with a relaxing stay at J-maire Farm Resort.

On our final day, we toured more of Iloilo, starting at Garin Farm, where we climbed the famous Stairway to Heaven, and then visited Miag-ao Church to give thanks. We also stopped at the weaving center in Indag-an, followed by lunch, a visit to Jaro Cathedral, and finally, some pasalubong shopping before heading to the airport.

This outreach was a wonderful exchange of kindness, and I can’t wait for more adventures together. I’m deeply grateful to everyone who made it possible—our generous donors, hardworking volunteers, and our gracious hosts in Lambunao, the Leal Family. I’m also thankful to the teachers, community members, officials, and students who warmly welcomed us.