Beginner-friendly dayhiking in the Philippines: Mt. Manalmon, Mt. Gola and Mt. Matinik

I was running low on water, and wondering how I’m still standing. I was struggling to fight back dizziness and nausea, telling myself that this is not how I would want to die. No, really. I have heard of much younger hikers who never finished a hike out of sheer exhaustion, and this Madlum trifecta has claimed at least one, according to one of our guides.

Traversing the Malarayat Mountain Range for a Cause

I should have taken a nap at the summit of Mt. Malepunyo the way the others did. Maybe that could’ve given me the extra energy I needed. Or maybe not. The important thing is, I’ve said my AMEN to the best of my ability and capability.