Northern Blossoms of Atok

 

A rising tourist destination near Baguio City. A Haven for fairy tale-like walking in field of flowers with scenic mountain in the background; travel for 2-3 hrs from baguio, we reached Atok, Benguet around 7am. There were few groups lining their turn to enter the flower farm. While waiting for your turn, you can look for different flowers, succulents and small plants to buy, just right outside the vicinity of the farm. 

As we enter the farm, there were succulents and flower cabbage in the front, never thought that the farm has big landscape area. I was thrilled at first while walking along different varieties of plants, but as we go farther, that's the time that you got to see what's more in there. It will be a bit tiring especially if you are not fond of long walks in an open sunlight area. Everywhere you look is astounding, instagrammable and perfect for content for your vlogs. And since Atok has good cold breeze, you can find flowers that you only see in other countries. You can enjoy having good pictures when approaching those caretakers for each area. They are trained to take photos, actually good photos for visitors. When you're about to finish exploring the farm. They had this resting area on the exit where they will serve free bread and unlimited benguet coffee. Not bad for paying 250 entrance fee. It was 10am when get out of the farm and the sun is at its peak. I suggest that you should get here as early as possible, though Atok has a good breeze of air, exploring the farm in the heat of the sun is not a good idea.

along the way to northern blossoms

majestic sunrise along the way

Benguet has always been the go-to destination for those who want some cool air. Baguio City is no longer the lone option to get there and enjoy what's up north. It was a good destination for those who want just a chill spot with a dreamy atmosphere. It is definitely good for big groups, solo traveler and family travels.

Mt. Pulag

 

End of JULY 2022

The mountains are calling. And I must go! It is literally calling me. And I can't even resist for it was Mt. Pulag, dubbed as "Playground of the gods". When I was on the verge of giving up from a battle, it was Mt. Pulag that gives me strength to go on. It all happen unexpectedly when a friend messaged me and asking if i am available on weekend for Mt. Pulag hike via Ambangeg trail/Beginner's trail or the so-called artista trail. thought it was a sign from above to keep things slowly before ending a big decision, I impulsively said YES. though i never thought I'd be able to hike at Mt. Pulag because it has been famous for akiki trail which I don't think my asthmatic lungs cannot handle. There it was, Ambangeg trail for minor hike enthusiast like me. Also, Akiki trail was closed for the being. 

Leaving QC at midnight to travel all night until morning to Bokod Benguet at DENR office. All hikers who have reserved slots are required to register and attend orientation at the DENR office. knowing precautionary measures before going up and learning the culture and traditions they are practicing to keep Mt. Pulag Scared and free from harmful events. Right after the orientation, We proceed to homestay where we will be spending the rest of the day. Yes, homestays and budget accommodations are available at the ranger station. If you don't want to camp out, you have the option to stay at the ranger station. We were greeted by the rain on that saturday noon, so, we were all praying that it will stop at midnight because if there was no clearing, then the DENR won't allow hikers to go up to the summit. Luckily, while enduring the freezing cold atmosphere, the rain had stop at midnight. Just in time where we will be going out and prepare for the hike. 

We started at 1:30am with small drizzle of rain until we reach the camp 1. from there, some of us needed to take some break before continue walking to the mossy forest until camp 2. You will know when you enter the mossy forest, you'd feel a little humid that you might need to open some of your thick jacket. The end of mossy forest is the camp 2. This is where all hikers will be waiting from the scout ranger's signal if they can proceed with hike until summit. Next, is the grassland. probably, it is the favorite walk path of everyone. It was a chill and relaxing walk until you get to what they called tower 2, peak2 and then the summit. from this point, we need to decide if we will go tower 2 or peak 2 then summit. because of the rain, we had some slow paced of walking that we might not able to witness the sunrise in the summit. That's why we need to chose which way to go. some of us chose to go at tower 2 and not proceed with the summit, for they were already exhausted. I opted to go with others to go at peak 2 then proceed to summit. Upon arriving at peak 2, we already knew that there will clearing and we will be able to witness Mt. Pulag's magical beauty. At summit, there were lines of crowd witing for their turn to have a picture at the landmark. While waiting for our turn, we enjoy the view at the summit and take some time to contemplate. It must be a tough hike and the cold was never a joke. But the rewarding part of the journey takes all tiredness away. There is really magic in that mountain that can never be explain with pictures, stories and heresays. It comes with the actual experience of being there.

 I personally witness why the locals treat this mountain as sacred place. You go up with so much worries and heavy burdens, you will go down feeling recharged at reassured that everything will be alright, that you now have new energy to face again your battles. Mountains cannot solve your problem, but it can help you contemplate on how you will conquer your own mountain. From the time that you are in unknown trails, frightening darkness, freezing atmosphere and unending assault. That is also the time that you've been given new strength to conquer life's odds. I must say that as of writing this, I am reminded that this mountain might not be hardest climb I had, but it is the most rewarding one. I was just admiring Mt. Pulag, never thought of being actually here because of my asthma. I was also wondering why it happen unexpectedly, in the same year that I was in the most chaotic state of life. Only to realize that Mt.Pulag's magic touch has redeem my sanity and my hope. I maybe a bit emotional, but it is what it is.