The NIX Stop: Chasing the Sunrise to Yangbew and Beyond

Life is like a Morning Hike. Especially when you've targeted a certain time, say sunrise of 5:45 am, to reach the top. You'll have lots of obstacles, and the trail will have steep steps, muddy, or in the case of Mt. Yangbew, dusty paths. IT WILL NOT BE EASY. But just like having a goal in life, having focus and determination will get you there.

midway through the mountain trail and looking back

And yes, while I didn't get to the peak on time(late for around 5-10 minutes), I enjoyed the sights on the way up the summit of Mt. Yangbew. It is always important to stop and take a breather after all, and take each step of your journey in stride. Appreciate the sights, the way the sunlight creeps onto the mountain peaks.





Let your soul feel at one with nature, closing my eyes at some point and appreciating the sounds.

one of the very few patches of actual road

But at the same time, I also looked through the lens so that I may share what I was feeling and my experience on this first hike of mine.

Life is not really easy. You'll always have your ups and downs. And everyone's experience with life differs. So don't believe others when they said that it should have been easy. Because we all have our own way to cope with things.



Even if the Boy and Girl Scouts who conquered this said mountain to set camp on their jamborees may have had an easier time, I was hating myself around 20 minutes into the hike. I was hungry(no breakfast yet XD ), panting, with my lungs on fire and my heart wanting to pop out of my ribcage. Nevertheless, I still tried to adapt. I tried to keep on going, determined that I will make it to my said date with the Yangbew Sunrise.



Although this is my first time to hike, I can say that all the effort me and my roomie Cherry had given to reach the top-from me waking up thinking there was an emergency, only to find out that we're almost leaving, to the deep and heavy breaths that I had to take while climbing said mountain on an empty stomach were all worth it once I got there.

Sun's up by the time I'm very near the top...

Going down the trail.. View is familiar, I think this is the site of "Sitio La Presa" that's famous in Forevermore? #HindiUpdated :3

with my sister at heart Cyrene! :3

Of course, it was also thanks to the awesome Azalea team that they had brought us picnic blankets to lay on the ground and of course, breakfast in the form of Wingardium Longganisa, Eggs-pecto Patronum (scrambled) and Tuna Lovegood sandwich. Pretty magical, yes? ;)

Let me touch Yangbew. Let me touch the clouds.

For guests checked in Azalea Residences Baguio, they offer tour packages,like this, alongside the Artist Villages I have visited the day before for your family or group getaway. Just approach any of their staff, or ask about it when you're contacting their "Tawad Hotline" and they will gladly assist you!

PS: There's an environmental fee of 35 pesos, weather you're on your own or touring with Azalea. Worth every penny I say.

Very Important PS: Please don't forget to leave no trace, except your footprints once you go on hikes like these.  Pick up the trash that you see even if it's not yours and throw in the proper bins. :)