It has been awhile since I decided walking alone again, and the feeling is quite different than walking with a group of acquaintances who shared the same interest.
The last time I walked uphill solo was a week after Mt. Apo. I visited TOPs on foot and I finished it almost around 3 hours. It was quite a very good experience and an achievement for me. The fact that I did it was a pretty good sign, I’m in control of my procrastinating habits.
That feeling of fear of the unknown always creeps in everytime I’m doing things first time “Solo”. There’s always a possibility of harm but my faith in my instincts to detect possible threats made me act extra cautious which kept me grounded and connected.
April 11, 2026: Around 6:48 Am, I started trekking from Paseo Arcenas up to Starbaks, passing through “Good Shepherd”. Not feeling well that week, not sure why, troubles always come psychologically.
Either I got triggered by some comments, or my mind was playing games on me because of gaslighting or people who wants people to start gossiping and questioning themselves. Narcissists always do that, they think they’re too perfect and wanted to stir up chaos to take revenge or to have something to laugh at.
Solo trekking is quite therapeutic, no harsh comments, just silence and a gentle good morning from the trail runners and groups of hikers. Meeting solo hikers like me stirs a bit of awkwardness and fear but the “good morning” gestures and smiles let it go. So as the gentle “thank you” lifted my worries.
The thought of gratitude reminds me of how blessed I am, and that no matter what happened, I will be blessed again and again. The worries left for awhile, it was replaced by contentment and acceptance. Uncertainties causes anxieties which is normal but you are open to change and is willing to learn new skills then you’ll have a better future. No need to worry, just “Start” now.
Starting something new is quite stressing specially if you have no guidance and clarity of your next steps and next turns, but the young hikers last Saturday really inspires me to keep going, to not be scared of getting lost and not knowing the next turns. I noticed they’ve been struggling up the hill, and I overheard them talking casually: the young man said “I literally underestimated this trail, Bro.”
I was happy because I wasn’t alone but I acted like someone who did not notice their struggles. I just kept walking and not giving a helping hand yet, I knew they can do it like I did when I first started. What surprised me was a young woman climbing uphill with him.
They didn’t ask for help and I knew that they’re up to some adventure and it would ruin the feeling if I’d help them like they’re pitiful, but as a sister I feel like yelling at them for doing it by themselves, they’re clearly so young and inexperience. I’m not quite sure if they’re just friends or maybe on a date?
Based on their reactions, I can sense it is their first time on the trail and I feel like helping them in a different way, like guiding them on their next turns but as for their steps, they have to figure it out. I was weak because I had emotional struggles too, alone and sleepless because I came out from graveyard shift and trekked right away under the heat of the sun.
I managed to say “Congrats” to both of them for getting through the hard part without my help. It was literally hard for first timers, but because they’re young I knew they won’t give up easily and can make it through.
The young man had a leg cramps and the young woman was there to support him, not physically but psychologically and emotionally. I overheard them supporting each other which was quite cute, “I’ll save you bro” while she’s struggling. I was wondering how he could save her while he’s ahead of her, no one would catch her if she falls. Let’s be honest, believing would really help you take action. She follows his instructions from above.
“This was your idea, be careful.” It’s too cute to handle, I’m actually feeling so inspired right now. They speaks English but I know they can speak our vernacular language. I overhead him saying, “We’re only 9th Graders” as if giving a clue that they may actually need some help even if they didn’t ask.
I kept on resting too, so they can catch up and I can enjoy the trail walking solo because that was my goal to hike “Solo” again after two months of trekking with groups of acquaintances. I asked if they’ll go back on foot and they said “No.”
They will be riding a vehicle back and asked how much was the fair. I answered with estimated amounts higher than than the actual price, not intentionally but because I also do not know that much, and he’s quite surprised because he didn’t bring that much cash. I was obliged to help them just in case. The young woman was just quite, I didn’t knew her take on it yet.
I slowed down even more to let them catch up so I can help them in case. I guess my instincts was right, they didn’t knew where to go next and he said, “I’m almost giving up now actually.” They paused and I pointed the next turn.
They asked if they’re almost there, I said “Yes.” It will keep them feeling at ease. We’ve finally arrived at the TOP and we finished the Spartan Trail. They’ve congratulated me and I congratulated them back. It felt great, I didn’t tell them it was my 5th time on that trail to be grateful. They said “Thank you” for my little help and I was thankful too. I treated them with snacks so they can save a little and I’m so happy that they accepted my little offer and a way to congratulate them.
I asked if they’re first time and they said “Yes”, I asked once again if they knew how to go home from the motorcycle she said “Yes” but sounded uncertain. I knew they’re going to need my help again, so I changed my mind; I was gonna go for 6 towers but I decided to go home with them. I’m happy that I did not interfere because they’re so proud of themselves which was great.
So as I have expected, they didn’t knew where and how to get a cab going home. The young man asked me how to get to “IT Park”, I also answered based on what I knew, but I guided them towards the jeepney terminal where they can decide where to go and which cab to take, direct drive to IT Park was not an option. They finally found the jeepney they’re searching for. I feel at ease and wish them well. I went home and decided to rest and sleep.
Climbing, Rocks! 