When people tell you to figuratively touch some grass, do you find it hard to let go of your life online? In a now-saturated world filled with nonstop notifications, 24/7 glowing devices, and an endless yearning for digital connection, a quiet revolution is unfolding among young Filipinos.
Hiking, once exclusive to professional hikers and adventurers, has now become a solace for those seeking it. On their quest to find a connection within themselves and a disconnection from the digital realm, the mountain has turned into their antidote.
THE NATURE CALLS, AND I ANSWERED
Caryl Valenzuela, an influencer based in Bicol who is active in the digital world, has made it her daily routine yet still craves the restorative power of nature, a concept this generation refers to as a digital detox.
“I’ve always thought of hiking as a tool to disconnect, not just when problems occur, but when it is time to appreciate nature. Hiking makes me grateful just by breathing and the breathtaking views,” Valenzuela says.
Valenzuela shares that everyone has their highs and lows, and she finds hiking one of the many activities that fill the void. Some days, her work can be draining, and detaching from her obligations to refuel simply can feel like a high-stakes decision.
However, for Valenzuela, balancing her online life and her time in nature can have the secret key: moderation.
“I admit most of my time is spent on social networking, more screen time, and it’s unhealthy for us to be able to focus on one thing only. What I do is I give time to myself with nature by simply drinking coffee with the view of the sunset, feeling the breeze, and taking time off away from screens and just feeling the greens,” she fondly shares.
Valenzuela had visited various hiking spots, but Mt. Pinatubo had become her favorite. She shares that the unexpected gift of hiking is a profound sense of nostalgia, happiness, and mental clarity —a reminder of the “smallness of our struggles and the greatness of the Creator.”
Her straightforward advice to those seeking mental well-being through hiking is simply to “just do it,” to embrace it as a form of moving meditation.
THE GIFT OF NATURE
For most, a birthday conjures images of cakes, balloons, music, and familiar faces. But Patrick Togano has a personal reason to celebrate his 22nd birthday amidst the majestic landscapes of Mt. Pinatubo. This spontaneous decision became a “self-fulfilling experience,” with the summit view leaving him in awe of the Philippines’ natural beauty.
“Pinatubo has a different type of beauty that will bring you tears and that will have you thanking the universe for allowing such beauty to be here in the Philippines,” Togano shares.
The magic did not end with nature’s grandeur, but also for Togano, the beauty of human connection was one of the most magical moments that happened as a solo hiker.
“I made friends during that hike, and we’re all still connected on our socials. Those cute random encounters with strangers, smiling and greeting each other even without having a single idea who any of us were, were also one for the books,” he fondly shares.
Most people will ask, “Why choose hiking as a way to celebrate yourself?” Togano answered it with no regrets.
“It was all in the adrenaline, the seeking of peace, and reaching more heights. I wanted to celebrate through something that would test me and would make me feel agitated and complex, while having the deep satisfaction after, and glad that I had that during my Mt. Pinatubo trip,” he shares.
This rewarding experience yielded a powerful life lesson: “I learned how important it is to live, not just to be alive.” For Togano, this distinction lies in embracing boldness, fun, and an unapologetic attitude towards embracing adventure. He urges his generation to fill their twenties with “core moments” that their future selves will cherish.
THE ART OF GIVING BACK
The mountains, as Caryl and Patrick share, possess a power to heal, offer solace from digital clamor, and illuminate the path towards inner clarity. The act of hiking can indeed be a potent balm for the modern soul. Yet, as we seek this personal rejuvenation on these majestic slopes, we must not remain blind to the struggles unfolding within their embrace.
What’s happening now in Mt. Pinatubo shows us that these mountains aren’t just scenery. They are the homeland of the Aetas, an indigenous community whose history, culture, and way of life are tied to this land. As we find our peace and feel stronger by being in these mountains, we should also pay attention when the peace and well-being of the Aetas are at risk.
When the tide of commercial tourism threatens their autonomy, their cultural heritage, and their right to self-determination, our newfound clarity demands that we stand in solidarity with the oppressed.