dakilanglaagan

“You have to get out of the typical runner mindset to understand,” said the veteran runner who gave us a pep talk while pouring water into every cup. Spent the weekend as one of the support crew at an aid station for the Cebu International Marathon 2026. What I thought would simply be a night of providing much-needed hydration to exhausted full marathoners turned into another learning chapter in…

It’s not just the birthday. For some reason, I have been feeling much older than I should be. I used to be the ‘accelerated’ one. The one who finished school at eighteen. Landed a stable job and passed the board exam in the same year. By twenty, I had a regular job and a special assignment and had passed the entrance exam for postgrad studies. Then I entered the hiking scene. Used to be the…

Would you do an ultra with only two weeks’ notice? It would be crazy. But anybody doing a marathon, an ultramarathon per se, has always been a little crazy. As Haruki Murakami puts it in What I Talk About When I Talk About Running, “Most runners are a little crazy. But if you don’t make it enjoyable, why would anyone run that far in the first place?” And as locals would comment after learning…

Kathrine Switzer was the first woman to run the Boston Marathon with an official race number. It was 1967, a time when women were not given space at the starting line. Switzer registered under the name ‘K.V. Switzer’ and ran the race despite attempts by race officials to physically remove her from the course. She finished anyway. *hair flip* As the oldest annual marathon, first held in 1897, the…

Reels and photos circulating across social media of how crowded Starbuks and Spartan Trail are have elicited discussion among seasoned hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. Truly, the growing number of hikers in Cebu City’s top hiking destination can, at times, feel overwhelming. What once felt like a personal sanctuary, a quiet space where one could reflect while tracing nature’s path, now resembles…

The deeper you get into a hobby, the more you begin to notice the nuances that come with it. Take running, for example. Many people start running because it seems like a cheap and accessible form of exercise. All you really need is a pair of shoes and an open road. But the more you get into it, the more layers you discover. Suddenly, you’re searching for running events to join, investing in gear…

Excited for your first fun run? Training for your next marathon? Or simply trying to move your body again after months of saying ‘bukas nalang’? Well, you’ve come to the right place. Running may look simple. One foot in front of the other. Repeat. But if you’ve been in the sport long enough, you’ll realize preparation matters more than motivation. Research continues to show that injury…

You will literally never run out of things to do in Cebu. From beach escapes and canyoneering adventures to celebrating the vibrant Sinulog Festival and immersing yourself in centuries-old heritage sites, the island province offers a layered experience of nature, culture, and movement. Cebu is definitely not just a tourist destination. It is a space that constantly invites participation. In…

Note: Despite the resumption of hiking activities on mountains post-COVID pandemic, Mt. Maculot remains restricted from hiking and pilgrimage activities, as municipal environmental authorities have yet to wrap up their comprehensive rehabilitation and reforestation of the town’s top tourist destination. *** There are moments in your early twenties when logic politely steps aside and lets…

“Smile, guys. I’ll send this picture to my mom,” says the teenager, instinctively raising his phone, camera app already open, finger poised to tap the shutter for that 0.5 capture. But what was supposed to be a simple commemorative photo to notify parents about a student’s whereabouts during a community engagement activity quickly turned into a modern-day dilemma: “There’s no WiFi here. My…

‘Wait, you watch that?!’ This statement often comes as no surprise. Come to think of it, at this age, with my professional background—and as a woman, nonetheless—it seems unusual to some that I’m still interested in anime, manga, and manhwa. Balancing a demanding work life and adult responsibilities with a love for ‘stereotypical Japanese cartoons’ makes people raise their eyebrows. But that’s…

They say when the going gets tough, the tough get going. And when it comes to running, we can all agree—it’s not always easy. The hardest part is often just starting: making that decision to go for your first run, waking up early to hit the pavement, or lacing up your shoes after a long day of work. Choosing endurance and strengthening your body over a cozy Netflix night isn’t always simple. But…

“Is it true that human beings are fundamentally cruel? Is the experience of cruelty the only thing we share as a species?” I shouldn’t have taken it with a grain of salt when Pepe Diokno shared how this book wrecked him. Now, it feels like secondhand PTSD: the trauma is real. I’ve always been a fan of Murakami for his surreal, dreamlike narratives, but now I understand why Han Kang, not him,…

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner! But wait… why are you still single? If you’re wondering why Cupid seems to have skipped you again this year, maybe the answer’s here. 14 Reason Why You’re Still Single 1. Namumundok ka kasi. Akala mo makikita mo siya doon. Iiwan ka lang naman sa trail. You love adventure, hiking, and chasing breathtaking views. But guess what? Love isn’t always…

Growing up, we never really had a pet at home. Sure, my father bred ornamental fish, raised ducks, and kept fighting cocks for as long as I can remember, but the typical household cat or dog was always missing. That is, until last year, when my brother brought home a kitten. As if that wasn’t enough to shake things up, two weeks later, he added a puppy to the mix—and just like that, our quiet…

So, you’re on the hunt for that perfect spot to chill—and maybe spill some tea—with your friends, catch up on work, or finally dive into that book you’ve been meaning to read? Well, Cebu City has you covered with a fantastic selection of cafés that are not just aesthetic, but also serve some seriously great coffee. These spots have the kind of vibe that makes you want to stay all day, from cozy…

Up for another adventure? Say no more. Whether you’re a newbie eager to conquer new peaks or a seasoned outdoorsman looking for your next challenge, the Visayas region has plenty of epic climbs to add to your bucket list. Need a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life? These mountains offer the perfect escape into nature’s grandeur. Though the Visayas may not boast the Philippines’…