Mt. Batulao, Twice Blessed: A Summer Revisit

Somewhere in the quiet corners of my Blogger drafts sat this throwback post, gathering virtual dust yet holding pieces of memories I couldn’t let go of. And now, it’s finally stepping into the light. Not abandoned. Not forgotten. Simply waiting for the right moment to return.

Quick Trail Recap
📍 Mt. Batulao, Nasugbu, Batangas
🗓️ Summer | March 14, 2015
🕓 Day hike only (we started early and went home before sunset)
🥾 Trail difficulty: 2/9 – Beginner-friendly
☕ Highlight: This hike was one of those classic “tag-along” adventures that turned strangers into trail buddies.

It had been a year since my last climb at Mt. Batulao, and I missed it. Life had kept me grounded, but the longing never left. So when a group of friends—connected through a mutual friend—invited me to join their second ascent of Mt. Batulao, I didn’t hesitate. No second thoughts. Just a quiet, eager yes.

🏔️ Same Summit, New Soul

I couldn’t believe I was going back. Same mountain. Different season. Different souls.

We gathered at McDonald’s Blue Wave along Macapagal Avenue on March 14, around 5:30 AM. I took the first MRT trip to Taft, then hopped on a jeep to SM MOA. The excitement was palpable—like a dormant fire reigniting. Maybe it was the promise of adventure, or maybe it was the memory of my first climb whispering back to me.

Thirteen of us squeezed into a rented van (₱5,000), all running on less than five hours of sleep but brimming with anticipation. The drive from Manila to Nasugbu took about three hours. As we arrived at the jump-off point near Evercrest, the transformation was immediate. I was no longer in the corporate jungle—I was back in nature’s embrace.

🥾 Mt. Batulao, Round Two

We began our trek around 8:30 AM after a brief chat with our guide (whose name I regret not asking). The sun was rising, the air was cool, and the old trail welcomed us. Unlike my first climb, which took the new trail, this route felt unfamiliar—like meeting an old friend who’d changed just enough to surprise you.

🌄 Heaven’s Wind, Summer’s Trail

An hour later, we reached the summit. It was packed with weekend climbers, each carrying their own story, their own reason for being there. I felt alive again. The summit had changed too—locals now sold bottled water, coconut juice, energy drinks, and even halo-halo. No one would go thirsty up there.

There’s a line from a Korean novel that stayed with me: “When you’re on the summit, you feel heaven’s wind.” I felt it.

The climb wasn’t easy. The sun was relentless, and the pace varied. Some struggled, others soared. I felt like a sizzling dish under the heat, but the reward was worth every step. That sense of accomplishment—of being part of something bigger than yourself—is priceless.

🚶Friendships Forged

We descended via the new trail, steeper and more challenging than I remembered. The long queue of mountaineers tested our patience, and yes, I overtook a few (oops). But the experience was richer this time. I wasn’t just climbing—I was connecting. New friendships were forming, laughter echoing through the ridges.

At one of the stopovers, while sipping cold drinks and catching our breath, someone asked, “Have you been to Nagsasa Cove? ”

“No, not yet,” I replied. “But I’ve been to Anawangin.”

“Come join us next month! ”

Me: “Okay. Game.”

No second thoughts. Just another quiet, eager yes.

🌄 Reflections from the Trail

Climbing Mt. Batulao for the second time wasn’t just about retracing steps—it was about rediscovering parts of myself I hadn’t met in 2012. The trail had changed, yes, but so had I. New friendships, new challenges, and a deeper appreciation for the journey reminded me that even familiar mountains can offer new lessons.

Sometimes, the second climb is the one that truly stays with you.