Looking back, it’s funny how one small decision can completely change the direction of your life.
In 2023, when I was 20 years old, I had never considered myself a hiker. I didn’t own any special hiking gear, I didn’t know trail etiquette, and I certainly didn’t have experience climbing mountains. What I did have was curiosity.
One day, while scrolling through TikTok, I came across videos of the famous Starbucks viewpoint in Guadalupe, Cebu. The stunning views, and the peaceful atmosphere caught my attention. Without overthinking it, I decided to see it for myself.
That decision led to my very first hike.
To be honest, I had no idea what I was doing.
My original plan was simply to stay around the Good Shepherd area because I wasn’t familiar with the trail leading to Starbucks. I didn’t know the route, and I wasn’t confident enough to explore on my own. But as I watched other hikers make their way toward the viewpoint, I thought, “Why not follow them?”
So I did.
Step by step, I followed the trail, hoping I was heading in the right direction.
Thankfully, I was.
When I finally arrived at the viewpoint, I was completely amazed. It was early in the morning, and a light blanket of fog drifted across the mountains. The cool air, the peaceful surroundings, and the breathtaking view made every step worth it.
For the first time, I experienced something that photos and videos could never fully capture.
I stood there taking it all in, feeling grateful that I had decided to take a chance and show up.
But the adventure didn’t end there.
While exploring the area, I heard people talking about the Spartan Trail. Naturally, my curiosity kicked in again. I saw a group preparing to head there, and without knowing much about the trail, I joined them.
Looking back, that may not have been the most strategic hiking plan, but it turned out to be one of the best decisions I could have made.
Along the way, I met new people who would become friends. We shared conversations, stories, and the excitement of exploring together. What started as a solo adventure suddenly became something much bigger.
That day, my love for hiking was born.
The mountains taught me an important lesson from the very beginning: the best views aren’t given freely—they’re earned.
Every climb requires effort, patience, and perseverance. The trail doesn’t care who you are, where you come from, or what status you have in life. The mountain treats everyone equally. If you want to reach the top, you have to keep moving forward one step at a time.
Since that first hike, hiking, trekking, and camping have become an important part of my life.
Whenever I’m on a trail, I feel more connected to nature, more grateful for life, and more aware of how precious every moment truly is. The mountains have a way of putting things into perspective. They remind me that many of the worries we carry every day become smaller when we’re surrounded by something much greater than ourselves.
That first hike to Starbucks was more than just a visit to a beautiful viewpoint.
It was the beginning of a journey that would eventually inspire me to create Hike Aura—a place where I can share my experiences and encourage others to discover the beauty, challenges, and life lessons that the mountains have to offer.
If there’s one thing I learned from that day, it’s that you don’t have to be an expert to start.
Sometimes all it takes is curiosity, a little courage, and the willingness to take the first step.
You never know where the trail might lead.
