A photo-heavy post

⟡ March 1
Masungi Georeserve is a hidden gem tucked in the mountains of Rizal — a peaceful escape filled with limestone peaks, forest trails, and breathtaking views. Just a few hours from Manila, it’s the kind of place that makes you slow down and appreciate nature a little more.

I remember it opened to the public in 2015, and I’ve wanted to visit ever since. Back in 2016, my high school friends invited me to come along, but I couldn’t.. probably because the entrance fee was a bit much for me back then.

Finally, almost a decade later, I got to experience the beauty of Masungi. This time, I went with my friends from work and our partners, plus two of Asis’ friends so we could complete the required group of 14.

During the mandatory orientation, we learned how the privately-owned Masungi began protecting the land and how, even now, they’re still fighting for their rights to it. Despite their efforts in reforesting and preserving the area, they’ve faced threats from land grabbers and even government agencies.

It was disheartening to hear, especially after seeing how much care and work they’ve put into protecting the place. You’d think a conservation site like this would be fully supported, not contested.

We were also given a quick rundown of the do’s and don’ts. A reminder to respect nature and help keep Masungi beautiful for future generations.

The whole Discovery Trail took us around four hours, full round. A park ranger guided us the whole way. I really enjoyed the trek. It was pretty manageable. The rope rappelling and climbing parts were a bit more challenging, but nothing too intense. What I loved most was the fresh air, the nice breeze, the view, the sounds of birds, and the rustling trees that almost sounded like ocean waves. It was amazing! Made even better by spending it with such an amaaaaazing group of people.

I’m also proud of what we accomplished. Some of us had fears: of heights, hanging bridges, or just doing something physically demanding. But we all pushed through. We did it together. So proud. 🥹