Who would have thought that someone who has never considered herself particularly athletic would one day find herself climbing a mountain to reach Lake Holon? Certainly not me.
Yet, on December 20, 2025, I found myself doing exactly that. It was my first time taking on a hike of that intensity, and to make things even more interesting, I had barely prepared for it.
In fact, I only found out about the trip a few days before we left, when my boyfriend, Josh, suggested that we join his friends for an adventure in South Cotabato. It sounded like a fun idea, and naturally, I said yes. What I didn’t quite anticipate was just how much of an adventure it would turn out to be.
The night before our trip, I had work to finish and managed only three to four hours of sleep. After a four-to-five-hour journey toward Lake Sebu, my period decided to make an appearance. Wonderful timing, really.
So there I was: sleep-deprived, aching, and about to embark on a full day of hiking. Thankfully, I had eaten a proper breakfast and stayed hydrated, which helped me get through the initial stages of the journey. Looking back, I probably would have prepared a little differently had I known what I was getting myself into. But sometimes, the best stories begin with a plan you haven’t entirely thought through.
The climb I didn’t know I signed up for
Before the hike, we had to ride a motorcycle across rough terrain to reach the briefing area. As someone who doesn’t often venture beyond city roads, I found the ride thrilling in itself. It was the sort of bumpy, adventurous experience that makes you feel as though you’re already far removed from your usual routine.
Then came the briefing, where I learned something rather important: we were taking the hardest route.
At that point, all I could do was mentally prepare myself for whatever lay ahead. There was no turning back now, and somehow, the adrenaline took over.
We began hiking at around 8 AM, and to my surprise, I was doing better than expected. The trail was challenging, but the scenery made it easier to appreciate the journey rather than focus entirely on how tired I was becoming.
After spending so much time surrounded by the noise and pace of the city, being immersed in greenery felt incredibly refreshing. I found myself slowing down to admire the plants along the trail, noticing little insects, and taking in the landscape from different vantage points.
It reminded me of how easy it is to become disconnected from the world outside our daily responsibilities. Between work, events, and the endless list of things to accomplish, I had forgotten how grounding it could be to simply exist somewhere quiet, surrounded by nature.
For once, there was nowhere else I needed to be.
Finding the beauty in slowing down
As the hours passed and the terrain became more demanding, Josh began to slow down, too. Rather than rushing ahead, we decided to take our time and walk together.
In retrospect, those quieter stretches of the hike became some of my favorite moments of the entire trip.
We talked about life, the things we were grateful for, and how much we appreciated one another. There was no particular agenda to our conversations, no distractions demanding our attention, and no need to rush through what we wanted to say.
It was just the two of us, making our way up a mountain.
I don’t think I’ve ever felt more deeply connected to him than I did during those moments. Perhaps there is something about being physically challenged together that makes you appreciate the person beside you a little differently. When you’re tired, uncomfortable, and nowhere near the finish line, even the smallest gestures of patience and companionship mean so much more.
Along the way, we also came across little food stops selling pastil, pinaypay, and boiled eggs. These simple snacks became much-needed fuel for the journey, and I was more than happy to take advantage of them. It turns out that a mountain hike is a rather effective way to work up an appetite.
Eventually, after hours of walking, we finally reached Lake Holon.
A view worth every step
There are places that look beautiful in photographs, and then there are places that make you pause because no photograph could quite capture how they feel in person.
Lake Holon was the latter.
After all the climbing, the exhaustion, and the uncertainty of whether I could actually make it, seeing the lake for the first time felt almost surreal. We took a boat across the water toward the campsite, and I remember being in awe of the scenery surrounding us.
The lake was breathtaking, framed by mountains and lush greenery that made the entire landscape feel wonderfully secluded. It was difficult to believe that I had made it to a place I had never imagined myself visiting, much less reaching on foot.
Josh and his friends eventually went for a swim, although I had a small moment of panic when Josh jumped into the water and took a little while to resurface. We had momentarily forgotten that we were swimming in a lake rather than the sea, where the water’s buoyancy can feel different. Needless to say, I was relieved when he was back up.
As evening approached, we gathered for dinner and enjoyed a generous spread of grilled Filipino favorites, including sinugba. The atmosphere grew livelier as the local community organized a campfire gathering, complete with dancing, singing, and performances.
It was one of those evenings when strangers quickly became familiar faces. Everyone seemed happy to be there, and the warmth of the crowd made the experience feel even more memorable.
And then came the sky.
I have seen beautiful sunsets before, but the night sky at Lake Holon was something else entirely. With so little surrounding light, the stars appeared remarkably clear and close. Looking up at them felt almost magical, as though the world had momentarily slowed down just for us to appreciate it.
Between the sunset, the campfire, and the stars above us, I couldn’t help but feel grateful that I had said yes to this trip.
The realities of camping
Of course, not every part of the experience was picturesque.
As much as I loved the scenery, navigating the campsite facilities was probably one of my biggest challenges, especially since I was on my period. There were designated restrooms and shower areas, but the facilities were fairly basic. The restrooms had no lighting, and showering required pumping and carrying water in a bucket.
There was also a flight of stairs to climb just to reach the restroom, which felt particularly tiresome after an entire day of hiking.
And honestly, men really do seem to have it easier when it comes to finding a place to relieve themselves outdoors. Must be nice.
Thankfully, some of the local women were kind enough to assist me, and I managed to keep myself comfortable throughout the trip. It was a reminder that outdoor adventures require a little more preparation than simply packing your favorite hiking outfit. Practical essentials, personal hygiene supplies, and a willingness to adapt can make a considerable difference.
Still, these were the realities of camping that came with the experience, and they certainly gave me a few stories to take home.
A sunrise, a waterfall, and the journey back
The following morning, I woke up to the camp leader greeting everyone and reminding us to prepare for breakfast. Stepping out of the tent, I was greeted by another beautiful sight: the sunrise over the surrounding landscape.
Breakfast was one of the highlights of the morning, too. We enjoyed a selection of Filipino favorites thoughtfully prepared by our tour guide, whom we were incredibly grateful to have with us throughout the trip.
After eating, we boarded a boat to visit a nearby waterfall, where some of our companions took the opportunity to swim and bathe. I couldn’t join them, so I stayed back and enjoyed watching everyone have their fun. The group was lovely, and their easygoing company made the experience all the more enjoyable.
Soon enough, it was time to head back.
The return journey was another challenge in itself, requiring us to make our way back up before continuing along the trail down the mountain. I was a little worried about the heat, particularly as the morning progressed, but thankfully, the skies became cloudier as we continued.
Along the way, we were offered horses to help with the descent. As tempting as it was to take the easier option, Josh and I eventually decided to continue on foot. By then, I had grown rather fond of the idea of completing the journey ourselves.
And so we did.
When we finally reached the bottom, I felt an overwhelming sense of accomplishment. We cleaned up, ate, and eventually boarded the van for the journey back to Davao. We left around three or four in the afternoon and arrived home at approximately eight or nine that evening.
I was exhausted, sore, and more than ready for a proper bed. But underneath all that fatigue was a feeling I hadn’t expected to take away from the trip: pride.
Why I left my heart in Lake Holon
Looking back, Lake Holon has become one of the most memorable places I’ve visited, not simply because of its beauty, but because of what the experience meant to me.
I went into the trip without much preparation, with very little sleep, and with plenty of reasons to doubt whether I could finish the hike. Yet somehow, I made it. I discovered that I was capable of more than I had given myself credit for, and I experienced a kind of quiet happiness that I hadn’t realized I needed.
More than that, I got to share the experience with Josh. We spent hours walking together, appreciating the scenery, talking about life, and reminding each other of the things that mattered. Those are the memories I find myself holding on to most dearly.
Since that trip, I’ve found myself wanting to hike again. I understand now why people say that once you experience the outdoors this way, you begin to crave it. There’s something incredibly rewarding about reaching a destination on your own two feet and realizing that the journey itself was just as meaningful as the view waiting at the end.
To anyone who has ever wondered whether hiking is for them, especially if you’re not particularly athletic like I was, I’d say give yourself the chance to find out. Of course, choose a trail that suits your fitness level, prepare properly, and listen to your body. You don’t need to be the most experienced hiker to discover something wonderful out there.
Sometimes, all you need is a little courage, the right company, and a willingness to try something unfamiliar.
As for me, I know I’ll be returning to the mountains soon enough.
Lake Holon gave me beautiful views, sore legs, a few unexpected adventures, and memories I will carry with me for years to come.
And while I may have left my heart somewhere along that trail, I have a feeling a little piece of it will always be waiting for me there.