On May 17, 2018, my officemates and I set out on an adventure to Itogon, Benguet, to conquer Mt. Ulap and its nearby summits. The trail, stretching about 8 kilometers along Ampucao, typically takes 4 to 6 hours to complete. However, our journey began at 5:00 am, with the ascent starting at 5:30 am, and we finally descended by 3:00 pm—making it an 11-hour-and-30-minute trek.
Our slower pace was well worth it, as we were captivated by the breathtaking grassland ridges, majestic mountain views, and stunning rock formations. I often paused to capture these magnificent scenes with my camera, using this hike as a chance to practice my photography skills. While I enjoyed the experience, I wasn’t fully satisfied with my photos due to the limited time. I’m already planning to return—this time solo—so I can take my time and get those perfect shots.
Despite the physical challenge (and nearly running out of breath), the cool weather, enchanting clouds, and spectacular views made this trek an unforgettable experience.
Here’s a glimpse of our journey in pictures. Enjoy! See Photos Here.