Have you ever felt that you’re craving something that isn’t eatable? Do you want its taste? To savor its delectable warmth of fondness? And to crisp its dilemma on the surface of the world? Because I am, I crave peace even though it's in pieces, seeking out life even though I’m alive.
So, come with me as we explore the tranquility and serenity of the Paharuhay Campsite in Tabogon, Cebu.
The word "paharuhay" signifies letting go of anxieties and embracing the moment.
I'm a girl who is deprived of going out and staying out day and night without a chaperone. I understand because I'm the eldest. However, I wanted to experience camping, but I can't go camping during the day as well as do other adventurous activities outside. But as a teenager who always wants the best solution to every problem, she will counter it. I have joined the Girl Scouts of the Philippines organization in our school. I was elected as a grade 12 representative in our school, and because of that, I did experience chanting songs with the huge fire at the center, which is also known as the essence of camping, "bonfire." Every camping trip, you will hear the waves and thunderstorms of laughter. You will be taught how to survive in this survival mode of living, as the connection of ties will distinguish. Ever since I graduated high school, I haven't had a chance to go camping, and I feel nostalgic for earlier days.
I have been to the campsite for the second time around. When we discovered that we would go to Paharuhay Campsite once again, we didn't have any second thoughts but to experience it. Hence, during our first times, the management still allowed visitors to walk in and just visit the camping area. Later that year they released a statement that they no longer accept walk-in guests for the reason that the true essence of the place is for camping. My acquaintance back then decided to walk in and not to camp. I'm still excited for the reason that, since the pandemic happened, I have not been to any places aside from our neighbors. And to experience or see new interesting places is what I'm looking for. The place is still in a state of improvement, which is why it was not that popular during those days.
Since I am studying for a Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management with a focus on sustaining, maintaining, and preserving the cultural, historical, and natural resources and the beauty of the environment, the place has been so fulfilling, and I want to experience camping there. Fate is in favor of my Dora, the Explorer's inner character. We are given a task to assess a tourism site. As a student who wants to learn and travel at the same time, this chance is really for me. We decided to visit Paharuhay Campsite again, and this time we are going to camp. I felt satisfied and ecstatic when we decided to go camping.
To book a cabin, a place to stay, or any kind of accommodation at Paharuhay campsite, you can search their rates as well as the terms and conditions, and you can sneak a peek at their area on the gallery of their social platforms.
So dearest hivers, "Welcome to the Paharuhay Campsite, where the city is away."
The campsite is located in Caduawan, Tabogon, Cebu. It is an hour's drive from San Remigio to Tobogon. When we arrived, we were welcomed by their kindness.
Afterward, you can now see their reception area. You are guided by the camping site rules and regulations, and if there is any concern, there are people who will accommodate you. This is where I confirmed our booking for one night. Around the reception area, you can see fish ponds, a tree house, a pool, and also a pig because the place is a previous piggery.
After confirming our stay, hold on tight, because we are about to hike. This camping site is spectacular for the reason that we are going for a thirty-minute hike. When hiking, you have to bring a bottle of water and stay hydrated. And worry less if you are not on a long hike because you can choose which side to go on.
The first time we visited the campsite, we chose the hard way. And for the second time, it is the right time to choose the soft way. But the truth is, there is no difference in which way you are going to choose, because either way, you are still going to end up on the peak of the mountain to camp.
Upon arriving at the top, you will get a glimpse of a beautiful bunch of cosmos flowers with their different varieties that will welcome and surprise you and your companion.
Yey! After a long hike, we have officially arrived at the camping site, where we can set up the tents we brought.
We placed our tents on Matahom Shared Camp Ground, which is good for 25 people. We take a glance at every side of the campsite, where we are looking to see which side would be the best place to check out the views. I did personally bring a hammock for a perfect camping set-up. You can rent a cabin; they have lots of options, but since we want to certainly feel the feeling of camping in tents, aside from the fact that staying in cabins would cost a lot.
The things that give spirit to the camping sites are the signages. It adds beauty to the scenic view. That also serves as a guide for the tourist.
Don't get worked up if you forget to bring the necessary things, because, at the entrance of the site, you will see a shop for personal needs.
As we explore the camping site, even though I have been there before, you can see that there are spots that are improving. The last time I got there, the pool was in the lower part of the site, where it was free, whereas now they have a pool that has a 360-degree mountain and sea view. And I will not let the opportunity pass by, so get my bikinis and dive. It is hilarious that I did what divers do even if I can't even swim. Hence, you have to pay fifty pesos for the pool. As a person who is into photos, I won't let this opportunity pass by.
We witnessed the darkest side of the sphere, where the moon takes turns and the sun rests. A sudden wave of breeze starts to come through. Equipped yourself for a freezing breath of wind is in all parts of the scene. A camping trip would not be complete if you didn't try to experience the camping fire. We request the staff for the activity that we will do. We pay a hundred pesos for the logs and butane. To complete the experience, we bring marshmallows to grill.
And share laughs and stories where the smiling moon witnessed our core moments. When we decided to get inside our perspective tents, it was freezing because our tents were getting moistened.
Our two hundred peso accommodations also included a free breakfast. The food was delicious and mouthwatering, and it was the typical Filipino breakfast. I love that they are sustainable in any way. They use banana leaves to cover the food.
While enjoying ourselves, we didn't forget the reason why we got there; we executed our assessment right away.
Comfort is not only found in individuals; share your worries in the hills where they don't only listen but also make you feel at ease.
Hivers, now we are done with Travel with J episode 1. Don't forget to take time exploring, as we can witness how exquisite our chosen land is.
Adios Hivers!