The Hodgepodge

  Introduction: The Call of Mount Napulak There are moments in life when the need for adventure strikes—a call to leave behind the mundane routines, to step outside the confines of comfort, and to connect deeply with nature. For some, it comes as a subtle whisper; for others, it’s a loud, insistent beckoning. For me, that call came in the form of Mount Napulak, a towering peak in Igbaras, Iloilo, known for its rugged trails and breathtaking views. A group of us had long talked about the idea of conquering this mountain, yet it was only in the crisp days of early autumn that we finally decided to make it happen. We were drawn not only by the challenge of the hike but by the promise of a night spent at the summit. Few things are as satisfying as laying down your head on the grass at the top of a mountain, with nothing but the stars above you. The prospect of watching the sunset, camping under a sky full of constellations, and waking up to a glorious sunrise was enough to get our boot...