“If a picture is good, it tells many different stories.” ~ Josef Koudelka
When I visited the home of Gladys for the first time, she told me about a nearby lake owned by the Lhuillier family. She mentioned its location, so I decided to fly my drone there. It was almost 3 km from her home. When I first saw it, the lake was truly a breathtaking place, like heaven. I promised her that one day we would go there together, but unfortunately, it's been a year, and it remains a distant dream because she was pregnant at that time.
At work, I shared this story with my team leader, Melissa, who loves hiking with her friends. I told her about Lake Lhuillier in Pulangbato, describing its beauty in detail. She became interested and decided to share the idea with her friends. On February 10th, we discussed it and set a date for our hike: February 16th, Sunday. Everyone agreed, and we were all excited. I asked my partner Gladys if she would like to come with us, but she preferred to stay home and sleep, which I totally understood.
When the day finally arrived, I woke up around 12 AM, even though our call time was 5 AM—yes, I was that excited. I messaged Melissa for an update, but she didn't respond. I told her that I would head to the meet-up place by 4:30 AM, but still, there was no response. At 5 AM, I messaged her again, saying that if they weren’t going to continue the plan, it was fine; I would just buy Jollibee and go back home. I was sad, thinking the lake visit wouldn't happen anytime soon, but I was ready to settle for Jollibee anyway, though still feeling down about it.
However, I suddenly received a phone call from TL Melissa. She informed me that they were already at the meet-up place and asked where I was. I explained that I thought they had canceled the plan, but she reassured me, saying, "That's not going to happen because we planned this already." I almost cried from relief. I quickly arrived at our meet-up spot, and we ordered food to fuel our hike.
To be honest, I wasn't entirely sure about the trail because I had just searched it online and viewed it on Google Maps a handful of times to be sure. We started our hike around 6:30 AM, and I was glad there were lots of other hikers going to Budlaan and the same destination as us. That made me feel calmer. I opened my Google Maps to make sure we wouldn't get lost and was thankful that there were lots of locals to ask for directions.
From bustling locals to a serene, quiet place, the first part of the trail was challenging because it was paved, but after reaching the Bonita Home for Girls, the road turned rocky and tranquil. We took photos, relaxed, and talked about funny "what if" scenarios like getting lost. After some time, we reached a gate with a "No Trespassing" sign. We didn't go beyond it but took photos outside the gate and decided to continue our hike. We met two teenagers along the way and asked if they were part of a group. They responded that it was just the two of them, enjoying their wanderlust.
We continued our hike and reached a local's home. He gave us some information about getting to the lake and mentioned a helipad we could visit but warned us to be careful of the "No Trespassing" sign. We saw a group of hikers who didn't use the gate to enter but instead went around it. We decided to follow them and were rewarded with a stunning view, though the heat of the sun was exhausting and dehydrating. Luckily, I had brought Coke :D and Pocari Sweat to stay hydrated.
We took lots of photos and we stayed there for almost an hour, soaking in the beauty of the place and the city view. That spot is actually a helipad for the Lhuillier family.
After the helipad, we continued our exhilarating hike toward our ultimate destination: the enchanting Lake Lhuillier. As we trekked, our conversation turned delightfully absurd—brainstorming a VLOG idea for Ting, their friend. We jokingly christened it "ANG TAPULAN NGA LAAGAN," imagining hilarious scenarios where Inting would either be carried during every hike or provide "human taxi" services for exhausted hikers. Our laughter echoed through the trail, and the camaraderie fueled our energy.
After a spirited 20-minute walk, we arrived at Lake Lhuillier. The sight was nothing short of magical—like stepping into a hidden paradise. Although the lake was off-limits due to a "NO TRESPASSING" sign, its ethereal beauty captivated us. Determined to preserve this memory, I captured countless photos and videos ensuring I could share this breathtaking moment with you all.
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Interestingly, the lake was once open to the public, but due to the litter left by visitors, it was closed to protect its pristine charm. In retrospect, this decision has helped to preserve this extraordinary scenery, making it feel like a hidden gem atop Pulangbato.
I left the lake with a promise to return, this time with Gladys and our little one Cara Celestine, eager to share the wonders of this serene haven. What an adventure it was, and I can't wait to experience it all over again with my loved ones! 🌟✨
STORY
Prepping for a hike, especially a 4km one, requires a bit of planning to ensure you have everything you need. Here's a handy list of essentials:
Must-Bring Items for a 4km Hike:
1. Hydration:
- Water: Carry at least 1 liter of water per hour of hiking.
- Electrolyte Drinks: Options like Pocari Sweat or Gatorade are excellent for replenishing electrolytes lost through sweat.
2. Trail Snacks:
- High-Energy Foods: Think granola bars, trail mix, dried fruits, and nuts. They provide a quick energy boost.
- Fruits: Fresh fruits like apples or oranges can be refreshing and hydrating.
3. Clothing:
- Layered Clothing: Weather can be unpredictable, so bring layers to adjust your comfort.
- Comfortable Footwear: Proper hiking boots or shoes to protect your feet and provide good traction.
- Hat and Sunglasses: Protection from the sun is crucial.
4. Safety Gear:
- First Aid Kit: Basic supplies for treating minor injuries.
- Whistle: For emergency situations.
- Multi-Tool or Knife: Handy for various tasks.
5. Bug Repellent:
- Insect Repellent: To keep pesky bugs at bay.
8. Miscellaneous:
- Backpack: To carry all your essentials comfortably.
- Trash Bag: To pack out any waste and keep the trails clean.
- Camera or Smartphone: Capture memories of your adventure!
Remember, planning and packing well can make your hike more enjoyable and safe. Enjoy your adventure and the stunning scenery along the way! 🌲🏞️✨
Here's how:
Meet up place - Jollibee Talamban
North General Hospital
Bonita Home for Girls
Lhuillier Helipad
Lhuillier Lake
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