Hikers of Masungi Georeserve with Noel Guevara
Award-winning Filipino conservation photographer and filmmaker Noel Guevara takes us on a trek in the rainforests of Rizal.
Get to know the rangers of Masungi Georeserve and three hikers who find sanctuary in nature.
Sarah Aquino
Sarah is a development worker for over 9 years, having extensive experience in both government and non-profit organizations. She is also a board member of Juan Portrait, a non-profit organization empowering remote communities through photography.
Outside of work, she has been climbing—plastic rocks and real rocks—for around
6 years. Her favorite places are Ambongdolan in Benguet for bouldering, and Igbaras
in Iloilo for sport climbing.
Felicia Singson
Felicia is a Development Studies undergraduate from Ateneo who has been an avid climber for 3 years. Ever since her exposure to climbing, hiking has been an integral part of her routine since treks and hikes are en route to the crag.
With things slowly transitioning to the new normal, she hopes to be able to climb more mountains and spread her passion and awareness about the great outdoors.
John Aquino
John is an outdoor fitness enthusiast. To get a breather from his busy life as a trainer and a teacher, he likes to climb or chill by the beach. He is a new dad and he can’t wait to start taking his daughter on hikes with beautiful views.
Masungi Georeserve
Masungi Georeserve is an award-winning conservation area and rustic rock garden tucked in the rainforests of Baras, Rizal, Philippines.
Home to massive limestone formations, and hundreds of plant and animal species, the Masungi Georeserve is dedicated to the conservation and appreciation of the area's landscape.
After more than 20 years of protection, the limestone formation is intact and is now surrounded by a thriving secondary forest.
Sarah Aquino
"Hiking gives me the time and space to be present and in the moment. It usually puts things into perspective, especially when there is a lot going on in my mind or when I can’t think clearly. Hiking allows me to be mentally, physically, and emotionally attuned with myself and, consequently, others."
John Aquino
"I get a sense of accomplishment after a long hike because hiking helps me work on my fitness goals. Being outside away from the pollution and the busyness of the city helps me find peace. This is good for my mental health."
Felicia Singson
"Movement — in general — inspires flow. Hiking allows me to get in touch with myself and nature, in the best way possible. There’s not a hike wherein I don’t discover something new about myself or my surroundings."
Nilbert Marquez
"Hindi kami basta-bastang nagtratrabaho at kumikita para sa aming pamilya. Nandito yung pakialam namin sa kalikasan kung paano mangalaga ng puno sa kagubatan at kung bakit namin ito inaalagaan, at kung bakit ba talaga namin ito ginagawa. Hindi lang naman kami yung makikinabang kung hindi ang susunod na papalit sa ating lahi na siya namang magtatamasa sa aming pinaghirapan ngayong kasalukuyan."
#ShotOniPhone by Noel Guevara at Masungi Georeserve