Trek For Hope: Philippines 2018 marks our 5th year of working with Oikos Helping Hand. This continuous commitment is a reflection of our passion to help those in the New Smokey Mountain region while promoting the awareness of extreme poverty to the rest of the world so real changes can begin.
Our theme this year will be: From Our Light to Yours.
This year, we are expecting a delegation of 4 countries to be represented for this project. The hiking and charitable component of this TFH opportunity includes representatives from Singapore, Malaysia, and the Philippines. We will also be invited a Thai delegation to be joining us for this 2018 encounter.
As part of this journey, we will be raising the Torch of Hope with representatives of each nation taking part in this incredible summit event. There will be several cross-cultural exchanges, from singing songs to food preparation, allowing each of us to get to know another culture more intimately.
Trek For Hope Philippines throughout the years
TFH: Philippines 2018 includes two mountains: Mt. Timbak and Mt. Pulak. There will also be the superb beauty of the 4 Lakes Trek included.
We will also have two charity days this year. In addition to the New Smokey Mountain outreach, we will be spending a day working with Agape House.
How the 2017 Trip Changed Lives
Truly glad to join this year TFH Phillipines, the trek was memorable, new friends aplenty and great quantity of laugh was given and shared…….
Although I have visited other slums in my previous projects, the visit still leave an impression as I witnessed not only the spirit of compassion (both locals and participants), a testament of the toughness of human spirit in the face of tribulations and a prove that “It's the simple things in life that are the most extraordinary.”
SUCAN SUTANTO
As much one individual can make an impact on the lives of others, it is my belief that a series of individuals coming together to form a group can do so much more. Thank you Trek for Hope for opening my eyes again and again to worlds I might not otherwise have seen. You changed my life for the better.
NADIA AYESHA
This day is probably the most tiring and exhausting of my first visit to Phillipines, but it is definately one if the most life rewarding journey for me. It has made me richer towards my perception of humanitarian needs. Our little efforts might not change their life, but in exchange for their smiles and heartfelt handshakes, it is suffice.
Thank you Trek for Hope for the opportunity for me to partake in this event. Many of us complain of the little things in life, while forgetting that in this world, there are people dealing with their daily meals, shelter, and livinghood. This trip reinforces the decision I made 1 year ago to spend more time on the needies, and more important, value and cherish what I have and given in my life.
ALAN CHEN
I am grateful and blessed to join Trek For Hope team for this amazing experience. Though it's just so little we had done and it may not have change the lives of the people there, I believed it's the LOVE & HOPE we've brought to them and upon ourselves.
CHERYL TAN
We will also have two charity days this year. In addition to the New Smokey Mountain outreach, we will be spending a day working with Agape House.
How the 2017 Trip Changed Lives
Truly glad to join this year TFH Phillipines, the trek was memorable, new friends aplenty and great quantity of laugh was given and shared…….
Although I have visited other slums in my previous projects, the visit still leave an impression as I witnessed not only the spirit of compassion (both locals and participants), a testament of the toughness of human spirit in the face of tribulations and a prove that “It's the simple things in life that are the most extraordinary.”
SUCAN SUTANTO
As much one individual can make an impact on the lives of others, it is my belief that a series of individuals coming together to form a group can do so much more. Thank you Trek for Hope for opening my eyes again and again to worlds I might not otherwise have seen. You changed my life for the better.
NADIA AYESHA
This day is probably the most tiring and exhausting of my first visit to Phillipines, but it is definately one if the most life rewarding journey for me. It has made me richer towards my perception of humanitarian needs. Our little efforts might not change their life, but in exchange for their smiles and heartfelt handshakes, it is suffice.
Thank you Trek for Hope for the opportunity for me to partake in this event. Many of us complain of the little things in life, while forgetting that in this world, there are people dealing with their daily meals, shelter, and livinghood. This trip reinforces the decision I made 1 year ago to spend more time on the needies, and more important, value and cherish what I have and given in my life.
ALAN CHEN
I am grateful and blessed to join Trek For Hope team for this amazing experience. Though it's just so little we had done and it may not have change the lives of the people there, I believed it's the LOVE & HOPE we've brought to them and upon ourselves.
CHERYL TAN
How You Can Get Involved
We have a limited number of available of openings for TFH: Philippines 2018. Because of this, all participants which sign up to become part of this amazing adventure are required to be involved in the fundraising project that accompanies this opportunity.
The target is to sell 20 shirts per participant OR raise $300 individually. The final balance must be topped off by the participant should these target goals not be reached.
We are expecting a total of 40-50 participants, with 20 reserved for our special Thai delegation this year.
Be sure to view our previous TFH stories from previous trips to see the joy that you’ll be able to bring to others through your hard work and love of adventure.
We have a limited number of available of openings for TFH: Philippines 2018. Because of this, all participants which sign up to become part of this amazing adventure are required to be involved in the fundraising project that accompanies this opportunity.
The target is to sell 20 shirts per participant OR raise $300 individually. The final balance must be topped off by the participant should these target goals not be reached.
We are expecting a total of 40-50 participants, with 20 reserved for our special Thai delegation this year.
Be sure to view our previous TFH stories from previous trips to see the joy that you’ll be able to bring to others through your hard work and love of adventure.
TFH: Philippines 2018 Itinerary 10 March 2018 Arrival in Manila from SG 9:00 PM - Assembly at Victory Liner Pasay 10:00 PM - Depart Manila, Head to Baguio 11 March 4:00 AM - Arrive Baguio City 4:30 AM - Depart Baguio City (1. Breakfast along the way) 8:00 AM - DENR Briefing and Log in 11:30 AM - ETA Lake Tabeo 2350 masl (2.Lunch) 12:30 PM - Proceed to Explore 4 lakes 1:30 PM - Junior Pulag 2:30 PM - Lake Incolos 3:30 PM - Lake letep – ngapos 4:00 PM - Lake Ambulalakao 4:30 PM - Back at Base camp 5:00 PM - ETA Base Camp Lake tabeo 7:00 PM - Dinner/Socials/Camping 12 March 6:00 AM - Wake up call. 4. Breakfast. Pack up. 8:00 AM - Proceed to Atok Benguet to hike Mt. Timbak. 9:00 AM - ETA KM. 55. Start trek. 10:30 AM - Arrival at Timbak Elementary School. Head for summit. 11:00 AM - Arrival at summit. 5. Early Lunch. 11:30 AM - Back at Timbak Elementary School. Proceed to the Timbak mummies. 12:00 PM - ETA Burial Rock keeper’s house; take pictures. Nice view deck. 12:30 PM - Head back to Timbak Elementary School 1:00 PM - From school, start descent. 2:30 PM - Back at KM. 55. Take Jeepney to Mt. Pulag Home Stay 4:00 PM - Arrival at Ambangeg jump-off. Settle in home stay, rest. 6:00 PM - 6. Early dinner. |
13 March 1:00 AM - Wake up call, prepare for trek. 1:30 AM - Start trek to Summit 5:30 AM - Arrival at Summit, wait for sunrise 7:00 AM - Start descent 8:00 AM - 7. Breakfast at Camp 1 10:00 AM - Arrival at Home Stay, prepare to head back to Manila. 12:00 PM - 8. Lunch 1:30 PM - Head back to Baguio (Log out DENR along the way) 5:00 PM - Dinner (℅ participants account) 6:00 PM - Depart Baguio City, head back to Manila. 14 March 11:00 AM - Leave Lotus Garden Hotel 12:00 PM - Lunch 1:00 PM - Set-up at Agape House 1:30 PM - Opening Remarks, Song & Dance, Teach Line Dancing 1:45 PM - Activities at different stations 5:00 PM - Food distribution 240 pax x $3 5:30 PM - Leave Agape House 6:30 PM - Dinner 8:00 PM - Hotel 15 March 10:00 AM - Leave Lotus Garden Hotel 11:00 AM - City tour 12:30 PM - Lunch 2:00 PM - Smokey Mountain visit 4:30 PM – Finish charity work. 5:30 PM - Harbor Square watch sun set 6:00 PM - Celebratory Dinner / Pass it on 8:00 PM - Hotel 16 March Back to SG |
Mt. Timbak and the 4 Lakes
At 2717m, Mt. Timbak is a summit that can be reached during a day trip. You’ll find yourself trekking for a few hours through beautiful farms and small villages until reaching a stunning summit. Assuming the day is clear, you’ll be able to view Mt. Pulag.
At the summit, you’ll find three large, white crosses in position and this is the icon of the mountain. Sometimes referred to as “Mini Calvary,” this is a beautiful opportunity to experience local culture while enjoying big skies and the cool breezes that only a mountain can provide.
The 4 Lakes of Kabayan will take you through pine forests, some with moss growing thanks to the moisture in the region, while being surrounded by vegetable plantations. The area is somewhat residential, but there are still many opportunities to experience moments of quiet bliss.
Bring your camera and a pair of comfortable hiking shoes or boots because these are memories that you’ll want to capture for a lifetime.
At 2717m, Mt. Timbak is a summit that can be reached during a day trip. You’ll find yourself trekking for a few hours through beautiful farms and small villages until reaching a stunning summit. Assuming the day is clear, you’ll be able to view Mt. Pulag.
At the summit, you’ll find three large, white crosses in position and this is the icon of the mountain. Sometimes referred to as “Mini Calvary,” this is a beautiful opportunity to experience local culture while enjoying big skies and the cool breezes that only a mountain can provide.
The 4 Lakes of Kabayan will take you through pine forests, some with moss growing thanks to the moisture in the region, while being surrounded by vegetable plantations. The area is somewhat residential, but there are still many opportunities to experience moments of quiet bliss.
Bring your camera and a pair of comfortable hiking shoes or boots because these are memories that you’ll want to capture for a lifetime.
Magnificent Mt. Pulag and its Sea of Clouds
Mt. Pulag offers one of the world’s best views of the Milky Way when dawn arrives. It is also a cultural treasure for the people of the Philippines, as the Ibaloi people have numerous burial caves on the mountain. Standing at 2922m, the wetter climate of this mountain allows for over 500 different plant species to grow.
There are several endangered animal species that can be found on Mt. Pulag as well, along with more than 30 different bird species.
Outside of the stunning views of the universe beyond our own heavens, our trek will lead us through montane forests that offer a tall canopy that seems to enclose us in an entirely different world. It really is a magical experience that is best described by a first-hand experience with the mountain.
Mt. Pulag offers one of the world’s best views of the Milky Way when dawn arrives. It is also a cultural treasure for the people of the Philippines, as the Ibaloi people have numerous burial caves on the mountain. Standing at 2922m, the wetter climate of this mountain allows for over 500 different plant species to grow.
There are several endangered animal species that can be found on Mt. Pulag as well, along with more than 30 different bird species.
Outside of the stunning views of the universe beyond our own heavens, our trek will lead us through montane forests that offer a tall canopy that seems to enclose us in an entirely different world. It really is a magical experience that is best described by a first-hand experience with the mountain.
Are You Ready to Join the Adventure?
The Philippines is a land where there is something beautiful just waiting to be found around every corner. Whether that is at the summit of a mountain or the smile of someone grateful to have some company, if but for a moment, this place will speak to your soul like none other.
There are challenges to meet on this journey. It will not be an easy quest. Yet the best rewards that life can offer come not in what is easy, but in what is right.
We will have moments to come together and create lifelong friends. We will have opportunities to lend a helping hand to those who need it the most. We will keep learning, keep seeking, and keep knocking on every closed door to discover the treasure of service that lies in wait for us.
Trek For Hope: Philippines 2018 is a chance to revisit past moments, build new memories, and continue relationships established before. Our commitment must not waiver. Will you join us on this adventure?
The Philippines is a land where there is something beautiful just waiting to be found around every corner. Whether that is at the summit of a mountain or the smile of someone grateful to have some company, if but for a moment, this place will speak to your soul like none other.
There are challenges to meet on this journey. It will not be an easy quest. Yet the best rewards that life can offer come not in what is easy, but in what is right.
We will have moments to come together and create lifelong friends. We will have opportunities to lend a helping hand to those who need it the most. We will keep learning, keep seeking, and keep knocking on every closed door to discover the treasure of service that lies in wait for us.
Trek For Hope: Philippines 2018 is a chance to revisit past moments, build new memories, and continue relationships established before. Our commitment must not waiver. Will you join us on this adventure?