TREK FOR HOPE 2025
ADVENTURES WITH A DIFFERENCE
Trek For Hope was established in 2013 to provide opportunities to families that are struggling to survive in their own communities. As adventurers, trekkers, and photographers, we often noticed that the intense beauty of a community attracted many visitors to villages throughout the world, yet the people in those villages did not have enough money to feed their children.
Each footstep we leave is a legacy and the legacy of Trek For Hope is to provide the basic essentials that a village may not have.
If outdoor adventures and volunteering work are your passion, we invite you to join us in our Trek for Hope Trek 2025!
Trek For Hope was established in 2013 to provide opportunities to families that are struggling to survive in their own communities. As adventurers, trekkers, and photographers, we often noticed that the intense beauty of a community attracted many visitors to villages throughout the world, yet the people in those villages did not have enough money to feed their children.
Each footstep we leave is a legacy and the legacy of Trek For Hope is to provide the basic essentials that a village may not have.
If outdoor adventures and volunteering work are your passion, we invite you to join us in our Trek for Hope Trek 2025!
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The Mission
The 11th annual trek is on a mission to bring hope and support to those living in the shadows of despair - the courageous souls of Oikos Helping Hand (OHH). https://oikoshelpinghand.org/about-ohh/ In the heart of Tondo's slums, Oikos Helping Hand (OHH) is a beacon of hope. Led by dedicated Singaporeans and local volunteers, their mission is crystal clear: to ease poverty's burden every day. They treat those they aid as family, bound by an unbreakable thread of humanity. Oikos Helping Hand (OHH) shines as a beacon of hope, embracing the needy with open arms. Nurturing dreams through education, they heal hearts wounded by hardship, extending compassion beyond the physical realm. In this shelter of kindness, the spirit of New Smokey Mountain finds solace. Love sows seeds of hope, breaking poverty's shackles, and lifting them to rise like phoenixes. |
Watch this video hosted by Joanne Peh to find out more about the Smokey Mountains and its residents.
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HERE ARE WAYS YOU CAN HELP!
TWO WAYS TO GET INVOLVED
1. Join the Adventure:
- Trek with us! Embark on two incredible treks in the Philippines. It's a chance to experience adventure while making a difference, as a portion of your trip fee goes directly to charity.
- Volunteer your time. Connect with the community through our two charity days, including outreach in New Smokey Mountain and a day of youth engagement with Agapeland.
2. Support our efforts:
- Donate. Your monetary contributions directly fund our initiatives and make a tangible impact on the lives of the beneficiaries.
- Donate items. To address the community's needs, provide essential items like used tablets, mobile phones, or laptops.
- Participate in events. Join charity hikes or dinners, paying a small fee to support the initiative and connect with like-minded individuals.
- Support merchandise sales. Purchase TFH items like T-shirts or caps, with proceeds going towards the cause.
- Take on personal challenges. Engage in an individual challenge like a round-island walk or pledge for villagers participating in challenges to raise funds.
- Collaborate for sales pledges. Businesses can partner with us to raise awareness and contribute financially.
Every contribution, big or small, impacts the lives of the children and adults supported by Trek for Hope. Join us in making a difference!
1. Join the Adventure:
- Trek with us! Embark on two incredible treks in the Philippines. It's a chance to experience adventure while making a difference, as a portion of your trip fee goes directly to charity.
- Volunteer your time. Connect with the community through our two charity days, including outreach in New Smokey Mountain and a day of youth engagement with Agapeland.
2. Support our efforts:
- Donate. Your monetary contributions directly fund our initiatives and make a tangible impact on the lives of the beneficiaries.
- Donate items. To address the community's needs, provide essential items like used tablets, mobile phones, or laptops.
- Participate in events. Join charity hikes or dinners, paying a small fee to support the initiative and connect with like-minded individuals.
- Support merchandise sales. Purchase TFH items like T-shirts or caps, with proceeds going towards the cause.
- Take on personal challenges. Engage in an individual challenge like a round-island walk or pledge for villagers participating in challenges to raise funds.
- Collaborate for sales pledges. Businesses can partner with us to raise awareness and contribute financially.
Every contribution, big or small, impacts the lives of the children and adults supported by Trek for Hope. Join us in making a difference!
The residents of Smokey Mountain face unimaginable challenges on a daily basis. They live in conditions that many of us can scarcely fathom, struggling to secure even the most basic necessities. In this sea of adversity, survival often means sifting through trash piles in search of anything salvageable, including food.
Every day, children and adults alike comb through the refuse, facing health hazards and the risk of injury, all for the sake of a morsel to quell their hunger. The enormity of their struggle is heartbreaking, and the need for assistance is urgent.
This is where your contribution can make a significant difference. You can provide a lifeline to these families in need. With your generous support, we can provide them with a one-week supply of essential ration packs. Each pack includes rice packets, cooking oil, canned food, instant noodles, biscuits, Milo, and milk. These items may seem ordinary to many of us, but to these families, they represent hope and sustenance.
SUPPORT OUR FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN
You can also purchase an Adventures Unlimited - Trek For Hope Fundraising Merchandise
When you buy a t-shirt/cap, your purchase is like a lifeline for a family in the Tondo slums. It's more than just giving them things; it's like giving them hope and a break from their tough lives. Your support helps them start rebuilding their lives step by step, and it reminds them that they are not forgotten.
You can also purchase an Adventures Unlimited - Trek For Hope Fundraising Merchandise
When you buy a t-shirt/cap, your purchase is like a lifeline for a family in the Tondo slums. It's more than just giving them things; it's like giving them hope and a break from their tough lives. Your support helps them start rebuilding their lives step by step, and it reminds them that they are not forgotten.
All proceeds from merchandise sales (less cost) will go entirely into our fundraising efforts for Trek for Hope 2025.
NOTE: T-shirts are still in printing at the moment and will only ready for collection in January 2025. We thank you for your patience. |
How to Purchase:
Step 1: Deposit of SGD33 to ADVENTURES UNLIMITED - SCAN QR CODE ABOVE Step 2: Whatsapp proof of payment receipt to Spencer (Volunteer Outreach Facilitator) at wa.me/6596655241 and indicate your T-shirt size Step 3: Thank you for making a difference to a family in the Tondo slums! You are now eligible to join us on selected exclusive fundraising hikes and events! For all other queries - feel free to contact Hui Lian at wa.me/6581885504 |
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T-shirts sold to date
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Amount raised to date (includes cash donations)
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You may also make a direct donation payable to "Oikos Helping Hand Inc"
DBS current account
Account number: 003-918376-3
Oikos Helping Hand Inc
* Important! Please Whatsapp a screenshot of your transfer to Spencer, our Volunteer Outreach Facilitator at wa.me/6596655241
You will be given an official receipt from Oikos Helping Hand Inc
DBS current account
Account number: 003-918376-3
Oikos Helping Hand Inc
* Important! Please Whatsapp a screenshot of your transfer to Spencer, our Volunteer Outreach Facilitator at wa.me/6596655241
You will be given an official receipt from Oikos Helping Hand Inc
JOIN THE OVERSEAS TREK
Participate in the trek and enjoy the adventure while supporting the cause, as a portion of your trip fee will directly go to charity. As a volunteer, you will also extend support and hope to the children and residents in one of the most underprivileged areas in Philippines
Yet, our TREK for Hope would remain unfinished without embarking on a trek to enjoy the beauty of the Philippines. This year, our path takes on a distinctive hue, as we blend the essence of community trekking into our journey.
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The Mystical Lakes, Mt. Tabayoc
& Mt. Ulap Trilogy The Four Mystical Lakes - Lake Bulalacao (or Bulalakao), Lake Incolos, Lake Tabeo and Lake Letep-ngepos are located in Kabayan, Benguet, at the base of Mount Pulag. Lake Tabeo is located within the residential area while the other three are located within Mount Tabayoc, also known as the Junior Pulag. Mount Tabayoc - located in Kabayan, Benguet - is known as an enchanted mountain with its mystical mossy forest. At 2820m above sea level, it is the 7th highest mountain in the Philippines and second highest peak in the island of Luzon. At the end of this hike, you will be rewarded with panoramic views of the four mystical lakes from the summit. At 1846m above sea level, Mount Ulap in Itogon, Benguet is a very popular area for birding, camping, and hiking. We will take an easy trail along stunning ridge walks, pine forests and mountain views before we end this beautiful trilogy. |
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Itinerary:
Day 1 - April 09 (Wed) - Arrive in Manila F&E; rest in early for next day early morning departure Day 2 - April 10 (Thu) - Manila to Baguio - Drive to Baguio - Side trip to strawberry farm in Baguio City - Arrive at homestay for lunch - Public school outreach - Trek briefing; dinner Day 3 - April 11 (Fri) - Mt Tabayoc and Mystical Lakes - Depart from homestay after breakfast - Arrive at Lake Tabeyo Basecamp of Mt Tabayoc (2206m) - Set Camp - Easy hike at the 4 lakes - After lunch, hike to Mount Tabayoc (or end hike at the lakes if you do not wish to continue with the summit hike) - Summit Mount Tabayoc (2842m) - Back to Basecamp - Dinner & lights out Day 4 - April 12 (Sat) - Mt Ulap & Back to Manila - Sunrise and breakfast! - Break Camp - Depart for Mount Ulap - Arrive at Barangay, Ampucao - Lunch and final preparation - Start trek - Mt. Ulap Summit (1846m) - Visit Burial Caves - Depart for Baguio City - Dinner enroute before arriving in Manila Day 5/6 - April 13 & 14 - Community Day - Connect with the community through the 2 community days - Outreach in New Smokey Mountain - Groceries Distribution - Educational talks for the community - Games with the children and community - Walk around the old smokey mountains and home visits Day 7 - April 15 (Tue) - Depart for Singapore |
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Become part of a compassionate community dedicated to making a difference. Your participation will not only allow you to experience the breathtaking beauty of the mystical lakes, Mt. Tabayoc and Mt. Ulap but also enable us to extend support and hope to the residents of New Smokey Mountains.
Together, we can create lasting memories, forge connections with nature, and positively impact the lives of those in the shadows of despair.
Together, we can create lasting memories, forge connections with nature, and positively impact the lives of those in the shadows of despair.
Dates: 09 April 2025 (Wednesday) to 15 April 2025 (Tuesday)
Your participation cost (in SGD)
Trek Fees (Mystical Lakes, Mt. Tabayoc and Mt. Ulap) - $400
Transport and Accommodation - $340
Food Distribution - $80 per pax (to be distributed to 340 residents of New Smokey Mountains and 85 homes)
Miscellaneous - $50
Total Cost: $870
How to confirm your attendance
1. Pay deposit of $300 to confirm your slot
Kindly transfer the payment, via Bank transfer to
ADVENTURES UNLIMITED PTE. LTD.
DBS Bank Ltd Account number 885-164-4795-99
(Digital account) OR
PAYNOW TO
UEN: 201600903H
(Pls indicate: TFH 2025)
2. Forward proof of payment (WITH Transaction Reference) to Hui Lian: wa.me/6581885504 (whatsapp)
3. and you’re in!
Hope, Now
We have many roles to fill on this trip.
There are always more stories to discover. More wonders to be discovered. More hearts to encourage. More hope to offer.
The more things change, the more they have the chance to be forever different. This is why we return to the Philippines.
Come join us for our annual trek and maybe you”ll be forever different as well.
We have many roles to fill on this trip.
There are always more stories to discover. More wonders to be discovered. More hearts to encourage. More hope to offer.
The more things change, the more they have the chance to be forever different. This is why we return to the Philippines.
Come join us for our annual trek and maybe you”ll be forever different as well.
Our Hope Teams in Philippines, Cambodia, Myanmar, Nepal and Thailand
What Participants Say About Their TFH Experience
Ng Siang Koon (Trek For Hope: Philippines)
“Enriched my mind, opened my eyes and touched my heart”
Alexandra Douglas (Trek For Hope: Cambodia)
“It was one of the best trips for me: for the company, scenery and meaningfulness! Just perfect balance!”
Lee Soo Khoon (Trek For Hope: Cambodia)
“It’s has been a very fulfilling trip for the mind, body and soul. Thanks everyone for making this expedition special. Thank you!”
Chui Feng (Trek For Hope: Cambodia)
“A memorable trekking trip with awesome buddies. Also glad to be part in lending a helping hand to a small communities group.”
Sandy (Trek For Hope: Cordillera Mountain Adventures)
“As we Trek for Hope, we see the wonders of nature: the beautiful sunrise, the mountain ridges and most beautiful color shades of blue, green and brown. It’s truly a miracle. We also see the other extreme living conditions which I can never imagine. Truly resilient people and for them life still goes on. I can only wish them all the best. This is a trip that made me feel grateful, Thanks Trek for Hope, Thanks Simon, Thank you peeps, our small light brought some smiles on 22nd March, we did our best!”
Noah Chan (Trek For Hope: Cordillera Mountain Adventures)
“My 3rd visit to the smokey mountains was a humbling experience. Thought I had “seen it all”, yet I know little. Through this trip, I’ve learnt that I can choose to be happy in the face of any difficulties I face.”
Ng Siang Koon (Trek For Hope: Philippines)
“Enriched my mind, opened my eyes and touched my heart”
Alexandra Douglas (Trek For Hope: Cambodia)
“It was one of the best trips for me: for the company, scenery and meaningfulness! Just perfect balance!”
Lee Soo Khoon (Trek For Hope: Cambodia)
“It’s has been a very fulfilling trip for the mind, body and soul. Thanks everyone for making this expedition special. Thank you!”
Chui Feng (Trek For Hope: Cambodia)
“A memorable trekking trip with awesome buddies. Also glad to be part in lending a helping hand to a small communities group.”
Sandy (Trek For Hope: Cordillera Mountain Adventures)
“As we Trek for Hope, we see the wonders of nature: the beautiful sunrise, the mountain ridges and most beautiful color shades of blue, green and brown. It’s truly a miracle. We also see the other extreme living conditions which I can never imagine. Truly resilient people and for them life still goes on. I can only wish them all the best. This is a trip that made me feel grateful, Thanks Trek for Hope, Thanks Simon, Thank you peeps, our small light brought some smiles on 22nd March, we did our best!”
Noah Chan (Trek For Hope: Cordillera Mountain Adventures)
“My 3rd visit to the smokey mountains was a humbling experience. Thought I had “seen it all”, yet I know little. Through this trip, I’ve learnt that I can choose to be happy in the face of any difficulties I face.”
Others to take note of:
Trip Inclusions:
Support from Adventures Unlimited (Singapore), including;
Support from Adventures Unlimited (Singapore), including;
Trip Exclusions:
- International Return flight from Singapore to Manila
- Meals at own expense, other than meals listed as provided
- All personal charges in hotels are to be borne by the individual
- Admission fees to optional attraction sites / rides (if any)
- Travel Insurance
- Hiking gear and equipment
- Tips and Gratuities (optional)
Recommended flight
Details will be given to confirmed participants.
Refund Policy
* The deposit will be fully refunded if the trip does not commence due to insufficient participants. Otherwise, deposit is non-refundable
Balance payment to be called for 10-12 weeks prior to start of event
Until 10 weeks prior to departure – 100% Refund of balance paid
8 weeks prior to departure – 50% Refund of balance paid
6-7 weeks prior to departure – 0% Refund of balance paid
You are encouraged to purchase travel insurance upon the confirmation of the trip
Others:
1. This event is organised by Adventures Unlimited (TA02844), a licensed travel agent registered with the Singapore Tourism Board.
2. Insurance
From 15 July 2015, a travel agent is required to inform and ask attending participants if it is their wish to purchase travel insurance that includes coverage for business insolvency of travel agencies when:
– they are buying a leisure travel product/package; or
– their travel product/package costs at least S$1,000 (including GST) per person; or
– they are paying a deposit or payment of at least S$500 per person.
3. We kindly request that you familiarize yourself with our terms and conditions prior to registering by visiting the following link: https://www.liveopenly.net/terms-and-conditions
Trip Inclusions:
Support from Adventures Unlimited (Singapore), including;
- All land transportation
- All accomodation - including 1 night camping, 1 night homestay and 4 nights hotel
- 7 meals included in itinerary
- Tent and sleeping bag during camping
- All entrance fees, camping fees, guide fees
- First aid supplies
- Customised training / endurance walks training from AU
- 1 commemorative shirt from Adventures Unlimited
Support from Adventures Unlimited (Singapore), including;
- 1. Pre-trip briefing
- 2. Gear and training guidelines.
- 3. Weekly training (Read our Training Guarantee www.liveopenly.net/training-guarantee.html
Trip Exclusions:
- International Return flight from Singapore to Manila
- Meals at own expense, other than meals listed as provided
- All personal charges in hotels are to be borne by the individual
- Admission fees to optional attraction sites / rides (if any)
- Travel Insurance
- Hiking gear and equipment
- Tips and Gratuities (optional)
Recommended flight
Details will be given to confirmed participants.
Refund Policy
* The deposit will be fully refunded if the trip does not commence due to insufficient participants. Otherwise, deposit is non-refundable
Balance payment to be called for 10-12 weeks prior to start of event
Until 10 weeks prior to departure – 100% Refund of balance paid
8 weeks prior to departure – 50% Refund of balance paid
6-7 weeks prior to departure – 0% Refund of balance paid
You are encouraged to purchase travel insurance upon the confirmation of the trip
Others:
1. This event is organised by Adventures Unlimited (TA02844), a licensed travel agent registered with the Singapore Tourism Board.
2. Insurance
From 15 July 2015, a travel agent is required to inform and ask attending participants if it is their wish to purchase travel insurance that includes coverage for business insolvency of travel agencies when:
– they are buying a leisure travel product/package; or
– their travel product/package costs at least S$1,000 (including GST) per person; or
– they are paying a deposit or payment of at least S$500 per person.
3. We kindly request that you familiarize yourself with our terms and conditions prior to registering by visiting the following link: https://www.liveopenly.net/terms-and-conditions
