By Mark Johnson C. Gil

Employee Club is an internal group or organization formed within NLEX that aims to promote social interaction, team bonding, and employee engagement outside of regular work tasks. These clubs can focus on a variety of interests—such as sports, hobbies, wellness, volunteering, or professional development.

Tramping Klab is one of our registered employee clubs this 2025. Their purposes are wellness, camaraderie and most of all is to be closer to the nature and to God. Most of their activities are hiking, tree planting, clean up drive, plant propagation and feeding program.

Trail Tales: A Hike to Reember in the Heart of Nature

Lacing up your boots or trail shoes is uniquely grounding. Stepping onto a trail and leaving behind the hum of everyday life provides a special feeling. This year, two mountains stood out among the hiking events I attended. I embarked on a challenging yet deeply rewarding hike of the third highest Mountain in the Philippines, Mt. Pulag in Kabayan Benguet, towering at 2926 MASL. The other was the Holy Mountain, Mt. Banahaw in Quezon Province, towering at 2158 MASL. Both mountains were major climbs. The experience was more than just a physical journey. It was a full-on reset for the mind and soul.

The morning air was crisp, the kind that wakes you up better than coffee. Birds greeted even before sunrise as we set out, backpacks and hydration vest full of trail mix and high hopes. The trail wound its way up through dense forest, boulders, and mud. The light filtered through the trees like nature’s stained glass. Each step upward brought us closer to breathtaking vistas—and further from the buzz of phone or email notifications.

Midway through, we paused at a clearing. A stream ran lazily across smooth stones. Magnificent, aged trees surrounded us. We were immersed in magical sceneries. The silence was profound. Only the rhythmic gurgle of insects broke it. Occasionally, a bird called overhead. Cows lowed beside us. In that moment, everything slowed down. We shared stories, sipped water, and just existed—no rush, no agenda.

Reaching the summit, we were greeted by panoramic views that made every uphill struggle worthwhile. I looked out across rolling hills and distant mountains and cities. I felt a deep sense of connection to nature. I also felt connected to my hiking companions and to myself. We took time to rest, reflect, and of course, snap a few pictures before heading back down.

Why I Hike?

Hiking is more than an exercise for me. It is exhausting and difficult. It is costly too. You must be well prepared physically and mentally if you want to finish the whole trail journey. However, it reminds us of how small we are in the grand beauty of the natural world. That realization can be very powerful. If you’ve been craving a reset, I can’t recommend it enough. Find a trail, invite a friend (or enjoy solitude), and let the journey take you somewhere unexpected.

Until the next trail.

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