Mt. Masaraga: A mountain bliss getaway

Ina Floranza
3 min readNov 15, 2023

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In the shadow of Mt. Mayon, and breathing at Mt. Masaraga, our quartet embarked on a soul-stirring getaway, weaving the tapestry of friendship against the backdrop of nature’s grandeur. Audrey, with her adventurous spirit, led the way as we navigated the lush way that meandered through the mountain’s embrace. Ryan, the ever-go -lang-guys kind-of-friend in this trip, provided a taylor’s version of soundtrack to our journey with melodies sounded as he drove us with our inside joke “no hands” while driving (lmao). Weena, the laughter-filled wanderer, turned every step into a dance, infusing the air with infectious joy. Together, we pitched our tents in a secluded clearing, where the whispers of the wind and the rustle of leaves promised a night filled with camaraderie and shared stories.

Under the canvas of a starlit sky, Mt. Masaraga became our cosmic haven. Around the campsite, the crackling cold mirrored the warmth of our connection, casting a glow on faces illuminated by the tales we spun into the night. Audrey’s adventurous escapades, Ryan’s melodic interludes, Weena’s contagious laughter, and the quiet appreciation shared between us etched memories that danced alongside the shadows of the flickering bond. Mt. Masaraga was more than a destination; it became the stage upon which the symphony of our friendship played out, each note resonating with the beauty of the mountain and the bonds that grew stronger with every shared moment.

the beshies: ryan — weena — me — audrey

In the heart of Mt. Masaraga’s sanctuary, we had the extraordinary opportunity to meet the guardian of this natural haven, Sir Joel Ducante, the owner who had devoted his life to preserving the pristine beauty of the campsite. As we sat around the campsite, Sir Joel shared his life story, a narrative that unfolded like the mountain trails we had traversed earlier. His journey was a testament to resilience, simplicity, and an unwavering love for the mountains.

Sir Joel’s tales of living a life in harmony with nature echoed through the flickering flames, resonating with each one of us. His decision to trade the hustle of city life for the tranquility of the mountains became a warming realization — a gentle nudge for us to appreciate the simplicity that nature offered. As we listened to his experiences, we found ourselves inspired to embrace a slower pace, to savor the quiet moments, and to find joy in the uncomplicated beauty that surrounded us. Mt. Masaraga, under Sir Joel’s stewardship, became more than a destination; it became a living testament to the profound impact a simple life, lived in tune with nature, could have on one’s soul. In the embrace of his stories, we found a deeper connection not only to the mountain but also to the essence of what it meant to truly appreciate the beauty of nature.

the man in white shirt, he is sir joel ducante — the most amazing mountain man i have ever met.

Under the starlit canvas of Mt. Masaraga, our getaway with Audrey, Ryan, and Weena became a symphony of friendship, laughter, and self-discovery. Meeting the campsite’s guardian, Sir Joel Ducante, unveiled a profound life story that urged us to embrace simplicity and appreciate the beauty of nature.

As we departed, “Unto the next hiatus,” echoed in our hearts, a poetic reminder of the transformative power of shared moments in the embrace of majestic mountains.

Shalom!

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