Day Hike Therapist: First Hike for a Cause this Season Kick off in Naga!

Day Hike Therapist has officially opened this season’s Hike for a Cause with a refreshing new route in Naga, featuring the trails of Uling and Mayana. Last Saturday, August 23, we jumpstarted the season with 16 joiners and 9 guides. The day began with a lively meet-up at Jollibee Naga Plaza between 6–7 AM, followed by a short multicab ride to Uling where our adventure officially began. Excitement was in the air with new faces, returning friends, and the shared anticipation of exploring the outdoors for a purpose.

With every dayhike here at DHT, we always ensure to have an online pre-hike orientation meeting to ensure that our joiners are well equipped as to what the route looks like, where the possible emergency exits are and what they need to bring especially that most of our joiners are newbies and some are even first time hikers. Safety is always a priority here at DHT.

Our route was around 9.2 km with an elevation gain of 363m, very beginner-friendly, but still fun and scenic for those with more hiking experience. One thing that stood out about this trail was how open it was, which meant it was really hot. We highly encouraged our joiners to bring sun protection like hats, arm sleeves, and sunscreen, because most of the trail had little shade, I myself even brought an umbrella.

Our first planned stop was supposed to be an old abandoned quarry site, but unfortunately, after discussions with barangay officials and the property owners, we weren’t able to secure a permit to pass through. Thanks to our ever-reliable DHT scout team, an emergency scout was conducted before the event to add an alternate route in replacement of the quarry and the adjustment turned out beautifully.

The new route gave us a refreshing mix of scenic landscapes and open stretches that kept the group moving with good energy. The second stop was the iconic 153 Steps, where we took an early lunch. Sitting down together, sharing meals, and taking in the overlooking view of the lush green mountains of Naga was definitely a highlight of the day. The scenery was breathtaking—rolling hills, ridges dressed in green, and that calming sense of being surrounded by nature. It was a moment to catch our breath, recharge, and simply enjoy being present in the outdoors.

After lunch, we continued toward our final stop in Mayana. The descent gave us more time to soak in the beauty of the surroundings, with the group’s camaraderie making the hot trek easier to bear. By the time we reached Uling again to close the loop, everyone was sun-kissed, tired, and happy, it was a day’s effort well-spent for both adventure and cause.

Along the way, I also had the chance to speak with one of our solo joiners. She shared that it was her first time ever joining DHT and also her first solo hike. It reminded me of my own solo experience years back—proof that DHT has always been a space where anyone can belong, whether they come with friends or completely on their own. It made me happy to know she was able to check off her “solo join” list with us, and I hope to see her again, maybe next time with friends.

If you’ve been wanting to hike but feel hesitant because you don’t have a group to go with, DHT is the perfect place to start. Here, you’ll not only discover new trails but you might also find new friendships all while supporting meaningful projects. This season, our beneficiary schools are still being finalized: we have prospects in San Fernando and in Barili. These projects will focus on classroom renovations and minor repairs, with the culmination set by December. We still have three more months of Hike for a Cause to go.

Stay tuned, follow our Facebook Page for updates, and join us when you can. Together, let’s help change lives, one dayhike at a time.

DHT is a nonprofit group established in 2017. Run entirely by volunteers, the group has organized multiple projects over the years, using day hikes as a way to give back to communities in need.

Ma. Morena is a nature enthusiast, an optimist and outgoing person who loves turning her adventure and thoughts into writing.

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All photos taken were shared by me and my trail mates using different devices with permission for public sharing. Some images may have been shared to our social media accounts prior posting to the blog.