We started our day early, catching a van from Cubao to Eastwood, Rodriguez. The ride was smooth, and the anticipation built up as we neared our destination. From Eastwood, we hopped onto a tricycle that took us to the jump-off point in Barangay Mascap.

Upon arrival, we registered at the barangay hall and met our guide, who briefed us on the trail options. There are two main trails to choose from: the Banayad Trail, which is easier and more gradual, and the Paniki Trail, known for its challenging passages and scenic rock formations.

Opting for the Banayad Trail, we set off, eager to experience the adventure that awaited us. We chose it as a warm-up to the more challenging hike to Espadang Bato later in the day. It’s ideal because it offers just the right amount of challenge—enough to get the heart pumping and muscles engaged, but still manageable to conserve energy for what lies ahead.

The trail greeted us with a mini river crossing, its cool water brushing our shoes, followed by a walk along flat terrain that, despite being slightly slippery from early morning dew, offered a gentle introduction. Soon, the path began its steady ascent. Some portions turned steep and rugged, demanding careful footing and a bit of grit. This uphill push lasted for about 20 minutes, broken occasionally by stretches of flatter ground—welcomed breathers that allowed us to catch our breath and soak in our surroundings.

The hike was refreshing, embraced by the morning breeze that whispered through the trees. Mist clung to the leaves like fine lace, adding an ethereal quality to the forest. There was something almost nostalgic about Sipit Ulang—it didn’t have the usual intimidating aura of a mountain. Instead, it felt familiar and friendly, like a trail we had walked before in a dream.

Barely an hour in, we reached the summit. The iconic rock formation, shaped like a crab’s claw, stood proudly at the peak. It was surreal to see in person what we had only glimpsed in photos. We spent more time here than on the hike itself—resting, taking in the panoramic view, and, of course, capturing the moment with countless photos and videos.

The hike down was a breeze and gave us more room to capture the moment—from fresh angles of the rock formations to candid shots of the trail we had just conquered. With the pressure of reaching the summit behind us, we moved with ease, pausing often to appreciate the beauty that we had rushed past on the way up.

The Banayad Trail lived up to its name—gentle, yet fulfilling. It set the tone for the rest of the day, grounding us in nature and reminding us that sometimes, the easier paths offer just as much reward.