Our Family's 6-Year Journey into Nature
Unplug, Reconnect, Explore: Our Family's 6-Year Journey into Nature
In a world increasingly dominated by glowing screens and digital distractions, finding genuine connection and a sense of wonder can feel like a challenge. For our family, the answer came six years ago. On March 2, 2020, we packed our bags, hopped on our ride, and ventured into the great outdoors. We didn't know then that in just eighteen days, on March 20, the "Great COVID Lockdown" would begin. At the time, our kids were just 4 and 5 years old. Looking back, that first trip wasn't just an "outing" trip; it was the start of a lifestyle that would keep our family connected, grounded, and full of adventure spirit through the years that followed. Since then, we've embarked on 15 incredible camping trips, each one a testament to the magic that happens when you trade screen time for nature time.
The "Raw" Beginnings
Our journey started at Foressa Trails in Balamban, Cebu. It was a true introduction to the outdoors with no electricity, no running water, and a 50-meter hike just to get to the CR. We doubled down for our second trip at Balayhangin, which was the most "real" experience our kids could have, especially at such a tender age. It was pure wilderness: no water, no power, no roving guards, and no safety nets. It was just us, with some close friends, and the wildlife. While we now choose more convenient and secured campsites to ensure the kiddos' safety, those early, rugged trips forged our family’s resilience and showed us just how adaptable children can be.
Foressa Trails, Balamban, Cebu
Balayhangin, Somewhere in Cebu City
The Great Unplug
One of the core tenets of our family camping philosophy is a strict "no screen time" rule for the kids. This isn't about punishment; it's about liberation. It's about opening up a world where imagination flourishes, and physical activity takes center stage. We fill our days with physical play like card games, traditional active games, physical toys, and camping chores. Along the way, we’ve met so many incredible humans, discovering a unique bond that is formed between families and friends who share the quiet of the wilderness together. Nature provides a rare, open environment for real talk where, without the distraction of pings and notifications, our kids share their thoughts more freely. It’s in these moments that our most honest and deep conversations happen.
You Can Do This Too!
We share this to show other young families that you can do this too. You don’t need to be an expert to start, but you do need to be responsible because nature is beautiful but can be unforgiving. Our golden rules are simple: safety first, proper gear, and education. We never risk the safety of the kiddos and now choose secured sites, but we always carry the right equipment. We also highly recommend a Basic Mountaineering Course (BMC) because knowing how to read the weather and handle emergencies is vital. Most importantly, we practice Leave No Trace, teaching our children to respect the land by packing out everything we pack in.
6 Years, 15 Camping Trips, Zero Regrets
What started as a single trip with a 4 and 5-year-old on March 2, 2020, has become 15 chapters of an ongoing adventure. We’ve traded the blue light of screens for the natural glow of the outdoors and we’ve never looked back. Camping has enriched our family's life in countless ways. It taught us resilience, fostered a love for the environment, and strengthened our bonds in ways we never imagined. We encourage you to consider unplugging, exploring, and discovering the magic of the great outdoors with your own family.
The adventure awaits!
Our Proof of Life
Below are our collection of treasures, not things but just good memories.
