In the woods was a path lit up by new light, where branches crosshatched overhead. Panels of sun came through gaps in the tree trunks, like slender fingers gripping. Every surface was glazed with a glimmering sheen of yellow and green, and in the midst of all these was I.
I'd like to tell you I was by myself, but I was with a whole team of outdoorsmen (and women). The line of hikers stretched before and behind me. It was the inaugural trek through Mt. Hibok-Hibok’s Itum trail, and the light was tripping fantastic.

I suppose, for a place known as the Island Born of Fire, I shouldn’t expect anything less.