Sometimes, life just gets too tiring. There are days when we feel so drained because of school, projects, or problems that keep piling up. Our minds get full, and it feels like we need to escape, even just for a little while. That’s why last month before an earthquake happened, me and my close friends decided to go on a short trip to breathe some fresh air and relax our minds.
It was a weekend, and we didn’t have any class schedule, so we thought, “Why not go somewhere peaceful?” We didn’t plan much — we just wanted to go out, enjoy nature, and forget about school stress for a bit. The place we went to is called Little Batanes, located in Tabogon, Cebu. I didn’t expect much at first, but when we arrived there, I was honestly amazed.
The place is really close to our area, around 20 minutes away by motorbike. I think they call it Little Batanes because it truly looks like the real Batanes — it has green rolling hills, fresh air, and a stunning view of the sea. When you’re standing there, it feels peaceful and quiet, like all your worries suddenly disappear.
One of the best things about this place is that there’s no entrance fee. You can visit anytime you want and stay as long as you like. Some people even bring tents and spend the night there with their friends. I think that’s one of the reasons why it’s special — you don’t need to spend money to enjoy something beautiful. It’s simple, peaceful, and open to everyone.
The walk going up the hills is a bit tiring because it’s quite steep, but the moment you reach the top, you’ll realize it’s all worth it. The view is breathtaking — you can see wide green fields, tall coconut trees, and the ocean shining in the distance. The wind there feels so fresh, it’s like it’s washing away all your stress.
During that time, we were really stressed from school. We had so many things to think about, but while we were there, we laughed, took pictures, and just enjoyed the moment. It felt like all our problems were gone for a while. I realized that sometimes, you don’t need to go far or buy expensive things to be happy — all you need is nature and good company.
If you ever feel mentally tired, I really suggest trying a short nature trip like this. It helps a lot. It gives your mind a break and reminds you how beautiful the world still is. Being surrounded by green hills and hearing nothing but the wind and birds — it’s one of the best feelings ever.
What I loved most about Little Batanes is the sunset. When the sun starts to go down, the sky turns orange and pink, and it paints the hills in such a warm color. Everything there looks calm — the hills, the trees, and even the sound of the wind. It’s one of those places that make you feel thankful to be alive. You’ll just stand there, smiling, and thinking, “This is exactly what I needed.”
That short trip to Little Batanes really taught me something like taking care of your mental health is important. When you feel tired or overwhelmed, go outside, explore, and let nature heal you. Sometimes, a few hours away from the noise can make a big difference.
