For the Love of Sinigang

• Mt. Parawagan trail: beginner friendly (trust me, it really is)
• Mt. Ayaas trail: for more advanced hikers (trust me rin! try at own risk haha!)

First, I just want to say: I love Wawa. Officially called the Pamitinan Protected Landscape, it’s in Barangay San Rafael, Rodriguez, Rizal, which is home to the famous Wawa Dam.

You’ll start from a lively hub where you’ll find the local environmental offices, barangay hall, and tourism office, surrounded by eateries, sari-sari stores, and fresh vegetable vendors. It’s the main gateway to one of the most popular outdoor destinations near Metro Manila, known for hiking, biking, trail running, and rock climbing. On weekends, you’ll also find families and groups enjoying picnics by the river.

It’s only about a 40-minute drive from Quezon City and easily accessible by car or commute. There’s designated visitor parking (PHP 30.00 flat rate), and plenty of nearby stores for fueling up before or resting and showering after your hike (shower fee: PHP 20.00). Four Brothers Store is a popular spot especially for trail runners, as they sell energy gels and other running fuel. But personally, I’m more of a Norma’s Eatery kind of person. (And if you’re curious “YES!”they serve sinigang, which I order without fail whenever I’m there).

If it’s your first time in Wawa, I highly recommend joining a group or tagging along with friends familiar with the trails. Trail run groups are a great way to get to know the routes; doing a few rounds with them helps ensure you don’t get lost.

Mt. Parawagan

One of the most accessible mountains near Metro Manila, Parawagan offers a good entry-level trail. More than half of it is already cemented, which makes it manageable for beginners but don’t be fooled, it still has its challenges especially when you’re not quite fit. Five years ago, it took me over 5 hours to complete the 10km route (5km up, 5km down) thanks to my untrained lungs.

It’s also a favorite among bikers, motorcyclists, and even 4x4s so the trail/road can be quite crowded on weekends.

Midway up is Acacia Junction, marked by a grand Acacia tree and a few stores a perfect place to rest and grab (let’s be honest you’ll need two) cups of fresh buko juice.

The upper section is great for practicing downhill running.

Mt. Ayaas

If you’re looking for a serious workout, Mt. Ayaas is the way to go. You start past the bridge to Mascap, and from there it’s a series of steep, endless ascents. There are rocky and boulder sections that really test your balance. As you near the summit, you’ll encounter three false peaks, which can be a mental challenge. The standard route is a 10km backtrail (5km to the peak, 5km back), but it’s highly customizable.

If you’re already familiar with the trail, you can extend your route to explore nearby waterfalls and rivers, or exit through the other path from the peak. Your 10km can turn into 20, 30, or more depending on your energy and sense of direction.

There are sari-sari stores along the way that are open on weekends, so you don’t need to bring too much water unless you prefer the solitude of quieter weekdays. You’ll also spot plenty of seasoned trail runners, more likely passing you than the other way around.

I trained weekly on Mt. Ayaas in preparation for my Kilimanjaro hike, and honestly, I think it’s what saved me!

So if you’re looking for solid trails near Manila that offer a great mix of comfort, convenience, and challenge, Mt. Parawagan and Mt. Ayaas are two of your best bets, whether you’re just starting out or seriously training for something big.

Happy running!