THE PHILIPPINES—Two dozen members of the Baguio City-La Union congregation and a few visitors from the Quezon City congregation went on an early-morning hike on May 19, in Rizal, Tubao, La Union.

The group included two senior citizens, seven adults, seven singles, six teens and two children, with ages ranging from 3 to 69. The hikers met at 5:30 a.m. at the house of Preaching Elder Pedrito Cara before heading onto the trail.

The group inched its way to the top, treading through gullies and groves of mahogany trees. Breaks provided a chance to examine the surrounding flora and snack on the abundant fruit from indigenous mango trees.

“The golden showers are so beautiful,” Margarita Lovidad said, pointing out fields of golden shower trees in full yellow bloom.

After 2 1/2 hours of hiking and taking photos, the group reached the highest point of the trail, 1,080 feet above sea level. At the top, members rested under a blackberry tree so full that they could simply shake it and watch the berries fall into an open umbrella, a good snack for hungry hikers.

“It was an exhilarating, fun-filled activity. The view was intoxicating,” Aurora Padua said, adding that the experience “fostered team work, endurance, unity and love while going through unfamiliar places. The leaders carried out their roles with gusto and enthusiasm.”

“It was like an extension of camp for me, because of the united atmosphere and the chance to repeat the cheering songs of pyc as we had fun and enjoyed the views,” teen Miraclene Moltio said.

After a brief rest, the hikers continued to walk down until they reached a waiting jeepney that transported them the last 2 1/2 miles downhill, concluding the four-hour hike. A few adventurous group members continued on foot for further physical challenge and recreation.

The activity concluded with goat stew, grilled fish and Filipino summer fruits.