Aklan Trekkers Inc.

14/08/2026

11/08/2026

A little late, but a reflection worth sharing. 🌿💚

We meant to share this on National Indigenous Peoples Day and the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples (August 9), but our weekend in the uplands came with no electricity and limited connectivity. Perhaps that made the message even more meaningful.

This weekend, Aklan Trekkers returned to Eakawon and Panipiason — not just to conduct activities, but to listen, learn, and walk alongside communities whose lives and knowledge remain deeply connected to the land.

In Eakawon, we reflected on the progress and continuing needs of the community following our 2024 Pagbueoligan Upland Outreach Mission. In Panipiason, we worked with the Panipiason Barangay Council through their local ecotourism guides as they finalized their operational guidelines and prepared for their presentation to the LGU and PAMB.

Indigenous Peoples are not merely beneficiaries of conservation. They are knowledge holders and stewards of the landscapes they have cared for across generations.

Indigenous Peoples’ Day may have passed, but the lesson continues: conservation is stronger when we listen, learn, and walk with communities. 🌿

07/08/2026

Amor seco scattered the hillside where we pitched our tent. Its seeds pierced through our clothes as we sat and breathed in the hinterlands - our bodies collecting more and more of its seeds as our thoughts mingled deeper with the ground.

The seeds of Sitio Buyo had long been longing for a vessel to carry it into growth. In their own way they've managed for a long time, but in open arms and heartfelt gratitude, they welcomed Aklan Trekkers Inc. with purity. As they build their new daycare center, solidarity and shared identity powered the community, igniting a brighter spark for their future.

The Philippine flag was raised in honor of the daycare and the gathering of the community. In a sense, I've felt the true essence of being a Filipino as locals and visitors alike locked glances at the rising flag - that in the isolating terrains of the mountains, our deep connection echoed in camaraderie, in the familiarity we found in stories, and the earth that called to unite us as one.

As we went home, amor seco still clung to our clothes. But its sharpness now resonated deeper than physical discomfort. It recalled deep empathy, communion, and kinship that will forever be embedded on our skin.

06/08/2026

Do you know what the Akeanon word “Eubaron” means? 👀💡

Gather your team, bring your A-game, and join us for EUBARON: Aklan Trekkers’ Trivia Night this August 14, 6 PM onwards at the Aklan Trekkers Advocacy Hub! 🧠✨

As we celebrate Dulungan Month and Indigenous Peoples Day, let’s put our knowledge of Aklan, its nature, culture, people, and stories, to the test. 🌿⛰️

More importantly, this is a night for Bri, our dedicated member and leader whose passion and service continue to inspire the Aklan Trekkers community. ❤️

👥 Form a team of five and join the fun!
📲 Check the comment section for the QR registration code.

Kita-kits sa Eubaron! How well do you know Aklan? 😉

🎨 Pubmat by Kenjie Dela Cruz

05/08/2026

| Beyond the Mountains of Panipiason

Wonder begins where the road ends.

Beyond Panipiason's towering mountains lies a story woven by rivers, waterfalls, forests, wildlife, Indigenous knowledge, and the people who have called this landscape home for generations. Every step along the trail reveals that these mountains are more than breathtaking scenery — they are living ecosystems, cultural landscapes, and classrooms that continue to inspire wonder.

The Dumarayray River carries the spirit of the mountains. Panlokoton Falls reflects the strength of the people. The local guides serve as the living map of the landscape. The hikers bring curiosity and a willingness to learn.

Together, they remind us that conservation is not just about protecting places — it is about nurturing the connections between nature, culture, and the people who choose to care for both.

This , let Panipiason remind us that the greatest discoveries are often found beyond the mountains.

For the love of biodiversity conservation. 🌿💚

🎨 Pubmats by Kenjie Dela Cruz | Aklan Trekkers

04/08/2026

🌿 | 8th Aklan Hammock Festival 🏕️

Throwing it back to one of the most memorable weekends of the year — the 8th Aklan Hammock Festival held last May.

For a few days, hammocks became our homes, the beach forest became our classroom, and the mangroves reminded us why we continue to protect the places we love. It was more than just camping — it was a celebration of friendship, adventure, conservation, and the growing community that shares the same passion for the outdoors.

From community stories and campfire conversations to laughter echoing through the trees, every moment strengthened our commitment to responsible outdoor recreation and environmental stewardship.

To everyone who joined us, volunteered, and made this gathering possible, thank you for being part of another unforgettable chapter in our journey. Here's to many more adventures, stronger partnerships, and a deeper love for nature.

Who else is already missing hammock life? Share your favorite memory or photo from the festival in the comments! 🌲💚

📷Klyvin.PH | Photo Lounge by Torres Creatives

04/08/2026

Five years ago, we began walking alongside the Akeanon Bukidnon (Dumarayraynon) guides and the Panipiason Brgy Council to help build a community-led ecotourism pathway rooted in conservation, culture, and indigenous stewardship.

Through Tuklas Aklan, Pagbueoligan para sa Panipiason, and our volunteer-funded PEACE (Panipiason Ecotourism Advancement & Conservation Efforts) Project, together with the Council of Elders and the LGU of Madalag, we have supported the development of ecotourism circuits, ecotourism guidelines, environmental fee ordinance, and community facilities.

Today, Panipiason is leading the way. The barangay has organized its guides, established visitor logbooks, and provided guide IDs and uniforms, while the guides have taken ownership by investing in their radios and additional gear, managing their collective savings, and building their Baeay Turugan through dagyaw — their own tradition of communal labor.

This past weekend, Aklan Trekkers returned to Panipiason for a participatory review and updating of their ecotourism guidelines and tourism menus. Together with three biologists, we also validated one of their tourism sites last Sunday and turned over a modest donation for materials to help complete their Baeay Turugan.

As part of strengthening community-led conservation, we advocate for the barangay to present their ecotourism initiatives to the ARWFR - PAMB (Aklan River Watershed Forest Reserve - Protected Area Management Board) to ensure harmonization and alignment with protected area management plans.

This is what Indigenous Peoples-led conservation looks like — communities protecting their ancestral domain, strengthening their culture, and creating sustainable livelihoods on their own terms.

Help us strengthen more communities like Panipiason. Your support sustains our community organizing, technical assistance, and documentation of stories that inspire others.

Walk with us. Be part of the movement.

𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗺𝗮𝘆 𝘀𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗱𝗼𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗼:
Metrobank
Account Name: 𝗔𝗸𝗹𝗮𝗻 𝗧𝗿𝗲𝗸𝗸𝗲𝗿𝘀
Account Number: 𝟏𝟐𝟖-𝟑-𝟏𝟐𝟖𝟔𝟎𝟓𝟖𝟖-𝟕

03/08/2026

Proud gid kami kinyo, Bamboo and native Crafts Napaan Malay Aklan. Padayon! 🌿💚

03/08/2026

⛰️ | In Honor of Nimsdai and the Nine Souls of Broad Peak

Today, we remember Nirmal "Nimsdai" Purja and the nine fellow climbers (Purna Bahadur Gurung, Kili Pemba Sherpa, Nawang Thindu Sherpa, Nima Sherpa, Gyalu Sherpa, Sohail Sakhi, Nadhira Al Harthy, Mallory Geis, Wang Zhong) whose lives were lost on Broad Peak.

Nimsdai showed the world that courage, resilience, and compassion could stand alongside extraordinary achievement. He redefined what was possible — not just by reaching the world's highest summits, but by inspiring countless people to dream bigger, serve others, and push beyond their own limits.

While the Philippines has no alpine peaks, the heart of mountaineering is the same. Aklan Trekkers was founded by trekkers who crossed provincial borders, discovering that every journey into the mountains is ultimately a journey within. We hike not to prove ourselves to the mountains, but to grow in character, humility, and purpose.

May Nimsdai and his fellow climbers be remembered not for the way their final expedition ended, but for the lives they lived, the people they inspired, and the legacy they leave behind.

Rest in peace, Nimsdai, and to the nine others who made their final ascent. Your footprints will forever remain in the hearts of the global mountaineering community.

"It is not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves." — Sir Edmund Hillary

📷 Nimsdai FB page and 8kexpeditions