Some hikes change you. Not because of how high you climb, but because of what you carry home with you.
During Columbia Hike Society’s 2nd ascent of the year at Mt. Pulag, what began as a simple journey up the mountain slowly unfolded into something far more meaningful. For Sophia and John, the trail became a path toward one of the most important moments of their lives.
Sophia's realization came in waves, “At first, it didn’t sink in,” she shared. “You can see me still waving in the video. Then suddenly, it hit me, and I cried like a child.” What overwhelmed her most was not just the proposal itself, but the warmth surrounding it. Fellow hikers across the mountain cheering, clapping, celebrating a love that felt deeply personal yet beautifully shared.
She had invited John to hike Mt. Pulag simply because nature had always been their common ground. “We love hiking and being outdoors. I never imagined this place would hold such a big moment for us.” As the sun rose and the sea of clouds revealed itself, everything felt aligned. “The weather was perfect. We saw Mt. Pulag in all its beauty. We met so many people along the way. And knowing this happened during a Columbia Hike Society hike made it even more special. It felt like the community was part of our story.”
As for John, this moment had been quietly building for years. “Three years ago, we passed by a jewelry shop, and she tried on a ring. I remembered her size from that day,” he said. When Sophia suggested hiking Mt. Pulag after New Year, he knew he had found the moment he had been waiting for. “I was terrified,” he admitted. “My hands were shaking the entire time. She thought it was just the cold, but I was really just nervous and excited all at once.”
The climb began at 3 a.m., under the stars, with silent prayers whispered along the trail. Then, at the summit, the moment arrived. The Columbia Hike Society coordinator’s voice broke through the cold air, ‘Congrats guys! Clear skies!’ The mountain revealed itself fully, as if offering its blessing. “Everything was perfect,” John shared. “The timing, the weather, the view. Mt. Pulag showed itself to us, and that made the proposal even more meaningful.”
For the couple, Columbia Hike Society became more than a hiking group that day. It became part of a memory they would carry forever. Knowing that Columbia was present during such a meaningful moment, on one of the most beautiful mountains in the Philippines, made the experience even more unforgettable.
Mountains have a way of holding space for our biggest moments. They strip everything down to what truly matters, reminding us how small we are in the vastness of the world, and at the same time, how powerful love can be when spoken with intention and courage.
For Sophia and John, Mt. Pulag will never just be a destination pinned on a map or a memory captured in photos. It will always be the place where quiet prayers were answered, where trembling hands found certainty, and where a single question changed the course of their lives. Surrounded by clouds, welcomed by the sunrise, and supported by a community that climbed beside them, their love became part of the mountain’s story. And through Columbia Hike Society, that moment was not only witnessed, but shared, carried, and forever etched into a journey they will return to in memory long after the trail ends.
The Columbia Hike Society, under Columbia – a brand distributed by Primer Group of Companies, is a vibrant community of outdoor enthusiasts brought together by their shared love for hiking and exploring nature. As a part of the Columbia Hike Society, we provide unforgettable adventures and opportunities for meaningful connections. Join us as we venture out to uncover new trails, build lasting memories and fully immerse ourselves in the wonders of the natural world.
