Between the provinces of Nueva Vizcaya and Pangasinan lies a hilly barangay cut through by a zigzag road. Aptly called Malico, which literally means with so much turns, we passed though the said road in the dead of night on our way to Ifugao three days prior. All of us in the car back then were asleep save for Ran who drove through the twists and turns. Even if we were awake though, we would not see any view anyway. It was too dark.

Thankfully, it was still early afternoon when we eventually reached Malico on our way back to Malolos. We would want to see it while the sun was still up. Social media has made Malico a popular destination, known for its elevated zigzag roads and mountain views, hence we would not want to miss our chance.

The ascent to the mountain roads started almost as soon as we left our stop in Aritao. There was already a hint of anticipation as to the beauty of the scenery that was awaiting us in Malico, but the hint of anticipation was replaced by heedless excitement. As our car climbed higher up, we had to drive slowly, turn the headlights on and roll down the windows. A very cold breeze then gently touched our bodies as we carefully make our way through the road draped in mist. Malico was fogbound.

We are used to zigzag mountain roads. especially that we have just been to Ifugao. Malico was actually somehow reminiscent of the Saddle Point Access Point with its steep slopes and sharp turns, except that the former gave us a totally unique experience with the afternoon fog. It was something new, especially that we were travelling with our family. My niece Riyan was particularly elated with the fact the we were getting into the clouds.

We eventually found a wide road shoulder by which we could stop for a while and take pictures.

Riyan and Mikle enjoying the fogged view.

Social media has always been buzzing with beautiful places where one may do road tripping, and Malico is one of the places often featured for its picturesque mountain views. The dense fog that shrouded the place when we were there in no way made the experience any less worthwhile. In our view, it actually took it a level higher, adding a mysterious peek to the unyielding power of nature—always moving, always changing. It was the perfect finale for the adventure that we started in Ifugao.

We finally reached the plains of Pangasinan at around 06:00 PM. It would take four hours more before we would reach Malolos City. It was a long travel back home, but tiring as it was, it was definitely worth every hour and every meter. It was an experience—an adventure—spent with loved ones, etching indelible memories of the beauty and power of nature in awe-inspiring places, experienced in the warmth of companionship.

The journey, the company, and the fleeting moments all reminded us how vast and beautiful the Philippines truly is. Our trip did not just take us to new places; they brought us closer to one another and to ourselves. As the lights of home finally came into view, it became certain that the memories of this adventure would linger far longer than the miles we had traveled.

Speaking of miles, it would just take a little more than a month before we embark on another journey together. Yes, another chance to being at a renegade juncture.