Whether for chilling by the lake or hiking a new mountain, there’s a Merrell pair for you
MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Summer is in full swing and what better way to make the most of the clear skies and sunshine than to step outside with friends or family for an adventure! It won’t be too long until the rainclouds start rolling in so it’s the perfect time to start planning your trips and your gear wisely. Here are 4 pairs of shoes and summertime adventures to try before the wet season arrives!
Tree Nurturing at Mt. Balagbag
Whether it’s Earth Month or not, protecting the environment is something we can always be reminded of. Philippine Parks & Biodiversity, an organization dedicated to protecting and conserving the country’s resources, offers educational tree nurturing activities to the public while letting you experience how to be a forest ranger for a day. While this sounds like a walk in the park, it involves a 6-hour hike up Mt. Balagbag wherein you prepare and plant seedlings in a designated reforestation area. For this activity, we recommend Merrell’s most sustainable hiking sneaker to date: The Speed Eco. This pair is made of majority recycled materials and is a testament to the brand’s dedication to protecting the trails making it the perfect companion. Learn more about tree nurturing here.
Trekking at Mount Pinatubo
With Taal Volcano still off-limits, your next best bet for a truly unforgettable volcano adventure would be Mount Pinatubo. Historic as it is majestic, Pinatubo is a one-of-a-kind beginner trek that kicks off with a 4×4 adventure to the jumpoff point and continues with a hike through some rocky riverbeds flanked by imposing-yet-IG-worthy cliffs, and then finally reaching the now-dormant volcano’s crater lake. For something comfortable and versatile enough that can take on slippery stones, dusty trails, and occasional streams, the Hydro Moc would be your best bet.
Conquering Mt. Pulag
Mt. Pulag in Benguet, while among the top 3 highest mountains in the Philippines, can be an exciting hike for adventurers of all experience levels, especially if going through the famed Ambangeg Trail. This overnight trek allows you to walk through mossy forests which one can only describe as magical, set up camp among the sea of clouds, and witness perhaps the most rewarding sunrise in the country. For your climb to be both safe, comfy and enjoyable, a pair of reliable hiking boots that can tread through slippery moss and muddy trails is essential. The Moab 3 Waterproof, Merrell’s flagship hiker short for “Mother of All Boots”, is well-equipped to do so with its grippy Vibram® outsole and protective membrane that keeps water out. Trust us, this shoe has not sold 28 Million pairs worldwide for no reason.
Car Camping at Lake Mapanuepe
Dubbed the Philippines’ little slice of New Zealand, Lake Mapanuepe in San Marcelino, Zambales is an awe-inspiring sight that would make you want to do a double take. The lake is a few hours from Metro Manila and can easily be accessed by most vehicles, although 4x4s are recommended. This off-the-grid destination allows campers to truly disconnect and fully take in the sights. While swimming is not advised, a pair of water-friendly sandals are recommended if you plan to get your feet wet. Merrell’s Huntington for men and Bravada Backstrap for women, both of which come in a variety of colorways, is the perfect sandal to bring with you.
BONUS: Take on Pampanga’s Trails in Spartan Trail Alviera presented by Merrell
For those who want to up their trail game this summer, Spartan Race together with Merrell will be holding a 10K trail run in Alviera, Pampanga this May 27. This race will see Spartans brave through the Porac’s grasslands, lahar fields, and mountain ridges. Merrell’s Agility Peak 4, Merrell’s top-of-the-line trail running model, is the brand’s latest innovation in all-terrain racing and is front and center in this Spartan leg. This 4th iteration is updated with a slightly thicker midsole made of the lighter-weight FloatPro™ foam and a new Vibram® Megagrip® outsole for even better grip on rock. For the ladies, the best-selling Antora 3 is a women’s specific trail runner that boasts a Vibram® TC5+ outsole that gives the wearer confidence with every step. Click here to register for Spartan Alviera and use code RUNALVIERA to get 20% off (first 200 uses only).
Shop these and more in Merrell concept stores nationwide, online at www.merrell.com.ph, and through their official Viber community.
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Merrell’s latest gear for all kinds of adventures are available at Glorietta3, TriNoma, SM North Annex, Market! Market!, Robinson’s Place Manila, Festival Mall Alabang, SM Southmall, SM City Baguio, Marquee Mall Pampanga, Harbor Point Subic, SM City Cebu, Ayala Center Cebu, SM Iloilo, SM City Davao, SM Lanang, Abreeza Mall Davao, Gaisano Mall Davao, Limketkai Mall, Centrio Mall, and selected specialty stores and department stores nationwide.
Visit Merrell online at merrell.com.ph, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MerrellPhilippines and follow us on Twitter and Instagram: @Merrell_PH.
About Merrell
Merrell® believes that nothing should get in the way of enjoying active outdoor adventures. Merrell hiking boots, trail running shoes, and apparel are built on Merrell’s outdoor heritage, quality, and performance. The trail is the core of our design philosophy and has continued to guide us in the development of innovative products that inspire and enable enjoyment of the outdoors.
