Why Lakaw ni Paw is the Best Way to Experience Mt. Apo
When you’re halfway up a mountain, and your legs feel like lead, the person leading the way becomes more than just a guide; they become your lifeline. In the mountaineering community, one name keeps popping up like a warm recommendation shared over a campfire: Lakaw Ni Paw.
In partnership with R.O.X. (Recreational Outdoor Exchange), Paw has created something truly special—a team dedicated to making sure you don’t just reach the summit, but that you actually enjoy the journey getting there.
From our very first briefing at the De Sander jump-off, I knew this wasn’t going to be a typical, stiff tour. Instead of feeling nervous about the massive trek ahead, the Lakaw Ni Paw team made it feel like we were just prepping for a walk in the park. To them, the mountain is “just another day in the office,” and their energy is infectious. They are literal balls of sunshine, and that’s exactly the vibe you need before tackling a giant like Mt. Apo.
Fun tip: Remember to review the Mountaineer’s Creed and the significance of flora and fauna. They actually give a quick “pop quiz” during the briefing! It’s such a fun, unexpected way to start the adventure. Haha.
What I appreciated most was the lack of pressure. I’m a “slow-to-normal” pace hiker, and in many groups, you feel the weight of trying to catch up. But with them? I never felt left behind. There was always a team member right there to guide us, ensuring no one ever felt lost or rushed.
LAKAW NI PAW: A Name That You Can Trust
It didn’t take long to realize how respected this team is on the trail. During our descent from one of the peaks toward Camp Reyes, we kept getting stopped. Other hikers would look at us and ask, “Are you with Lakaw Ni Paw?” When we said yes, a girl smiled and said, “Tara, sabay ta!” (Come, let’s go together!)
I lost count of how many times we were asked that. I’m not sure if it was the team’s signature gear or just the way they carry themselves, but it felt like we were the “spoiled” guests of the mountain. Everyone wanted to be part of the circle.
The Heart Behind the Brand
After our 3D2N trek, I sat down for a quick chat with the man himself, Paw. I wanted to know the “why” behind the brand. What struck me most wasn’t the logistics, but the trust Paw has built.
“Bisan wala ko… confident ko na ma-handle nila,” Paw says. (Even if I’m not there, I’m confident they can handle it.)
He’s spent years pouring his work ethic into his team. This dedication is why people don’t just book because of an ad; they book because a friend told them, “You have to go with Paw.”
And he isn’t joking about the service.
On our last day at Camp Reyes, one guest lost her drone. It has sentimental value to her. She was heartbroken, and I think she couldn’t even eat breakfast. Without a second thought, the team went into an unfamiliar part of the mountain—where there wasn’t even a trail—and literally made one to find it.
They found it. That’s not even “part of the job description.” To me, that is pure heart.
We were cheering for them from the camp when they found it.
The Generous 'Lakaw ni Paw' Kitchen
We all know that after a grueling day, nothing beats a good meal. If there’s one thing Lakaw Ni Paw is famous for, it’s being the most generous in the kitchen.
“Dili ka i-tipid, dili man kuripot si Lakaw Ni Paw,” Paw tells me. (We don’t skimp; Lakaw Ni Paw isn’t stingy.) On a mountain, a hot, hearty plate of food is a hug for your soul.
During a stopover on our descent, I listened to the guides share their climb stories. They mentioned how they sometimes hear they might get “cut off” because they get so many bookings. It made me wonder: Are they a threat to other organizers? Maybe they are. But Paw doesn’t see it that way.
“Sa ilang paminaw threat ko, pero sa akoa dili,” he says. (They might see me as a threat, but I don’t see them that way.)
He explained that his principle is simple: if you don’t book with Lakaw ni Paw, that’s perfectly okay. But if his team sees anyone struggling or needing help on the trail—regardless of which organizer they paid—they will step in to help.
What a beautiful thought that, at the end of the day, mountaineering is about how we treat people and how we look out for one another in the wild.
What the other Guests Say
I didn’t want to be biased, so I asked my fellow hikers about their experience.
Angela, who chose to celebrate her birthday on the mountain,“I’m so thankful I booked with you (Lakaw ni Paw). Grabe gyud mo mu-alaga sa guests.” (You really take such good care of the guests.)
Our friend Auric, who flew all the way from California for his first Mt. Apo hike, put it simply: “It’s been a great experience. If you’re thinking of going to hike Mount Apo, go with Lakaw Ni Paw.”
Our experience was worth every single peso. They might forget us eventually as the batches of hikers roll by, but as guests, we will never forget the level of excellence they showed us.
If you’re looking for a team that will carry your spirits as high as the peak, Lakaw Ni Paw is your man.
