ITOGON, Benguet — Since social media posts featuring popular celebrities sharing their experience on Mount Ulap have gone viral, this Benguet peak has become a talked-about hiking spot in the Cordillera mountain range.

On January 28, more than 2,000 people arrived Barangay Ampucao, Itogon — all of them wanting to see Ulap.

ABS-CBN News checked out the mountain to find out the reasons why people would brave the approximately 9-kilometer hike just to reach the summit. Here’s what we found out:

For 'hugot'

Hiking is not something that appeals to Ren, until actress Angel Locsin shared her photos of Ulap on Instagram.

A kitchen assistant from Quezon City, Ren took a 5-hour trip from Cubao to here to experience the calmness and the cool weather, which are perfect for “hugots.”

"Nandito ako para magmuni-muni at humugot," he quipped.

Ren is single and spent Valentine’s Day alone. According to him, Ulap is the perfect venue to rethink his life.

For friendship

Unlike Ren, Vanessa is into hiking. Her job as an online virtual assistant allows her to have a flexible schedule; that’s why she can always travel. In fact, this is the 34-year-old’s third climb to Ulap.

According to Vanessa, she is really struck by the mountain's pristine beauty. That’s why she decided to organize small group tours that will allow others to appreciate nature. She said she enjoys making new friends with every hike.

For bonding

Not having a baby is not really a big issue between Jurey and Joy, who have been married for 5 years. It actually gives them time to discover new places and try new activities together.

After hearing about the spectacular view of the sunrise on Ulap, the couple decided to make it their first hiking trip. They believe that hiking will test their trust for each other and strengthen their bond.

For experience

Ulap is not just popular among locals. Word of its beauty has also spread to other parts of the world. Siblings Minchin and Leehoy traveled all the way from Singapore to give the peak a peek.

As a corporate lawyer, Minchin said traveling is a way to cope with stress. After seeing photos of the mountain on Instagram, she immediately scheduled a weekend trip to the Philippines to see it before they visit Mount Pulag.

Beyond Ulap’s cool weather and lush vegetation, the siblings said they also experienced the honesty and hospitality of Filipinos.

For extra cash

Ludel, 19, is one of the youngest among the over 200 tour guides from Barangay Ampucao.

He is currently a third-year Bachelor of Physical Education student at Benguet State University. And since he has no class during the weekend, he decided to make some cash by guiding tourists on their climb to Ulap.

Through this, he is able to pay for his boarding house in La Trinidad. That’s why he hopes that people continue to visit Ulap despite the advisory released by the local government.

Starting February 4, only 150 visitors are allowed to hike on weekdays, and 500 on weekends and holidays. Online reservation is now required.

According to Ludel, this will avoid overcrowding during treks, giving each visitor ample time to enjoy the view and take a good selfie with nature.

“Kapag may disiplina ang tao, mas maaalagaan ang kalikasan. Mas tatagal ang ganda ng Ulap, makikita pa ito ng susunod na aakyat. Dadami pa ang magkakatrabaho sa barangay namin. Lahat naman tayo makikinabang,” he added.