Upon the Spartan Trail, you’ll find a familiar face…
Long before the sun rises, while the city still sleeps and the mountains are in mist, a familiar figure begins his quiet climb up one of Cebu’s most visited hiking trails. No, he’s not just another hiker chasing the sunrise, he’s the man who brings cold, sweet joy to every tired soul on the trail.
Meet Kuya Rey
“Alas kwatro pa lang ng umaga, gising na ako. Umaakyat ako kasabay ng mga hikers,” Kuya Rey shares with a warm smile. “Minsan, umaabot ako hanggang tuktok ng trail. Kapag naubos na ang paninda ko, saka lang ako bababa.”
Carrying his humble cooler filled with ice cream, Kuya Rey climbs the same steep trails as everyone else, often in slippers or worn-out shoes. He journeys through the woods, his steps steady and familiar with the rhythm of the mountain. By the time most hikers are catching their breath at the halfway mark, he’s already found his favorite spot to set up, a perfect resting point where the cool breeze meets tired feet and growling stomachs.
And just like that, his P20 ice cream becomes a priceless moment for many.
A Dream Worth Climbing For
Despite the effort, the earnings are modest. “Mga 800 hanggang 900 pesos po. Minsan lampas, pero kadalasan, ganun lang,” he admits. “Sakto lang. Nakakabili pa rin ako ng bigas at ulam.”
But for Kuya Rey, it’s never just about the money. “Hindi lang ito tungkol sa kita. Dito ko nararamdaman na buhay pa rin ang mga pangarap,” he says.
Kita ko ang pagod sa mukha nila, pero kapag bibili sila ng ice cream ko, ay napapangiti sila.
He has become a source of joy and a quiet inspiration. A gentle reminder that simple things, like a cold treat on a hot trail, can create unexpected warmth. His presence has become part of the hiking experience itself, a moment of rest and reward.
When asked why he chose the mountain trails, despite the long walks and heavy loads, his answer comes with a spark of hope in his eyes as he shared that he wanted to thrive for his own family that he’s building with his partner.
Gusto kong maipakita na kahit simpleng tao lang ako, kaya kong magsikap para sa pangarap naming dalawa.
More Than Just a Vendor
In a world obsessed with shortcuts and success stories, Kuya Rey reminds us that there is beauty in slow climbs, in early mornings, and in honest work. He may not wear hiking gear or post selfies on summit stones, but in the eyes of many, he is a true legend of the trail.
So next time you find yourself hiking a mountain in Cebu, listen for the soft clang of a cooler and the familiar shout of “Ice cream yummy, ice cream good!”—and remember that behind every sweet scoop is a man chasing dreams, one step at a time.
