Manakaay Ug Bukid
dexter at mt. campalili peak

The Manakaay Spirit: Meet Our Founder

Behind every trail story, every technical itinerary, and every hidden waterfall featured on Manakaay ug Bukid is a passion rooted in the earth. Today, we’re introducing the person behind the lens: Dexter Priete.

More Than Just a Hiker

Dexter is a lifelong outdoor enthusiast whose heart belongs to the highlands. His experience spans the full spectrum of mountain living:

  • The Mountaineer: Conquering steep ridges and documenting technical trail data (MASL, difficulty ratings, and terrain types).
  • The Camper: Whether it’s traditional tent camping under the stars or the modern convenience of car camping and overlanding, Dexter has tested the gear and the ground.
  • The Waterfall Chaser: Finding the “monstrous” beauty of hidden falls tucked away in the deepest parts of the forest.

Your Bridge to Safe Adventures

One of the core pillars of Manakaay ug Bukid is Reliability. He doesn’t just show you where to go; he ensures you get there legally and safely.

When you follow a Manakaay itinerary, you are benefiting from:

  • LGU-Authorized Expeditions: Every schedule is coordinated with trusted and authorized guides from Local Government Units or relevant agencies.
  • Expert Local Guides: Dexter works exclusively with credible, knowledgeable, and friendly guides who possess a wealth of mountain experience spanning many years.
  • Hassle-Free Permitting: Part of our expertise is facilitating the often-complex processing of permits, ensuring that your adventure respects local laws and indigenous ancestral domains.

Learn more about our commitment to responsible tourism.

A Note from the Founder

“I started this journey because I believe the mountains should be respected and shared. My goal is to make sure that when you step onto a trail, you are equipped with more than just a backpack—you carry the right intel, the right permits, and the support of the best local experts in the region.”

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Dexter Priete

Hi, I’m Dexter, the voice behind Manakaay ug Bukid. A Davao‐based outdoor enthusiast and part-time camper, I spend my weekends driving up to highland escapes, pitching tents under pine trees, and discovering countryside hideaways near the city. Through this blog I share honest trail stories, farm-stay gems and simple travel tips so you, too, can reconnect with nature—one day trip or overnight at a time.