By Karren Jay G. Asgar
Pastor Rein Abogadil joins TOP Iloilo on a four-day trek through the mountain trails of Maasin and Janiuay, discovering hidden waterfalls, remote communities, and paths yet to be explored.
Centralians continue to make their mark in their chosen paths, carrying with them the values, character, and spirit shaped by their years at Central Philippine University (CPU). One such Centralian is Pastor Reinel L. Abogadil, whose journey in ministry and passion for mountain exploration have also been featured by various media outlets, reflecting a life rooted in service, resilience, and a desire to make a difference in the communities he encounters.
A proud Centralian, Pastor Rein is a graduate of the CPU Elementary School and the CPU College of Theology. He now serves as the Minister for Youth and Outreach of Jaro Evangelical Church, known as the First Baptist Church in the Philippines, founded in 1900.
Beyond his ministry, he has found another avenue for connection, reflection, and service through the mountains. He recently joined TOP Iloilo’s four-day expedition across the mountain areas of Maasin and Janiuay, an exploration that sought to document potential trekking routes while promoting sustainable ecotourism and community livelihood.
During an online interview, Pastor Rein shared that his love for the mountains has long been part of his life. “Ever since, mountains were my ‘go to’ places whenever I get the chance to ‘fill up my cup’ and pause from the busyness of the city life,” he said.
His involvement with TOP Iloilo also grew from years of joining organized climbs. He described the group as among the “OGs,” or pioneers, when it comes to organized climbs in the area. Founded by Ross Loyola Jucaban, TOP Iloilo became more than an organization he joined for outdoor adventures.
Pastor Rein said his relationship with Jucaban developed from an organizer-joiner connection into friendship after participating in his organized climbs.
That friendship eventually led to the recent four-day exploration, where he joined Jucaban; Ben Joseph Libo-on, a Centralian pastor; and Ruth Gamarcha in traversing the mountain landscapes of Maasin and Janiuay.
For him, however, the expedition was not simply about reaching new heights.
The group ventured into less-explored areas in the hope of discovering new trails, documenting information that could be shared with future generations of mountaineers, and appreciating the natural beauty of the mountains and neighboring communities.
“It is also to somehow be of help and introduce a source of income for the people of these municipalities,” he mentioned.
The expedition brought the team through challenging terrain, including steep ridges, muddy trails, thick vegetation, and stretches with little to no established trail. They also encountered waterfalls largely untouched by mass tourism and upland communities, some of which still have no electricity and rely on kerosene lamps and torches for lighting.
These experiences gave the expedition a deeper purpose, one that connects outdoor exploration with environmental protection and community development.
The Maasin-Janiuay expedition also formed part of the reconnaissance missions for Project Warshock, a planned long-distance expedition that aims to traverse a continuous mountain route from Miagao, Iloilo, to Culasi, Antique.
For the project, he remains hopeful. “Hopeful and praying,” he said.
As an outdoor enthusiast, he sees the mountains not only as places to explore but also as spaces where people can pause, reconnect with nature, and discover communities and stories beyond the familiar.
Yet, beneath his adventures is an identity that remains deeply connected to his Centralian roots.
“I am CPU and will always be,” he emphasized.
Looking back on his years at CPU, he described his experience as a privilege, an opportunity, and a blessing that helped shape who he is today. Among his most memorable experiences as a Centralian was Christ Emphasis Week, which allowed him to celebrate the Centralian community and the love of Christ. He is a member of the Seeds of Faith band.
For him, the Centralian identity does not end at the university gates.
“Being a Centralian doesn’t just revolve inside the school premises but it is a way of life,” he said.
He associates this way of life with the work ethic, kindness, grit, and resilience he sees among fellow Centralians, qualities that for him, continue to be evident even after graduation.
“And that would be one of the reasons why it makes me not miss CPU as much as I would always experience these things through a co-Centralian in and out of the school premises,” he added.
Today, his journey reflects the many ways Centralians continue to pursue their chosen paths while carrying the values they gained from the university. For him, ministry and mountain exploration may seem like different pursuits, but both provide opportunities to serve, connect, and inspire.
To fellow Centralians who may be inspired by his journey, Pastor Rein offers a challenge: do not simply follow the trails already established by others, create paths of your own and use what you discover to help others.
“If somehow my adventures have inspired you, I hope you will go farther than I did,” he said. “Explore new trails, learn new things, help the community, protect the creation.”
He also encourages others to share the beauty they encounter along the way.
“And when you discover something beautiful, don’t keep it to yourself, let others experience it.”
For him, inspiration is not meant to end with one person. It is meant to be passed on.
“If you’ve been inspired, become an inspiration to someone else too,” he said.
And at the heart of his journey remains the message that continues to guide his service and life: “Jesus Loves YOU!”
Pastor Rein is married to Mrs. Ronamae Ellen Luces Abogadil, a faculty member of the CPU Senior High School.