Mt. Manabu

Sto. Tomas, Batangas
Jump-off point: Sulok, Brgy. Sta Cruz, Sto. Tomas
LLA: 13.9777°, 121.2413°, 760 MASL
Days required / Hours to summit: 1 day / 1-2 hours
Specs: Minor climb, Difficulty 2/9, Trail class 1-2

Climbing Up the Manabu Peak:

The BACKPACKERS Went "Dirty"

December 21 and 22, 2011 marked The BACKPACKERS' year-ender climb. Needless to say, it was the  Group's Christmas Climb and to celebrate the true meaning of the season, a gift-giving to the mountain's famed keeper, Tatay Perying, was included in the itinerary. The goal was to reach one of the peaks of the Malipunyo mountain range- the Manabu Peak. It was supposedly an easy two- hour climb turned "major" because of some factors that you will find out in the following write-up. As you read on, know why we said we went "dirty" during this climb, which sealed our "Calendar of Adventures 2011".

Here is the story from The BP Lead himself, Ivan Ignacio.

The view seen from the Manabu Peak.

Introducing The BACKPACKERS

Welcome Remarks & Introduction of my BP Family

by Ivan Laurence on Wednesday, December 14, 2011 

I was contented in being a freelance climber for five years. It was my guilty pleasure whenever I visit a new place, swim in a new beach and/or climb a new mountain despite life's hectic schedule.

Meeting The BACKPACKERS was totally unexpected. I never plan on influencing all of you to start climbing mountains..I just wanted to introduce you to Mt. Pico de Loro, my favorite mountain, and Mt. Batulao. If you happen to not love it, that's fine. But I was very happy that the passion for backpacking and nature tripping surfaced. And since then, you shared the passion with me.

So I want to thank this opportunity to thank all of you for walking with me and building this small but happy family. I brought something new to your lives - the sport, and you countered that by making my succeeding travels and adventures more memorable.

Thank you to the Pico de Loro babies - Liz, Ralph, York and Heinz (and Len,wherever you are). Thank you for spearheading the adventure.

And to the rest of those who completed and comprised the history of BP, the Pioneers - Jovy, Conts, DeePee and Frank. 

To the succeeding batches who shared the incredible journeys - Marion, Clue, Weng, Mon, Bogs and Paul. Thank you.

And to the person who was always there with me and for me, my babe - Angel. Thank you for accompanying me in my adventures and thank you for completing my life.

Thank you guys.

Anniversary Party 2011

The BP Masquerade Christmas Party 2011

Mt. Pico de Loro 2011

Ternate, Cavite
Major jump-off: Magnetic Hill, Ternate
LLA: 14° 12.855 N; 120° 38.785 E; 664 MASL
Days required / Hours to summit: 1-2 days / 2-5 hours
Specs: Minor climb, Difficulty 3/9, Trail class 1-3
(Source: http://www.pinoymountaineer.com/2007/08/mt-palay-palaypico-de-loro-664_9808.html)

Mt. Pico de Loro:
The BACKPACKERS Anniversary 
and First Friendship Climb

November 18 and 19 - As the first part of The BACKPACKERS' celebration of its First Year Anniversary, the Group climbed Mt. Pico de Loro in Ternate, Cavite; and it was a fruitful Friendship Climb participated by 24 climbers.

The Group assembled at McDonalds along the Service Road (near Baclaran Church) in Pasay City between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM. When completed, a hired minibus transported the Group to its destination - jump-off point to the Parrot's Beak.

Because it was a friendship climb, participants were strategically divided into three teams (where guests were equally distributed) so there were lead, mid and end packs.

The BACKPACKERS and Marion Give Back

The BACKPACKERS Gives Back: 

Marion's Birthday Celebration with a HEART

November 5, 2011

Quezon City Memorial Circle

Philippines

While many people in the world think of having a party purely with bottles and shot glasses on their birthdays, Marion Macapagal preferred to celebrate hers with a kind heart above anything else.

To note, this was Marion's second year of spending her big day with a selfless act. And, for us, The BACKPACKERS, she deserved all the support that she could get from the Group because as we always say "we are family".

Camara Island

A Picturesque: Camara Island

By Clue Fajardo

After spending several hours at Capones, the group explored the next island, Camara.

Camara is 10 – 15 minutes away from Capones. It’s an island with terrific rock formation, just like Capones. But where the difference lies is the structure and land mass. Unlike Capones which is a single solid rock island, Camara consists of two extremely big rocks, and in between them is a gap where sea water flows.

Capones Island

A Zambales Gem: Capones Island

By Clue Fajardo

Amazing as to how it evolved but Capones is also one of the beautiful islands to consider.

In as much as the group wanted to extend some more time in the captivating shore of Nagsasa Cove, the boatmen arrived to pick us up for the next thrilling adventure, the island hopping, which was scheduled on that day, 23rd of October. We weren't in the mood to leave the cove yet when the boatmen came. Tents were still set and some had not taken their breakfast yet. As we had to hurry, we packed up, jumped into the boat and left the cove.

Mt. Pundaquit (Traverse to Anawangin)

San Antonio, Zambales
Major jump-off: Brgy. Pundaquit, San Antonio
LLA (summit): 14 53'59" 129 94'24", 464 MASL
LLA (cove): 14 52 41 120 04'04", 0 MASL
Days required / Hours to cove: 1 day / 4-5 hours
Specs: Minor Climb, Difficulty 3/9, Trail Class 2
(Source: http://www.pinoymountaineer.com/2008/04/anawangin-cove-via-mt-pundaquit-464.html)

 Mt. Pundaquit:

Traversed and Conquered!

 By Ivan Ignacio, The BP Lead

The typical Pinoy Backpacker knows what majestic and mystical wonders hide in the town of San Antonio in Zambales: its stunning islands and spectacular coves. Nestled in the region which is more known for its abundance in wide plains and rice paddies, one won't expect to see an array of crystal blue waters surrounding a rather breathtaking landscape. The BACKPACKERS are very fortunate for having been able to witness this beautiful divine creation last October 22-23, 2011!

Zambales: San Antonio's Pride

The BACKPACKERS Explored

San Antonio's 

Big FIVE

Mt. Balagbag: A Solo Climb

THE SOLO BACKPACKER IN 

MT. BALAGBAG

 By Ivan Ignacio, 

The BACKPACKERS Lead

 

36 hours akong walang matinong tulog... 

Habang papauwi ng Bulacan ay wala ding matinong rason pero naisipan kong umakyat ng bundok... at since madadaanan ko si Mt. Balagbag, sya ang binisita ko.

Wala sa hulog ~ naka jeans na pantalon.walang gear.tanging tubig at tinapay lang ang dala ko.

Bukidnon: Conquering Asia's Longest Zipline

Bukidnon: Conquering Asia's Longest Zipline

The BACKPACKERS Mindanao Trip: Day Four

Culminating the Group's Adventure: 

We Conquered Asia's Longest Zipline
By Heinz Lopez Alvarez, Jr.

From Left: Ivan, Angel, Marion, DP, Jovy, Bogs, Frank, Heinz, Contz, York, Liz, and Ralph

It was our forth and last day in Mindanao. Sealing this four-day vacation was an activity everybody (especially adventurous ones) in Manila wanted to experience - zipline adventure!

From the Benoni Pier in Camiguin Island, we once again boarded a Roro back to Balingoan Port in Misamis Oriental where our hired van was readily waiting for us. It brought us up to the Dahilayan Adventure Park located at the town of Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon, just 40 kilometers away from Cagayan de Oro city proper.

Camiguin: A Complete Island Experience

The BACKPACKERS Mindanao trip: Day Two

Camiguin Island:

A Captivating Haven

By Heinz Lopez Alvarez, Jr.

 
"The second smallest province in our country that offers some of the biggest nd wildest adventures 

and the most beautiful panoramic sceneries - CAMIGUIN!!!" 

~ Ivan Ignacio, the BP Lead

Cagayan de Oro: Whitewater River Rafting Adventure

The BACKPACKERS Mindanao trip: Day One

Whitewater River Rafting Adventure:
Taking IT to the Extreme!

By Heinz Lopez Alvarez, Jr.

Raft 1: York, Frank, Jovy, Bogs, DP, and Contz

Raft 2: Angel, Liz, Ivan, Marion, Ralph, and Heinz

River rafting is considered as an extreme sports as it can be dangerous. A favorite in Australia and Europe, this activity had easily earned Filipino's interest. Perhaps, the most famous river for a whitewater adventure in the country is found in Cagayan de Oro.

The modern raft is an inflatable boat, made up of rubberized fabrics with several air chambers. Rafts are usually propelled with ordinary paddles and usually hold at least four to twelve persons. 

Mt. Hibok Hibok

Camiguin Island
LLA: 9°12′2″N; 124°40′5″E; 1332 MASL
Days required / Hours to summit: 1 day / 3-5 hours
Specs: Minor climb, Difficulty 4/9, Trail class 3
(Source: http://www.pinoymountaineer.com/2007/08/mt-hibok-hibok-1332.html)

The BACKPACKERS:

Angel Cawaling

Liz Honrade

Ivan Laurence Ignacio

Heinz Lopez Alvarez, Jr.
Ralph Flores 
Deepee Piano

Frank Aguilar

York Advento 

The BACKPACKERS Mindanao Trip: Day Three

The BACKPACKERS' 

First Mindanao Mountain: 

MT. HIBOK HIBOK

By: Heinz Lopez Alvarez, Jr.

 

Among no less than seven volcanoes in the enchanting Camiguin Island, Mt. Hibok Hibok is the most famous. It is an active volcano which recorded the most explosive history. 

It was scheduled on that day that we would climb Mt. Hibok Hibok, an active volcano in the beautiful Camiguin Island. The problem was- bad weather, which we did notice the moment we opened our eyes that day. Everybody had a doubt if climbing, which was definitely a major activity for us, would push through. Good thing, the skies somehow showed a sign of a better weather later on that day, and our Guide showed a reasonably positive attitude towards it.

Mt. Bungkol Baka

San Jose, Tarlac
Major jumpoff: Sitio San Pedro, Brgy. Iba, San Jose
LLA: 551 MASL
Days required / Hours to summit: 1 day / 3-4 hours
Specs: Minor climb, Difficulty 3/9, Trail class 1-3
(Source: http://www.pinoymountaineer.com/2008/12/mt-bungkol-baka-551.html)

The BACKPACKERS:

Angel Cawaling

Jovy Duremdes
Liz Honrade
Weng Topasi

Deepee Piano
Ivan Laurence Ignacio

Heinz Lopez Alvarez, Jr.
Ralph Flores 

Guests:

Mamai Elejorde

Ghei Agoncillo

Jean Alvarado
Mon Sarmiento

Mau Mauleon

Paul Sarte

John Louie Baccay

Chester Dean Umali

Raymond Esto

The BACKPACKERS with 

"The Shoulderbaggers" in 

Cow's Hump

By: Heinz Lopez Alvarez, Jr

The group assembled at Victory Liner in Cubao, Quezon City and left Manila for San Jose, Tarlac at around nine in the morning. So far, this is The BP's climb with the biggest number of participants surpassing the Mt. Pulag Ultimate Summer Adventure in April of 2011.

Mt. Tarak

Mariveles, Bataan

Jump off point: Brgy. Alas-asin, Mariveles

LLA: 14°30.357′N, 120°30′E, 1,006 MASL (ridge); 1,130 MASL (peak)

Days required / Hours to summit: 2 days, 5-6 hours

Specs: Major climb, Difficulty 4/9, Trail class 3

(Source: http://www.pinoymountaineer.com/2007/08/tarak-ridge-1130.html)

The Backpackers:

Ivan Laurence Ignacio
Heinz Lopez Alvarez, Jr.
Ralph Flores
Liz Honrade
Frank Aguilar
Jovy Duremdes
Contz Cirujales
Deepee Piano
Len Tomas

Candidates for Induction:

Angel Cawaling

Marion Macapagal

Weng Topasi

Clue Fajardo

The BACKPACKERS 

Induction Climb at Mt. Tarak

By: Heinz Lopez Alvarez, Jr

The climb to Mt. Tarak was a special event for The Backpackers (BP) not only because it was it's second major climb but more importantly, it was BP's  first Induction Climb. Four outdoor enthusiasts' lives and their lifestyles were expected to become more active after this event.

Because Dee Pee and Len's end-of-shift were at 8:00 AM, the BP Lead Ivan approved a second group to climb later at mid-morning. The advance party that was composed by six BP Pioneers (Ivan, Frank, Ralph, Jovy, Liz, and Contz) and four aspiring members (Angel, Marion, Clue, and Weng) was led by the Lead himself and left Manila at 6:00 AM; while the second group started the journey to Mariveles, Bataan at 10:00 AM with Heinz.

First Group's Journey to the Ridge...

Invading Brgy. Alas-Asin

Mt. Maculot

Cuenca, Batangas
Jump-off point: Brgy. Poblacion, Cuenca
LLA: 13°55'15"N; 121°2'30"E; 706 MASL
Days required / Hours to Rockies: Half day / 1-2 hours
Specs: Minor climb, Difficulty 2/9, Trail class 1-3
(Source: http://www.pinoymountaineer.com/2007/08/mt-maculot-685.html)

The Backpackers:
Ivan Laurence Ignacio
Heinz Lopez Alvarez, Jr.
Ralph Flores

Guest:
Angel Cawaling
Mon Sarmiento 
Weng Topasi


On June 16 and 17, The Backpackers experienced the most exacting course they had to face as a group.

All-strengths was tested...
Challenged by a death-defying trail...
Lost and arrived at an emergency camp...

But after that event, the Group was proven to be SOLID!   
With members believing in the "survivor spirit" within -  

So Mentally, Physically, and Emotionally STRONG.   

And They Readied for this...

Mt. Maculot: The REDEMPTION

By: Heinz Lopez Alvarez, Jr

Mt. Maculot

Cuenca, Batangas
Jump-off point: Brgy. Poblaction, Cuenca
LLA: 13°55'15"N; 121°2'30"E; 706 MASL
Days required / Hours to Rockies: Half day / 1-2 hours
Specs: Minor climb, Difficulty 2/9, Trail class 1-3
(Source: http://www.pinoymountaineer.com/2007/08/mt-maculot-685.html)


The Backpackers:
Conts Cirujales
Jovy Duremdes
Liz Honrade
Deepee Piano
Frank Aguilar
Heinz Lopez Alvarez, Jr. 
Ivan Laurence Ignacio
Ralph FloresYork Advento
Len Tomas


Guests:
Angel Cawaling
Marion Macapagal
Weng Topasi
Mark 
Andie Yardan



The BACKPACKERS: 
Proven SOLID After Mt. Macu-LOST
By: Heinz Lopez Alvarez, Jr

Estimated Time of Departure (ETD) was moved to a later time. Shopping for climb food took  a longer time. Some BP members arrived late at the JAM Bus Terminal in Cubao. Those delays happened definitely due to valid reasons. However, though many different things were delayed that day, the group still looked forward to reaching the peak of a mountain in Cuenca, Batangas. A mountain very known to local climbers as Mt. Maculot. 

From left: Andie, Dee Pee, Contz, York, Len, Heinz, Jovy, Mark, Marion, Liz, Weng, Angel, Ralp, and Ivan.

Each mountain that we had climbed in the past varied on the challenges they offered. But this Mt. Maculot Climb outlasted them in terms of the difficulties that we encountered and the all-kinds-of-challenges that we had to go through.

Bayukbok Cave Adventure

Sitio Madlum, Brgy. Sibul, San Miguel, Bulacan


Night Spelunking

"The adventure didnt stop after we finished climbing the 3 peaks of Bulacan. Since we are The Backpackers, we normally have some side trips after the main event (100 islands after Team Building in Pangasinan, Harbor View after Mt. Marami trek in Cavite,etc). But this time, it's a more challenging one. We did night spelunking, which according to our guides (Madlum Association), first time that will be experienced by their visitors/trekkers. We started the caving with Rappelling. And I have to admit, I really had a hard time finishing this task coz I really hate trusting my life with a piece of long & strong rope (remembering the rope in Toreng Bato in Pico de loro). Then we are welcomed by big spiders, sounds of snails (Gary), beautiful rock formations and stalactites. This is far more difficult than the first caving we had when we did the Men's Room. One wrong step and you'll die (or you'll be lucky enough if you will just break a bone). But seriously, for me this night spelunking is the most difficult among all the things we did for the entire two days." ~ Ralph Flores

THREE PEAKS: Mt. Manalmon

San Miguel, Bulacan

Third Challenge: Acing Mt. Manalmon
By: Heinz Lopez Alvarez, Jr

A view taken from Mt. Manalmon's peak.

"Third peak is the nice and easy Mt. Manalmon. For me, this is the most beautiful among the three peaks that we conquered. This is actually my third time here in Mt. Manalmon." ~ Ivan Ignacio

As what has been mentioned previously, the descend from Mt. Bagong- Bali was manageable.  It was quite a long trek though, from the foot of Mt. Bagong- Bali to our first major stop before climbing Mt. Manalmon.- the river. And, we had to bear with another set of crossing-the-river phase.

THREE PEAKS: Mt. Bagong Bali

San Miguel, Bulacan

Second Challenge: Be Among the Firsts at Mt. Bagong- Bali
By: Heinz Lopez Alvarez, Jr.

From left: CONTZ, YORK, Gwen, FRANK, Andie, Marion, HEINZ, Clue, Weng, ANGEL, IVAN, LIZ, RALPH, Alex [In CAPS: The Backpackers]

"As per the Madlum Association, we are the fourth team to conquer this mountain. Good job Backpackers!" ~ Ivan Ignacio, The Backpackers Lead 

It was a very challenging course for all of us. It started soon as we were completely off Mt. Gola's elevation and back to the relatively flat surface of the earth. A lot of crossing-the-river challenges, muddy, rocky, sloping, and sometimes dangerous trails. And all of those (?) in almost total darkness of the night! many got tripped, slid, and got soaked.

THREE PEAKS: Mt. Gola

San Miguel, Bulacan


First Challenge: Traversing Mt. Gola
By: Heinz Lopez Alvarez, Jr.

Team Backpackers and Friends

May 19, 2011 - The group met up and gathered at ES Transport Terminal in Cubao, Quezon City; when completed, boarded a bus bound for Cabanatuan. The travel from the terminal to Brgy. Kamias in San Miguel, Bulacan ate two hours of our Day One. Noontime was a pleasure seeing our nice guide again, Kuya Al (who was also our guide when we had our first Madlum adventure). And, good thing that a jeepney, which took us to the jump-off at Sitio Madlum of Brgy. Sibul, was already waiting for the group. It parked in front of an eatery where everybody bought his lunch meal.

The Three Peaks Challenge

The Backpackers:
Contz Cirujales
Liz Honrade
Ivan Laurence Ignacio
Heinz Lopez Alvarez, Jr.
Ralph Flores
York Advento
Frank Aguilar




Guests:
Angel Cawaling
Marion Macapagal
Gwen Recalde
Weng Topasi
Clue Fajardo
Andie Yardan
Alex Santos



Mt. Gola > Mt. Bagong-Bali > Mt. Manalmon 
San Miguel, Bulacan

Survivors of The Three Peaks Challenge:  
The BACKPACKERS and Friends
By: Heinz Lopez Alvarez, Jr.

From left (back row): YORK, CONTZ, Gwen, Clue, Weng, Andie, FRANK, and Marion; (front row) RALPH, LIZ, Angel, IVAN,  HEINZ, Alex
[In CAPS: The Backpackers]

The first time The Backpackers had a taste of true adventure as a team in Madlum (see our blog "Mt. Manalmon and the Big Five Madlum Adventure" posted Sunday, April 3, 2011) was on March 31 to April 1, 2011. We had a perfect blast back then so all of us agreed to bringing more Backpackers and friends to Madlum to experience what we had - mountain climbing, caving, swimming, Tyrolean traverse, and zip line.

Mt. Marami

Maragondon, Cavite
Jump-off point: Brgy. Ramirez, Magallanes, Cavite
LLA: 405 MASL
Days required / Hours to summit: 1-2 days / 4-6 hours
Specs: Minor climb, Difficulty 3/9, Trail class 1-3
(Source: http://www.pinoymountaineer.com/2007/09/mt-marami-405.html)

The Backpacker Couples:
Ivan Ignacio and Angel Cawaling
Ralph Flores and Liz Honrade


Celebrating Love: A Couples' Climb at Mt. Marami 
By: Ivan Ignacio

Couples Ivan and Angel, and Ralph and Liz at the peak of Mt. Marami

This double date idea started after our Mt. Pulag trip when we felt that the Cordillera trip was cut short and quick that we had to endure our city life again.

Liz wanted a challenging hike.

Ralph wanted a couples climb.

Angel wanted to travel.

...and I wanted to introduce them to the mountain that made me miserable back in 2009 (http://ivanoutdoor.blogspot.com/2010/11/mt-marami.html)... one of the most agonizing climbs I had in my whole mountain climbing career.

Adventure Published!

Mt. Pulag 2011

Bokod, Benguet
Major jump-off: Ambangeg Ranger Stn, Bokod, Benguet
LLA: 16°34'58"N 120°53'15"E, 2922 MASL (#3)
Hours to summit / Days required: 4-5 hours / 2 days
Specs: Major Climb, Difficulty 3/9, Trail class 1-2
(Source: http://www.pinoymountaineer.com/2007/09/mt-pulag-2922.html)

The Backpackers:
Ivan Ignacio
Heinz Lopez Alvarez
Liz Honrade
Ralph Flores


The BACKPACKERS and Friends 
Climb Luzon's Highest Peak: MT. PULAG
(2011 Ultimate Summer Adventure Via Ambangeg Trail) 

By: Heinz Lopez Alvarez, Jr

It was definitely an amazing experience to be on top of the great Mt. Pulag while realizing that we were literally higher than the sea of clouds.

Mt. Pulag is one of the most beautiful mountains in the country. Famous to both local and foreign mountaineers, it stands 2922 MASL making it the third highest mountain in the Philippine archipelago.

The Journey Begins...

We left Manila at exactly nine in the evening and reached the Summer capital of the Philippines at around three in the morning of the next day. As expected, it was cold in Baguio City, where a monster jeep waited for us.

Mt. Manalmon

San Miguel, Bulacan
Major jump-off: Sitio Madlum, Brgy. Sibul, San Miguel
LLA: 15°15.11'N; 121°1.22' E; 196 MASL
Days required / Hours to summit: Half-day / 1 hour
Specs: Minor climb, Difficulty 2/9, Trail class 1-2
(Source: http://www.pinoymountaineer.com/2007/10/mt-manalmon-196.html)

The Backpackers:
Ivan Ignacio
Heinz Lopez Alvarez
Jovy Duremdes
Liz Honrade
Ralph Flores

Mt. Manalmon and 
the Big Five Madlum Adventure
By: Ivan Ignacio

The Backpackers Big Five - Ralph, Jovy, Liz, Heinz and Ivan stopped a bit for a pose by the Madlum River's entry point.

The five backpackers were greeted by the sight of Biak Na Bato and the Sierra Madre mountain range. Jovy was baffled because she did not expect that we will be climbing a mountain that day. And what seemed to be an ordinary day became an adventure packed day!

Upon seeing the view of Madlum river at the end of the rough road, the small group dazed at the beautiful sight in front of them. And everyone forgot about Anawangin, Sembrano or their respective abodes – all hearts were set in conquering this majestic place, Madlum!

  

Mt. Arayat

Arayat, Pampanga
Pampanga
Entry point: Brgy. Ayala, Magalang, Pampanga
Exit point: Brgy. Juan Bano, Arayat, Pampanga
LLA: 15.2067N, 120.7441E, 1030 MASL
Days required / Hours to summit: 1-2 days / 5 hours (NP) 8 hours (SP)
Specs: Major climb, Difficulty 5/9, Trail class 1-4 (10kms)(Source: http://www.pinoymountaineer.com/2007/08/mt-arayat-1030_09.html)

The Backpackers:
Ivan Laurence Ignacio
Heinz Lopez Alvarez, Jr.
Len Tomas
Liz Honrade
Ralph Flores
York Advento
Frank Aguilar

Jovy Duremdes
Contz Cirujales
Deepee Piano


Plus:
Mon Sarmiento
Jovy Almero

The Backpackers Survived 

Sinukuan's Traverse Challenge
~By The Backpackers Lead, Ivan Ignacio

Poster by Ivan Ignacio

A Climb Master

Mt. Cristobal

Dolores, Quezon; San Pablo, Laguna
Major jump-off: Brgy. Dolores, Quezon > Traverse to: San Pablo, Laguna
LLA: 14.064° N 121.428° E, 1470 MASL (600m gain)
Days required / Hours to summit: ASCENT- 4.5 Hrs. TRAVERSE-6 Hrs. TOTAL-10.5 Hrs.
Specs: Major Climb
(Source <selective>: http://www.pinoymountaineer.com/2007/09/mt-cristobal-1470.html)

The Backpackers:
Ivan Laurence Ignacio
Angelica Cawaling
Heinz Lopez Alvarez, Jr.
Mon Sarmiento


Mt. Cristobal: Traversing the Devil's Mountain
By: Heinz Lopez Alvarez, Jr.

February 26 to 27, 2011 - Perhaps the most uniquely anticipated climb among mountaineers and enthusiasts of all time because of the curiosity it brings as this mountain is known for "hair-raising stories" which, they say, were actually experienced both by mountaineers and the locals. For the two Backpackers, Ivan and Heinz, this climb was extremely exciting because of the above mentioned reason; second, it was their second major climb; and third, it was Ivan's birthday climb.

From Left: Ivan, Angel, Shine, G, Will, Mon, Heinz, Rex, and Louie (ducked)

The group boarded a JAC Liner bus at its Buendia Station soon as the headcount was found complete. Composed of nine climbers, they traveled Manila to San Pablo City, Laguna, for an hour and fourty-five minutes (09:30 AM - 11:15 AM) while pretty much  preoccupied with "what lies ahead".  The drop off  spot was Jollibee- San Pablo City, where the group's guide, Kuya Lito, was already waiting.

Mt. Tarak

Mariveles, Bataan
Jump off point: Brgy. Alas-asin, Mariveles
LLA: 14°30.357′N, 120°30′E, 1,006 MASL (ridge); 1,130 MASL (peak)
Days required / Hours to summit: 2 days, 5-6 hours
Specs: Major climb, Difficulty 4/9, Trail class 3
(Source: http://www.pinoymountaineer.com/2007/08/tarak-ridge-1130.html)

The Backpackers:
Ivan Laurence Ignacio
Heinz Lopez Alvarez, Jr.

Mt. Tarak: A Great Major For Us

By: Heinz Lopez Alvarez, Jr.

While the media was busy with interrogating majors and generals in the Armed Forces of the Philippines about the corruption in the said office, i preferred to select nice pictures, wrote this entry and published it via this blog.
 

Tarak Ridge taken from a national highway.

January 30 and 31, 2011- It was the "end of the first month in 2011 so might as well end it with a bang!", I thought.

Mt. Batulao

Nasugbu, Batangas
Jump-off point: Evercrest Golf Course, Nasugbu
LLA: 14.0408 N 120.8011 E 811 MASL
Days required / Hours to summit: 1 day / 2-4 hours
Specs: Minor climb, Difficulty 4/9, Trail class 3 with 60-70 degrees assault
(Source: http://www.pinoymountaineer.com/2007/08/mt-batulao-811.html)

The Backpackers:
Ivan Laurence Ignacio
Len Tomas
Ralph Flores
York Advento
Frank Aguilar
Pam Bautista
Jovy Duremdes
Contz Cirujales

Mt. Batulao: A Twin Peaks Adventure
Letters from: Ralph Flores and Contz Cirujales
Photo Selection and Captioning by: Heinz Lopez Alvarez, Jr.

The fascinating Mt. Batulao.

**********
The ITINERARY

DAY ONE – January 22

8:00 AM - ETD Baclaran

10:30 AM - ETA Tagaytay Market
11:30 AM - ETD Tagaytay Market
12:15 PM - ETA Evercrest. Jumpoff point.
12:30 PM - Start Trek
2:00 PM - Arrival at Wilson’s kubo. Photo ops
3:00 PM - Continue Trek via New Trail
4:30 PM - ETA Campsite (Peak 8)
Set up camp. Rest
5:30 PM - Prepare dinner
7:00 PM - Dinner
8:00 PM - Socials
12:00 AM - Lights Out

DAY TWO – January 23

6:00 AM - Sunrise viewing
7:00 AM - Assault to Summit
7:40 AM - Summit. Marvel at the view. Photo ops
10:00 AM - Go back to campsite
11:00 AM - Quick Lunch
12:00 PM - Descent
2:00 PM - Back at Evercrest
3:00 PM - Gubat Beach Resort
6:00 PM - Departure
9:00 PM - Arrival. Baclaran
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Poster by Ivan Ignacio

From The BackPackers 

~ By Ralph Flores

As part of our commitment to have at least one climb per month, the group decided to conquer MT. Batulao, in Nasugbo, Batanggas. It was an easier climb compared to our first (Mt.Pico de Loro) and almost the same as our second one (Mt.Gulugod Baboy) coz we are able to witness the beauty of the place on our way to the campsite and to the summit. And the rest of the trek can be described with the following: Bruno Mars-ie. Early dispatch. New found friends. Lecel. Chai. Mommy Ems & Daniel. Tagaytay Market. Hot Bulalo. Frank's new DSLR. Marben & the other Porters. Horses, horses and more HORSES. Start of trek. Long walk. Buko Juice. Halo-halo. Peak 1-8. Peak 7-Campsite. My new tent. Summit-summit-an. Solo pics. Pam's Menudo. Rice-ala-chicken food. Ivan's Ensalada. Socials. 3 Cosack Vodka + 1 Grand Matador = Gulong pababa at pagtatawag ng uwak. Zombie. Len's hair.

Chillin' morning. Headache. Hangover. Our way to the Summit. York's turn comes in 3s. Group Pics. Jovy's checks. Solo pics sa Batuhan. Conts' slide. Jump Shots. Daniel's porter. Long walk again. Gubat-Gubat resort. Cold Swimming pool. Lecel's Vegetable salad (wow). Interview portion. Late dinner in KFC. --- Can't wait for the next climb in February. CONGRATULATIONS UNSTOPPABLE BACKPACKERS FOR ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL CLIMB!!! oO,)rockenroll Jan. 22-23,2011

~ By Contz Cirujales

Sa itaas ng bundok ng Mt. Batulao, may isang lalakeng nag tanong kung tama ba o mali na tanggapin niya pa ang taong mahal niya. Hindi sinagot ng mga taong tinanong niya. Kaya umepal ako at sinagot ko ang tanong niya ng ilan pang mga tanong. Hind ko nasagot ng maayos sa itaas kaya heto ang kabuuan ng sagot ko.

Hindi mo dapat tinatanong kung tama o  mali kung tatanggapin mo siya muli, instead you should be thinking of how are you going to define yourself after making the decision. Anu na ba ang magiging tingin mo sa sarili mo pagkatapos mo saying tanggapin muli?Magiging sino ka na ba kung pakakawalan mo na siya. Is the decision going to make you worst? is it going to make you a better person?Because how you look at yourself would determine how you live your life everyday. When you wake up in the morning how are you going to keep yourself moving with or without her.

Sana nakinig siya…. 

Photos show it all

The Backpackers: Ralph, York , Pam, Frank, Len, Jovy, Contz and Ivan; and a guest climber.

The Backpackers' very own Masculados.

Mt. Batulao... explored!!!