Top 12 Adventures of 2012

All of The BACKPACKERS ranked the adventures they took part in from their most favorite to their not-so favorite this year. After everyone ranked these adventures, the average is calculated and these adventures are ranked according to the group's consensus  Adventures which landed on #1 in a BP's list earned +0.25 points. And from there, the TOP TWELVE ADVENTURES of 2012 were determined.

TOP 12 ADVENTURES OF 2012

12 - MT. GULUGOD BABOY , June 2012

We start this countdown with the mother mountain of The BACKPACKERS, Mt. Gulugod Baboy which was revisited in June of this year. The relaxing climb and the nice vista on its campsite and summit were appreciated by BPs and guests.

The BACKPACKERS in 2012

2012: A YEAR IN REVIEW FOR THE BACKPACKERS

I. MAJOR CLIMBS

A major climb separates the usual fun climbs because of its difficulty - longer and steeper trails, and exposure to extreme weather conditions. It may include grueling travels and enduring in a more technical climb. This is one of the requirements before being officially inducted in The BACKPACKERS family. The real bonding happens while you are facing a major mountain. This year, we had three major climbs which paved way to the inevitable growth of The BACKPACKERS family.

The BP Anniversary Party 2012

"DROP YOUR BACKPACKS...

AND PUT YOUR BEST BOOTS ON..

We're going to party like we're in the 
Wild Wild West!"

The BACKPACKERS
Celebrates Two Years of Growth and Friendship
December 15, 2012
The Ascott Hotel

December of 2010 when The BACKPACKER Pioneers stared in awe and amazement at the beauty of Mt. Gulugod Baboy. These individuals witnessed the wonder of nature and this fascination instantly became a hobby. It paved way to a commitment of holding at least one climb per month. As the Pioneers set foot in new and exciting destination, they also met new faces. At first, they were only trail acquaintances. And little did they find out that these new faces would become special months later. The BACKPACKERS grew and held four induction climbs to celebrate ardent bonds and new friendships. Two fruitful and adventurous years for the group. It's already a great feat.

2nd Anniversary Greetings

Two Years. One Group. One Family. We, The BACKPACKERS, celebrated our second anniversary last 15th of December at The Ascott Hotel in Makati City.

Here are some messages and greetings from the people we've climbed and collaborated with this year:

From LOUIE BACCAY:


To the Backpackers:

Louie when he climbed Mt. Talamitam
with BP Lead Ivan and the shoulderbaggers

Happy 2nd Anniversary. Congrats para sa 2 successful years. Salamat dahil sa 2 years na yun naging part ako sa history niyo. Thank din sa group niyo dahil never kayong nakalimot na iinvite kami ni shyne. Your group, your bonding, your friendships inspired me to continue climbing and discover new things. Pareng Ivan, as the leader of your group, i know this group will last for years and more years. I know what kind of leader are you. Continue inspiring and sharing the same passion to others. I’m looking forward for more mountains, more adventures and more bonding time. Thank You for listening and THANK YOU THE BACKPACKERS, again, HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!

The BP Participates: ABC+ Benefit Gig

ABC+ is a humanistic gesture and a collaborative effort of PLUS, MCAP, Monkeyneering, KaEskwela and The BACKPACKERS aimed at raising funds, this time, for the flip flops of more than 270 schoolkids of Balagbag Elem. School, Rodriguez, Rizal, and for Hyacinth N. Cadiz of Silliman University, who has just had a kidney transplant worth P1.5Million courtesy of family and friends and still needs medication for her fast recovery. The event will be an art exhibit, benefit gig, and christmas party rolled into one in Bali Hai Garden Restaurant at 37 Visayas Ave., Bgy. Vasra, Quezon City, on December 9, 2012, Sunday, featuring visual arts, music of varied genres, dance, poetry, prose, etc. Half of the proceeds will go to the KaEskwela funds in case any of the KaE partners takes care of the flip flops of the schoolkids of Balagbag; the other half will be deposited to the bank account of Hya's brother or any of her immediate family.

Morong, Bataan & Subic

The Beach & Pawikan in Morong, Bataan 
and the Zoobic Safari in Subic

By: Marion Erika Macapagal 

Long weekends have been and will always be a much anticipated time of the year for working people who are lucky enough to enjoy their day-offs longer than usual. "Lucky enough" because for 3 straight years, I didn't have that privilege! Working on a holiday might give you that double or triple pay, but doing that repeatedly for years will eventually get you stressed out and drained. Oh, I so love long weekends! ❤

Mt. Samat and Dunsulan Falls

Destination = BATAAN

By: Mark Nickson P. Garcia

Bataan is one of the places I have always wanted to visit, but somehow it was only this long weekend that I decided to pursue this destination. Compared to other nearby places in Manila, Bataan takes only about two  to three hours to travel from Manila, which makes it more convenient for everyone to spend a day exploring it. 

Bonifacio Day Long Weekend

So where were you this long weekend?

BP Jovy attended a wedding this long weekend

The BACKPACKERS had no slated event for the long weekend covering Bonifacio Day but it did not mean that it will stop them from individually enjoying the holiday. Ever since the President started altering holiday celebrations in the Philippines so that it can be moved close to a Saturday or Sunday, long weekend holidays became a thing everyone's excited for. But since Bonifacio Day fell exactly on a Friday, we did not need to wait for any long weekend announcements to start planning on an adventure.

So where did The BACKPACKERS go this most recent long weekend?