CATANDUANES: Simply Beautiful

By Heinz Henry Lopez Alvarez, Jr. | 


It was an early Sunday morning when we flew from Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 to Viral Airport in Catanduanes. It was a good flight for the three of us (me, Ivan, and Isabel). The weather was great and after just 45 minutes, we found ourselves already in one of the Island Provinces in Bicol, named Catanduanes.

From left: Heinz, Isabel, Ivan

DINAGYANG FESTIVAL 2016

The BACKPACKERS First Hurrah in 2016: DINAGYANG FESTIVAL

The BACKPACKERS were so lucky to have witnessed one of the most colorful and celebrated festivals in the Philippines: Dinagyang Festival in the province of Iloilo. It was pure coincidence that we booked our flight for our Bacolod-Iloilo-Guimaras trip on the fourth weekend of January, which is when this celebration is being held.

Joining this trip: The BACKPACKERS Ghei, Bogs, April, Heinz, York, Ivan and two of our closest and dearest friends Ann and Joseph.

One of the best street party in the country

One very important lesson which we learned the hard and 'provocative' way was whenever you're visiting a place with this big of a festivity, make sure to BOOK ROOMS SUPER ADVANCE! We did not know of this coincidence two weeks prior to the trip so when we started hustling for reservations on a possible accommodation in the area, almost every backpackers hostels and inns were fully booked. If the word 'provocative' earlier intrigued you, it was because we found haven in an R18 lodge in the town's center. Yes, eight people were able to squeeze themselves in a big motel room converted as a baggage counter and for a quick night's stop.

We treated our interesting accommodation as a blessing in disguise as it was accessible to the different venues of the festivity.

Here are our stops where we felt the Dinagyang 2016 fever!

SURVIVOR AURORA

Coming this July 2016, the third season of The BACKPACKERS version of Survivor!

(c) Alex Koror for the logo

SURVIVOR AURORA

Coming Soon on The BACKPACKERS Adventures

EL NIDO, PALAWAN

EL NIDO is truly one of the best kept treasures in the province of Palawan. It has a lot to offer from Big and Small Lagoons, to the intriguing Snake Island, Hidden Beach and Secret Beach among others. The BACKPACKERS were very fortunate to have a complete El Nido experience. For two days, we set out on its clear waters to discover its beauty.

Here are the islands, beaches and lagoons that we visited during our island hopping adventure:

Mt. Kalisungan

The BACKPACKERS Successfully Finds

MT. KALISUNGAN

By Heinz Henry Lopez Alvarez, Jr.

Many bloggers have written and have published some stories online - stories about some climbers who "mysteriously" lost their way on their attempt to climb and reach the peak of Mt. Kalisungan in Calauan, Laguna. Those stories absolutely sounded so creepy for me, but the more I read on them, the more I felt excited to climb Mt. Kalisungan.

From left to right: Eric, BP Heinz, BP Leah, BP Liz, Getty, BP Chons, Helen, BP Nickson, and Aljo

June 27, 2015, Saturday - Five BPs namely Nickson, Leah, Chons, Liz, and yours truly; and four Guests namely Eric, Helen, Getty, and Aljo pushed through with the Group's scheduled climb for June. We decided to just have it as a day hike activity primarily because of proximity and the mountain itself. 

Mercedes Group of Islands (Apuao Grande)

MERCEDES, CAMARINES NORTE (APUAO GRANDE)

By: Ghei Agoncillo

Last year, I was in the beautiful island of Boracay over the Labor Day weekend joining the bandwagon to celebrate the famous hashtag Laboracay. It was by far the most tiring yet super fun summer vacation as you get to beach party with your friends and even strangers all day, every day. So much YOLO! But this year, I opted to spend the weekend off in a place perfect for R&R (rest and relaxation). Away from city life, we, the Backpackers and friends headed to Mercedes, Camarines Norte.

In terms of tourism, Camarines Norte has a lot of alluring places to visit and activities that can be done such as island hopping, surfing, beach bumming, chasing waterfalls and even church pilgrimage.

And if you will be going to Mercedes, Camarines Norte by land, bus ride to Daet is just 8hrs away from Manila. Then from Daet, you only need to take a tricycle or jeepney to reach the Mercedes Fish Port.

TINGLOY ISLAND, Batangas

Tingloy Island & Twin Climbs:

The BACKPACKERS' Unang Hirit sa Tag-Init

By Heinz Henry Lopez Alvarez

Aside from Christmas, as I am a child at heart, I always look forward to summertime, as I am fond of going out of town for some nature adventure plus the beach. So join me in thanking Nickson, BP PRO, for coming up with a great itinerary for The BACKPACKERS' 2015 Unang Hirit sa Tag-Init! 32 individuals, composed of 12 BPs and 20 Guests, had a great start and an excellent way of welcoming the summer - hitting the beach in an island and climbing two minor mountains in Batangas.

The BP and Guests Campsite

QUIRINO PROVINCE: #DiscoverTheUndiscovered

QUIRINO PROVINCE

The BACKPACKERS for #DiscoverTheUndiscovered
By Nickson Garcia

What comes out of your mind when you hear someone says "Quirino"? Some would ask "Is Quirino and Quezon Province the same?" Some would say "Ito yung lugar na laging binabagyo." Some would even ask "Are you referring to the Quirino Grandstand?" And perhaps the least wanted response, but we do hear is - "Quirino? Where is that?"

For some travelers, Quirino is at the bottom of their "List of Places to Visit". Maybe the reason is its very limited presence everywhere - online, prints, news on TV and on the radio. I must admit, before this adventure, I would say "There is nothing to see and experience in Quirino."

This trip we had in the Quirino Province gave a concrete answer to those question. For me and for the people who were with me in this adventure, we found a peaceful and a beautiful province. We discovered the undiscovered! And, we wanted to be among the firsts to put this name on the map - QUIRINO. 

SAGADA: Kiltepan View Point, Orange Farm and Lemon Pie House

No, this is not a movie review.

This is The BACKPACKERS wrapping up our Sagada series with our last day in...




...THAT PLACE CALLED SAGADA...

by Ivan Ignacio

MT. TALAMITAM: The BACKPACKERS 2015 Kick Off Climb

MT. TALAMITAM

The BACKPACKERS 2015 Kick Off Climb

By Heinz Lopez Alvarez, Jr.

This activity happened while all the Filipino in the whole country were rejoicing because of the Papal Visit. And we in the Group thought that this activity would be our expression of happiness because of the same reason. Eight BPs (The BACKPACKERS Members) and 19 Guests climbed Mt. Talamitam in Nasugbu, Batangas on January 17 and 18. What made this activity more significant? The fact that this is the Group's kick off climb for the year 2015.

From left to right starting at the front row: Maine, Bev, Ghei, Mau, Heinz, York, Ann, Isabel, Bianca, Luisa, Faith, Nickson, Leah, Boss J, Red, Chat, Rhenn, Shari, Mark, Aaron, Jaimesz, Jeng, Rexie, Ramon, Jimmalyn, Shame, and Emma.

The BACKPACKERS Turns FOUR

Luau in December

The BACKPACKERS 

4th Year Anniversary & Christmas Party

By Heinz Lopez Alvarez, Jr.

The BP Turns FOUR

The BACKPACKERS, a Manila-based mountaineering and travel group composed of young professionals, celebrated its fourth year anniversary on December 27 and 28, 2014, in Garden Hideaway, a private pool in Antipolo City.

With the theme, Luau in December, it was also the Group's Christmas Party.

SAGADA: Bomod-ok Waterfalls, Weaving and Pottery, Lake Danum

Sagada's Stairways to Heaven,

Its Waterfalls, Arts, Sunset and the Lake

By Heinz Lopez Alvarez, Jr.

BPs April, Angel, Ivan, Ralph and Heinz; with Guest Sheryl and their guide.

It was Day Two of our Sagada trip and it was once again a perfect day to be outside to continue exploring this marvelous place in the Mountain Province. That day was  equally exciting as day one. We went trekking to witness the beauty of one of Sagada's falls - Bomod-ok Waterfalls, we had a quick view of how the locals create Sagada's famous ethnic fabrics and clay pots, and we spent some laid back time by the alluring Lake Danum and watched the captivating sunset from that part of Sagada.

Top 10 Adventures of 2014

While we say Hello to 2015, The BACKPACKERS recap the Best Adventures of 2014!

It is the time of the year when those year ender posts start flooding the blogsphere. The BACKPACKERS who have attended in at least more than half of the adventures for the year determined those that made it on the list.

Batangas, Bulacan, Camarines Sur, Ifugao, Laguna, Mountain Province, Nueva Ecija, Palawan, Pangasinan, Quezon, Rizal, Romblon, Tarlac --- which province made it on the list? Let's find out now!

Top Ten BACKPACKERS Adventures in 2014
by Ivan Ignacio

10 Mt. Daraitan Traverse to Tinipak River (August)

[Rizal] The BACKPACKERS and friends took on the Mt. Daraitan challenge, a new mountain to almost all participants. It was an arduous assault followed by a wet socials but the BPs and guests pushed through and managed to enjoy it every step of the way. The trip concluded in a very refreshing side trip at the beautiful Tinipak River. Click Here to Read the Adventure

Christmas in October #GiveLove

CHRISTMAS IN OCTOBER

(TheBACKPACKERS #GiveLove in Ifugao 2014)

By: Nickson Garcia

It was exactly a year ago when majority of TheBackpackers and some very close friends made one of the most heartwarming adventure of 2013 in Ifugao Province. In coordination with the KaEswela, they have spread happiness by giving school supplies and sports equipments to students throughout some schools located at the remote but beautiful Mt. Humalophop. 

Every aspect of it was memorable. From the preparation of donations to climbing Mt. Humalophop up until the distribution of the donations to the schools were definitely an event to remember in the hearts of all those who participated. 

Conducting an outreach program is not new with TheBackpackers. In fact, we conducted several outreach events spearheaded by different BP members such as BP Marion, BP Chons and BP Ivan. During that time we refer to it as an outreach but as time passed by it evolved into the term "GiveLove" meaning conducting an outreach. This GiveLove usually happens in the month of October.

Mt. Mabilog, Bunga Falls and Underground Cemetery

FIRST TIME - DAY HIKE

(Hirit Sa Tag-Ulan)

By: Nickson Garcia

It was supposed to be an overnight climb for TheBackpackers event in September but due to the recent typhoon “Mario” that struck the metro which caused fear and concern to the participants, we decided to cancel the overnight event and changed it to a dayhike event. Luckily, the event can be achieved in one day.

According to our President, BP Heinz, this was the first time in our almost four years of existence to conduct a dayhike event. I must say, although cheaper and convenient, I still prefer overnight event whenever I am with TheBackpackers and here is the story on why.

Mt. Daraitan and Tinipak River

The BACKPACKERS: 

Return to the Mountains
(Unang Hirit sa Tag-Ulan)

(By Nickson Garcia)

It has been seven (7) months since TheBackpackers had their official climb and it was the induction climb at Mt. Damas last January 2014. From February to July, we have visited different provinces not to climb but to explore their well-known beaches. However, we all know that despite those beautiful beaches and relaxing experiences, we will still go back to our first love and that is the pain of ascending, the slippery and muddy trails, small crawling inserts, leg breaking descents…in short, we miss body pains!

But on a serious note, we will always go back because of the experiences, the breath-taking views, the different stories shared, meeting new people and most importantly, the people within TheBackpackers. This is our home, this is where it all started and this is where our family will always go back.

SURVIVOR PANGASINAN EPISODE 3

Episode 3: Their Legs Are Longer

Previously on Survivor Pangasinan:

The tribes were given a catalog where they had to choose two out of ten items as reward. Malabobo's Rexie and Resty wanted the Lucky Strike cigarettes so bad but Marion and Liz shut them down. Joyjoy grabbed victory for the Amorong Tribe when she won in a showdown against Resty of Malabobo. Amorong Tribe won bread & jam and cold Sprite. Rexie tried to recruit Resty in his alliance (with Leah and DeePee) but Resty's door seemed close for any negotiation. In the Immunity Challenge, poor performances from the Malabobo Tribe may have shifted the momentum in favor of Amorong. And once again, Joyjoy managed to grab a win for her tribe when she won against Chons in the fifth round of the challenge. Back at Malabobo Tribe, almost everyone was gunning for Leah except her three person alliance. But when Marion decided to give way, The Backpackers promised to stick together before ousting her. Marion became the second person voted out of the game. Fourteen are left. TWO PEOPLE will go home this episode.

MALABOBO'S PROMISE TO MARION

The afternoon after Marion got voted out, the remaining Malabobo Tribe members were relieved. "I appreciate the fact that Marion gave way for us, and that she made us swear to look after each other in this game," mentioned Heinz.

SURVIVOR PANGASINAN EPISODE 2

Episode 2: Just One Stick of Lucky Strike

LAST WEEK on Survivor Pangasinan

..........

Sixteen castaways were divided into two tribes, the Backpackers became the Malabobo Tribe and their Loved Ones became the Amorong Tribe. Amorong Tribe won the first Reward Challenge and a chance for individual immunity. Erwin of Amorong Tribe won immunity necklace and in a surprising twist, he won a second one for his Loved One, Rexie of Malabobo Tribe. These Immunity Necklaces can only be used in the first tribal council participated by their respective tribes. At Malabobo Tribe, Leah formed an alliance with DeePee and Rexie. Malabobo Tribe won the first Immunity Challenge making Amorong puzzle solvers Sheryl, Chino and Ryan vulnerable of being voted out first because of their weak performance in the challenge. Sheryl pitched in to the group to vote out the youngest people in the tribe first. The tribe seemed to follow Sheryl's lead, and in the first Tribal Council, JOSH SALTIVAN was ousted in a 5-3 vote against Joyjoy. He is the first person voted out of the game. Fifteen are left, who will be voted out next?

..........

GOODBYE JOSH

After Josh's exit, the Amorong tribe were called just outside the tribal council area for the season's second reward challenge. Joyjoy narrowly escaped tribal council. In an interview, she confessed, "I was very nervous when my name was mentioned at tribal council. It was a very scary feeling. I did not want to be the first one out. Luckily, it was Josh and not me."

SURVIVOR PANGASINAN EPISODE 1

Episode 1: I'm Gonna Beat My Wife

The sixteen castaways of SURVIVOR PANGASINAN: Backpackers vs Loved Ones

WELCOME TO SURVIVOR PANGASINAN

The BACKPACKERS version of Survivor is back! This time, the crew and contestants were taken more than 300 kilometers away from the metropolis: in the province known as the land of salt, where beautiful islands and countless majestic beaches can be found. PANGASINAN! 

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY!

“But there's a story behind everything. How a picture got on a wall. How a scar got on your face. Sometimes the stories are simple, and sometimes they are hard and heartbreaking. But behind all your stories is always your mother's story, because hers is where yours begin.” ~ Mitch Albom

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY!

by Ivan Ignacio

This week, we celebrate an important occassion and honor 

an important person in our lives - our Mothers!