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. 

Unang Hirit Sa Tag Init - BATAAN

It is the start of summer and The BACKPACKERS targeted 

the beautiful and historical town of Bataan for our 

first of three Summer Escapades.

The BACKPACKERS in Abucay, Bataan

Our beloved guests. Thank you so much for travelling with us - April, Des and Tin!

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. 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.