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

Biak Na Bato National Park

The BACKPACKERS and Friends 

Welcome Summer of 2014

by visiting two wonderful National Parks 

in Central Luzon!

   

First Stop: Biak Na Bato National Park, San Miguel, Bulacan

SPELUNKING @ BIAK NA BATO

by Ivan Ignacio

March 1, 2014 - we say goodbye to the cold, windy and rainy months and start March with high hopes that we would finally get the summer party vibe started! 

Top 10 Adventures of 2013

THE BACKPACKERS' TOP TEN ADVENTURES OF 2013

                         
10    MARINDUQUE ESCAPADE

Four BP Girls explored the heart of the Philippines - Marinduque. Hitting the beautiful beaches, island hopping, resort bumming and a little bit of caving were the sweetest escape for the girls.

Norzagaray, Bulacan and Its Places of Interest

Pinagrealan Cave. NAPOCOR Hilltop. Angat Dam and Hydroelectric Power Plant.

A Weekend Trip to Norzagaray

By Heinz Lopez Alvarez, Jr.
 

An awesome trip does not have to be expensive and does not always mean traveling to a place far from the metro. The truth is, there are beautiful places that are just within our reach. One perfect example is Norzagaray, Bulacan.

"Garay" is a town that is on the faster lane of the road to economic growth. It is a humble town but must be very proud of its potential tourist attractions like the NAPOCOR Hilltop that is tagged as "Little Baguio of Bulacan"; Angat Dam and its hydroelectric power plant that an important water reservoir and power generator for the Manila metropolitan area; and, Pinagrealan Cave, a historic wonder of nature. 

The question is, have we visited all these? The answer is yes.


Pinagrealan Cave

The date was October 26, 2013 and the weather was perfect for any outdoor activity. We assembled at a fast food chain in Robinson's Pioneer, where we also waited for our lone guest during this trip, Rhenzie Bahatan. She is the daughter of Ms. Ermie Bahatan of the Philippines' Response to Indigenous Peoples and Muslim Education (PRIME), who is a dear friend to The BACKPACKERS.

Rhenzie

When completed at around eleven o'clock, we all boarded a bus bound for SM Fairview, where BP Weng waited for us. After some last minute shopping for food and socials need-to-haves, we rode a jeepney bound for Bigte in Norzagaray, Bulacan. We got off at the Rotunda, and that was where we hired two tricycles that brought us to the entrance of this famous and historic wonder of nature. To sum it up, it's roughly a 2.5 hours to travel from where we assembled up to our first stop - Pinagrealan Cave.

It was actually not the first time for some of us to enter this particular cave. But, we did not mind re-exploring. And besides, it would be an easy spelunking... perfect for first-timers, actually.

Exploring Cave Pinagrealan.

Compared to other caves that The BACKPACKERS have tried, Pinagrealan is the shortest course and the easiest as well. As a matter fact, we were walking up straight most of the time while inside it. But personally, what made me convinced to re-explore it, aside from the cold temperature and the amazing rock formations inside, was the historic element of this cave.

It is documented that Pinagrealan Cave served as a camp for Katipunero Revolutionaries during the war against Spain in 1896, and was General Emilio Aguinaldo's (first President of the Philippines) hideout during the Filipino-American war in 1898. Also, when the country was liberated by the American Forces, the Japanese Imperial Army utilized it as a sanctuary.

  

NAPOCOR Hilltop

It is called "The Little Baguio of Bulacan". Politically speaking, it is actually San Lorenzo in Norzagaray, Bulacan. Either way, it deserves that title.

Right after exploring Pinagrealan Cave, we again hired two tricycles that brought us to Hilltop - a small community that is inside National Power Corporation's (NAPOCOR) managed area. It was an afternoon in October so the air was already cooler, but i imagined that this part of Bulacan has that low temperature all year round because of its altitude and of the healthy forest that surrounds it.

The plan was to stay overnight at NAPOCOR Guest House. Doing so requires an official permission from the management; hence, Lead Ivan secured a permit for the Group ahead of time. We passed two guard posts before we were able to actually access the community. The guards did check if our names were listed and even asked us to present our ID's. Once inside the community, we were drove straight up to the guest house where BP Leah (then was a guest) and Tita Arlene (Ivan's aunt who happens to be a resident of Hilltop, an elementary teacher for the community, and our contact person at NAPOCOR Guest House) were waiting for us.

Weng, Heinz, Isabel, York, Leah, Resty, Rhenzie, Ivan, Angel and Rexie at the Guest House's view deck.

NAPOCOR Guest House is huge. It has spacious air conditioned rooms (probably at least six that can accommodate four to eight persons), a large receiving and a dining area. The house itself is perfect for occassions attended by a good number of visitors. But what's more captivating is the view that one can enjoy from the front porch. The house is literally facing Angat Dam. So imagine sitting by the porch and scanning a breathtaking view of the blue dam that is surrounded by mountains under the blue skies while the cold breeze constantly makes you feel comfortable. We all liked the place.

We spent the rest of the afternoon just chilling. Others played scrabble, others went to bed for a nap, and some helped prepared dinner. Fried fresh tilapia was served for dinner, which we all enjoyed.



A Birthday Surprise

I was one of those who (i thought), went straight to bed right after dinner. All i wanted that night was to take a rest. I fell asleep. It was the feeling that someone entered the room that woke me up. And BP York was not successful in his plan to scare me. It was funny to see him crawling on the floor with his attempt. So he got no choice but to just order me to go out and transfer to the girls' room. Socials, i thought. So i did.

 "Happy birthday!" filled the girls' room as soon as i opened the door and turned the lights on. There was a cake in the middle of the room. I blew the candle, thanked everyone, sat down, and they started reading those messages that they have collected from my family. It will always be one of the most memorable birthday celebrations i had because it was the first time after so many years that i had a cake made just for me and it was one of those times when my friends exerted efforts in putting things together that made me feel important. I could not thank them enough!


  
Angat Dam and Hydroelectric Plant

Rising up from bed on that Sunday morning was almost difficult because we never get that kind of good sleep in the city. But we all had to. To see Angat Dam up close and to visit the Angat Hydroelectric Plant were in our Itinerary for that day. So right after breakfast, our journey began.

It was a long walk from the guest house down to the dam. But it was worth it. We got to take some great photos with the deep blue dam as our backdrop. And the fact that we were able to see the actual reservoir of water that we consume back home in Manila, was awesome!

Getting closer to the dam.

We were lucky we have Tita Arlene with us in that weekend trip. It was so easy for her to convince a resident to let us hire his jeepney that brought us to Angat Hydroelectric Plant. Ivan's plan was to let us experience riding a glass elevator that would bring us down the lower floors of the power plant while seeing how deep the water of the dam is. D*mn, it could have been so effing awesome! But, unfortunately, it was not available that time. So we went ahead and instead enjoyed the mist coming from the waters that have passed through the plant's powered facility and were splashed into the air. It looked like a mini Niagara Falls to us. And We felt like little kids once more!

Kids at heart while at Angat Hydroelectric Plant.

This weekend trip did not only give enjoyment to us, but also the chance to mingle with the people of Hilltop, Norzagaray and its neighboring small communities. After all, we as a Group, travel not only because of our desire to reach places, but also to know more about its culture and people.

Finally, we would like to suggest - the next time you plan to travel, and yet you cannot afford to consume your weekdays for it (?), find interesting places that are just a couple of hours away from Manila. You will be surprised!


 

Norzagaray, Bulacan

Five BACKPACKERS joyously celebrated the start of summer by hopping on a road trip in the beautiful town of Norzagaray, a first class municipality in the nearby province of Bulacan. The town is endowed with a lot of natural resources and beautiful scenic spots. It is the headquarters of the biggest cement making companies in the Philippines. Among the beautiful scenic spots are the historic Pinagrealan Cave, Bakas, Bitbit bridge, Hill Top, Ipo Dam and Angat Dam which is the biggest hydroelectric dam in the country. We visited four of these mentioned visit-worthy spots.

by: Ivan Ignacio

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?

Mt. Manalmon Revisited

Mon, who celebrated his birthday last month at Mt. Sembrano with The BACKPACKERS, arranged for a Mt. Manalmon trip. He sent out immediate invitations for people to join him. A couple of days before the target date he got a confirmation from two co-backpackers, Angel and Weng, some of the members of PLUS and three of The BACKPACKERS' most recent guests during our climbs: Sheryl, Mina and Freddie. Add to the  gang were Sir Freddie's wife and friends. 

Check out their adventure in the easy but equally amazing Mt. Manalmon:

Missing Madlum
by: Weng Topasi 

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. 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!