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

Mt. Pinagbanderahan

After a scary, heart-pumping and savoring experience at Bantakay Falls, The BACKPACKERS and guests went to our supposedly main destination turned side trip…
Mt. Pinagbanderahan.

ATIMONAN ADVENTURE
Part 2: Mt. Pinagbanderahan & Zigzag Forest Park
by Nickson Garcia

Bantakay Falls

It was a triple A for The BACKPACKERS' Atimonan Adventure this August. The adventure was quite unexpected due to Typhoon Maring and the Southwest Monsoon. The deluge brought destruction and flooded most parts of Mainland Luzon. The adventure was almost abolished because of weather's grit until sun shone the day before the trip. Weather forecast reported a hundred percent suspension of the monsoon and although there was a low pressure area in PH's trerritory, it was still distant to cloud effects in the country. "Push with the Atimonan climb and adventure!," I told myself.

ATIMONAN ADVENTURE
Part 1: Bantakay Falls

Cagbalete Island, Mauban, Quezon

Cagbalete Island

By: Mark Nickson P. Garcia

It’s the time of the year when most people, especially beach lovers, look forward to escaping the metropolis with their backpacks on - summertime!
With my classes that are finally over and office that is at Shutdown Break for a week, not to mention that PAGASA has already declared the start of the summer season, what activity could be more exciting to do than to hit the beach? And, yes, i did.

My original plan was to go somewhere far from Manila, but due to a tight budget, and because not all of my friends are not on a Shutdown Break, i thought that a two-days-and-one-night itinerary would be just fine. After researching online, I decided to travel to Mauban, Quezon ane explore the well know island called CAGBALETE.

Real, Quezon Province

THE MISADVENTURE TURNED ADVENTURE FILLED WEEKEND

By: Mark Nickson Garcia

BP Marion & BP Nick @ Real Quezon

                                                     

For two weeks prior to the weekend before Christmas day, Marion and I were completely decided to have a vacation in the beautiful island of Calaguas in Bicol. We both did our research but due to “time” issues and other matters, we found ourselves discovering the simple yet adventure-filled Real at Infanta, Quezon instead.

Mt. Cristobal Traverse

Dolores, Quezon; San Pablo and Nagcarlan, Laguna
Major jump-off: Brgy. Sta. Lucia, Dolores, Quezon

Mt. Cristobal Traverse:

The BACKPACKERS Pilot Adventure for 2012 

and

2nd Induction Climb

By Heinz Lopez Alvarez, Jr.

January 25 and 26, 2011 - The BACKPACKERS had its pilot adventure for 2012 via a major climb - traversing the famous Mt. Cristobal, also known as "The Devil's Mountain". Seven official members (Ivan, Angel, Ralph, Liz, Heinz, Weng and Jovy), two inductees (Chons and Percy) and a guest (Wilson) bravely accepted the challenge of camping at the mountain's crater overnight, descending on the other side of the mountain, and the possible encounter with spirits(?). Let's find out...

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.