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. 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.

Pamitinan Cave, Mt. Pamitinan and Wawa Dam

EXPLORING PAMITINAN and WAWA DAM

By: Nickson Garcia

It has been two months since my last climb and because I backed out at Mt. Damas last January, it made me more eager to climb mountain again. A week prior to 23^rd of February, I together with some BPs planned to climb Mt. Pamitinan but due to some reasons, all of them backed out. On the morning of 23^rd, I was inform by BP Isabel that she can’t make it and instead gave the number of Amber whom she informed about the planned climb. I immediately texted Amber and asked whether she is still interested to pursue the climb, in which she responded positively.

Anniversary Party 2013

The BACKPACKERS'

Third Year Anniversary Party:

Elegance in Paradise

  

2013 is a year worth remembering for The BACKPACKERS. We maneuvered through several obstacles and overcame challenges as a group, and we made it through. We traveled to many places, conquered many summits and held memorable events all year round. Our anniversary is on December 11, 2013; but because of the pre-booked Bohol adventure, we had to move the celebration during the yuletide week. And on December 28, 2013, the paradise of Park, Rest and Dine Restaurant in Baras, Rizal witnessed the elegant transformation of The BACKPACKERS without our hiking apparels and backpacks in a night of fun, excitement and bonding.

Aura Mountain Resort and Mt. Balagbag

The BACKPACKERS celebrated the birthday of one of the Pioneers, the reigning BACKPACKER of the Year, BP Liz Honrade! The trip happened in the familiar Sitio Balagbag area. We had a crazy cake-adelic stay in Aura Mountain Resort, and a few sober travel junkies conquered Mt. Balagbag.

But before heading to the destination, we had a birthday surprise for BP Liz at the BP Headquarters. It was an almost perfectly executed birthday surprise as Liz was not expecting that we were all in the HQ waiting to greet her. All the while she thought we were already in Sitio Balagbag enjoying ourselves. She was about to sulk completely when she opened the door of our HQ and saw a Happy Birthday sign and a feast waiting for her. Happy Birthday Liz!

Mt. Tagapo 2012

Mt. Tagapo 2012

by Ivan Ignacio

It was a promising day for The BACKPACKERS and friends. Despite the storm signal brought by tropical storm Ofel one to two days ago, Mr. Sunshine was unexpectedly smiling that morning. We gathered and met our guests outside McDonalds in EDSA Central. We all knew each other except for our first time guest, Miss Weng Bulaon of 'Byaheng Jologs Lakwatsera' blog. Her love for nature trips stopped several years ago due to a change in life's priority. But this year, she is coming back to what she loves: travelling. After twenty years, her comeback climb is with The BACKPACKERS. Altogether, we journeyed via chartered jeepney to the town of Binangonan, Rizal. All were excited about conquering this mountain compared by Dr. Jose P. Rizal to a maiden's breast: Mt. Tagapo.

The BP Tips: Security at Mt. Sembrano

An advisory on Mt. Sembrano was placed in Pinoy Mountaineer since year 2009. The mountain has become notorious for multiple theft and tent slashing incidences. Words spread like wildfire that Mt. Sembrano is a mountain to avoid. It is sad that it has been three years and it seems like nothing has changed. The last account of stealing on Pinoy Mountaineer was dated February 2012. After that, Mt. Sembrano page became less active as its thread became more silent. 

source: 
http://www.pinoymountaineer.com/2012/02/climb-advisory-feb-2012-theft-persists.html 

"Be wary of people who might join you on your socials at night. They will pretend to be all nice and fun but they actually will be observing. After a couple of drinks and when the whole camp is exhausted and drunk, that's when they will attack." These are the reminders of the Brgy. Chairman of Malaya, Pililla, Rizal before we started the trek to Manggahan Campsite.

Brgy. Chairman of Brgy. Malaya conducting a short briefing

Mt. Sembrano

February of 2011, The BACKPACKERS targeted that prominent mountain in the Jalajala Peninsula: Mt. Sembrano. Everything is all set when BP Lead Ivan got hospitalized for a week. The climb responsibility was handed over to BP Vice Ralph and BP Sec Liz. But come climb date, the group decided to postpone the trip. Mt. Sembrano was cancelled. Since then it has been an inside joke that planning a Mt. Sembrano climb can spell out bad luck for the group.

March of 2011, BP Lead invited the group to conquer what the group failed to conquer a month ago. But since only five members confirmed, they had a last minute change of plan to go to Madlum Park in Bulacan instead. Mt. Sembrano was cancelled again. A recon climb to Mt. Manalmon was conducted instead.

September of 2011 in The BACKPACKERS calendar was supposedly for a Mt. Sembrano climb. But the Ultimate CDO-Camiguin-Bukidnon trip satisfied the adventurous spirit of the group and the scheduled climb to Mt. Sembrano was later forgotten. Mt. Sembrano was cancelled again. Mt. Hibok Hibok was conquered instead for that month.

Several more cancellations, numerous surveys and attempts to head to Mt. Sembrano, but it never happened. The question was whether or not the group will be able to visit Mt. Sembrano? Come August of 2012, The BACKPACKERS finally gathered and conquered the mountain. That month, the target was Mt. Sembrano (and Mt. Sembrano only).

FINALLY, MT. SEMBRANO!

Pililla, Rizal

August 18-19, 2012

by: Ivan Ignacio

Solo Backpacking at Talim Island

In the heart of Laguna lake, we will find a dagger shaped island, hence the name Talim Island. This is where the Backpacker Lead spent his interesting day last weekend. He was not lucky for the weather was not on his side, but he was fortunate to witness a festivity celebrated on the island that day.

Monsoon on My Third Time

Solo Backpacking at Talim Island

by Ivan Ignacio

Mt. Balagbag Revisited

While most of The BACKPACKERS were enjoying the astounding view atop Mt. Gulugod Baboy and the beautiful beach at Sombrero Island, two members of the group were busy guiding a group of nature lovers on top of a mountain which will always be dear to us: Mt. Balagbag. 

Backpackers Weng and Mon had a prior commitment of guiding a group of trekkers. And here in The BACKPACKERS, part of our commitment is to share the hidden paradise in our country so it was very much understandable that they were not able to join our adventure in Mt. Gulugod Baboy. They guided the artistic group PLUS (The Art Collective: Propelled by Learning via Unbridled Synergy) 

BP Weng

BP Mon

Summer Mini Adventures: BATLAG FALLS

The continuation of the mini adventures of The BACKPACKERS this summer...

A guide for those who are

---nature lovers and/or travel junkies

---wants an accessible and affordable destination

---strolling around to check out the famous spots in our country

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BATLAG FALLS

BP Clue at the entrance gate

Our first mini adventure destination is the famous Daranak Falls. Continuing the series, just inside the same park, you will see another waterfalls also flocked by tourists and locals: Batlag Falls.

Summer Mini Adventures: DARANAK FALLS

April of 2012 has started! Despite the not-so-good weather, we are sure most of you are already planning your ULTIMATE SUMMER OUTING. Hundreds or thousands of people will surely flock the shores of Boracay, Puerto Galera or Anawangin especially for next week's holidays! These destinations are so popular that it attracts local travelers and foreign tourists alike.

But if you are a travel junkie or a nature enthusiast but you are out of budget or not comfortable in taking that long trips to the said destinations, you do not have to worry! There are lots of places just near the metropolis that will satisfy your craving for a nice dip, a breathtaking scenery and a nice but cheap summer escapade.

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SUMMER MINI ADVENTURES
PART 1: DARANAK FALLS

April 1, 2012 - Four of The BACKPACKERS had the opportunity to take on a journey to search for some exciting destinations just near Metro Manila. And first up, we headed towards the mountainous town of Tanay, Rizal to visit the famous Daranak Falls.

DARANAK FALLS

Mt. Balagbag

by: Weng Topasi

Sitio Balagbag, Brgy. San Isidro, Rodriguez, Rizal

LLA: 777 MASL

Mt. Balagbag Birthday Climb

- a BIG SUCCESS!

February 15-16, 2012

The BACKPACKERS:

Contessa Cirujales

Liz Honrade

Jovy Duremdes

Marion Macapagal

Weng Topasi

Chons Zosa

Ivan Ignacio

King Aguilar

Mon Sarmiento

Percy Rivera

Our BELOVED GUESTS:

Reyma Caingcoy

Andy Bibat

Lik Buendia

Junar Jose

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. Balagbag: A Solo Climb

THE SOLO BACKPACKER IN 

MT. BALAGBAG

 By Ivan Ignacio, 

The BACKPACKERS Lead

 

36 hours akong walang matinong tulog... 

Habang papauwi ng Bulacan ay wala ding matinong rason pero naisipan kong umakyat ng bundok... at since madadaanan ko si Mt. Balagbag, sya ang binisita ko.

Wala sa hulog ~ naka jeans na pantalon.walang gear.tanging tubig at tinapay lang ang dala ko.

Mt. Tagapo

Talim Island, Laguna de Bay
Major jump-off: Brgy. Janosa (Talim Island) Binangonan, Rizal
LLA 14.32° N 121.23° E, 438 MASL
Days required / Hours to summit: 1 day / 2 hours
Specs: Minor climb, Difficulty 2/9, Trail class 1-2

(Source: http://www.pinoymountaineer.com/2007/08/mt-tagapo-438.html)

The Backpackers:
Ivan Laurence Ignacio
Heinz Lopez Alvarez, Jr.

Mt. Tagapo: A ‘Maiden’s Breasts’

By: Heinz Lopez Alvarez, Jr.

Perhaps what makes Mt. Tagapo a very interesting mountain to limb is the fact that the Philippine National Hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal , actually mentioned it in his famous El Filibusterismo.

The farthest mountain you see is Mt. Tagapo.