Ikalawang Hirit Sa Tag Init - MINDORO

The BACKPACKERS' second of our three 'hirit sa tag init' this summer: 
White Beach, Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro



The 3D/2N vacation of The BACKPACKERS in Mindoro are divided into four stories.

Check out each of the sections to view the action packed adventures and reviews of the places we visited for our second major summer escapade.

Mt. Makiling Dayhike via UPLB: "Akyat Para Sa Tagumpay"

BACKPACKERS join and facilitate...  

Mt. Makiling: "Akyat Para Sa Tagumpay"

April 15, 2012 - Four members of The BACKPACKERS (BP) namely, Clue Fajardo, Weng Topasi, Chons Zosa, and Heinz Alvarez joined and facilitated a Mt. Makiling dayhike for UPLB graduating and soon-to-graduate students.

BPs Clue, Weng, Chons, and Heinz

Mt. Makiling Traverse: Sto. Tomas to Los Baños

Mt. Makiling Traverse

Redemption Gained for the BP Lead!

Three years ago, I started an adventure in a mountain that's said to be mystical: Mt. Makiling. Mountaineering, and even backpacking, were not my cup of tea then. The complexities of the sport were more of perplexing to me. Thus, I came in unprepared. I even had jeans on instead of wearing a trek pants. It was a trek to the mountain's peak via traditional UPLB trail. After reaching Station 17, I aborted the expedition because of the ire weather which made the trail implausibly hazardous.

Summer Mini Adventures: TWIN FALLS and the EXOTIK RESTAURANT

To conclude 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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KALAYAAN TWIN FALLS

Enjoying the last falls for the day!

The last town that we visited: Kalayaan, Laguna! Kalayaan in the local language means freedom. And perhaps the best word to describe our free flowing adventure! We were eyeing for a trip to the Twin Falls in Nagcarlan, Laguna. But we learned that it would be another two hour trip from Cavinti and it was already 4 in the afternoon when we finished our boating expedition at Lumot Lake. So instead of going to Nagcarlan, we had a spontaneous trip back to Kalayaan, Laguna, in search for the town's version of Twin Falls.

Summer Mini Adventures: LUMOT LAKE

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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A boating expedition at

LUMOT LAKE

stripes of white and black lakebirds hovering around the lake

Another man made lake caught our attention as we were surveying the Caliraya Lake area. Lumot Lake, also in Cavinti, is said to be a hit for bass fishing in the country. Lumot in the local dialect means moss. The name sure sounds less grander than that of the bigger Caliraya Lake. I asked the local at the Japanese Garden if visiting Lumot Lake would be worthwhile and she said yes with a lot of conviction. So when we went out of the park and hit the road in search for Caliraya Lake's twin sister: Lumot Lake.