Mt. Batulao Traverse

I was not able to join the Group when they climbed it for the first time in 2011. Because of that, and though I was aware of an accident that happened to a first-time hiker, who fell to her death attributed to human error, I was very excited and was looking forward to a memorable year-ender climb in a mountain where scenic views of Batangas could be seen - Mt. Batulao.

And yes, with The BACKPACKERS' Way in mind, that is individual sense of responsibility to personal and co-members' safety, we were able to seal the Group's mountaineering activities for 2012 safely and with pride.

The BACKPACKERS Year-Ender Climb

Mt. Batulao Traverse

By Heinz Lopez Alvarez, Jr.

December 29, 2012 - It was an intermittently gloomy Saturday past noon in Metro Manila and it actually drizzled when the Group was waiting to be boarded on a bus bound for Nasugbu, Batangas. Because it was two days before the new year's eve, that terminal along Taft Avenue in Pasay City, for Genesis and BSC buses and jeepneys, was crowded and lines of passengers hurrying to go home to the South were literally lengthy. As a matter of fact, it took almost an hour before we found ourselves finally climbing a BSC bus! But it was totally fine because our Lead, Ivan Ignacio, had already briefed us ahead of time that it was going to be a night trek for us. We were eight in the group namely BPs Liz, Chons, Heinz, York, Resty and Ivan; and guests Wilson Galapon and Alva Zarte Nombrado.

Top 12 Adventures of 2012

All of The BACKPACKERS ranked the adventures they took part in from their most favorite to their not-so favorite this year. After everyone ranked these adventures, the average is calculated and these adventures are ranked according to the group's consensus  Adventures which landed on #1 in a BP's list earned +0.25 points. And from there, the TOP TWELVE ADVENTURES of 2012 were determined.

TOP 12 ADVENTURES OF 2012

12 - MT. GULUGOD BABOY , June 2012

We start this countdown with the mother mountain of The BACKPACKERS, Mt. Gulugod Baboy which was revisited in June of this year. The relaxing climb and the nice vista on its campsite and summit were appreciated by BPs and guests.

The BACKPACKERS in 2012

2012: A YEAR IN REVIEW FOR THE BACKPACKERS

I. MAJOR CLIMBS

A major climb separates the usual fun climbs because of its difficulty - longer and steeper trails, and exposure to extreme weather conditions. It may include grueling travels and enduring in a more technical climb. This is one of the requirements before being officially inducted in The BACKPACKERS family. The real bonding happens while you are facing a major mountain. This year, we had three major climbs which paved way to the inevitable growth of The BACKPACKERS family.

The BP Anniversary Party 2012

"DROP YOUR BACKPACKS...

AND PUT YOUR BEST BOOTS ON..

We're going to party like we're in the 
Wild Wild West!"

The BACKPACKERS
Celebrates Two Years of Growth and Friendship
December 15, 2012
The Ascott Hotel

December of 2010 when The BACKPACKER Pioneers stared in awe and amazement at the beauty of Mt. Gulugod Baboy. These individuals witnessed the wonder of nature and this fascination instantly became a hobby. It paved way to a commitment of holding at least one climb per month. As the Pioneers set foot in new and exciting destination, they also met new faces. At first, they were only trail acquaintances. And little did they find out that these new faces would become special months later. The BACKPACKERS grew and held four induction climbs to celebrate ardent bonds and new friendships. Two fruitful and adventurous years for the group. It's already a great feat.

2nd Anniversary Greetings

Two Years. One Group. One Family. We, The BACKPACKERS, celebrated our second anniversary last 15th of December at The Ascott Hotel in Makati City.

Here are some messages and greetings from the people we've climbed and collaborated with this year:

From LOUIE BACCAY:


To the Backpackers:

Louie when he climbed Mt. Talamitam
with BP Lead Ivan and the shoulderbaggers

Happy 2nd Anniversary. Congrats para sa 2 successful years. Salamat dahil sa 2 years na yun naging part ako sa history niyo. Thank din sa group niyo dahil never kayong nakalimot na iinvite kami ni shyne. Your group, your bonding, your friendships inspired me to continue climbing and discover new things. Pareng Ivan, as the leader of your group, i know this group will last for years and more years. I know what kind of leader are you. Continue inspiring and sharing the same passion to others. I’m looking forward for more mountains, more adventures and more bonding time. Thank You for listening and THANK YOU THE BACKPACKERS, again, HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!