The BACKPACKERS

Friday, October 25, 2013

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!

SURVIVOR ZAMBALES FINALE

A couple of weeks ago, we have witnessed the incredible adventure of sixteen people in one of the most beautiful province in the country: Zambales!

They were divided into two tribes Tapulao and Pundakit, named after two breathtaking mountains in the area. The Green Tapulao Tribe was composed of The BACKPACKERS - adventure seekers and official members of this group, while our Guests comprised the Blue Pundakit Tribe. The tribes were divided and had to live on two separate areas in the beach.

This promising season offered twists which really impacted the game of the castaways. From the get go, Guest Jane was transferred to the Backpackers to even up the tribes. On Episode 3, an individual immunity was played where the winner, Guest Rommel did not squander his power, using it to create a last minute panic for the Backpackers tribe. Angel took the fall and was the first Backpacker voted out. On Episode 4, the tribes were shuffled leading to a possible shift in game play. On Episode 5, the stakes were higher as the losing tribe was given an ominous message in a bottle which contained a back-to-back tribal council announcement. Guests Mina and Jane were eliminated in this episode.

SURVIVOR ZAMBALES EPISODE 9

SURVIVOR ZAMBALES BACKPACKERS vs GUESTS

EPISODE 9: Roller Coaster

The Final Five:

POST MELTDOWN

After Mon's meltdown, the five remaining castaways were allowed to stay in one portion of the jury house while the staff deliberated on what sanctions should be given to the infuriated and explosive Mon. In the end, his actions led him to be completely removed from the game. He was not even allowed to be part of the jury where his adversaries Ralph and York were part of.

"We got a free pass for the night, we are allowed to sleep in the comfort of the house while host Ivan and the others deal with the Mon problem," narrated a relieved Aaron. "I personally want to go back to the beach 'cause it's Survivor, but the staff won't be able to get a close spy on us so I'll accept it," he added.

Mt. Pico de Loro 2013

The BACKPACKERS are gaining new official members and regular guests. Our priority is to help them expand their mountain adventures and travel experiences by conquering new mountains and going to different places. That is why when some requested during our August climb (Mt. Pinagbanderahan) that they would love to climb Mt. Pico de Loro, we solidified the target adventure for September.

Standing at 664 meters above sea level, Mt. Pico de Loro boasts of the highest point in the province of Cavite. It is one of the most popular hiking destination near the metropolis. The BACKPACKERS, before being established as a group, had some of its pioneer members explore the mountain. In 2011, we had our first Friendship Climb held in Mt. Pico de Loro as well. And this year, BP Jovy (and other BPs and guests) requested to visit the same mountain. The beauty of this mountain is so alluring that even I, BP Lead, promised to visit it at least once a year since I started my passion in climbing mountains. This Mt. Pico de Loro By-Request is my eighth climb here, but the experience is different ever since I discovered its grandeur.