SAGADA: Bomod-ok Waterfalls, Weaving and Pottery, Lake Danum

Sagada's Stairways to Heaven,

Its Waterfalls, Arts, Sunset and the Lake

By Heinz Lopez Alvarez, Jr.

BPs April, Angel, Ivan, Ralph and Heinz; with Guest Sheryl and their guide.

It was Day Two of our Sagada trip and it was once again a perfect day to be outside to continue exploring this marvelous place in the Mountain Province. That day was  equally exciting as day one. We went trekking to witness the beauty of one of Sagada's falls - Bomod-ok Waterfalls, we had a quick view of how the locals create Sagada's famous ethnic fabrics and clay pots, and we spent some laid back time by the alluring Lake Danum and watched the captivating sunset from that part of Sagada.

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

Christmas in October #GiveLove

CHRISTMAS IN OCTOBER

(TheBACKPACKERS #GiveLove in Ifugao 2014)

By: Nickson Garcia

It was exactly a year ago when majority of TheBackpackers and some very close friends made one of the most heartwarming adventure of 2013 in Ifugao Province. In coordination with the KaEswela, they have spread happiness by giving school supplies and sports equipments to students throughout some schools located at the remote but beautiful Mt. Humalophop. 

Every aspect of it was memorable. From the preparation of donations to climbing Mt. Humalophop up until the distribution of the donations to the schools were definitely an event to remember in the hearts of all those who participated. 

Conducting an outreach program is not new with TheBackpackers. In fact, we conducted several outreach events spearheaded by different BP members such as BP Marion, BP Chons and BP Ivan. During that time we refer to it as an outreach but as time passed by it evolved into the term "GiveLove" meaning conducting an outreach. This GiveLove usually happens in the month of October.

Mt. Mabilog, Bunga Falls and Underground Cemetery

FIRST TIME - DAY HIKE

(Hirit Sa Tag-Ulan)

By: Nickson Garcia

It was supposed to be an overnight climb for TheBackpackers event in September but due to the recent typhoon “Mario” that struck the metro which caused fear and concern to the participants, we decided to cancel the overnight event and changed it to a dayhike event. Luckily, the event can be achieved in one day.

According to our President, BP Heinz, this was the first time in our almost four years of existence to conduct a dayhike event. I must say, although cheaper and convenient, I still prefer overnight event whenever I am with TheBackpackers and here is the story on why.

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.