The BACKPACKERS

Sunday, July 5, 2015

Mt. Kalisungan

The BACKPACKERS Successfully Finds

MT. KALISUNGAN

By Heinz Henry Lopez Alvarez, Jr.

Many bloggers have written and have published some stories online - stories about some climbers who "mysteriously" lost their way on their attempt to climb and reach the peak of Mt. Kalisungan in Calauan, Laguna. Those stories absolutely sounded so creepy for me, but the more I read on them, the more I felt excited to climb Mt. Kalisungan.

From left to right: Eric, BP Heinz, BP Leah, BP Liz, Getty, BP Chons, Helen, BP Nickson, and Aljo

June 27, 2015, Saturday - Five BPs namely Nickson, Leah, Chons, Liz, and yours truly; and four Guests namely Eric, Helen, Getty, and Aljo pushed through with the Group's scheduled climb for June. We decided to just have it as a day hike activity primarily because of proximity and the mountain itself.

Mercedes Group of Islands (Apuao Grande)

MERCEDES, CAMARINES NORTE (APUAO GRANDE)

By: Ghei Agoncillo

Last year, I was in the beautiful island of Boracay over the Labor Day weekend joining the bandwagon to celebrate the famous hashtag Laboracay. It was by far the most tiring yet super fun summer vacation as you get to beach party with your friends and even strangers all day, every day. So much YOLO! But this year, I opted to spend the weekend off in a place perfect for R&R (rest and relaxation). Away from city life, we, the Backpackers and friends headed to Mercedes, Camarines Norte.

In terms of tourism, Camarines Norte has a lot of alluring places to visit and activities that can be done such as island hopping, surfing, beach bumming, chasing waterfalls and even church pilgrimage.

And if you will be going to Mercedes, Camarines Norte by land, bus ride to Daet is just 8hrs away from Manila. Then from Daet, you only need to take a tricycle or jeepney to reach the Mercedes Fish Port.

TINGLOY ISLAND, Batangas

Tingloy Island & Twin Climbs:

The BACKPACKERS' Unang Hirit sa Tag-Init

By Heinz Henry Lopez Alvarez

Aside from Christmas, as I am a child at heart, I always look forward to summertime, as I am fond of going out of town for some nature adventure plus the beach. So join me in thanking Nickson, BP PRO, for coming up with a great itinerary for The BACKPACKERS' 2015 Unang Hirit sa Tag-Init! 32 individuals, composed of 12 BPs and 20 Guests, had a great start and an excellent way of welcoming the summer - hitting the beach in an island and climbing two minor mountains in Batangas.

The BP and Guests Campsite

QUIRINO PROVINCE: #DiscoverTheUndiscovered

QUIRINO PROVINCE

The BACKPACKERS for #DiscoverTheUndiscovered
By Nickson Garcia

What comes out of your mind when you hear someone says "Quirino"? Some would ask "Is Quirino and Quezon Province the same?" Some would say "Ito yung lugar na laging binabagyo." Some would even ask "Are you referring to the Quirino Grandstand?" And perhaps the least wanted response, but we do hear is - "Quirino? Where is that?"

For some travelers, Quirino is at the bottom of their "List of Places to Visit". Maybe the reason is its very limited presence everywhere - online, prints, news on TV and on the radio. I must admit, before this adventure, I would say "There is nothing to see and experience in Quirino."

This trip we had in the Quirino Province gave a concrete answer to those question. For me and for the people who were with me in this adventure, we found a peaceful and a beautiful province. We discovered the undiscovered! And, we wanted to be among the firsts to put this name on the map - QUIRINO.