Mt. Manabu

Sto. Tomas, Batangas
Jump-off point: Sulok, Brgy. Sta Cruz, Sto. Tomas
LLA: 13.9777°, 121.2413°, 760 MASL
Days required / Hours to summit: 1 day / 1-2 hours
Specs: Minor climb, Difficulty 2/9, Trail class 1-2

Climbing Up the Manabu Peak:

The BACKPACKERS Went "Dirty"

December 21 and 22, 2011 marked The BACKPACKERS' year-ender climb. Needless to say, it was the  Group's Christmas Climb and to celebrate the true meaning of the season, a gift-giving to the mountain's famed keeper, Tatay Perying, was included in the itinerary. The goal was to reach one of the peaks of the Malipunyo mountain range- the Manabu Peak. It was supposedly an easy two- hour climb turned "major" because of some factors that you will find out in the following write-up. As you read on, know why we said we went "dirty" during this climb, which sealed our "Calendar of Adventures 2011".

Here is the story from The BP Lead himself, Ivan Ignacio.

The view seen from the Manabu Peak.

Introducing The BACKPACKERS

Welcome Remarks & Introduction of my BP Family

by Ivan Laurence on Wednesday, December 14, 2011 

I was contented in being a freelance climber for five years. It was my guilty pleasure whenever I visit a new place, swim in a new beach and/or climb a new mountain despite life's hectic schedule.

Meeting The BACKPACKERS was totally unexpected. I never plan on influencing all of you to start climbing mountains..I just wanted to introduce you to Mt. Pico de Loro, my favorite mountain, and Mt. Batulao. If you happen to not love it, that's fine. But I was very happy that the passion for backpacking and nature tripping surfaced. And since then, you shared the passion with me.

So I want to thank this opportunity to thank all of you for walking with me and building this small but happy family. I brought something new to your lives - the sport, and you countered that by making my succeeding travels and adventures more memorable.

Thank you to the Pico de Loro babies - Liz, Ralph, York and Heinz (and Len,wherever you are). Thank you for spearheading the adventure.

And to the rest of those who completed and comprised the history of BP, the Pioneers - Jovy, Conts, DeePee and Frank. 

To the succeeding batches who shared the incredible journeys - Marion, Clue, Weng, Mon, Bogs and Paul. Thank you.

And to the person who was always there with me and for me, my babe - Angel. Thank you for accompanying me in my adventures and thank you for completing my life.

Thank you guys.

Anniversary Party 2011

The BP Masquerade Christmas Party 2011

Mt. Pico de Loro 2011

Ternate, Cavite
Major jump-off: Magnetic Hill, Ternate
LLA: 14° 12.855 N; 120° 38.785 E; 664 MASL
Days required / Hours to summit: 1-2 days / 2-5 hours
Specs: Minor climb, Difficulty 3/9, Trail class 1-3
(Source: http://www.pinoymountaineer.com/2007/08/mt-palay-palaypico-de-loro-664_9808.html)

Mt. Pico de Loro:
The BACKPACKERS Anniversary 
and First Friendship Climb

November 18 and 19 - As the first part of The BACKPACKERS' celebration of its First Year Anniversary, the Group climbed Mt. Pico de Loro in Ternate, Cavite; and it was a fruitful Friendship Climb participated by 24 climbers.

The Group assembled at McDonalds along the Service Road (near Baclaran Church) in Pasay City between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM. When completed, a hired minibus transported the Group to its destination - jump-off point to the Parrot's Beak.

Because it was a friendship climb, participants were strategically divided into three teams (where guests were equally distributed) so there were lead, mid and end packs.

The BACKPACKERS and Marion Give Back

The BACKPACKERS Gives Back: 

Marion's Birthday Celebration with a HEART

November 5, 2011

Quezon City Memorial Circle

Philippines

While many people in the world think of having a party purely with bottles and shot glasses on their birthdays, Marion Macapagal preferred to celebrate hers with a kind heart above anything else.

To note, this was Marion's second year of spending her big day with a selfless act. And, for us, The BACKPACKERS, she deserved all the support that she could get from the Group because as we always say "we are family".