The Backpack Adventures

Located in the town of Orani in the province of Bataan, Orani Church is a Roman Catholic Church built during the Spanish Colonial period in the Philippines. Orani Church Orani Church history Also known as  Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Parish Church   and  Nuestra Senora del Rosario Parish Church , Orani Church was said to be built sometime in the 1600s. The first structure was constructed using nipa leaves and bamboo. It is probably comparable to an open-sided tent than the church structures we have now.    Orani Church - Orani, Bataan Orani Church facade and the Museo ng Mahal na Birhen Maria Orani Church entrance arch Check out the very detailed church door design The first church was under the Parish of Samal until formally becoming an independent parish on April 21, 1714. It was then reconstructed using adobe and stone as well as a sturdier roofing material. However, like everything else, the church deteriorated through time. Decades after its reconstruction, t

Found along Kennon Road in the outskirts of Baguio City in Benguet, Lion's Head is a 40-foot man-made and painted gigantic rock that resembles a lion's head. It was commissioned by the Lions Club of Baguio City. Lion's Head Lion's Head details So what's behind the giant lion's head sculpture? The story goes that years ago when tourists started to flock to Baguio City by means of Kennon Road, they used a large rock, which is naturally shaped like a lion, as a landmark that they are near Baguio City. Due to its popularity, the city government decided to "remodel" the large rock so that it would literally be known as the Lion's Head . Lion's Head - Baguio City, Benguet Say "hello kitty!" Roar! Construction of the present-day Lion's Head landmark began in 1968. Preparations were done by a group of miners and engineers while the carving of the rock was rendered by an Ifugao artist and woodcarver named Reynald Lopez Na

If you haven't heard of Google Local Guide yet, it would be helpful to read my previous article by clicking this LINK . You can also go directly to the Google Local Guide page by clicking this LINK . 10 Tips for Google Local Guides Now, since you're reading this part, it means that you are ready to learn what it takes to be a Google Local Guide . Without further ado, here are the tips on how to be an awesome Google Local Guide: Be an awesome Google Local Guide. Make sure that you have the 3 necessary requirements to become a Google Local Guide.. a smartphone or laptop, a stable internet connection, and of course a Google account. For smartphone users - Make sure that you have sufficient data for your internet service provider. The Google Maps app consumes data unless it is part of your unlimited data plan. (This tip is highly applicable to those living in the Philippines). Give "recent" reviews. You can give reviews to places that you have visited in the

Located in Balatas Road on the outskirts of Naga City in the province of Camarines Sur, Peñafrancia Basilica Minore is one of the religious establishments in the city. It is also where the image of the Our Lady of Peñafrancia is enshrined. Peñafrancia Basilica Minore Penafrancia Basilica Minore details Peñafrancia Basilica Minore - Naga City, Camarines Sur Peñafrancia Basilica Minore was constructed on April 18,1976 but was finished only on September 1981 due to financial problems. On May 22, 1982, Cardinal Jaime Sin officiated its solemn inauguration and dedication.  A memorial to the generous land donors Don and Dona Mariano . Sadly, the physical structure of Penafrancia Basilica Minore had deteriorated barely ten years after its completion due to construction defects. Repairs and improvements started in 1991. Renovations were finished several years later in 1995. The altar of Penafrancia Basilica Minore Peñafrancia Basilica Minore - Naga City, Camarines Sur

Annually, during the Holy Week, my family goes out of town to visit several old Spanish Churches. This pilgrimage is known here in the Philippines as Visita Iglesia . 2016 Bataan - Tarlac Visita Iglesia In the past few years, we went to Visita Iglesia in the provinces in Southern Luzon. For a change, we decided to have our pilgrimage in Western and Central Luzon this year. Please do read on and check out our Bataan - Tarlac Visita Iglesia .  The First Line of Defense Marker Our trip officially started in Pasay City very early Maundy Thursday. Our convoy of three cars reached North Luzon Express Way or NLEX in less than an hour. However, it took us almost four hours to reach the San Fernando Exit due to the multitude of cars also heading north. From the exit, we reached our first church after another hour. Hermosa Church  - Hermosa, Bataan Our first church was the century-old Hermosa Church in the town of Hermosa in Bataan. Established in 1717, Hermosa Church is a