The Backpack Adventures

Our adventure today takes us to the highest mountain in the province of Zambales. Join me as we hike Mt. Tapulao . Mt. Tapulao Mt. Tapulao details Located in the town of Palauig, Mt. Tapulao is well known for its semi-temperate climate, pine trees, and rocky trails. It got its name from tapulao or pine trees in the local dialect. Mt. Tapulao - Palauig, Zambales Height:  2,037 m Major trailhead:  Sitio Dampay, Brgy. Salaza, Palauig Zambales Climb time:  7-12 hours depending on your pacing Mt. Tapulao 's rocky trail Due to the many similarities between Mt. Tapulao and Mt. Pulag in Benguet, and the proximity of Mt. Tapulao to Manila, seasoned hikers would say that it is a perfect alternative to Mt. Pulag. Hence they dubbed Mt. Tapulao as the " Poor man's Pulag ". No matter the comparisons there are, both mountains give every climber the same aspiration to reach the top. Hello, pine trees! If you're planning to climb Mt. Tapulao . I suggest t

Famously known as the home of the miraculous image of the Nuestra Senora de Caysasay or The Lady of Caysasay. The church was built at around 1611. Some say that the Church of Our Lady of Caysasay is a mere shrine that house the Holy Image of the Immaculate Conception. So what makes the 17th century image that important to the people of Caysasay? According to written accounts, a fisherman by the name of Juan Maningcad went out fishing in the nearby Pansipit River. When he pulled his net he caught a beautiful little image of the Blessed Virgin Mary. When news of it reached the parish priest of the town, he immediately went to see it. Once he laid his eyes upon the magnificent image of the Mother of God, he and those with him knelt down to venerate it. The miraculous image of the Immaculate Conception The image was then taken to Taal where a town fiesta was celebrated in honor of it. The image was then kept in a precious urn for safe keeping. However , witne

Our adventure today takes us about 315 km southeast of Kilometer 0 in Manila. Boracay Island is one of the major attractions of the province of Aklan. It is famous for its palm-fringed white sand beach that stretches for more than 3 km. Boracay Island Details There are only two things that you should know about Boracay Island . First, it's better to visit during the off-season months which is July until November because that is the time when airfare and lodging are cheapest. Second, Boracay Island's famous white sand beach is divided into three stations. Take note that Station 1 has the most expensive but beautiful resorts, Station 2 is nearest to all the restaurants, and Station 3 has less expensive hotels and lodging.  The Backpack Adventures visits Boracay Island During our stay there last 2012, we preferred to rent a place in Station 2, in that way we are near both Station 1 and 3. Aside from that, we would also be near most of the restaurants and bars w

Our adventure today takes us to the highest point in the province of Cavite. Pico de Loro is located in the town of Maragondon with some parts found within the boundary of Batangas province. The mountain was named by the Spanish sailors who once passed by the coast of Cavite on their way to Manila Bay. They named the mountain Pico de Loro which means Parrot's Peak because of the striking similarity of the rock tower found on the peak to that of a giant parrot perched on the forested mountaintop.  Me at the jump-off point I'm proud to say that Pico de Loro was the first mountain that I have conquered. Though I couldn't say that my first climb was perfect (due to some blunders that happened and the rainy weather) I could still say that I enjoyed it and it instilled in me my adventurer spirit. You see lots of different insects along the way Same goes to the different flora   Careful now" You'd also cross a few streams Forested