The Backpack Adventures

If you're a Catholic and you're living in Manila, probably the first thing you'd do is to head to the beaches this Holy Week. To most of us, especially the working class, the Holy Week is almost synonymous to summer vacation. However, to some it's a chance to visit Christ and show devotion to Him through Visita Iglesia. (and that's what I plan to do!)



So join me and my family as we go around Manila and the neighboring cities of Las Piñas and Pasay to visit some of their historical churches.



Since I live in the province of Cavite, I had to carefully plan the route that we'd take to maximize the number of churches that we could visit in a day. We originally planned to visit only the ones in Manila but I pointed out that since our route to Manila would pass by some old churches in nearby cities, we might as well visit them.
From our home, the first city that we'd pass is Las Piñas. The city is known for Asia's oldest bamboo organ. Lucky for us it is housed in…

I know the province of Cavite like the back of my hand. Why? Because I live there. that's why it was no challenge when I was tasked with planning our annual Visita Iglesia. However, it would never be an adventure without challenges, so I added another province to the itinerary - Batangas.

The goal for our Visita Iglesia is to visit as many old churches as possible in one day. The route that I plotted would take us from the City of  Bacoor heading southwards to Tagaytay City before exiting to the province of Batangas.
From our home, the first old church that we visited was the Immaculate Conception Parish of Dasmariñas or simply known asDasmariñas Church. The church has an attractive facade. I found out that it was one of the most popular churches in Cavite for couple planning to get married.
Our next stop was the old church in the town of Silang - Nuestra Señora De Candelaria Church. Popularly called Silang Church, the beauty of this church lies not on the outside but on the inside. …

UPDATE:

Sadly, the Bono Tei branch in BF has closed down. There is however, a smaller branch near SM Bicutan.

Our food trip today takes our adventurous taste buds to the land where educational institutions, wellness spas, and restaurants abundantly sprouts like wild grass. Inside this jungle of business establishments lies one eye catching restaurant that would be the subject of our praises and scrutiny.

Fellow backpackers, join me as we visit Bono Tei Japanese Restaurant or simply Bono Tei in B.F. Homes, Paranaque City. 

Bono Tei is located in B.F. Homes 333 El Grande Corner Jakarta Street, Paranaque City. If you have the eye for outstanding architectural designs then it wouldn't be a problem looking for this restaurant. If you don't, there would be plenty of people to ask from (so don't worry). When I first saw Bono Tei, it reminded me of a Japanese abode complete with a zen garden. However, the only reference that I have are the images that I see in magazines, so I brought …

Do you want to witness and be part of the exciting and colorful cultural activities in the Philippines in this month of April? 

Then check out the list of popular fiestas or festivals happening this month.

Rodeo Masbateno Festival
Location: Masbate City, Province of Masbate
Details: The festival is celebrated every 9th to 14th of April. Its highlights are the bull riding competition, lassoing, 2-4 carambola, and bulldogging. This festival showcases the "cowboy skills" of the Masbatenos.

Kangayedan Festival
Location: Pagudpod, Province of Ilocos Norte
Details: The festival is celebrated every 22nd to the 26th of April. Its highlight is the parade of cultural dances. This festival's objective is to safeguard the ecological beauty from destruction and also to renew the vow of the townspeople to replenish and protect the environment. 

Butanding Festival
Location: Donsol, Province of Sorsogon
Details: The festival is celebrated every 28th of April to the 5th of May. Its highlight is th…