The Backpack Adventures

Located in the municipality of Peñablanca in the province of Cagayan, Callao Cave is the most famous of the limestone caves found in the province.


Callao Cave is found in the western foothills of the Sierra Madre Mountains of the Philippines. The cave is under the Peñablanca Protected Landscape and Seascape. 
The cave is probably the most "historical" cave in the country. In 2007 a fossilized 61-millimeter metatarsal bone of an early settler was discovered inside the cave. It was dated using uranium-series ablation and was found to be at least 67.000 years old. The remains of what was dubbed as the "Callao Man" antedated the 47,000-year-old remains of the Tabon Man. As a matter of fact, the Callao Man is considered as the oldest human remains in the Philippines.
Aside from the Callao Man, another important historical figure found his way to the cave. In 1932, the then American Governor-General to the Philippines Theodore Roosevelt III visited Callao Cave. He is the el…

Located in the sentro or center of Naga City in the province of Camarines Sur, Plaza Quince Maritres is a very important landmark of the city. The plaza is dedicated to the 15 Martyrs of Bicol. 
The plaza is also considered as one of the most popular landmarks in Naga City. It can be found in front of San Francisco Church (another popular landmark of the city.) Plaza Quince Martires is highly regarded by the people of Naga or the Naguenos. It is usually the site used for special government functions or meetings. As a matter of fact the 2014 Independence Day Ceremony was held in the plaza and it was graced by none other than the President of the Philippines, Benigno Aquino III.
The plaza is known for the monument that was erected on November 29, 1926. It shows the faces and names of the 15 Martyrs of Bicol. A marker, also placed in the monument, tells the visitors the plight of these important Bicolano men. 
The 15 Martyrs were Filipino patriots who were executed for cooperating with the …

Located 2 kilometers off the shores of San Vicente Port in Sta. Ana in the province of Cagayan, Crocodile Island is a small island that resembles a crocodile resting on a sandbar.  Crocodile Island DetailsThe island is officially named Manidad Island. However, some call it Rona Island but most refer to it as Crocodile Island.





From San Vicente Port, the island is a mere 10-minute boat ride away. the island is also included in the itinerary if you availed of the Palaui Island tour. What I like about the island is that it could only accommodate only a few people. Once you're on the island you'd feel the sense of exclusivity. Aside from that, the island is also a great place to snorkel. Just be careful though, the side facing away from Sta. Ana is battered by rough waves.


However, it is noticeable that despite having white sand, the island's beauty is plagued by mankind's curse -trash. Our guide, Kuya Nanding, was quite apologetic about it. He explained that it was the guides…

Do you want to witness and be part of the exciting and colorful cultural activities in the Philippines in this month of August? 
Then check out the list of popular fiestas or festivals happening this month.

Ibalong Festival
Location: Legazpi City, Province of Albay
Details: The festival is celebrated every 10th of August. Its highlight is the parade where the participants wear masks and costumes that depicts the heroes and villains in the epic story of Ibalong, aside from that the participants also portray the classic battles in the story. This festival aims to express warmth and goodwill to all people, locals and tourists alike.

Paladong Festival
Location: Hinatuan, Province of Surigao del Sur
Details: The festival is celebrated every 28th of August. Its highlight is the art of performing the ritual called ladong. It is conducted by a landongan or a person who has the power and ability to cure as a medium to call the spirits and relay the wishes to the clients through an offering. This fes…