The Backpack Adventures

Located in the municipality of Pe ñablanca 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 Pe ñablanca Protected Landscape and Seascape .  A huge sign says it all Guess how many steps you need to take to get to the cave? Yup it's 183 steps 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. The NHI marker Aside from the Callao Man, another important historical f

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. NHI Marker 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.  Images of the 15 martyrs are found around th

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 Details The island is officially named  Manidad Island . However, some call it  Rona Island  but most refer to it as Crocodile Island . Crocodile Island Can you spot the crocodile? Up close and personal The crocodile's head The back of the croc 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. From this angle, it seems like the crocodile just raised from the water

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 thro