The Backpack Adventures

Located in the City of Calamba in the province of Laguna, Calamba Church is just beside the Rizal Shrine which is the former residence of the National Hero of the Philippines -Dr. Jose P. Rizal. Calamba Church is also known as the Saint John the Baptist Parish Church. The church was built in 1859 during the Spanish colonial era. The church is known as the place where Dr. Jose P. Rizal was baptized. His original baptismal records has been found in the church archives and has been preserved and refurbished.
Throughout time, the church has survived countless earthquakes and typhoons however, it has no power over the destruction brought by man. The church along with most of the houses of its parishioners were burned by the Japanese during the Second World War. Several years later, Fr. Eliseo Dimaculangan would head the reconstruction of the church. To date the church has undergone several reconstructions and renovations. 

What I like about Calamba Church is the replica of the Garden of Geths…

I have been to Albay several times already but this road trip would be a big first for me. Primarily, because it is the first time that I'd be visiting it with my wife and daughter.

However, unlike most of my road trip adventures that require me to backpack and transfer vehicles numerous times, this adventure requires me to be a mere copilot to my dad. Well, the good part about being the copilot is that I'm simply in charge of the GPS and the sound system. I'm also at liberty to take pictures and nap anytime I want without worrying about the steering wheel. 

My job on this road trip was not limited to just being a copilot though, I was also in charge of the itinerary. In fact, I prepared two itineraries months before the trip. The first one takes us to three provinces in the Bicol Region while the second itinerary focuses only on two. It was the second itinerary which I named Camarines Sur - Albay Road Trip Adventure which we followed.

Though we'd visit only two provinces…

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

Sapatos Festival
Location: Marikina, Metro Manila
Details: The festival is celebrated every 15th of October until the 30th of November. Its highlights are the shoe fair and other activities related to shoes. This festival is a month-long celebration that showcases historical, cultural, and economic industry of the shoe business in Marikina. The word sapatos means shoe.

Parau Festival
Location: Pilar, Province of Sorsogon
Details: The festival is celebrated every 1st to 12th of October. Its highlight is the colorful street parade. This festival is a 12-day celebration done simultaneously with the Feast of Our Lady of the Pilar. It showcases the town's cultural heritage and the growing aspirations of its people.

Zamboanga Hermosa Festival
Location: Zamboanga City, Province of Zamboanga
D…