The Backpack Adventures

Found in Station 1 of the four-kilometer-long white sand beach of Boracay Island in the province of Aklan, Willy's Rock is considered the most recognizable landmark in Boracay Island . Willy's Rock Willy's Rock Details  The oddly shaped rock formation got its name from the nearby Willy's Beach Club Hotel. Locals erected a shrine for the Blessed Virgin Mary atop one of the huge rocks. They also built a staircase to protect the "adventurous" tourists from the jagged edges of the formation. Willy's Rock - Boracay Island, Aklan A closer look at Willy's Rock Willy's Rock looks like a battleship from a distance Sunset view near Willy's Rock One adventurous tourist taking his chances The Shrine of the Blessed Mary Due to its popularity, Willy's Rock served as the symbol of the island. The rock formation could be seen in most of the souvenir pictures, shirts, and even the collectible Starbucks city tumblers. My

There is an old saying that goes, "A fiesta without a lechon is never a fiesta." True enough, the mere sight of a lechon being prepared for an upcoming feast could bring a crowd into cheers. Lechon So what is a  lechon  and what did it have that makes it worthy to be the first food trip in my blog? Taste test - Lechon A lechon is basically a pork dish that serves as one of the most popular delicacies in the Philippines. To prepare a lechon , one must need a whole pig, a bamboo pole that is twice the length of the pig, and an apple. The pig is impaled by the bamboo pole and is roasted in an open fire where special sauces are applied to its skin. The apple is then placed in the mouth of the pig after the cooking process for merely decorative purposes. Don't forget the apple! The name lechon is a Spanish word that refers to a suckling pig that is roasted. Filipinos call it litson na baboy due to the fact that there is lechon na baka (roasted cow).

Located in the municipality of Tiwi in the province of Albay, Tiwi Church was constructed sometime in the mid 17th century. The church is also called San Lorenzo Church . Tiwi Church During the 17th century, Christianity was spreading throughout the region. The people of Tiwi was one of those who open-heartedly accepted Christianity as their religion. The church became the symbol of the villagers' piety. The townspeople were mainly fishermen, farmers, and potters. That's why they were overwhelmed when the Moslem pirates or Moros raided and burned down the town. Tiwi Church was a silent witness to the horrible acts that the Moros had inflicted to the townspeople. Tiwi Church circa 1966 Church facade and parking lot Church interior Like most churches in Albay, I visited Tiwi Church during the Albay Road Trip that I had with the family. An image of the Blessed Virgin Mary My mom near the statue of Christ The nice thing about Tiwi Chu

Although found in the Bicol Region, Tabaco Church features a design reminiscent of the churches found in the Ilocos Region. To help you discern this characteristic, take a closer look at the image above. If you're still uncertain, allow me to clarify. Much like many northern churches, the bell tower of this church stands several meters apart from the main structure. This architectural choice serves as a safeguard, ensuring that should the church ever topple, the bell tower remains unharmed. Tabaco Church is situated along the National Highway in Tabaco City, Albay, Philippines. Tabaco Church Tabaco Church Details Tabaco Church is also known as St. John the Baptist Church , named after the city's patron saint. The first church structure was built in 1616 under the guidance of Fr. Pedro De Alcareso. The present church, on the other hand, was built to replace the old one in 1864 and was completed in 1879. They say the church is unique among other churches in the Philippine

Located in Baguio City in the province of Benguet, Mines View Park is definitely one of the most famous and most visited parks in the city. Mines View Park Mines View Park Details Mines View Park is popularly known for its observation deck that gives tourists a breathtaking view of Benguet's gold mines and the mountain range that surrounds the province. Mines View Park - Baguio City, Benguet My wife with our best pal Injin Bermejo The Backpack Adventures visits Mines View Park A nice view from the Mines View Park 's viewing deck Throw some coins to the anito then make a wish Aside from enjoying the view from the observation deck, there are plenty of other things to do inside the park. Who could miss the countless souvenir shops in the vicinity of Mines View Park ? From Baguio-made brooms and sweaters to obscene statues and key chains, there are surely plenty of items to choose from. Meet Doglas He loves photoshoots that's for sure