The Backpack Adventures

Christians celebrate November 1 as All Saints' Day. In the Philippines , it is referred to as Todos Los Santos , A raw ng Mga Patay, and Undas . It is also a holiday in the Philippines. It is a time for many Filipinos to go back to their provinces to visit the members of their families who already passed away. It is also a time for some to hold family reunions. Such is the case for our family.  Undas 2019 For Undas 2019, we hit the road again going to my mother's hometown of Atimonan in the province of Quezon. Here's how we spent our 3 days in the province: Day 1: November 1 My family and I left our house in Cavite at around 3:30 AM to pick up my cousins at McDo Southwoods. From there, we drove south via South Luzon Expressway then Star toll before continuing on to Quezon Province via the Maharlika Highway.  Destination reached! De Gracia Beach and Leisure Resort in Atimonan Oh! Are those my dad and uncle's pickup trucks? ...and there they are ta

Located near Bonifacio Street in Barangay Tipunan in the municipality of Magdalena in Laguna, Magdalena Church is one of the oldest Spanish-colonial era churches of the province. The church is dedicated to St. Mary Magdalene . Magdalena Church Magdalena Church Details Also called St. Mary Magdalene Parish Church , Magdalena Church was constructed sometime in 1820. The first church was built using materials that are abundant in the area such as cogon and wood. Its first parish priest was Father Antonio Moreno , OFM who was appointed there in 1821.  Magdalena Church - Magdalena, Laguna In 1829, Magdalena Churc h was rebuilt using sturdier materials like stone, bricks, and adobe. The locals helped in its construction through paying taxes and also by providing labor (forced labor to be exact). The locals quarried stones and sand from the Pagsanjan River for the said construction.  Magdalena Church -  St. Mary Magdalene Parish Church Magdalena Church facade The plaza in front of Magda