Thank you for the 365 days we’ve journeyed together. It has truly been a
memorable year. Just like the one before, you brought countless blessings and
new travel adventures into my life, for which I am deeply grateful.
Let's look back and see what milestones we've crossed and
achieved this year.
1. This year, there were 377 published articles (That's 7 more articles than last year 😄😄).
2. I have reached a total of 4.8 million views (That's 800K new
views this year).
3. I got my contract renewed as an ALT under the JET
Programme. I’m officially in my 5th year as an ALT. This year is also my last
full year as an ALT for Rumoi Subprefecture.
4. I received a special mention from Japanese Ambassador to
the Philippines Endo Kazuya during his speech at the 2025 JET Programme
Fellowship Reception on July 26, 2025.
5. I passed my JLPT N5 test! This achievement has boosted my confidence. It’s my first step toward my goal, and I hope that in the future, I’ll be able to speak Japanese fluently. 😍
6. My New Kamalayang Panlipunan 4 and 6 under Abiva Publishing House was published. I now have 7 published works.
Welcome to the family, Riri
7. We bought a new car—a Nissan Serena, which we fondly named Riri. We also sold our trusted Suzuki Swift, Ruru, since we can’t manage two vehicles.
I made myself into an anime character, and this would be the "mascot" of The Backpack Adventures
8. Exactly on July 1, I launched the official Facebook page of The Backpack Adventures. At first, I felt a bit sad that fewer than a thousand of my friends followed after my initial invite. But I was pleasantly surprised when many long-time readers of my blog began to follow the page. I also promoted it across various other pages. By the end of the year, the page had grown to more than 5,000 followers.
Speaking of travels, here are the highlights of my travels
for each month last year:
January 1 - Kai was finally out of the hospital after being confined for several days
February 8- Team Nicerio visits Aizan Museum, Aibetsu
February 8 - Team Nicerio enjoys the Sounkyo Ice Fall Festival in Kamikawa
February 8 - Team Nicerio enjoys the Asahikawa Winter Festival Day 1
February 9 - Asahikawa Winter Festival Day 2
February 11 - Dined at Ramen Tonta in Shintotsukawa
🌜February
March 2- Pipa no Yu Yurinkan, Bibai City
March 15 - Ella's Graduation from Midorigaoka Elementary School
March 22- Chippubetsu weekend trip
March 23 - Morinoyu Hotel Hanakagura, Higashikagura
March 30 to 31 - 2-Day Birthday Road Trip to Otaru
🌜 March
April 18 - Team Nicerio Road Trip Day 1, Chitose & Sapporo
April 19- Team Nicerio Road Trip Day 2, Sapporo
April 20 - Team Nicerio Road Trip Day 3, Sapporo & Ishikari
April 21 - Team Nicerio Road Trip Day 4, Rumoi
April 22 - Team Nicerio Road Trip Day 5, Wakkanai
April 23 - Team Nicerio Road Trip Day 6, Sapporo
April 24 - Team Nicerio Road Trip Day 7, Chitose
April 28 - Senba Park
🌜 April
May 5 - Hanami at Kitoushi Forest Park Family Travel Village
May 5 - Kitoshi Observatory
May 17 - Kamiyubetsu Tulip Festival 2025
May 17 - Black soft cream at Engaru Forest Okhotsk Roadside Station
May 18 - Gokazan Park Camping Grounds
May 18 - Monbetsu Crab Claw Statue
May 18 - Takinoue Shibazakura Festival 2025
May 18 - Side trip to Toma Roadside Station
🌜 May
June 21 - Rumoi Shrine
June 21 - Chairumo
June 22 - Asagiri port visit
June 22 - Rumoi Taishi Festival 2025
June 28 - Akabira Tokugawa Castle
June 28 - Ashibetsu Catbus
June 28 - Camping at Kanayamakohan Camping Ground
June 28 - Swimming at Mina-Mina Beach in Shimukappu
June 29 - Lake Kanayama Lavender Field
June 29 - Furano Cheese Factory
June 29 - Furano City Museum
🌜 June
July 5 - We celebrated Kai's 2nd Birthday
July 5 - I attended what would probably be my last Rumoi High School Festival
July 6 - I visited Uryu Ricefield Art for the first time
July 6 - Took my N5 JLPT test at Sapporo Convention Center
July 19 - Asahikawa Family bonding trip
July 20 - Conquered Hokkaido's highest peak - Asahidake with my friends
July 21 - Blueberry picking at Mashike
July 26 - We attended the Rumoi Dontou Festival despite the continuous rains
July 27 - Solo onsen trip to Asahi Onsen in Embetsu
🌜 July
August 3 - We attended the Hokuryu Sunflower Festival in the town of Hokuryu
August 3 - We visited the Asahikawa Rice Field Art 2025 in Asahikawa City
August 10 - Rumoi Block karaoke night at Karaoke Utaya in Rumoi City
August 11 - We watched the Rumoi Fireworks Festival at Rumoi Port, Rumoi City
August 13 - Obon Road Trip D1 - We revisited the town of Yoichi
August 13 - Obon Road Trip D1 - We visited the newest roadside station of Hokkaido - Furubira Roadside Station in Furubira
August 13 - Obon Road Trip D1 - We camped at Bikuni Kodomari Campsite in Shakotan
August 14 - Obon Road Trip D2 - Onsen at Kyogoku Hot Springs and Community Center in Kyogoku
August 14 - Obon Road Trip Day 2 - We camped at Kyogoku Three U park Camping Ground for two days
August 15 - Obon Road Trip Day 3 - We visited Fukidashi Park in Kyowa
August 15 - Obon Road Trip Day 3 - Quick visit to Roadside Rest Area "Bōyō-Nakayama" in Kimobetsu
August 15 - Obon Road Trip Day 3 - We visited Hamamasu Local Museum in Ishikari City
August 24 - BBQ bonding with Matsuda-sensei and his family at Reuke Farm in Rumoi City
August 25 - The JLPT test results are out. I passed N5. It's the lowest proficiency level, but it made me more confident in learning Japanese.
August 31 - Bonding with Kai and Ella at Senba Park in Rumoi City
🌜August
September 6 - Bonding with ALTs at Karakure in the town of Obira
September 15 - Family day at Asahikawa Science Museum
September 20 - We visited the Takikawa Folk Museum in Takikawa City
September 20 - Visited Oohata Meatshop in Shintotsukawa to buy high-quality meat for our visit to Ebata-sensei
September 20 - Dinner with Ebata-sensei in Rumoi City
September 23 - Blueberry picking at Maruzen Sato Orchard in Mashike
September 23 - Family bonding in Senba Park in Rumoi City
September 23 - Transferred to Takasago Park for our afternoon family bonding in Rumoi City
September 28 - Walking along Rumoi River
🌜September
October 4 - Side trip to the Urausu Local History Museum in the town of Urausu
October 4 - Side trip to Osokinai Shrine in Urausu on my way to New Chitose Airport
October 4 - Went to New Chitose Airport in Chitose City for my flight to Kumatori in Osaka
October 5 - Stopover at Shima Cafe in Osaka City while looking for a suitable parking area for our visit to EXPO 25
October 6 - Visited the EXPO 2025 with the Kameyama Family
October 6 - Late-night ramen at Ichiran Ramen in Izumiotsu City
October 7 - Breakfast at Sakura Cafe in Izumisano City
October 7 - Quick visit to Pokémon Store New Chitose Airport in Chitose City
October 12 - Family bonding at AEON Mall West Store in Asahikawa City
October 13 - Kai's play day at Chairumo in Rumoi City
October 18 - Father and Daughter trip to Sensai no Yu-En in Chitose City after driving my wife and Kai to the airport for their vacation to the Philippines
October 18 - Dinner at Tamafuji in Chitose City
October 19 - "Car-ping" at Chitose Roadside Station
October 19 - Watched the salmon swim upriver at Chitose River
October 19 - Explored and enjoyed the Chitose Aquarium in Chitose City
October 19 - Visited the Kuriyama Town Pioneer Museum in the town of Kuriyama
October 19 - Visited Yutarikkan in the town of Yuni
October 19 - Paid respects to the guardian of the town at Hokuryu Shrine in Numata town
October 31 - Culture Day 2025 Road Trip D1 - Toma Town Local History Museum in the town of Toma
🌜October
November 1 - Culture Day 2025 Road Trip D2 - Yubetsu Shrine in Yubetsu
November 1 - Culture Day 2025 Road Trip D2 - Kerochikotsu Park in Yubetsu
November 1 - Culture Day 2025 Road Trip D2 - Saroma Roadside Station in Saroma
November 1 - Culture Day 2025 Road Trip D2 - Abashiri Folk Museum in Abashiri City
November 1 - Culture Day 2025 Road Trip D2 - Onsen and "Car-ping" at Kiyosato Roadside Station in Kiyosato
November 2 - Culture Day 2025 Road Trip D3 - Kiyosato Space Observatory in Kiyosato
November 2 - Culture Day 2025 Road Trip D3 - Memorial Hall of Sister Cities in Shari
November 2 - Culture Day 2025 Road Trip D3 - Betsukari Roadside Station in Betsukari
November 2 - Culture Day 2025 Road Trip D3 - Mt. Io in Teshikaga
November 2 - Culture Day 2025 Road Trip D3 - Tsubetsu Wood Craft Museum Kinos in Tsubetsu
November 2 - Culture Day 2025 Road Trip D3 - "Car-ping" at Kitami Roadside Station in Kitami City
November 3 - Culture Day 2025 Road Trip D4 - Sounkyo in Kamikawa
November 3 - Culture Day 2025 Road Trip D4 - Osamunai Shrine in Fukagawa City
November 8 - Iemanja Concert in Rumoi City
November 15 - Sunagawa City Local Reference Room in Sunagawa City
November 15 - 711 series EMU (Red Train) in Iwamizawa City
November 15 - Yuni Town Cultural Exchange Center in Yuni
November 15 - Team Nicerio Reunited at New Chitose Airport in Chitose City
🌜 November
December 16 - Rumoi English Conversation Club bounenkai in Rumoi City
December 19 - Overnight stay at Teshio Onsen Yubae in Teshio
🌜December
It is with a heavy heart that I share the sorrowful truth that this year has not ended without loss. We said goodbye to two remarkable souls who inspired me and embodied the values I hold dear—Judge Frank Caprio and Charlie Kirk. I also lost a dear friend, Mate Hart, who tragically passed away in a boating accident in Europe. May he rest in peace.
As we reflect on their lives, may we cherish the joy they brought, the lessons they taught, and the love they shared so generously. Though their absence leaves a deep ache, their legacy will continue to guide and uplift us. Let us honor them by carrying forward the kindness and strength they embodied.
With a heart still heavy but filled with hope, I now look toward 2026. May it bring brighter days, renewed strength, and fresh opportunities. Farewell, 2025—thank you for the memories, both joyous and bittersweet.
Located in the municipality of Nasugbu in the province of Batangas, Munting Buhangin Beach Camp is one of the few privately owned resorts in the area that doesn't really require membership for visitors to enjoy. Munting Buhangin Beach Camp Munting Buhangin Beach Camp Details Although Munting Buhangin Beach Camp doesn't have white sand to boast, it's quite an isolated place, which makes the resort stand out. Its light brown sand, sprinkled with different kinds of shells, is cleaned daily by the dedicated staff of the resort. Sadly, during my visit, a broken piece of glass buried in the sand gave one of my toes a deep cut, but I know that it's just a rare case (no one needs to be fired), and nobody wanted that to happen. Munting Buhangin Beach - Nasugbu, Batangas One of the best places to go camping... ...or rent nipa huts and treehouses You might want to try kayaking here too. Going up: parking / Going down: beach Munting Buhangin Beach Camp is...
Ashoro Roadside Station ( 道の駅 足寄町 ) , formally called Roadside Station “Ashoro Ginga Hall 21” ( 道の駅 あしょろ銀河ホール21 ), is one of the roadside stations of Hokkaido. It is located at 1 Chome-21 Kita 1 Jo in the town of Ashoro, Ashoro District in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan . Ashoro Roadside Station Ashoro Roadside Station Details Located in the heart of Tokachi, Ashoro Roadside Station "Ginga Hall 21" is more than just a rest stop — it’s a place where local history, music, and community spirit come together. Officially registered as a roadside station on August 9, 2004 (Registration No. 84) , this facility was originally built as Ashoro Station for the Hokkaido Chihoku Highland Railway’s “Furusato Ginga Line.” Although the line was discontinued in 2006, the station building was reborn as a roadside attraction that celebrates Ashoro’s story. Ashoro Roadside Station - Ashoro town, Hokkaido Prefecture Managed by the NPO Ashoro Tourism Association, the station reopened on April 18,...
Ashoro Museum of Paleontology ( 足寄動物化石博物館 ) is a natural history museum that exhibits a lot of prehistoric fossils. It is located at 1 Chome-29-25 Konan in the town of Ashoro, Ashoro District, Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan . Ashoro Museum of Paleontology Ashoro Museum of Paleontology Details Opened on July 1, 1998, the Ashoro Museum of Paleontology in Hokkaido is a fascinating destination for history buffs, science enthusiasts, and families alike. The museum was established with the theme of the evolution of marine mammals, focusing on the Ashoro Fauna—Late Oligocene marine mammal fossils unearthed in Morawan, Mora Bay, Ashoro Town, including scleractinians and cetaceans. Ashoro Museum of Paleontology - Ashoro town, Hokkaido Prefecture Explore Unique Fossils and Geological Wonders The museum’s collection features desmostylians , a rare group of extinct marine mammals, along with other fossils discovered in the Ashoro region. Visitors can also learn about geological formati...
Garden Spa Tokachigawa Roadside Station ( 道の駅 ガーデンスパ十勝川温泉 ) is one of the two roadside stations of the town of Otofuke. It is located along National Route 73 at 14-1 Tokachigawa Onsen Kita, Otofuke Town, Kato District in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan . Garden Spa Tokachigawa Roadside Station Garden Spa Tokachigawa Roadside Station Details Located in the scenic Tokachigawa Onsen area, Garden Spa Tokachigawa Roadside Station is a modern hub for day trips, offering visitors a perfect combination of relaxation, local cuisine, and cultural experiences. Officially registered as Hokkaido’s Roadside Station No. 128 on July 1, 2020 , this facility has quickly become a favorite destination for travelers seeking both leisure and a taste of Tokachi’s rich offerings. Garden Spa Tokachigawa Roadside Station - Otofuke town, Hokkaido Prefecture Soak in the Spa and Outdoor Garden Baths The mall hot spring at Garden Spa Tokachigawa is designed for families, couples, and groups, all enjoying th...
Updated: October 30, 2020 Our adventure today will take us 46.11 kilometers south from kilometer 0 in Manila. The historic atmosphere still lingers due to the historical landmarks that you can see all around this place. One of the most famous landmarks this city has to offer is the Rizal Shine or more popularly known as Rizal's house. However I'm not here to give you a history adventure but instead, I will tell you the different side of this city. 88 Hotspring Resort and Spa Calamba City in the province of Laguna is a city that has more resorts than the number of days in a year. Because of the fast-growing number of resorts (661 and counting), this city earned the nickname Resort Capital of the Philippines. 88 Hotspring Resort and Spa - Calamba, Laguna Travelers and resort seekers who didn't read my blog The Adventurer's List would surely be unprepared for what's to come. It would surely take a day for you to choose and pick the most suitable reso...
Honbetsu Roadside Station , formally called Roadside Station Stella Honbetsu ( 道の駅 ステラ ★ ほんべつ ) , is one of the roadside stations of Hokkaido Prefecture. It is located at 1-1, Kita 3-chome in the town of Honbetsu, Nakagawa District in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan . Honbetsu Roadside Station Honbetsu Roadside Station Details Honbetsu Roadside Station , officially registered as roadside station number 107 on March 12, 2009, is a must-visit destination for travelers exploring Hokkaido. This site holds significant historical value as it was formerly Honbetsu Station . This key transportation hub has served the local community for nearly 100 years since the railway first opened in Honbetsu Town in 1909. Honbetsu Roadside Station - Honbetsu town, Hokkaido Prefecture Although the Furusato Ginga Line was discontinued in April 2006, Honbetsu Roadside Station continues to thrive as a vibrant local center, offering a variety of services and attractions for visitors and residents alike. ...
Do you want to witness and be part of the exciting and colorful cultural activities in the Philippines in this month of April ? Please check out the list of popular fiestas or festivals happening this April . Rodeo Masbateno Festival Location: Masbate City, Province of Masbate Details: The festival is celebrated every 9th to 14th of April. Its highlights are the bull riding competition, lassoing, 2-4 carambola, and bulldogging. This festival showcases the "cowboy skills" of the Masbatenos. Kangayedan Festival Location: Pagudpod, Province of Ilocos Norte Details: The festival is celebrated every 22nd to the 26th of April. Its highlight is the parade of cultural dances. This festival's objective is to safeguard the ecological beauty from destruction and also to renew the vow of the townspeople to replenish and protect the environment. Butanding Festival Location: Donsol, Province of Sorsogon Details: The festival is celeb...
Taiki Roadside Station “Cosmall Taiki” ( 道の駅 コスモール大樹 ) is one of the roadside stations found in Hokkaido. It is located along National Route 622 at 98 Nishihondori in the town of Taiki, Hiroo-gun in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan . Taiki Roadside Station “Cosmall Taiki” Taiki Roadside Station “Cosmall Taiki” Details Roadside Station Cosmall Taiki , officially registered as Michi-no-Eki No. 75 on August 13, 2002, is one of the most unique roadside stations in Hokkaido. This roadside hub offers a perfect mix of convenience, local culture, and space-themed attractions that reflect Taiki’s growing reputation as “ Hokkaido’s town of space .” Roadside Station Cosmall Taiki - Taiki town, Hokkaido Prefecture Shopping Center and Local Services Unlike ordinary rest stops, Cosmall Taiki combines a shopping center, economic hall, and cultural hub all in one. Visitors can browse local specialty products, pick up daily essentials, or enjoy practical services such as a supermarket, pharmacy, clothing...
Satsunai Garden Hot Spring ( 札内ガーデン温泉 ) is a highly rated day-use onsen. It is located at 55 Satsunai Kitamachi in the town of Makubetsu, Nakagawa District, Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan . Satsunai Garden Hot Spring Satsunai Garden Hot Spring Details Satsunai Garden Hot Spring offers a truly unique bathing experience with its rare moor hot spring water, a natural resource recognized as a Hokkaido Heritage Site. Known for its distinctive dark color rich in organic plant matter, this hot spring warms the body deeply and leaves the skin feeling smooth and rejuvenated. Satsunai Garden Hot Spring - Makubetsu town, Hokkaido Prefecture A Rare and Mineral-Rich Hot Spring Satsunai Garden Hot Springs uses 100% natural moor hot spring water that springs from deep underground. This mineral-rich water has been cherished since ancient times for its healing and beautifying properties. Visitors can soak in several types of baths, including a large public bath, rock bath, jet vibrator bath, an...
Located in Rosario in the province of Cavite, Casa Hacienda de Tejeros is famously known as the location of the historic Tejeros Convention of 1897. Casa Hacienda de Tejeros Casa Hacienda de Tejeros history Casa Hacienda de Tejeros was originally built in the 17th century. The hacienda and its surrounding lands were formerly owned by the Augustinian Recollects. The estate was once the largest and grandest estate in the country. It once covered as much as 1,125 hectares with the casa occupying 4 hectares of it. Casa Hacienda de Tejeros - Rosario, Cavite The NHI Marker of the Casa Hacienda de Tejeros The name tejeros came from the Spanish name tejer , which means "to weave". It's due to the fact that the weaving industry is one of the major industries of the municipality of Rosario. Going back to its historical importance, Casa Hacienda de Tejeros played an important role in 1897 when it hosted the assembly that the new leaders of the revolution were elected. ...
.jpg "November 15 - 711 series EMU (Red Train) in Iwamizawa City")
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