The Backpack Adventures

June 2016 seems to be one of the highlights of The Backpack Adventures. This month, several of my articles and photos were published in different magazines. One of these works was published in the June 2016 issue of the Good Housekeeping Magazine .  Good Housekeeping Magazine - June 2016 issue. You might be wondering if my published work for the magazine was travel related. Well yes, and it is also house related! It is about Rizal Shrine in Calamba City, Laguna . Most of us know it as the home of our National Hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal. Got my own copy! Can you spot my name? There it is! You will find my photo of the Rizal Shrine in the Leisure section of the magazine. It is part of the article that talks about great places to visit with your family. It is actually in this section Kindly look for this picture There you are! Please do grab a copy of the June 2016 issue of Good Housekeeping Magazine .  Thanks, guys!

Located within the jurisdiction of the cities of Sta. Rosa, Calamba, and the municipality of Cabuyao in the province of Laguna, Nuvali  is a mix of residential, recreational, and industrial developments that are already becoming a popular weekend getaway destination not only for those living in Laguna but also for those living in the neighboring provinces and cities. Nuvali Nuvali History Long ago, the lands which are now occupied by Nuvali were once part of the land owned by the friars during the Spanish Colonial era. It was then acquired by a group of American entrepreneurs after the former Spanish masters were booted out of the country. They then developed the lands as a sugar plantation and in 1948. The land once again transferred ownership - this time to a Filipino statesman named Jose Yulo .  Nuvali - Laguna Where do you wanna go? Let's go for a boat ride in Nuvali ! Read and be informed! Read and be warned! Years later, his family would collaborate wit

Located in the municipality of Bay (pronounced ba-eh) in Laguna, Bay Church is one of the many old Spanish-era churches of the province.  Bay Church Bay Church history Also known as  St. Augustine Parish Church , Bay Church was first constructed along the shore of Laguna de Bay sometime in 1571. It was built using light materials like canes and nipa. The construction of the first church was supervised by Augustinian friars led by Fr. Martin de Rada. Bay Church then became a parish on April 30, 1578. Bay Church - Bay, Laguna Bay Church facade Bay Church NHI Marker Bay Church interior Inside the mini chapel of the Bay Church Bay Church altar The administration of the town of Bay including the church was transferred to the Franciscans on November 23, 1737. The small wooden church was then transferred to its present site in the town proper afterward. In 1804, Bay Church was reconstructed and this time stone and wood were used as the primary construction mate

Located in the Poblacion of Pagsanjan in the province of Laguna, Pagsanjan Church is one of the many well-preserved Spanish-era churches of the province. Pagsanjan Church Pagsanjan Church History Also known as  Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish Church , Pagsanjan Church is the home to the image of the patroness of Pagsanjan -the Our Lady of Guadalupe. This image was a gift from rich pious Mexican families after the establishment of the church. The church is also known as the oldest church in the Philippines under the said patronship. Pagsanjan Church - Pagsanjan, Laguna Pagsanjan Church NHI Marker Inside Pagsanjan Church Pagsanjan Church was founded on November 12, 1687. Like most Spanish-era churches in Laguna, it was also first built using only light materials like bamboo, nipa, and wood. Sadly, the church was built by natives of Pagsanjan under forced labor. A few years later, 1690 to be exact, a larger church made from adobe was built to replace the old church. Pagsa