The Backpack Adventures

Located in the municipality of Daraga in the province of Albay,  Cagsawa Ruins are the remnants of the Cagsaua Church that was destroyed by the eruption of Mayon Volcano in 1814. Cagsawa Ruins Cagsawa Ruins details Cagsaua Church was built sometime in the 1720s under the supervision of Franciscan Friars. The church was said to be the replacement for the church that was burned by the Dutch in 1636. Cagsawa Ruins - Daraga, Albay Cagsawa Church NHI marker Cagsaua Church was said to have been built with a baroque architectural design like most old churches in the country. The design was said to protect the structure from damages that could be done by earthquakes. Cagsawa Church bell tower However, given this "earthquake-proof" design, Cagsaua Church was not designed to withstand tons of ash and pyroclastic flow from Mayon Volcano. The 1814 eruption of the Mayon Volcano that killed an estimated 1200 people also spelled doom for the church.  Ella with her tita Aya at

Located in Palaui Island in the town of Sta. Ana in the province of Cagayan, Cape Engaño Lighthouse is one of the lighthouses built by the Spaniards in Northern Luzon. Cape Engano Lighthouse Cape Engano Lighthouse History Also known as  Faro de Cabo  Engaño . Cape Engano Lighthouse was constructed on the 21st of September 1888 and was finished on the 31st of December 1892. It sits atop the summit of Mt. Kabo (it's a hill by the way) 92 meters above sea level. It has a 360-degree view of Bashi Channel, Pacific Ocean, and  Engaño Cove. Cape Engano Lighthouse - Palaui Island , Cagayan Cape Engano Lighthouse as seen from the boat ride Cape Engano Lighthouse NHI marker Check out the picturesque view from Cape Engano Lighthouse The Dos Hermanos Islands as seen from inside the tower The lighthouse was initially designed by Engineer Magin Pers y Pers . He also designed the lighthouse in Cape Bojeador and Capones Island. We visited the lighthouse as part o

Do you want to witness and be part of the exciting and colorful cultural activities in the Philippines in this month of July ?  Please check out the list of popular fiestas or festivals happening this July . Sandugo Festival Location:  Tagbilaran, Province of Bohol Details:  The festival is celebrated every 1st to 31st of July. Its highlights are street dancing and mardi gras. This festival is a commemoration of the Blood compact between Rajah Sikatuna and Miguel Lopez de Legazpi. The word sandugo means blood compact. Kinabayo Festival Location:  Dapitan City, Province of Zamboanga Del Norte Details:  The festival is celebrated every 25th of July. Its highlight is the colorful pageant re-enacting the Spanish-Moorish wars, mainly the Battle of Covadonga. This festival is a way for the locals to show their spiritual side. The word kinabayo means to ride a horse. Subayan Keg Subanen Festival Location:  Ozamiz City, Province of Misamis Occidental Details:  The festival

Located in the northeastern part of Brgy. San Vicente in Santa Ana in the province of Cagayan, Anguib Beach has a long stretch of fine white to creamy sand kissed by pristine blue waters. Anguib Beach Anguib Beach Details: Anguib Beach is one of the hidden gems of North Luzon. It is probably the northeasternmost beach on the island of Luzon. In fact, my group had to brave ferocious waves in order for us to reach the beach. However, there is a much safer route for those who easily get seasick. You can rent a tricycle or drive directly from Sta. Ana to Anguib Beach. The main difference is the travel time. If you take the boat you'll probably have an hour of travel time compared to the more than an hour's worth of travel time by land. Anguib Beach - Santa Ana, Cagayan Anguib Beach - beautiful, clean, and isolated Upon reaching the beach you can choose between the P100 or P30 beach area. The P100 part of the beach has a panoramic view and is basically a beach lover'

Located along Cagayan Valley Road in the town of Lal-lo in the province of Cagayan, Lal-lo Church is the last of the three old churches built in the town during the Spanish colonial era. Lal-lo Church Lal-lo Church Details Also known as St. Dominic Parish Church /  Santo Domingo Parish Church , Lal-lo Church was built in the early 1600s after Pope Clement VIII created the Diocese of Nueva Segovia in 1595. Lal-lo Church - Lal-lo, Cagayan However, due to the constant threat of the rampaging waters of the Cagayan River, the Diocese of Nueva Segovia was transferred to Vigan, Ilocos Sur. To avoid confusion the town's name was reverted back to Lal-lo. That's the backside of Lal-lo Church as seen from the main road One of the side entrances of Lal-lo Church The bell tower of Lal-lo Church The Evangelization Cross near Cagayan River was installed 300 years ago. Lalloc - Tocolana NHI Marker Lalloc-Nueva Segovia NHI Marker The transfer of the diocese a