For two days, Osprey took a group of bloggers and members of the media on a two-day trip around Bataan, a mere three-hour drive from Manila. Equipped with our own Osprey packs (mine was a 28L Quasar Pack, a versatile daypack with multiple compartments, a front stretch bungee, scratch-resistant stash pocket, and padded laptop sleeve), we traveled around the province, hopping from one destination to the other.Â
From the Bataan Tourism Center for its World War II dioramas and art exhibits —
to the Balanga Wetland and Nature Park for birdwatching —
to Las Casas Filipinas de Azucar for a tour in a few ancestral houses —
to Mt. Samat for a breathtaking view atop the 302-ft Shrine of Valor —
to the Bataan Nuclear Park for a glimpse at the inner workings of the province’s greatest what-could-have-been —
to the Pawikan Conservation Area for a look at the gentle sea creatures.
As we moved from one place to another, I got to thinking about adventures, about why I got into traveling in the first place, and what I’ve taken out of it so far. I came up with a manifesto of sorts and decided to share it here, along with a few photos from the trip, to remind myself why I do what I do. And hopefully to inspire those who read it to seek out their own adventures, too.
Turn to the next page for the Adventurer’s Manifesto