Pangasinan: The Heartland of the Philippines

Feel like going on a road trip? Why not go to Pangasinan, the heartland of the Philippines? It is home to the famed Hundred Islands National Park, the Bangus Festival, and the white sand beaches of Bolinao and Dasol.

Balungao Hilltop Adventure
Nestled at the foot of Mt. Balungao, this nascent hot and cold springs resort offers both fun and relaxation to weary travelers. The resort also boasts of having a 600-meter long Zipline—the longest in Region 1. For those who are looking for some adventure, Balungao Hilltop Adventure also offers ATV Riding, Hiking, Mountain Climbing, Mountain Biking, and Trail Walking.

Goat and Sheep Farms
The trip to Balungao’s goat and sheep farms was both engaging and enlightening. Not only did we learn a lot about raising goat and sheep, but we also got to interact with these beautiful and docile creatures. The farms came about as part of the livelihood project of the local government for the farmers. Consequently, the project has paved the way for the development of agritourism in the area.

Agew na Pangasinan 
We were fortunate enough to be in town to witness the colorful celebration of the province’s founding anniversary. A Commemorative Program featuring the awarding of prizes to the winners of the Kurit Panlunggaring Literary Contest and Balitok a Tawir Culture and Arts Festival kicked off the celebration. A colorful float parade from the various participating municipalities and establishments followed suit. Another highlight of the fete was the lively street dance competition.

Calasiao Church
If you like visiting old buildings and learning about history, then a trip to the Sts. Peter and Paul Parish Church in Calasiao would just be the thing. This Baroque church, which was built during the Spanish colonial era, was declared a National Cultural Treasure by the National Museum of the Philippines and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA).

Princesa Urduja House
Named after the legendary warrior princess Urduja, this attention-grabbing building serves as the residence of the provincial governor. The building’s impressive architecture and ornate furnishings are a sight to behold. A portion of the residence is open to organized public visits.

The province of Pangasinan truly has plenty of natural and man-made attractions which you must visit. Among them are the Mangrove Nursery and Fish Farm, the Capitol Building, the Veterans Memorial Park War Museum, the Narciso Ramos Sports and Civic Center Lagoon Ride, the St. James the Fortress Church, the Baniaga River Water Sports Adventure, the Umbrella Rocks of Agno, the Bolinao Caves, and Tondol Beach.

Legazpi City, Bicol – A Place of Fun and Adventure!

Popularly known as the “Gateway to South Luzon,” Legazpi City, Albay is situated right at the heart of the exciting region of Bicol, Philippines. Conveniently accessible for about 45mins by Air from Manila or Cebu, and about 10 hours by land from Manila, it serves as a bridge way to all sorts of travel activities whether by land, water or even Air. If whale shark-watching (Butanding) is what you are looking for, the province of Sorsogon is just about an hour’s drive away. If you’re in for some historical sites and enjoy pilgrimage tours, Naga City is also close by, but nothing beats a hike to the majestic Mayon Volcano, 8,081ft. Above sea level!

But there is something about Legazpi City itself. Apart from its archaic sites like Cagsawa Ruins and Daraga Church, the City is now tagged as one of the county’s next 10 wave cities for the Business Process Outsourcing industry. In turn, local economy has improved, and has made the City more charming and attractive to local and foreign tourist alike. From the opening of the Embarcadero de Legazpi and Ligñon Hill Nature Park where one can enjoy an exhilarating zip line experience overlooking Mayon to the rugged individual ATV drive to the volcano lava bed, Legazpi City is surely perfect for the adventurous down-to-earth travellers. Food and dining is just as interesting with the classic Bicol Express, Pinangat and the exotic sili (chili) ice cream. And with the influx of visitor arrivals from national conventions and seminars, the City is unceasingly finding and creating new ways to entertain its guests.

So when planning a trip to the Bicol region, whether in the islands of Caramoan or Masbate, one cannot simply overlook the city of Legazpi, else risk an incomplete South Luzon experience!

For a cozy and casual stay, feel right at home at Pinehurst Suites Legazpi! Located at the main artery of the City and just 5 minutes away from the Airport, it provides convenient access to public transportation and to the entire lively City has to offer.

Zamboanga’s Pink Sand Beach

With its uniquely beautiful pink sand, Zamboanga City’s Santa Cruz Island is perhaps one of the country’s best island beach destinations. Indeed, as it makes its case by being the only one of its kind in the Philippines.
From afar, the island’s powdery coastline looks blindingly white. But if you look closely, you’ll see glints of pink, especially where the waves crash into the shore. Locals explain that the island gets its pinkish hue from red organ pipe corals (tubipora musica) which have been pulverized by eons of surf erosion.

Although the island is merely 4 kilometers south of the downtown at the Santa Cruz Bank in the Basilan Strait (about a 15-20 minute boat ride), the place has thankfully remained pristine and well-maintained.
While the nearby Little Santa Cruz Island is kept as a military installation, the Greater Santa Cruz island contains a few covered picnic cottages and bathroom facilities for day-trippers. The island is lushly covered with island vegetation, flowering grass that resembles sea urchins, and a big mangrove-laden lagoon—whose beauty is surpassed only by its picturesque coastline.

With its translucent waters, you will definitely enjoy snorkeling and scuba diving. Its underwater scenery and colorful coral reefs, which are just a few meters away from the shore, are awe-inspiring to say the least.
However, the current in Basilan Strait is quite strong, as it acts as a natural channel between two vast seas (the Sulu Sea and the Celebes Sea), thus swimmers should take precaution.

An interesting aspect of the island is that it contains an old Badjao burial ground beneath a canopy of banyan and frangipani trees. The Sama Badjao, known as “sea gypsies,” believe that the journey continues in the afterlife. Thus, relatives of the departed decorate the tombs with carved vintas or wooden boats. Women from the Badjao Village sell some handicrafts and souvenirs on the island, as well.

Text by Kara Santos

Misibis Bay – The Luxurious Island Getaway

We all dream of whiling our time away in a secluded beach somewhere—away from the stifling conditions of the city. When the drudgery of work has gotten to us, we can’t help but picture ourselves lying in a hammock under the warm sun, looking out to the calm turquoise sea, and sipping our cold tropical drink.

We’ve all daydreamed about getting away from it all, but not all of us have had the luxury of escaping from the daily grind. And no resort could offer a luxurious island getaway experience quite like Misibis Bay.
Located on an unspoiled stretch of beach along the southern tip of Cagraray island in Bacacay, Albay, this breathtaking private tropical sanctuary offers the most exquisite island getaway experience.

Being in a remote island does not mean forgoing modern conveniences. The 37 luxurious, Asian-inspired villas are equipped with a daybed, LCD TV, iPod dock, hot and cold shower, bathtub (except for one Junior Suite Deluxe) down pillows, DVD player, hair dryer, in-room safe, multi-line telephone, refrigerated private bar, tea/coffee maker, and wireless internet access.

Things you can do

Need to get your blood going? Activities in Misibis Bay are limited only by your imagination. You can begin by swimming in its clear, turquoise waters. You can also enjoy a leisurely swim at the infinity pool and the lagoon pool while enjoying the view of the sea. For a more adventurous experience, you can try kayaking, banana boat ride, wind surfing, Hobie Cat sailing, Stand-up Paddle surfing, and jet skiing.
Be spellbound by the marvelous marine life and the awe-inspiring underwater scenery of Albay gulf by snorkeling or
scuba diving.

If you just want to enjoy and have a relaxing time with your friends and family, then you can go on a Sunset Cruise where you can adore the majestic view of Mt. Mayon and explore the nearby islands of Cagraray.

“Land Ahoy!”

Are you a landlubber? There is no shortage of activities for you either. You can go on a Segway ride and explore the vast resort grounds. If you feel safer on four wheels, then you can take an ATV and make your way to the Eco-Energy Park. You can also take a dune buggy and go on a scenic ride around the island.
Need to get those juices flowing? You can try the Zip Line at the Eco-Energy Park. You can get an adrenaline rush while enjoying a picturesque view of the sea.

To fully appreciate what this region has to offer, you go on Special Tours like the City Tour, ATV Tour to the Lava Wall, Whaleshark Interaction Tour, Chopper Tour, Cave Exploration, and Water Falls Exploration.

Truly, Misibis Bay is everything you’ve dreamed of and more. So tarry no longer and head down to the luxury island getaway of your dreams. Go ahead and reward yourself; you deserve it.

Captivating Caramoan

Caramoan is a town located in the easternmost end of the province of Camarines Sur, facing the Pacific Ocean. It is composed of many islands fringed with white sand beaches and limestone cliffs, as well as other attractions which include caves and coral reefs. The relative isolation of this town has contributed to the preservation of its majestic landscape. Thus, tourists flock to the Caramoan peninsula every year, attracted by its unspoiled beauty.

Long before it gained popularity as the location for the hit television show “Survivor,” Caramoan was already being visited by adventurous tourists, both local and foreign. Being isolated from the rest of the Bicol province by steep slopes, tourism in the town is still not as developed and commercialized as that of other popular destinations, allowing for Caramoan to retain its rustic charm.

Island hopping is Caramaon’s primary attraction. You can spend an entire week just by going around its various islands. Not that it would take a lot of time getting from one island to the next, but the pristine white sand beaches will definitely make you while away your time here. You will also feel the urge to go swimming, snorkeling in its crystal clear waters, and climbing the awe-inspiring limestone cliffs.

One of the more popular destinations in Caramoan is Matukad Island. Aside from the stretch of pearly white sand beach on the island, you can also climb the limestone cliff of the island to see the so-called “enchanted lagoon” where a lone milkfish swims. Our friendly guide Joseph told us that no one knows how the milkfish got there, but everyone treats it with respect. Some even say it’s like the guardian of its watery abode.

With its many islands and attractions, captivating Caramoan offers travelers an experience that is worth the long travel and the bumpy roads. Instead of staying in resorts in the town proper, it’s also possible to arrange for camping trips to the different islands and enjoy the isolation from the hustle and bustle of city life and just indulge in nature’s beauty.

Words by Danny Ocampo

Currimao’s Quiet Charm

The day is as gentle as the ocean breeze. Vibrantly-colored fishing boats line the sandy shore. A woman bearing a tub of fish on her head walks by while a boy proudly shows his catch for the day.
The quaint fishing village of Currimao in the province of Ilocos Norte, roughly 465 kilometers northwest of Manila, is an idyllic coastal getaway. On most days, the bustle of activity revolves mostly around fishing. But the resorts along its shore make the place a rich blend of leisure and culture.

One of the premiere resorts in the area is the Balinese-inspired Playa Tropical, an exclusive retreat that evokes exotic beauty and pure relaxation, yet still manages to provide guests with all the charms of Ilocano hospitality through its personable service. Exquisite interiors, classy furniture, and romantic details make Playa Tropical a blissful and relaxing getaway. Charming villas with thatched roofs sit amidst the beautifully landscaped grounds. The resort even has an infinity pool that looks out at the ocean, a perfect setting for witnessing Currimao’s fiery sunsets.

A short walk down the shores of Currimao is Sitio Remedios, a virtual heritage village that reflects the rich culture of Ilocos Norte. The sitio is dedicated to the patron saint of Currimao, St. Michael the Archangel, and to the Lady of Good Voyage, or Nuestra Señora de los Remedios. Sitio Remedios is composed of several vintage-style Ilocano houses surrounding a quaint chapel made of stone and wood. Meanwhile, the rooms are decorated in vintage Ilocano furniture, with old beds, dining tables, and heavy wooden sala sets.

A stay in any of the resorts here will definitely be memorable. It may not be the boisterous party destination that popular beaches have become, but for those seeking a place to get away from it all, Currimao will not disappoint.

Text by Kara Santos

Bohol: An Eco-Cultural Destination

The island province of Bohol, dubbed as the Heart of the Islands, is one of the most popular destinations in the Philippines. Its rich history, colorful culture, and awe-inspiring natural attractions have drawn countless tourists over the years.

Bohol’s Beaches and Beyond

Bohol’s beaches boast of clear waters, colorful coral reefs, and diverse marine life. The coastlines in barangay Tawala, Bolod and Doljo in the island of Panglao, Bohol never fail to amaze and mesmerize guests with their pure white sand beaches.

It also has some of the finest diving spots in the country. Those in the islands of Balicasag, Cabilao, and Pamilacan never fail to enthrall both professional and neophyte divers.
Pamilacan is also great for dolphin and whale watching as it is frequented by these marvelous creatures all year round. At least seven species of these marine mammals have been sighted in the area. The best time to go is at the beginning of March until June or July.

Tarsier

Can you imagine a tiny animal having eyes larger than its brain, and weighing only four to five ounces? That’s the Philippine tarsier, a primate abundant in the island province of Bohol. This fascinating creature can also rotate its head 180 degrees, just like owls. Did you know that they can also leap almost 10 feet from tree to tree? To see them up close, you can go to the town of Corella where an approximately 134-hectare tarsier sanctuary is located.

Chocolate Hills

One thousand two hundred sixty eight (1,268) small and giant hills ranging from 30 to 150 meters high, covered with green grass during the rainy season and then turns brown during the summer like chocolate mounds, have continued to draw and captivate tourists from around the world. The Chocolate Hills in the towns of Carmen, Batuan, and Sagbayan have even been considered as a nominee to be among the seven wonders of nature. Carmen and Sagbayan are the two areas where tourists can enjoy the view of the hills up close, with varied delightful activities at the top of the hill.

Bol-anon Heritage

Abounding with century-old churches, ancestral houses, and other historic sites, the early Spanish settlement in Bohol is clearly evident on these domains of the Bol-anons. Tourists passing through the countryside can immediately see these historic monuments as they travel along the province.

Centuries-old churches are definitely a must-visit as these historic edifices provide a glimpse of Bohol’s storied past. Some of these include St. Joseph’s Church in the capital city, Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception in Baclayon, San Vicente Ferrer in Calape, and the Nuestra Seňora de la Luz in Loon.

There are many other structures in Bohol which have been around since the 1800s. Among them are the watchtowers in Panglao and Punta Cruz, the Ermita Ruins, Casa Rocha-Suarez in Sitio Ubos, and the Clarin Ancestral House in the town of Loay.

No doubt Bohol makes for an interesting and enjoyable visit because of its many attractions: natural wonders, interesting fauna, historic sites, and most importantly, its wonderful people the Bol-anons.

Tagaytay : Dream Wedding Destination

With its picturesque landscapes and cool mountain breeze, the romantic city of Tagaytay is one of the most popular wedding destinations in the Philippines.

Aside from being a popular weekend haunt due to its relative proximity to the capital city of Manila, this component city in the province of Cavite boasts of a cooler climate due to its high altitude and beautiful scenery.
Tagaytay overlooks the iconic Taal Volcano, sitting in the middle of Taal Lake in Batangas. On clear days, the volcano is viewable from several vantage points in the city, making it a dreamy backdrop for wedding and pre-nuptial photography.

Tagaytay is about 55 kilometers away from Manila via the Aguinaldo Highway, making it an easy drive for urbanites looking for a place to cool down. Because the heat in Manila can get searing especially during summer months, Tagaytay’s cooler climate makes it an ideal wedding venue. It is also home to a number of charming countryside churches and chapels that are perfect for intimate weddings.

Some of the more popular churches in Tagaytay include Chapel on the Hill (Don Bosco Batulao) with its wooden dome ceiling, Madre de Dios Chapel in Tagaytay Highlands, San Antonio ng Padua Church, and Our Lady of Lourdes Parish. The Transfiguration Chapel (Calaruega), a quaint church made of bricks situated in a lush garden, is one of the most sought-after wedding churches in the country.

A number of resorts in Tagaytay have cropped up as well to cater to wedding receptions for couples. Taal Vista, which offers a panoramic view of the famous Taal Volcano, is one of the most popular reception venues. Hillcreek Gardens Tagaytay has picturesque gardens for dreamy garden receptions.

From charming garden venues to elegant ballrooms, couples are sure to find the perfect wedding reception to suit their tastes and budget in Tagaytay.

By Kara Santos

Calatagan – Batangas’ Small Jewel

Tucked away in a small corner of Batangas, south of Metro Manila, is a gem of a long expanse of beach in the rustic town of Calatagan. A balance of the old and the new, Calatagan boasts of both popular vacation resorts and stretches of virgin beaches.

For those who wish for some downtime but don’t want to give up the comfort and convenience of modern amenities, Calatagan is home to leisure sites such as Banak House Calatagan, Ronco Beach Resort, Playa Calatagan, Golden Sunset Resort, and wakeboarding park Lago de Oro.

On the other hand, time seems to stand still in the undeveloped areas—truly a haven for those looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life and go back to the bare essentials. Teeming with rich marine life, it is a well-liked destination for zoology class field trips.

Calatagan also has something for those interested in culture and history. Said to be the oldest structure in town, Calatagan’s lighthouse, also known as Punta de Santiago or Faro de Punta Santiago, has withstood centuries of typhoons and earthquakes. It also stood witness to the Spanish, American, and Japanese wars.

The lighthouse’s tower features a unique round architecture, is coated with white paint, and remains functional to this day. Just over two hours away from Manila, Calatagan is the ideal destination for a quick weekend getaway.

By Ria Santos Natividad