A-MAZE-ing Sunflower: Get Lost and Have Fun | Tayug, Pangasinan

A-MAZE-ing... 

This has been the famous post lately in social media particularly in Facebook and Instagram. They are referring to the first ever (and probably the only) sunflower maze in the Philippines.

Arial view of the sunflower maze. [Credit to the owner of the photos]

A-MAZE-ing Sunflower, located in Barangay C. Lichauco in the humble town of Tayug in Eastern Pangasinan, is a masterpiece in agricultural landscape unveiled last February 15, 2017. It is owned and managed by Allied Botanical Corporation (ABC), the only 100% Filipino Seed Company that has its own research and breeding facility. The giant sunflower maze occupying the 2,100 sq.m. of the 3-hectare demonstration farm and composed of around 8,000 sunflower plants is part of ABC’s effort in promoting sunflower as one of the high-value flowers that growers can profit from.

Sunflower or Helianthus is one of the most popular flowers in the world. It can grow up to 1.8 meters (or 6ft) tall. During growth, sunflowers tilt during the day to face the sun, but stop once they begin blooming. This tracking of the sun in young sunflower heads is called heliotropism. By the time they are mature, sunflowers generally face east. (Wikipedia)

GET LOST AND HAVE FUN!

The maze, which is the main attraction of the farm was designed by landscape artist Toni Rivera. The pathways are wide enough to fit four people walking side by side. There were no obstacles in the maze, of course, so it's safe for everyone. It's just that, if you were not able to take the right path to the exit, you will get lost in the middle. This is normal for first-timers. But don't worry, getting lost in the maze is part of the adventure. Take it as a challenge and try to search the path that will lead you to the maze's "secret gardens". Three of the dead-ends are "secret gardens". These gardens, offer selfie/groufie-perfect backgrounds and resting place where you can think and try to figure-out how you can exit.

1. The Pallet Garden

This garden can be booked and rented for photo-shooting.  

2. The Garden Set

2. The Comfort Zone

Tourists can also get some ideas on how junk things like drums, tires, sprinklers, cabinet drawers, chairs, farm boots or even toilets are turned into pots and adorned with plants. The old Ford truck of ABC founder Willy Co planted with different edible and ornamental plants will be greeting you as you enter the maze. 

Aside from sunflowers, the farm also showcase different kinds of ornamental plants and vegetables. There are more than 500 varieties of vegetables that are planted in the vegetables farm, just beside the maze. A watermelon, melon and sweet corn farm is also located near the maze. Visitors can pick vegetables, melons or sweet corn from the farm and pay accordingly. Seeds and seedlings of many kinds are also available for sale for those who are planning to put up their own farms or gardens. 

TRAVEL ESSENTIALS:

1. ABC's Annual Open Days is from February 17-May 17, 2017 only. The  first bloom of sunflowers will last until Feb. 27, 2017. Effective Feb. 28, the Sunflower Maze will be temporarily closed due to slight damages caused by heavy foot traffic and withering of sunflowers. The next bloom is expected on the 3rd week of March and it will be open again for tourists. However, the vegetables garden will be open for visitors.

2. The farm is open from 7:00 am to 5:00pm

3. There is a Registration/Entrance Fee of P100.00 for regular visitors while P80.00 for Senior Citizens, Students and Persons with Disabilities. Senior citizens and students must present their valid IDs to avail of the discounted fee.

4. Don't forget to apply sunblock/sunscreen lotions or wear sun protect gears. The plants needs direct exposure from the sunlight so expect harsh heat from the sun.

5. Comfort/Rest Rooms are available at the ABC or Allied Agro Building, near the registration area.

6. Food carts and booths are available near the farm, so don't you need not to worry about it.

7. PLEASE FOLLOW THE RULES. Do not pick flowers, or step into the plants.

8. Do not forget to bring your cameras. The farm is really picturesque.

9. Take nothing but pictures. Kill nothing but time. Leave nothing but footprints.

With today's influential Facebook and Instagram, A-MAZE-ing Sunflower has caught the attention of thousands of tourists and since its launched, around 1,500 visitors flock to see this Sunflower maze per day. 

Agri-tourism is now a booming industry in our country, and A-Maze-ing Sunflower is an accredited tourist spot by DOT as a Day Farm. 

How to get to Sunflower Maze

The farm is located in Barangay C. Lichauco, Tayug, Pangasinan. For commuters, tricycle ride costs P120.00 per trip. For me, this is overpriced. I don't know if this is the approved  fare matrix or if the local government of Tayug knows about it. 

Date of Experience: February 23, 2017

Semptember is Pangasinan Tourism Month

(Credits: roamulofied.wordpress.com for the Agno Umbrella Rock)

In line with its aim of promoting Pangasinan to be Number 1, not only in Tourism but in all aspects, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan officially declared the month of September as Pangasinan Tourism Month.

Authored by Vice Governor Ferdinand Z. Calimlim Jr, this has been approved under Provincial Resolution No. 743-2014 declaring the month of September of every year as "Pangasinan Tourism Month" last September 1, 2014.  This is also in support of the observance of the World Tourism Day celebrated every 27th day of September as declared by the United Nations World Tourism Organizattion (UNWTO) and the observance of the National Tourism Week every last week of September as declared by Presidential Proclamation No. 894 dated October 3, 1996.

With the concerted efforts of the Pangasinenses, the Local Government particularly the Tourism Operations Division headed by Chief Maria Luisa A. Elduayan and investors, Pangasinan Tourism has been continuously growing. More and more tourists flock to the province every year to enjoy its pristine beaches and other natural wonders, historical heritage sites, religious centers, festivals, local cuisines and the warm welcoming Pangasinenses.  

The Vice Governor said that this declaration will help the aggressive efforts of Governor Amado T. Espino Jr. in promoting Pangasinan as a choice tourist destination and a venue for conventions, conferences, sports activities and other national as well as international events.

List of destinations in Pangasinan:

Alaminos City
       Hundred Islands National Park
       Cuenco & Cathedral Caves

Agno
      Umbrella Rock

Anda
       Tondol Beach
       Tandoyong & Cory Islands

Balungao
      Mt. Balungao Hot & Cold Spring
      Balungao Hilltop Adventure

Bani
       Balingawa Falls
       Surip Beach
       Surip Redeemer's Way of the Cross
       Nalsoc & Ambet Cave
   
Bolinao
      Patar Beach
      Cape Bolinao Lighthouse
      Enchanted Cave, Wonderful Cave, Cindy's Cave
      Bolinao Falls
      Bolinao Catholic Church (one of the oldest Churches in the province)
      Bolinao National Museum
      UP Marine Science Institute
      Balingasay River

Bugallon
     Mt. Zion  Pilgrim Mountain

Burgos
      Cabongaoan Beach

Dagupan City
      Bonuan Blue Beach
      Bangus Festival
      Dawel River Cruise

Dasol
      Tambobong White Sand Beach
      Colibra or Culebra Island
      Salt Making Site

Calasiao
     Sts. Peter & Paul Church
     Puto Festival

Lingayen
     Pangasinan Capitol Building
     Lingayen Gulf Beach
     War Veteran's Memorial Park

Mabini
    Mabini Caves System

Manaoag
     Minor Basilica of Our Lady of Manaoag

Mangatarem
    Malabobo Mountain & Manleluag Spring Protected Landscape

Natividad
     Burayoc Falls

Rosales
     Acop Dam Eco-Park
     Our Lady of Rosales Grotto

San Manuel
    Butao Spring
    San Roque Multi-Purpose Dam

San Quintin
   Caraballo Spring

Sison
    Antong Falls

Sual
    Sual Coal-Fired Power Plant
    Cabalitian Island

(This list is subject to change and update)


Come and rediscover Pangasinan..

Reference: Pangasinan Official Website

WoW Minalungao: A Best Kept Treasure ~ NUEVA ECIJA

Aside from green fields, rich culture and friendly people, Nueva Ecija is home to one of the nature’s magnificent forms – the Minalungao National Park located in Barangay Pias, General Tinio. It was declared a National Park in 1967. 

The emergence of this unique landscape is a marvel to an onlooker. Two huge couple rocks with exquisite forms serve as refuge of crystal green water that runs serenely in the middle, offering not only a breathtaking view but also a perfect weekend getaway for family and friends.

The water is very clean and fresh

Visitors may fully enjoy this captivating view while traversing the river with bamboo rafts readily available from the locals. Boatmen (mostly children) will be glad to take visitors to a tour inside the dim-lighted cave and the 1,000 steps hike to a large cross atop the mountain. 

Here shows the boy pushing the paddle to propel the bamboo raft while his partners are pulling the rope connected to the raft. Photo Credit: Arlyn Bautista

Rents for bamboo rafts with cottage for one day usually ranges from P1,000.00 to P1,500.00 depending on the season. Maybe we are good enough to negotiate because we were able to bargained it to P700. 00. This can carry 8-10 persons. We are also lucky because we're the first visitors to enter the place so we were able to choose a good area to park our floating cottage. Cooking and grilling is allowed in the area, but you should be responsible with your garbage as they are strictly implementing CLAYGO (CLean As You GO) Policy. This is of course part of the Local Government of General Tinio's campaign is preserving Minalungao's natural beauty.

When we finally parked our floating cottage, we then planned our activities. And we wrapped up with this schedule:

       TIME                                 ACTIVITY                       
09:30-11:00am     food preparation (we already have cooked rice, chicken adobo & hotdog)
11:00-12:00nn      brunch (as we only ate egg sandwich & hotdog for breakfast on the way)
12:00-12:30nn      swimming
12:30-01:30pm     cave tour/swimming
01:30-03:30pm     hike of 1000 steps to see the cross atop the mountain
03:30-05:00pm     snacks/swimming
05:00-05:30pm     prepare to leave/change clothes
05:30pm               departure

Note: We arrived at the park at 9:00 am.

During peak season, the place is really jam-packed. So if you came late, rafts with cottage (or floating cottage) may have all been taken. The least thing you can do is to get one from the cottages lined-up near the shore of the oval-shaped portion of the park. Don't worry, it's not the catch basin of the river  (smiley). Water still flows somewhere. Rent for a non-floating cottage ranges from P300.00 to P500.00.

This is LIFE! The peaceful surroundings, the water, the bamboo raft with cottage and the extravagant meal that we shared really made our trip a blast. It was one of the best meals that we had.

Finished with the sumptuous meal, we dunk ourselves to the cool (and warm on some parts) fresh water and had so much fun.

Oh, that's me - trying to run the raft by myself but my friends are stopping me.. 

Stroll Around and Be Amazed

After cooling our bodies, we continued with our exploration. Next Activity: Seeing the enchanting cave. There are two ways to reach the cave: 1) ride a raft or 2) walk at the side of the lime stones. In our case, we chose to ride another raft as it was explained to us that this will cut our hike to the cave.

For the more adventurous kind, you may try the 2nd option but you have to be extra careful in passing through as the sides of the rock formation is slippery and sharp on some parts.

Locals made this bamboo makeshift bridge to make the hike safe specially on sharp edges.

The Enchanting Cave

Minalungao, according to the locals, got its name from two words: “mina” and “lungao” which literally mean “mine of gold in the caves”. However, the place is now a restricted area for mining to protect its natural being.





Trek to a bumpy and slippery trail to see the cave which locals believe the protectors of the area lives in.

Aside from camera flashes, be sure you have flash light as the cave is really dim. WATCH YOUR STEPS. Be extra careful when touring the cave as some parts are slippery.

The cave has many passageways so it is advisable to have a tour guide when you enter it. Inside the cave are limestone formations good enough to delight visitors and of course the cool ambiance that will reward you after the trek.

The boy is showing us the limestone that shines when exposed to light or camera flash.

ALAS, we found the light.

And we did it! Before proceeding to our next destination, we explore the rest of the surroundings and had fun, fun & fun..

1,000 steps, 1,000 more FUN!

1,000 steps? Who would care to count if it is really 1,000, less or more, when you know the best way to kill boredom is throw jokes with your friends or just simply appreciate the surroundings? 

After touring the cave, we proceeded to its couple rock for the 1,000 steps hike leading to a large cross standing atop the mountain. Locals made the hike easy for visitors as concrete steps were already built. Verdant surroundings will surely adore your way to the top.

Some people are really expressive of how they are feeling, but this writing is of no help to anyone aiming to reach the top without getting tired. Shame on you kind fella!

It is fulfilling when you reached the top as the large cross seems so happy that you made it. The cross has been built by the locals in keeping with their promise to take good care of this wonderful gift.

Be amazed with the panoramic view of the Sierra Madre Mountain Range and the lush greenery of the province.

How did we Get There?

Getting there is actually very easy, but for first timers like us, of course it wasn't that easy. None of us knew how to get there and we just followed directions from Google Map. In fact, we were lost. The good thing is that, the person we asked directions from is very kind and accommodating (ow sad, I forgot the name). According to him, they (the whole family) are actually going to Minalungao that time, so he let his son rode with us and guided us on our way.

Special thanks to Mr. Dave Macariola, Gen. Tinio’s Municipal Tourism Officer who gave directions, tips and other information we needed through phone calls and sms. Of course we will not forget our bangkeros who also served as our tour guides: Manong Tacio and our four adings (kids). Cheers to the good and very accommodating people of Gen. Tinio!

By the way, here’s how we got there. We are from Urdaneta and we opted to hire a vehicle. Since we have read a lot of comments that the road going to Minalungao is really rough and bumpy, we decided take a jeepney instead of a closed van. And so we had Manong Jun Dyip (tagalog of Jeep). From Urdaneta, we took the Mc Arthur Highway going to Gerona (Tarlac). Before reaching Isdaan Restaurant, we turned left and passed by the Municipalities of Victoria & La Paz (Tarlac). We reached the jurisdiction of the province of Nueva Ecija and continued our way and passed by the Municipalities of Zaragoza, Santa Rosa, San Leonardo and the City of Gapan. From Gapan City, Minalungao is about 45 to 60 minutes. We drove ahead to Tinio St, Penaranda and reached the Municipality of General Tinio. Take note that Gen. Tinio is formerly known Papaya, so don’t be confused if you see Papaya signage as people are still used of using the former name. Then we reached Brgy. Pias, turned left and straight to the bumpy and rough Minalungao Trail until we reached the site.

It took us almost 4 hours to reach Minalungao, but the long and bumpy travel is all worth it. 

Printed route from Google Map that served as our guide. 2&3) Stop and Ask-as we felt we are lost. 4,5&6) The development of the bumpy and dusty road. It is good to see that the road is now being constructed and if I am right, up to this writing, the road going to the park is about 60% concrete. If this has been completed, it will shorten the travel time. During rainy days, one must expect muddy way.

1)      That’s Lady and Pam grilling pork and milkfish. 2) Raft riding is Fun. 3) Yellow & Blue. 4) At early age, these kids are being taught to be a good sailor. 5) It’s time to go.

With its distinct features, Minalungao is definitely a sight to behold. That is why it is hard to think and believe that for many years, it remains unknown to many and is yet to divulge from the probing eyes of backpackers from the city. For its own reason, this have been propitious to the park for its restoration for such a wonderful place worthy to keep for the next generation to see.

Date of Experience: April 14, 2013
With Pamela Mallorca, Sheryl Lorenzo, Anthony Lorenzo, Arlyn Bautista, Aileen Columbino, Jenny Lim & Lady Lutrania

Our Lady of Namacpacan: The Queen Found Her Home ~ LA UNION

Enshrined at the century-old church of St. Catherine of Alexandria Parish or commonly called Namacpacan Church in the Municipality of Luna in La Union, the Our Lady of Namacpacan, the Patroness of the Ilokano travelers, is one of the much-celebrated Marian images in the Philippines. Miraculous stories enfold the Lady of Namacpacan which the townspeople regarded as "Apo Baket" because she appeared to them as an elder woman that offers them food and inviting them to pray and be baptized. "Apo Baket" is how the people call the elderly woman as a sign of respect. 

The Queen Found Her Home

In 1871, a strong catastrophe forced a ship carrying the wooden image of the Blessed Virgin Mary to find temporary shelter at Darigayos Cove, the original site of the Church. The said image was ordered from Spain by an Augustinian priest for Immaculate Conception Seminary in Vigan. When the sea was calm, the ship resumed its journey but strong winds forced them to return to the port of Darigayos. The captain of the ship decided to send the image by land and it was temporarily placed in the church's convent. The next morning when the trip was about to commence, men could not lift the image from the place where it stood. Father Camilo Naves, an Augustinian priest, interpreted the incident that the image of the Virgin Mary wished to be enshrined in the town of Namacpacan so they requested to the Augustinian priest who ordered it to let the image stay in the town.

Upon agreement of reimbursing the expenses incurred during the journey, the image of the Blessed Virgin Mary was given to the town of Namacpacan. The people welcomed the Virgin Mary with feasting and it was venerated as the Our Lady of Namacpacan.

A widely known miracle attributed to the Lady of Namacpacan was shortly before the death of Pope Pius XII, he saw Our Lady of Namacpacan in his dream. He asked the where Namacpacan was. Unfortunately, no one knew the existence of that place. The answer was only revealed after the pope's death, when the request for canonization was raised by the local church to the Vatican.

Our Lady of Namacpacan was canonically crowned on November 24, 1959 through a special decree issued by Pope John XXIII through Apostollic Nuncio to the Philippines Salvatore Siino.

The Our Lady of Namacpacan, located at the right side at the northern part of the church, standing 6 feet 4 inches (1.92 m) tall, is the tallest-known Marian image in the Philippines.

An Architectural Gem

The Shrine showcases splendid white, pale gray and light blue facade with its original walls composed of bricks and stones almost completely preserved. It is classified as an Earthquake Baroque church with unique thick step buttresses that leads up to the roof. Its 1872 white and yellow facade falls under the Baroque style with the presence of rounded pediments. Three sets of two pairs of engaged columns and two sets of single columns along with twin belfries adorning the façade.A wooden altar, Spanish-era stone pulpit and a wood relief of the Baptism of Christ, probably polychromed, can be found inside the church. 

The buttress that keep supports the Church from earthquakes

It also has a thick and unique gate with statue of re-enactment of the crowning of the Our Lady of Namacpacan on its roofing. 

Namacpacan Church was also declared a National Cultural Treasure by the National Museum of the Philippines in 2001. 

Important Dates and Events

Early 1587 : Namacpacan, a settlement, was a visita of Purao.

November 25, 1690 : Namacpacan was declared a town with St. Catherine of Alexandria as its Patroness. The original site of the town was in Darigayos but was transferred to its present location in 1741.

1773 : The church made of bamboo and wood with thatched roof was destroyed

1786 : A new stone and brick church and convent was built

1871: A storm forced a ship bringing an image of the Blessed Virgin Mary to Vigan, Ilocos Sur to seek shelter at Darigayos. Our Lady chose to stay and later became known as “Our Lady of Namacpacan”.

Part of the church damaged by strong earthquake was repaired.

October 18, 1906 : Namacpacan was renamed “Luna”. Our Lady of Namacpacan  retained its named.

November 24, 1959 : Our Lady was canonically crowned as the “Immaculate Conception of Our Lady of Namacpacan”

1997-2001 : The church underwent extensive repairs and restoration

November 24, 2001 : The church was renovated, reblessed and rededicated, and 1959 coronation of Our Lady was re-enacted.

Museo de Namacpacan

credits: commons.wikimedia,org

Located beside the church is the Museo de Nuestra Senora de Namacpacan that houses the different capes and attires worn by Apo Baket since its arrival in 1871. Other artifacts and religious relics and articles are also exhibited in the museum. There is also a religious store infront of the museum were devotees and tourist can shop for religious articles and souvenirs. 

How to Get There

In its Welcome to Luna Arch, it proudly say "The Shrine of Our Lady of Namacpacan"

Luna is approximately 297 kms away from Manila and about 6 and a half hour driving (own vehicle) via the Bacnotan-Luna-Balaoan Provincial Road. 

For commuters coming from Manila, drop off point will be at Balaoan town crossing and make an arranged trip with tricycles that ply anytime of the day. Jeepneys located near the San Fernando City Public Market serve commuters as early as 6 am until 7 in the evening.

References: WIKIPEDIA,  WIKIPILIPINAS, Luna Tourism Brochure

See also: DISCOVERING THE TREASURES OF LUNA