Cape Bolinao Lighthouse ~ PANGASINAN

Lighthouses in the Philippines are now becoming popular tourists attractions. These structures are strategically constructed on a high point of coastal areas that mark dangerous coastlines, hazardous shoals, reefs, safe entries to harbors, and can also assist in aerial navigation. 

Standing at 351 feet above sea level atop Punta Piedra Point, a towering hill of solid rock which is the sharp point of Cape Bolinao itself, the Cape Bolinao Lighthouse is one of the tallest and most visited lighthouses in the Philippines. It was  built in 1905 by Filipino, British and American engineers.

The lighthouse's winding stairway has 6 platforms with 20 steps or rungs for a total of 120 steps plus 14 more to the illumination room, or an over-all total of 134 steps. 

Ruins of barracks of personnel manning the lighthouse and fenced solar panels are located near the base of the lighthouse. The lighthouse have been closed to tourists since April, 2012 due to structure condition. Philstar.com reports that "The lighthouse has been slated for conservation, with a P19-million budget from the government. The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), the sole owner of the lighthouse under the Adopt-A-Lighthouse Program, has joined hands with the municipality of Bolinao to improve and conserve the lighthouse. The PCG will be responsible in maintaining the equipment, and Bolinao town, in preserving the lighthouse and its environs." Read more about this report, CLICK HERE!

Let us hope that the restoration of the lighthouse be implemented the soonest possible time for tourists to experience climbing  it. 

Credits: Wikipedia, Philstar.com

A Refreshing Plunge at Ditumabo Mother Falls ~ AURORA

The province of Aurora being one of the coastal provinces of the Philippines bordering the world's largest ocean, the Pacific, is truly blessed with natural resources. Yes, travel to Aurora and you'll never run out of things to explore - its beaches considered a haven for surfing enthusiasts, its coves, historical sites, food and the warm welcoming people - there is so much more waiting to be discovered within. Certainly, a 2-day or 3-day stay may not be enough for you to spoil yourself and fully enjoy the sceneries and activities the province has to offer.. 

After our encounter with the 6-century old Balete Tree, we continue the Day 1 of our 2-day Aurora trip to San Luis, a neighboring town of Baler to see the Ditumabo Mother Falls located in Barangay Ditumabo. This was our first trip to Aurora and we had this trip is for a very good reason.. ;). We learned from some blogs and other friends who have visited Aurora already that for you to see the falls, you need to trek for about 30-45 minutes.

From the national road where 4-wheel vehicles are being parked, you need to ride a tricycle and pay P100.00 for 3 persons for one way (another P100.00 back as the driver will wait for you). You may also opt to start the trekking from the national road, but i tell you if you're not into trekking this will not be easy for you as it would take you an hour or more to reach the falls. 

Tricycles park near the San Luis Hydro-Electric Power Plant. It's a small plant so you may not notice it and you may think its a small warehouse.. ;) From there, you will be crossing the first makeshift bamboo bridge and need to register at one of the cottages beside the mini power plant. The falls is still 1.3 kilometers from the registration area.

1) Tricycle ride from the national road to the power plant. 2) A sign-board at the registration area. 3) Lush greenery will be adorning your way as you take the trail going to the falls. Highly noticeable along the way is the long metal pipeline constructed for the hydro-electric power plant. This will also serve as your guide  to the falls as the main source of power plant is the Ditumabo Falls. 4) One of so many stores you will pass through that sells food and drink.    

(Photo Credits: Derrick Murillo/Travel North)

(Photo Credits: Derrick Murillo/Travel North)

Your adventure to Ditumabo Falls actually starts when you reach this point. Here you will be paying the entrance fee of P10/head and will be asked to eat or leave your "baon". Yes, they do not allow bringing any kind of food to the falls. Water is allowed of course, but they will label your bottles with your name and will remind you not to through garbage on the falls. This is good by the way. At least they have a way of protecting the mother nature. There's also a comfort room in the site for your immediate need. 

The three makeshift bamboo bridges you will be passing. In one of these bridges (2nd picture), they will ask you for a donation.  

They said crossing these bridges is part of the adventure.. But hey! They actually makes the trekking easier. Notice that these bridges are constructed in clear areas where you can cross the river with less effort? One of the hardest parts of the trekking is crossing the river with big rocks where the current is strong and you really need to battle against the hurrying cold water coming from the falls.

GO BLUE TEAM!

Oh by the way, there will be a local tourguide that will be assigned to you after paying. The tourguide will assist you in crossing the river and will look after you when you reach the falls. Any amount you want to give as "tip" will be greatly appreciated. 

The trekking will get easy when you reach this point - a concrete pathway that leads to a dam constructed for the hydro-electric power plant. This is the path they refer to as the "Temple Run Path"  with rocks and flowing water on the side and wall covered with moss of some variety of ferns and wild banyans on the other side. 

A small waterfalls and a small dam will welcome you before you see the grandeur of Ditumabo Falls. It seems that the falls settled on a small cove to protect itself and remind the people to take good care of her.

Nestled at the foot of Sierra Madre Mountain Range, the Dimatubo Falls or commonly called Ditumabo Mother Falls, as the name suggests is the grandest and biggest waterfalls in Aurora. With a height of around 140 feet, the very cold water cascades freely into a wide basin that formed a natural pool where tourists can plunge into and enjoy.

A thick green forest carpeting the big lump of rocks surround the falls add to its majestic beauty. It is a spectacle sight after a tiring trek and a dip into its cold water is a refreshing reward. 

(Photo Credits: Derrick Murillo/Travel North)

Of course we won't let the opportunity pass without experiencing its cold water. So after taking some pictures, we dunked ourselves immediately before the natural pool gets crowded as we noticed more and more tourists are coming in. It is not advisable to get near the main drop because of the strong current. After a few minutes of swimming and posing for some souvenir photos we decided to get out of the water and head on our way down..   

This is a camera trick only using panoramic setting. I don't know how this happened but looks cool, right?

The construction of the dam that supplies water to San Luis Hydro-Electric Power Plant is not in any way a disturbance to the falls' splendid beauty but a a good example that we can be modernized without destroying the gift and work of nature. On a positive note, the plant supplies enough energy that their community needs and at the same time decreases the greenhouse effect.

So far, this is the biggest waterfalls I've seen and visited. I am greatly impressed with how the place have been maintained. The trail is very clean, wide and flanked with lush greenery. The flowing water coming from the falls, although in some parts is a test on your stamina, adds to your excitement to see the falls. Here, you can really feel at close with mother nature and indulge as it soothes your battered body and soul.

Ditumabo Mother Falls is a must-see tourist attraction in Aurora. It is a gift worthy to keep for the next generation to see and experience..

Credits: Travel North, our travel partner

Date of Experience: January 3, 2015
With: Sheryl Lorenzo, Anthony Lorenzo, Diony Castro, Lady Obra, Jerry Obra, Leo Salazar, Arlyn Bautista , Aileen Columbino, Pamela Mallorca, Derrick Murillo & Chris Agas

Exploring the Largest Balete Tree in Asia ~ AURORA

Towering at about 60 meters or 200 feet+ tall, this balete tree located in Brgy. Quirino, in the town of Maria Aurora, Aurora is claimed to be the largest of its kind in Asia. This tree has been growing for more that 600 years and was designated as the official "Millennium Tree of the Philippines". It has also become one of the most visited sites in the province of Aurora.  

The tree grows on a private property. And since it has become popular, the site has now been converted into a park. There is an entrance fee of P10/head that goes to the maintenance of the place. 

While the local folklore says that in some areas of the country, some people believe that balete trees are dwelling places for supernatural beings like kapre or tikbalang, this Balete tree also holds a story that makes it more enchanting. According to legend that has been passed to several generations, the owner wanted to remove the tree with a bulldozer but before they can even proceed with the plan, a family member got sick as well as the operator. So he just left the tree alone and let it grow. Well, I'm sure these stories will only add to your excitement to see the Millennium Tree.

Because of its age, the tree's thick roots have grown above the ground and have formed various sections where persons can enter. Yes, if you are brave enough, you can enter or even climb its trunk.

Oh yes, we braved the balete tree. We climbed, entered and posed with its gigantic roots and trunks like we never know (I actually don't, until this writing where I've done several research about balete trees)  the true nature of this kind of tree known as strangler figs wherein they start upon other tress, later entrapping them entirely and finally killing the host tree. Yes, we survived! Haha.. Well, that is impossible to happen for a few minutes that we climbed and got inside the tree. That only happens in a horror movie. For we only did that for these photographs and experience. LoL! Oh, by the way, thanks to my friend Derrick for the photos while we were climbing the tree. He is the owner of Travel North, our partner for this trip.. ;)

And we tried encircling its trunk. Looks like we almost covered it, yet we're only10, right?
Well that's only a camera effect. 

Because of its thick roots that combined to its trunk, about 10 meters (33 ft) to 15 meters (49 ft) in diameter, it would take 50-60 grown men holding one another at arm's length to encircle it. There are also young local tourguides in the area. They would invite you to climb the tree or explore what's inside it. In our case, we were done climbing when he offered us to enter the trunk. He also took some photos of us inside and made some camera tricks including the panoramic shot where three scenes were captured in only one shot. He gave us instructions what to do as if he's directing us. We followed the instructions and we were all amazed with the result. So how do you find it? Great, isn't? haha.. Any amount you could give will be greatly appreciated. 

Since the Balete Park is our first stop, and we arrived at around 7:00 in the morning, we looked for some tummy-fillers in this Carinderia and had our breakfast there.  Honestly, I was surprised when I learned they sell products you usually see in a sari-sari store at a higher price. Well, we  have no choice. Since the tree is in a private property, this is the only carinderia you will see in the vicinity. They also sell Aurora's must-try products like suman, suka, bukayo and other kakanin cooked with coconut milk or "gata" since Aurora is known for coconut farming. This also serves as the information area and where you will pay the entrance fee. There are also comfort rooms in a separate building so you do have to worry when you need to unload.

After finishing our breakfast, we took another group picture with the Millennium Tree and the head on to our next destination - The Mother Falls..

Credits:
Wikipedia
Discover Aurora Philippines
Travel North

Date of Experience: January 3, 2015
With: Sheryl Lorenzo, Anthony Lorenzo, Diony Castro, Lady Obra, Jerry Obra, Leo Salazar, Arlyn Bautista , Aileen Columbino, Pamela Mallorca, Derrick Murillo & Chris Agas

TPLEX: The Getaway to the North

(Photo Credit: philstar.com)

Tarlac–Pangasinan–La Union Expressway or commonly known TPLEx is an 88.58-kilometer four-lane expressway currently under contruction (portion is now open for motorists) north of Manila connecting Central to Northern Luzon extending from Tarlac to Rosario, La Union. Its southernmost terminal is located inTarlac City, Tarlac. It is the Phase 2 of the North Luzon West Expressway and also the extension of North Luzon Expressway (NLEx) and Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway.

The project was divided into 3 sections and 8 segments. The construction begun in 2010. As of December 20,2014, the project was at 65% completion with the opening of the 6th segment, Carmen-Urdaneta.  The 3rd section of this project is eyed to open on the 4th quarter of 2015.

TPLEX aims to help decongest traffic in Northern Luzon particularly in the Mc Arthur Highway and would shorten the trip to Baguio City by 40-60 minutes. 

(Credit to the owner of the photo,
grabbed from google images)

 Extension to Laoag

On June 11, 2013 at the Annuan Stockholders Meeting of San Miguel Corporation, its Chairman, Eduardo Cojuangco Jr. revealed plans of extending the expressway north to Laoag, Ilocos Norte. He said that extension  of the toll road business to Laoag has been raised during the Arroyo Administration.

Well this is a very good news to everybody, especially to tourists who are planning to visit VIGAN CITY, one of the New Seven Wonder Cities of the World and other tourist destinations in Ilocos region. 


Credits:  Wikipedia, philstar.com, google images

Pope Francis in the Hearts of Filipino People

Imagine the world without the Filipinos - the talents, the personality, the warmth of smiles and most especially the strong faith in God. Yes, the faith that not even a typhoon or bad weather condition can destroy and stop millions of Filipino people eager to see the Most Holy Father, Pope Francis during his 5-day Papal Visit to the Philippines.

The Pope of the People

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936 in Buenos Aires, Argentina, is the 266th leader of the Roman Catholic Church succeeding Pope Benedict XVI after his resignation due to health conditions. After a papal conclave he was officially announced as the new Pope on March 13, 2013. He is the first Jesuit pope, the first from the Americas, the first from the Southern Hemisphere and the first non-European pope since the Syrian Gregory III in 741.

He chose "Francis" as his papal name in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi. Just like St. Francis of Assisi, he is well known for being very down-to-earth and with high regards to the poor, the sick and the children expressing his love and care by spontaneously kissing and hugging them and praying for them. 

The "Pope Francis Effect"

A lot of people say that the moment they encounter Pope Francis, they see Jesus in him. It is his sweet smile, pleasant aura and humbleness that made the Filipinos fall in love him even more.

Thousands to Millions of Filipinos have flocked together to see Pope Francis from the time he landed to Villamor Airbase, on his way to the Apostolic Nunciature, and even attended the Holy Mass in held Manila Cathedral, Tacloban Airport and in Quirino Granstand, in Manila. 

Filipinos proved their love to the pope and faith as they patiently waited for him amidst the bad weather condition in Leyte brought by the typhoon Amang on January 17, 2015 . It was actually in solidarity with the victims of super typhoon Yolanda that the Pope visited the Philippines. While the Holy Mass is being celebrated, strong winds and rain transpired that even the Pope experienced. According to some reports, it was the first time the highest leader of the Roman Catholic Church held a mass in an open area in the middle of a catastrophe and wearing a yellow raincoat, same raincoat the audience in wearing.

Pope Francis as he greets and blesses the Yolanda survivors. (Photo credits: ph.news.yahoo.com)

During his homily, Pope Francis opted to "speak from his heart" using his own language, Latin, rather than read his prepared message written in English. So he spoke to the people through a very good interpreter.

“I’d like to tell you something close to my heart. When I saw from Rome the catastrophe, I felt that I had to be here, and on those very days I decided to come here. I am here to be with you. And though late, I have to say, I am here. I come to tell you that Jesus is Lord. and He never lets us down”. This was Pope Francis' heartfelt message to the survivors and victims of the super typhoon Yolanda that somehow alleviated their pains and sufferings in losing some of their homes and loved ones. Some of the audience were seen wiping tears from their eyes after hearing that message.

Sea of  Sterling Faith

Aerial shot of the approximated 6 million crowd during the Mass held by Pope Francis in Quirino Grandstand in Manila on January 18, 2015 (Photo Credit: by Gel Francisco [interaksyon.com])

Other activities that the Pope had during his visit includes: visiting an orphanage in Manila, meeting with the family, with the youth,  and with the Jesuits in the Philippines. Aside from his visit in Leyte, another highlight of this Papal visit was the concluding mass held in Quirino Grandstand in Manila on January 18, 2015 which is being considered the largest Christian gathering in the history of Papal event. According to MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino, around 6 million crowd come together creating a "Sea of Faith". 

Even Pope Francis cannot help but ask and wonder how many people were there. He was overwhelmed by the Filipino faith despite of the rain, still brought by the typhoon Amang. 

"The Filipino faith is waterproof" (Photo Credit: newsinfo.inquirer.net)

Pope Francis' visit to the Philippines is history. He has touched and inspired millions of lives leaving a message that he is with them in all the way. The world may never have a pope like Pope Francis again but for the Filipinos, one thing is for sure: this visit, his smile, his words, mercy and compassion will be treasured and remembered forever.

Credits:
Wikipedia
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/665998/festive-mood-greets-pope-francis-arrival-in-luneta
http://dzmm.abs-cbnnews.com/news/National/Pope_Francis_sa_Pilipinas,_'largest_papal_event'_sa_kasaysayan.html

ANAWANGIN COVE: A Secluded Paradise ~ ZAMBALES

Serene, Secluded, Pristine - these are just some of the words that may describe best Anawangin Cove, the fast rising tourist attraction in San Antonio, Zambales. If sleeping with ants, fireflies and other insects doesn't bother you and if camping is a leisure to you, then Anawangin is your perfect getaway.

 What makes Anawangin a camper-backpacker-drawer?

This breathtaking landscape can be indebted to the cruel eruption of Mt. Pinatubo in 1991 that caused several physical changes in the map of Central Luzon. This however, after decades deemed to have brought many great things to the province. One of these is the emergence of many inlets and coves carpeted with ash and white sand mixture stretched on the shorelines that is continuously drawing campers and beach-goers, locals and foreigners, from all walks-of-life.

Approaching the shoreline of Anawangin Cove.

Meet Me There

I'll wait for you..

Morning breeze. Big waves will greet you in the morning as they kiss the mountain and the shore.

Anawangin Cove is one of the biggest and popular coves in San Antonio. It is located between Zambales Mountain Range and the South China Sea. Because of this terrain, the easiest way to reach Anawangin is by a pump boat from Pundaquit (or from San Miguel) which will take you 30-40 minutes. However, for those who wants more thrill, there is also a land route by trekking through the hot, open trails of Pundaquit mountain range. Trekking may take you 4-5 hours. It is said that Anawangin Cove is used to be a rewarding sight to mountain hikers after a climb. The remoteness of the vicinity, the wide shoreline and the enigmatic growth of tall pine trees flourishing around made it a perfect site for camping.

Imagine a back-to-basic living. NO ELECTRICITY, NO SIGNAL for 24 hours or more. Can you survive? 

1) The tents and the camping site. 2) Assembling the tents. 3) Tall pine trees that make beautiful nature sound when blown by the air. 4) Picnic table. 5) Grilling is fun, it will make you cry, too.[photo credit: Ton Lorenzo]. 6) Bonfire for light and heat. 7) One of the few stores in the camp site. 8) They sell basic necessities [including cigarettes] that cost significantly higher than in "Tindahan ni Aling Nena" [photo credit: Ton Lorenzo]. 9) Comfort Room facilities [photo credit: adventureaccounting.blogspot.com]

OTHER THINGS TO DO:

For some, staying at Anawangin can be a little boring. But hey! This is not your usual trip. You can stroll around and appreciate the surroundings. Another sight to behold is the Anawangin Lake surrounded by a pine forest and its water meets with the sea. It is best to see the lake in the morning when the sun is rising atop the mountain. The lake serve as mirror where the mountain magnificently reflects to its water - a must-see and must-capture for bloggers and photographers.

Reflection

Endless Love

Save Me

Here, you can feel that you are really close to nature. The waves, the trees and birds will be in harmony to play a wonderful music for you.

Pines Trees (also called Agoho Trees)

Calmness from within

Frustrated by not seeing the sun set, i woke up early the next day to catch the sun rise atop the mountain. And I satisfied myself with this shot.

Another must-do activity in Anawangin is mountain climbing. It is a very easy climb, i tell you. There is a clear trail and the best time to do climbing is between 3:00 to 6:00 pm. Once you reached the top, you will be rewarded with a breathtaking and picturesque view of the Anawangin Cove. You can see the white sand like a flat sheet of paper stretched on the shore, the pine trees, the meeting of the lake water and the sea, the beach and if you are lucky, the romantic sunset.

The lake water meets with the sea

A rewarding sight after the hike.

The other part of Anawangin Cove

Astig

the mountain hikers

 HOW TO GET THERE

FROM DAGUPAN CITY

The only bus line that offer trip to ZAMBALES is VICTORY LINER. Schedule of TRIPS to OLONGAPO is 3:00 and 6:00 am only. If you miss these trips, you can take a trip bound for STA. CRUZ and from Sta. Cruz, take a Victory Bus again bound for CALOOCAN. Tell the conductor to drop you off to SAN ANTONIO MUNICIPAL HALL. From Dagupan City, it will take you 5-6 hours ride. Then from SAN ANTONIO, 15-20 minutes tricycle ride to Pundaquit.

FROM MANILA

Take a VICTORY LINER Bus bound for IBA or STA CRUZ, ZAMBALES.  Tell the conductor to drop you off to SAN ANTONIO MUNICIPAL HALL. It is a 5-6 hours ride. Then from SAN ANTONIO, 15-20 minutes tricycle ride to Pundaquit.


TOUR PACKAGE

For this trip, we availed a tour package online from Lakbay something travel agency.. I forgot the name of the agency and the package price... LoL! The agency took care of our itinerary, 2 meals at Anawangin (Dinner on the first day and breakfast on the second day). The food is just okay. 


Our trip: February 18 & 19, 2012
With: Pamela Mallorca, Sheryl Erpelo, Ton Lorenzo, Diony Castro, Aileen Columbino, Karen Reyes, Arlyn Bautista, Lowey Velasco & Melody Velasco



Credits: Wikipedia, adventureaccounting.blogspot, Lakwatsero Loves Pilipinas
SEE MORE PHOTOS, CLICK HERE!

The Enchanting Kabigan Falls ~ ILOCOS NORTE

Pagudpud's mountainous terrain is haven to many enthralling waterfalls. The most popular of them is the Kabigan Falls which is considered as one of the highlights of visit and must-go-to destination in Ilocos Norte.

After exploring and enjoying the pristine beaches on the west, and in case you feel a little bit bored and salty, go east and try the trek at Kabigan Falls for a fresh and cold water twist.

Kabigan Falls is located at the eastern part of Brgy. Balaoi and is surrounded by a well-preserved forest. 

The falls is 80 ft. high and its concave basin is 12 feet deep. To be able to reach and see this enchanting falls, you need to hike for about 25-30 minutes or approximately 1.8 kilometers from the registration area, where the traysi-tour service will patiently wait for you. There’s an environmental fee of P10.00 per head and a P100.00 fee for a tour guide. 

  

Although there’s a clear trail going to the falls, the local government of Pagudpud requires one tour guide for each group. The hike is mostly on flat surface and is very easy. They even made it easier for you because they placed makeshift bridges on small streams and handrails on some diagonal zones.

The flat surface is an open area where rice fields, mountains and small river that flows serenely offers a panoramic view while heading your way to the falls. It is advisable to do the hiking in the morning or in the afternoon when the sun is not to high in the sky to avoid skin darkening and possible irritations. The site opens as early as 7:00 in the morning and closes at 5:00 in the afternoon.

 

With our Tourguide in her official green tourguide t-shirt. Any amount to be given to the tourguide as "tip" will do. But if you are generous enough, P100.00 -P200.00 will be a good amount.

Once you passed the rice fields, shady trees and cool air will be adorning your way. You may stop for a while to appreciate the verdant view and feel that you are really close to nature. Don't forget to throw some jokes and have some group fun to kill the tiresome moment. There are also mini-stop stores along the way that sells fresh buko juice and "kakanins" (rice cakes) for quick refreshments. 

This site amazed me so much. The small "bangkos" (long chairs) served as tables where buko juice in a container and kakanins (rice cakes) are placed.

The falls is facing the trail on the foot of the mountain and the rustling sound of the freshwater flowing along the trail will definitely add to your excitement to see the falls.

Clockwise: The water flowing from the falls (photo by Ton Lorenzo); One of the makeshift bridges that makes the hike easier; the "balang" we spotted along the way; a tree trunk covered with algae; stones and waters (photo by Ton Lorenzo)

And finally, we reached the site at around 4:00 o'clock in the afternoon . There are two falls actually - the main drop and the small one. I think the best month to visit the falls is during the month of October as the water is not too thin and the current is not that strong. By the way, we visited the falls on October 23, 2011.

Feeling salty and itchy after swimming at Blue Lagoon, we immediately dunk ourselves into the water. It is not advisable to get near the main basin as the current is very strong and take note, the depth is 12 ft. So we, satisfied ourselves by laying on the shallow part and enjoyed the freezing cold water.
  

The water is really freezing..

 

Hmmm.. it seems that we owned the falls? NOPE. More than 10 people are there in the site when we arrived and there are others that are still coming. We are lucky that we got the perfect place and our tourguide is good enough to take photos of us avoiding other people on our background. 

We stayed in the falls for about an hour and took different shots and poses for souvenirs.  

This was the last stop of our Traysi-Tour North Attractions package. 

 A dip in its freezing cold water is indeed a rewarding one after a long walk.With its marvelous beauty and with more and more tourists visiting the falls, there is no wonder that Kabigan Falls could be the next tourist magnet not only in Ilocos Norte but also in the Philippines.

SEE MORE PHOTOS, CLICK HERE!

Date of Experience: October 18, 2011
With: Ton Lorenzo, Sheryl Erpelo & Pamela Mallorca

SEE MY "THE BESTS OF PAGUDPUD" POST for details of going there and the Tour Packages, CLICK HERE