PASYALAN Blog

Pagudpud Ilocos Norte

2006-07-17T18:31:00.000-07:00

Pagudpud is a great place to visit if you're looking for the relatively unspoiled charms of the Philippines.

Resorts have popped up along the white shores of Saud and Burayoc and are always happy to accommodate. Of course, there are other places to explore. Visit Patapat, a scenic viaduct that hugs the coast and mountains. Refresh yourself in the springs of Paraiso ni San Anton. Hike into Kabigan Falls. Or just wander around. The tropical climate soothes and lulls. You'll find the people — our friends and family — most hospitable. --pagudpud.net

Manaoag Pangasinan

2006-07-16T19:42:00.000-07:00

The tourist attraction of this town is the Our Lady of Manaoag. Thousands of worshippers every Sundays are visiting the church. Many believe they received healing everytime they go here.

Also devotees are flocking the Virgin's Well at the northern part of the town which believe the water to produce miraculous healing.

San Roque Dam: A great destination?

2006-07-15T11:38:00.000-07:00

Just recently we visited the San Roque Dam in San Manuel, Pangasinan. A glimpse of the wonderful engineering of man to block huge amount of water that flows through the Agno river is amazing. If haven't been there yet, it's time to plan to go.

Atchuete Cuchinta

2006-07-15T11:35:00.000-07:00

4 cups all-purpose flour
4 cups white sugar
7 cups water
1 tablespoon lye (lihia)
1 tablespoon atchuete(annatto) seeds

Soak atchuete in 1/3 cup water to extract color. Mix flour, sugar, lye and the rest of water together. Stir until smooth. Blend atchuete extract. Fill muffin cups 1/3 full. Steam for from 15 to 20 minutes or until firm. Yield: 8 dozens.

San Fabian White Beach

2006-07-14T23:31:00.000-07:00

The beach stretching from Nibaliw West to Mabilao in San Fabian was the landing area of Lt.
General Homma, Commander of the Japanese Imperial Expeditionary Forces on December 24, 1941. The beach became on the areas of operation of the Liberation Forces in Northern Luzon on January 9, 1945.

Every summer, thousands of people are refreshing themselves through the fresh air and water of San Fabian. The beauty of the sand makes it very exciting for a tourist to run to the seawater.

This place is the final destination of the hundreds who flock the Our Lady of Manaoag Church. It's a combination of spiritual and physical healing for the nature lovers.

Bolinao

2006-07-14T19:49:00.000-07:00

Bolinao… China Sea borders it on the northern and western sides, Lingayen Gulf on the astern portion and rolling hills and plateaus on the southern area. Known as Pangasinan’s “Gateway to the World,” it prides itself with the quiet charm of its white sands beaches and prawling resort strip.

Going to Bolinao used to be a private adventure wherein you have to rent a private house so you can stay a night or two. But now, it’s a progressive tourism spot, though not commercialized. It has maintained its modest attractiveness up to this time.If it’s any testament to its natural beauty, its beaches were used as location for such local movies like “Ang Pinakamagandang Hayop” starring Ruffa Gutierrez, a former Miss World Second Princess; and “Dyesebel” with Charlene Gonzalez as lead, a former Bb. Pipinas-Universe titleholder. Both lead stars
being both beauty queens may be incidental but one thing certain is that Bolinao’s beaches are a raving beauty and can compete with the best.

Fast-tracking to the destination doesn’t at all shortchange the traveler. Bolinao is abundant with caves, another main attraction of the town. Be sure to include in your itinerary the three caves that you wouldn’t miss anyway: Enchanted Cave, Wonderful Cave and Cindy’s Cave. Like most other caves, the ones here are just as awesome. If you fancy lighthouses, there are two that can be found here, The Cape Bolinao Lighthouse in barangay Patar and Port Bolinao Lighthouse in Guiguiwanen, barangay Luciente 1. But since you’re staying within the beach area anyway, the former is most accessible as it is just nearby.

The Cape Bolinao Lighthouse is a historical site. It was constructed by Americans, British and Filipinos in 1905 and has an elevation of 250 feet according to Bureau of Geodetic Survey. Its tower’s height reaches 101 feet from base. The view from the top was awesome. There’s a view deck provided for curious tourists but the best place to be is at the top of the tower. Here you can see Bolinao’s spectacular shoreline and the vastness of the China Sea.

A few minutes away from the Cape Bolinao Lighthouse is the Patar White Beach, it is but one of the numerous beach resorts found in the area. This particular place is run by the people of barangay Patar themselves. It is inevitable to frolic on the white sands and swim to yourheart’s content on its serene, clear and clean waters. It is an ideal swimming escape since the waters are shallow even during high tide.

There are other things to do here. Since Filipinos love to sing, there is a videoke station where you can show off your vocal prowess. Native huts abound. Parking fee is also cheap and definitely not a problem.

Other resorts along the strip offer other conveniences. Treasures of Bolinao used to be a private rest house but is now open to the public and is enjoying full bookings because of its scenic view of the beach. From the view deck of the Cape Bolinao Lighthouse, this resort is the one with long white bridge where you can just enjoy the sea breeze. During low tide, there is a portion here within the rocks that look like an oasis. It is like a natural swimming pool. And because it is more like a shallow crater, ideal for children. There’s a mini-chapel inside the resort so that makes the place a good wedding venue.

For world-class amenities and convenience, Puerto del Sol is fast becoming the byword when you talk about vacationing in Bolinao. It is a thoroughly modern resort/hotel with theme rooms (Mediterranean and Filipino) and contemporary landscape. They offer a guided tour.They have a swimming pool, chapel, and souvenir shop among other facilities. Its beach front is a sight to behold. High tide means gradual water depth and floating native huts adorning the place.There are other lodging houses still to choose from. If you choose to have a picnic by the beach, there are fish stalls that sell fresh catch such as papakol and tulyasan. If you’re lucky enough you can go fishing and actually catch these staples since they are native to Bolinao waters. And don’t forget to sample the plump and succulent Bolinao bangus. Simply delicioso.
Indeed, this place is a haven for those who seek to enjoy nature’s gifts.
source: www.pilmap.com.ph/luzon-bolinaoreckoning.php

Hundred Island National Park

2006-07-14T18:31:00.000-07:00

This National Park covers a land area of 1,884 hectares with 123 islands. However, only 3 islands have been developed for tourists namely : Governor, Quezon and Children's Islands.
From Lucap, one takes a boatride to any of these islands : Governor's Island,(20 mins.), Children's Island (25 mins.) or Quezon Island (30 mins.). Boats are privately-operated.
Of the 3 islands, the Governor's Island keeps a Guesthouse which is ideal for family use. It has 2 bedrooms, living room, dining room, comfort room/bath and kitchen. Linens, water (1 drum), light, electric fans, dining and cooking utensils/equipment are provided for. Gen-set provides electric power.
The bahay kubos and mini pavilion at Children's Island are for budget travelers as it consists only of screened bedrooms with fresh water and linens. Kerosene lighting is provided for. Common areas are provided for dining and cooking as well as for toilet and bath. At Lucap Point (Mainland), the main building houses a conference room, restaurant and accommodation facilities. A tower-type building near the Lucap Park houses an office at the ground floor which monitors the flow of tourists to the said islands.