Cape Bojeador Lighthouse, Ilocos Norte

     Cape Bojeador Lighthouse, also known as Burgos Lighthouse, that was established during the Spanish Colonial period in the Philippines. It is located in Burgos, Ilocos Norte.

 

 
     Cape Bojeador Lighthouse was declared a National Historical Landmark on August 13, 2004 and a National Cultural Treasure on June 20, 2005 by the Philippine Government.

     The 66-foot-tall (20 m) octagonal stone tower, the most prominent structure in the vicinity. At the parking lot, visitors climb a flight of concrete stairs to the perimeter wall which offers a good view of Cape Bojeador and South China Sea and enter the courtyard.

 

 

     Visiting the area is recommended in the months of June to August. On the month of  November to January is not advisable for the weather is very wet and cold due to the effect of the Siberian Winds (Cold front from Siberia, Russia) affecting the Northern most tip of Luzon Island.

Caramoan Islands in Camarines Sur

     Caramoan Islands are located at the tip of Caramoan Peninsula, a group of islands isolated from the rest of Camarines Sur. It is the perfect adventure for island hopping, rock climbing, caving or wading and swimming thru its fine white sand beaches.

     The municipality is situated between east longitude 124°59" and 13°46" north latitude. It covers approximately 27,741 square kilometers with approximately 71 kilometers of irregular coastline surrounded by the vast ocean, bay, seas and swamps. It is approximately 501 kilometers away from Metro Manila; 95 kilometers from the municipality of Pili, where the seat of the provincial government and the Pili Domestic Airport are located; and 110 kilometers away from Naga City, the heart of Bicol. Composed of 49 barangays, the municipality has a total of 134 sitios.

     Caramoan Islands were unknown to commercial tourism because of its remoteness. You will experience a bumpy ride and at least 1.5 hours boating from Sabang beach to Caramoan. Thus, its natural beauty was hidden and only few adventurers were go there. Although in recent years, Caramoan was already being visited by some foreign and locals, it was still not as jammed-packed as the Boracay Island, until “Koh-Lanta Caramoan 2008”, a French version of the reality show “Survivor”, had Caramoan Islands particularly the Gota Beach as their shooting location. That was an opportunity to recognized the Caramoan Islands as a Philippine island destination for foreign and local tourist that gives a high percentage of visitors every year until today.

Grotto of Our Lady of Peace

     Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary, Mother of Peace Grotto is located at the top of Caglago Mountain in Barangay Tabgon, Caramoan, Camarines Sur. It has 546 steps to the grotto leads to the 26-foot image of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

    The construction of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary, Mother of Peace Grotto began in 1989 under the leadership of St. Dominic of Guzman parish priest Rev. Fr. Felix F. Barella. During its construction, the people of Caramoan had to climb Mt. Caglago to bring the materials. It was completed the following year through foreign and local funding. The grotto opened its door to the public in 20 May 1990 led by Archbishop of Caceres Most Reverend Leonardo Z. Legaspi OP. D.D.

    Here we go to take the 546 steps, you must bring water to drink and make sure you don't have any heavy bags.

     At the top, there is a small chapel. The Eucharist is celebrated in the Shrine every first Sunday of the month and other occasions such as the anniversary of the foundation of the image (20th of May), Triduum, and feast of the Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary, Mother of Peace (4th of October).

     When you reached on the top, you will see the beautiful views of the islands surrounded by the water. So nice and awesome.

Ibon Ebon (Bird Egg) Festival

    Ibon Ebon Festival was celebrated every year, in the month of February in Candaba, Pampanga. Ibon means "bird" and Ebon means "Egg". This festival makes the town a favorite destination for tourist and bird lovers from all over the world. It was started on February 1 and 2 in the year 1998.

     The festival participated of different schools in Candaba and for those who want to join the events. The events include harvest fest, trade fair and tiangge, jamming with "Ibon" dancers, grand street dancing parade and dragon boat race.

     The wetlands of Candaba Swamp in Pampanga is known as a sanctuary of nearly 17,000 registered migratory birds. It consists of more than 80 species from different parts of the world. The Candaba Swamp serves as the birds’ home and stop-over point as they migrate from point to point in Asia and other parts of the globe.


     The town of Candaba makes proud of this festival, as they introduce the migratory birds and own eggs industry.


Photography: Mr. Allan Borja

Island Hopping in Honda Bay

     Honda Bay is one of the Philippines' tourist destination in Palawan Island, also known as "The Last Frontier". It is comprised of several islets with shallow reefs bordering wonderful beaches which is the perfect place for swimming, snorkeling and diving destinations for local residents and tourist. It is a blue cool waters are scattered with islands that guarantee one of a pure-pleasure experience. From snorkeling in its clear waters to the more adventurous island hopping within its districts to simply having a picnic in the fine sand of its beach areas, Honda Bay is sure to leave a lasting impression on the visitor.

     You will enjoy the island hopping because you will see the different fishes, and precious corals under the water. We explore the two islands; Snake island, a curvaceous tongue shape like a snake and with a white sand beach noted for large and lovely shells and the Isla Pandan Resort. Before we went there, we experienced snorkelling on what they call the floating house. The corals and fishes are very lovely.

The island hopping takes whole day, so you will experience to eat lunch in the island. You can take the lunch at the Snake Island.

The last Island we explore is the Isla Pandan. Up to this island, snorkelling is so fantastic. Fishes and corals are still around.

     We enjoyed swimming and snorkelling on these islands. The adventures were exciting. It can't explain our feelings how our happiness was.

Ugong Rock in Puerto Princesa, Palawan

     Ugong Rock is a 75-foot limestone formation in the midst of farmlands and forests growing on limestone substrate in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, a community just next to the barangay where the Underground River is. The word “ugong” stands for the reverberating sound (similar to a bell) that stalactites produce inside the cavernous structures of Ugong Rock when hit or pounded with the knuckles or the palm.

     After we went in Underground River, we decided to try and have fun to the zip line adventure of Puerto Princesa and was located at Ugong Rock. We’re nervous because most of us, it is the first time to try the zip line.


     Before we go to the top of the Ugong Rock, we have to wear the helmet and gloves because we were able to climb on that rock… or if not, you can’t take the zip line because there is no other way to go on the top. It is hard to climb but it’s fun.

These were the reasons why we wore helmet and gloves. Pointed rocks and climbing.

     After of our hard climbing, at last here we go on the top... so refreshing; we breathed the fresh air. And there are persons who guided us there and gave us towel to wipe our face. So enjoy! If you surpass the adventure and if you think that you are fear to take the zip line. There is no other way to go down also is to take again all you've done when you go on top..! It's your choice!

     This is it. Finally we made it. My nervous was gone when we reached the ground. We want to take another round but we're thinking the adventure we've done. I'm happy and enjoy on this adventure. I know you can make it too. Try it, for sure you will enjoy!