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This rustic town in Ilocos Sur looks unassuming from afar that, for those passing through, it may seem just like a regular Ilocano town. But just a couple of kilometers off the highway, this town preempts the historical beauty that this province has been known for. Its towering UNESCO Heritage church is a real beauty that will give you a glimpse of the rich and colorful past of the Ilocandias. In celebration of National Heritage Month, let’s explore the natural and man-made beauty of Santa Maria in Ilocos Sur.  As we celebrate Heritage Month, join me in exploring one of the heritage towns in Ilocos Sur. A community in area of Santa Maria already existed even before the arrival of the Spaniards in Ilocandia. It had a robust trade relations with its neighboring communities, the Chinese, and the Japanese. There are conflicts when it comes to the actual year that Santa Maria was declared as a town but the NHCP has noted it as 1769. However, the locals have pegged it as 1967 based off from their own local records. Similarly, Santa Maria had seen the pains of raids, conflicts, and wars through centuries. History was not exactly kind to the town. One thing that does stand out is the fact the town always stood up to these adversities, rising up higher each time. Santa Maria is a history gem for Ilocos Sur. It is home to one of the four Baroque Churches in the Philippines that were collectively included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1991. Beyond its heritage and history, the town also prides itself with a natural beauty that only those who dare swing by get to enjoy and appreciate it. Suso Beach and Hills The view of this beach spot greets as you enter the poblacion area of Santa Maria. It is just one of the many beach spots that you can find along the coastline of this town. This beach spot is quite unique as its beauty can be seen from along the Suso Beach Walk along the national highway.
Suso Beach is a refreshing sight to see with the hills surrounding it. Local folklore has shared that these hills were made by the hands of Angalo, a giant in Ilocano mythology, who molded the hill to honor the breasts of Aran. It is believed that the hills on the south side of this beach strip were shaped like breasts.  Enjoying one of the beach views of Santa Maria. Viewed from the beach walk, this beach spot is a mix of white sand shorelines on one side and rock formations on the other side. It is a popular spot among locals and guests for a beach break where you can enjoy a quick escape from the hot weather. The waters along the coast are home to one of the diving spots that the LGU is developing and organizing as part of its tourism program. Minor Basilica of Our Lady of the Assumption (Sta. Maria Church) The Minor Basilica of Our Lady of the Assumption, more popularly known as Sta. Maria Church, is the prime tourist draw of this town. The church is a National Historical Landmark, a National Cultural Treasure, and it is one of the four Baroque Churches of the Philippines collectively recognized as a UNESCO Heritage Site. This Spanish-period structure is a must-visit destination when you find yourself in Ilocos Sur.  The Santa Maria Church is one of the four Baroque Churches that was recognized as a UNESCO Heritage Site. Standing atop a hill, the Santa Maria Church stands majestically overlooking the whole town. Its red brick walls, baroque architecture, and its belfry vividly props you to past giving you a glimpse of the town’s history. The grand staircase from the bottom of the hill to the church yard adds to the snapshot of the town’s past. The view of the staircase, belfry, and church visually transports you to the past.  The Santa Maria Church stands atop a hill. It has a free-standing belfry and a convent, uniquely built in front of it. The church looks massive with its side buttresses. These buttresses serve as added support to the structure during earthquakes. The front buttress has a relief image of the Our Lady of the Assumption on a guava tree, an artistic rendition of the humble beginnings of the present structure. The bell tower which stands a few meters from the church, was built in 1810. It is an octagonal four-storey tower topped with a dome and cupola.
Interestingly, its convent was constructed facing the church. This is not the usual design where the convent is usually located beside the church. This unusual placement does not give guests an unobstructed full view of the church’s facade. A bridge way connects the convent to the church. A second grand staircase is located on the other side of the church leading to the Spanish-period cemetery of Santa Maria.
The church has a rectangular nave. The interior is simple with three altars in front that will grab your attention. The massive walls of the church give it that sanctuary vibe to the church. The main altar is adorned by intricate designs has the image of the Our Lady of the Assumption as its main centerpiece. Two other minor altars flank the altar bearing the images of St. Joseph with the Child Jesus and The Risen Christ as its main centerpieces. Despite of its massive size from the outside, the church gives you an impression that it is smaller, compared to other churches in the area, once you step inside it. Santa Maria Twin Chapel Ruins (East Central School) The original church was first built at the base of the hill. It was here where the image of the Our Lady of the Assumption was displayed. Local legend has shared that the image often wandered and would always end up perched on a guava tree that once stood atop the hill where the present church is now standing. It was said to be the sign that the Virgin Mary wanted the church to be moved atop the hill. That is reason why the church was relocated to its present site. This would also explain the relief of the Our Lady of Assumption on the front buttress of the church.
A quick visit to the East Central School, right at the foot of the hill, would show you the ruins of the old church that once stood here. There were two chapels during its time. The North Chapel was for the Senor Santo Kristo and the South Chapel honors the Nuestra Senora dela Asuncion. Now only the South Chapel remains intact and still in use to this day. The outer walls of the former South Chapel and the remains of the foundation of the North Chapel were made from the same red bricks of the present church structure. It is also the same bricks used in the construction of the town’s Spanish Era Cemetery. This indicates the ruins of these old twin churches would date back to same period, probably older. The South Chapel was already converted into a school classroom. Its facade and most of its structure remains intact and preserved that you can still see the main facade of the chapel. The foundations/ruins of the North Chapel were “integrated” to a more modern-looking school building. Lourdes Grotto and Gazebo Standing at the base of hill and beside the grand staircase of the Santa Maria Church is the Lourdes Grotto and Gazebo. The grotto is an exact replica of the Lourdes Grotto in France. It is an open space that offers a spiritual refuge for those wanting to offer their solemn prayers.  The Lourdes Grotto of Santa Maria is a replica of the grotto in France.
The Lourdes Grotto stands along the main road. It features an image of the Virgin Mary as an apparition inside a cave with St. Bernadette in prayer. This part of the grotto also serves as the altar with a small altar table. White-washed pews were also installed for the faithful. I guess they also conduct mass in the area. The Lourdes Grotto completes the whole picturesque view of the Santa Maria Church. Santa Maria Spanish Era Cemetery The other side of the hill, where the Santa Maria Church stands, holds one of the town’s heritage structures from the Spanish-period - the Santa Maria Spanish Era Cemetery. A grand staircase leads down to a pathway to the cemetery. It stands around 200 meters from the church through an established trail that leads directly to the entrance of the cemetery.  The Santa Maria Spanish Era Cemetery is one of the preserved heritage sites of the town. The entrance of the Santa Maria Spanish Era Cemetery is a 2-storey structure made of red bricks, similar to the church’s structure. The top part of the cemetery gate looks like a small belfry. The cemetery’s square perimeter is fenced by a red brick wall. In the middle of the cemetery is a dome-shaped structure where a wooden cross is installed. There were only a few “active” burial plots in the area as you can see that it was properly maintained.  Standing at the doorstep of the simborio of the Santa Maria Spanish Era Cemetery. At the other end of the cemetery stands the simborio or cemetery chapel. Constructed with the same red bricks, the chapel is where the last rites are given to the dead before being laid to rest. The facade “mimicked” the facade of the Santa Maria Church, complete with jars atop the facade. Similarly, a cross sits atop its entrance. A small red brick altar serves as the main feature of the simborio’s interior. You can see that the structure was overrun by vegetation. This situation needs to be addressed to preserve the structure. The Santa Maria Spanish Era Cemetery is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site area of the church. Pinsal Falls From the town poblacion, we headed out to the hinterlands of Santa Maria to visit one of nature’s gift to this town. Pinsal Falls is the twin waterfalls attraction of Ilocos Sur. Local folklore spoke of a mini-pool, located at the top of the falls, that was created by the footprint of Angalo as he was searching for his love, Aran. Angalo and Aran are the local versions of the story Adam and Eve.  Pinsal Falls is the most popular natural attraction in Santa Maria. Standing at 85 feet, Pinsal Falls is along the borders of Ilocos Sur and Abra. Spring water cascades along a series of rock formations into a deep base pool where guests can go for a quick dip and/or get close to its cascade using a floating cottage. The waters of the falls split at the top into two cascades creating the twin falls attraction. It is best to visit the place during the rainy season yo appreciate its beauty. You can also hike to the top of the falls to view its spring pools.
We did enjoy the view of Pinsal Falls when we visited it. Unfortunately, we came in at a time when the dry season was already starting so we only got to see only 1 of its cascade. The area was already developed by the LGU complete with tourist facilities and view decks for a more convenient Pinsal experience. Floating cottages are available who want to get closer to the cascade for a minimal charge. It was a great view where we got to see a different side of Santa Maria. POST TRAVEL NOTES Santa Maria rose to fame because of its heritage church that really showcased the strong faith of the locals through time. But beyond these historical structures, the town offers a lot more with its God-given natural beauty. It is truly blessed that it is not surprising how their faith has manifested strongly through centuries. One only needs to slow down to enjoy what Santa Maria has to offer.  We have got more summer adventures to share!!! Just like in theater, there are no small towns in the Philippines. Every town has something to offer that is uniquely its own. Whether be it a winding stream or a mighty waterfalls, there will always be something to look forward to explore in all corners of our country. All it takes is a keen eye and a passion for adventure. Watch out for the release of our Santa Maria travel video on my Youtube Travel Channel soon. #MahalinNatinAngPilipinas Getting there: We went on a roadtrip for this adventure and we just loaded Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur on Waze or Google Map. If you are commuting, you can take a bus from Cubao, Pasay, or Sampaloc bound for Vigan or Laoag. You need to inform the ticket counter and the conductor that you are going down at Santa Maria. Tricycles are the mode of transportation within the town. Shoutout to my travel buddies - HULL & STERN Dry Bags for keeping my stuff safe and dry during my travels and MAGWAI for their alternative and eco-friendly products for my local travels.
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4 hours on the road, 6 hours over water, and a couple of not-so-warm travelers were not enough to spoil a trip that would have me unlock this island on the east coast of the province of Quezon. The island has been on my bucket list for years and going DIY would mean having to spend more time planning and coordination hence I decided to join an organized trip by the FB travel organizer - Serventures Travel and Tours. The whole trip had me exploring the island semi-DIY style and had me enjoying, a notch higher, the tropical island dig of the Jomalig.  We are off to Jomalig to go on a gold hunt. A local folklore, as per their verbal traditions, tells us that the name of the island stems from the Filipino word “humalik” after a princess kissed a suitor who failed to pass the challenge the princess’ father gave to those who wanted to marry his daughter. As the suitor was dying, his last request was to be kissed by the princess and, when she did, the spectators shouted “Humalik!”. This is how the name of this island came to be to which later on evolved to Jomalig. Located on the eastern side of Luzon, Jomalig Island is the farthest and smallest island-municipality of the province of Quezon. It stands different to other beach spots in the country because of its golden-yellow sand shorelines which is in contrast to the popular white sand beach spots of the country. Its remote location made traveling to the island a challenge but this has also allowed it to keep its attractions pristine and largely untouched by commercialism. Sa byaheng ito, we will be digging the gold on this island. Puno ng Walang Forever Habal-habal is the way to go around the island of Jomalig as the road networks on the island is a combination of paved concrete roads and dirt trails. You will get to enjoy the island views under the sun with the breeze giving you a quick relief from the heat. Our first stop was the Puno ng Walang Forever.  The lone tree in the middle of a field has become a Jomalig attraction. Puno ng Walang Forever is a lone tree that stands in the middle of an open field. Why was it called that name? No one can really give me a straight answer but there is a story that says that couples who have their picture taken with the tree end up parting ways. Hence, it was given the name. Whether the story is true or not, I have no way of confirming it as there were couples having their pictures taken with the tree.  The Puno ng Waland Forever is said to break up couples who have their picture taken with the tree...daw. The tree is dramatic in its location so it really makes a good backdrop for those IG-worthy pictures. You really can’t blame people from getting up the tree for a good shot. May drama, ika nga. No wonder that it has become an attraction on the island. Lingayen Cove Beach (Little Batanes) With two rock formations bordering both ends of a white sand cove, it is not surprising that Lingayen Cove Beach is the island’s little version of Batanes. This beach spot is characterized by rock cliffs that drops into the blue waters of the Pacific. There is a trail that leads up to the top of these limestone formations but, if you are the adventurous type, you can opt to clamber up these sharp rocks. Just make sure that you wear the proper foot gear and to be very careful as you climb up these sharp rocks.  Taking in the view of Little Batanes. The hill on the right side of the cove, if you are facing the sea, offers a panoramic view of the small cove, the Pacific Ocean, and the long stretch of its cream-colored sand shoreline on the other side of the rock formation. The long untouched beach stretch on the other side was captivating to view from the top. It looks inviting and makes you appreciate how this beach spot remains pristine.
The other rock formation gives you a complete view of Lingayen Cove Beach with the rock formations as a backdrop. You get to appreciate the beauty of the cove from this vantage point. Having been to Batanes, I was trying to figure out the claimed similarities to the island-province. I guess the limestone cliff formations are the point for the said reference but, honestly, I think Lingayen Cove Beach can stand as its own. Pamana White Beach (Little Boracay) The strip of powdery white sand and the calm turquoise waters make Pamana White Beach a great spot to beach bum. It does have a semblance to the country’s prime beach destination so it is not surprising that it was given the monicker, Little Boracay. It is the best spot to enjoy that prime white sand beach vibe without the crowd.  Enjoying the tropical beach vibe of Little Boracay. This is the beach spot where I did enjoy exploring its shorelines lined with coconut trees. It stands out from all the Jomalig beach spots that we visited because it really exudes the Pacific tropical island vibe. It is void of the usual rugged drama that most Jomalig beach spots are identified with. It is one of the two beach spots on the island that has a different personality. It is subtle and calming where you would tend to spend more time enjoying the vibe and its calm waters.
It is not a surprise that Pamana White Beach is one of the more developed beach spots on the island. The resort has guest facilities to accommodate visitors who are visiting for a day or spending a night. Well, I think one would really enjoy feeling the tropical vibe with a halo-halo on the side. That would be a perfect beach date! Kanaway Beach Kanaway Beach was like a desert by the beach. The vastness of the sandy shoreline with limestone rock formations jutting out of the sand was like a set from an out of this world movie. The view by the shoreline was like looking into a movie set that has Mars as its location. It was eerie and captivating at the same time.  Enjoying the sandy views of Kanaway Beach, captured by one of the locals. I walked along the vast shoreline of Kanaway and it felt like I was transported to a different world. I enjoyed admiring the ripples created by the sea on the sand. The sound of water crashing onto the shore from a distance was calming. The views of the coconut trees and small boats in the distance make it more surreal. Streams of saltwater rushing to the sea felt good on my feet providing a temporary relief to the heat from the midday sun.
I stood atop one of the rock formations and it gave me a panoramic view of the vastness of Kanaway Beach during low tide. The gold sand glowed with the sun. The views were just captivating. As I was making my way around, a young girl approached me and offered to take my picture with the vast Kanaway Beach as my backdrop. I agreed to their offer and gave her a tip as an additional “baon” for school. I also made her promise that she will become a teacher to help their community. Sadong Golden Sand Beach Golden Sand Beach was the reason why I wanted to check out the island of Jomalig. The island is popular for its golden sand beach spots and Golden Sand Beach is a popular spot to visit when you are in Jomalig. Similar to Kanaway Beach, the best time to visit Golden Sand Beach is during the low tide where water pulls out to sea revealing the vast sandy shoreline of the beach. The difference with Golden Sand Beach is that it is more dramatic.  This is the popular gold-sand beach spot of Jomalig - Sadong Golden Sand Beach. The beauty of Golden Sand Beach can be fully seen and appreciated during the low tide. The seawater pulls out into the sea revealing the gold sand of Jomalig and the limestone rocks formations. There are more rock formations on this side of the island making the landscape more dramatic for those IG-worthy photos. The Sadong River also drains to the sea on this side adding more texture to the landscape of this famed beach spot. This gives visitors of Sadong Golden Sand Beach more opportunities for creative shot on the island.
The pictures that I took do not give justice to the beauty of the Sadong Golden Sand Beach. I had the chance to enjoy the spot with only a few people in the area so I really got to see its beauty without the usual crowd. I also had the chance to meet locals in the area as they were heading back since the tide was already coming in. I was lucky that my habal-habal contact, Kuya April, prompted me to visit this spot to complete my Jomalig exploration. Salibungot Beach Salibungot Beach is THE beach spot to catch the sunset in Jomalig. It gives you front seats to the golden sunset of Jomalig that makes this beach spot glow in gold. This is the second beach spot on the island that gives off a different personality. It is not rough and rugged. It is soft and calming that staying here is just simply relaxing with its tropical vibe.  Enjoying the golden sunset at Salibungot Beach. This beach is a stretch of yellow-tint colored sand on the western coast of the island. The beach strip has two coast lines that meet at the western end of the island. There are forest covers along the edge of the coast where resorts are also tucked. It is the longest strip that I explored on both sides. Its beauty is emphasized during the sunset when the setting sun strikes its sand and glows in yellow. The yellow glow is in contrast with the green covers that line the shoreline of Salibungot Beach.
This beach spot will help you relax as you wind up your day of exploring the coves and beaches of the Jomalig Island. The view of the sun setting as you get surrounded by the yellow glow makes you appreciate the rugged and rustic beauty of this spot. You can expect more people in Salibungot Beach during the sunset because this is the last spot to visit when you do the land tour in Jomalig. But fret not because the beach is a long stretch and you can easily find a spot that you can call your own and enjoy the beach and sunset view. POST TRAVEL NOTES Finally after a long wait, I have finally explored and conquered Jomalig Island. I enjoyed the experience as I sulked in my own adventures. Similar to Balabac in Palawan, I loved the fact that I got to explore this gold of Jomalig ahead of its full commercialism and regular tourist crowds. I just hope that as Jomalig Island gets more attention, the locals would be able to commit to ecotourism practices to sustain the beauty of the island. That would be the real gold of Jomalig Island.  A touch if history is coming up next. Off-beat destinations offer a different experience to travelers. Having been around the Philippines, I really enjoy discovering off-beat destinations. I get to experience the place in its raw and untouched beauty before the destination attracts more attention from the usual tourists. This gives me a better and deeper understanding of the place and its locals. Watch out for the release of my Jomalig travel video on my Youtube Travel Channel soon. #MahalinNatinAngPilipinas Getting there: For ease and convenience, you can join the Jomalig Joiner Trip organized by FB travel organizer – SerVentures Travel and Tours. I had a very smooth transaction with them and Serg handled all the coordination from Manila to Jomalig and back in Manila. SerVentures Travel and Tours also organizes tours in other Philippine destinations. You can follow and reach them through their Facebook page here. Shoutout to my travel buddies - HULL & STERN Dry Bags for keeping my stuff safe and dry during my travels and MAGWAI for their alternative and eco-friendly products for my local travels.
The Philippines is gearing up again for another week of celebration as the Christian community observes the Holy Week. This is the season where Filipinos troop to their respective provinces and observe the solemn faith-based traditions. From the annual panata to self-flagellation to solemn processions, the Philippines has a collection of faith practices that can put one in awe or in shock.  Lenten celebrations are not complete without the Visita Iglesia. This year... we are going around Ilocos Sur. One of the faith practices that I have grown fond of through the years is the Visita Iglesia. The practice of visiting 7 churches embodies the Stations of the Cross in celebration of the suffering of Jesus Christ. Prayers and personal reflections are offered at every stop to profess one’s faith. The practice is usually done on Maundy Thursday but it has now become a common practice to do it during the Holy Week. As part of my travel stories this year, I am featuring 7 Ilocos Sur Heritage Churches in my Holy Week blog feature. Established in 1818 as an independent province, the province was initially a part of the mother province Ilocos, an encomienda under explorer Juan de Salcedo. The history of the province dates back to as far back as 1572 and, with the evangelization of the region, stone churches were built in many of its towns. Some of these churches remain standing to this day. We took a day out to visit some of these churches to give insights to the colorful past of the church and the province. Sta. Lucia Parish Church, Sta. Lucia Built by the Agustinian friars in 1586, the church is the only church in Ilocos Sur that has a dome, designed similar to that of the St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. It was built of red bricks called “ladrillo” under a Romanesque architecture with its rose window on its facade and its flying buttresses. It was dedicated to the martyred saint, St. Lucy, whose image is said to be similar to the lady that locals saw during a heavy downpour that made the burikans, or tattooed Igorots, fled to the east. The town was later named Sta. Lucia, in honor of their patron saint.  The Sta. Lucia Church is the only church with a dome in Ilocos Sur. The facade of the Sta. Lucia Parish Church stands out with its red and white facade complete with its intricate designs. A rounded window with the image of St. Lucy, atop its arched doors, is the main feature of the church’s facade. The intricate design catches one’s fancy and it kinda reminded me of an intricately designed cake. The four-storey belltower stand adjacent to the left of the church while the historical convent stands a few meters of the church. The convent once served as the headquarters of Ilocano Katipuneros lead by General Manuel Tinio in their fight against the Spaniards.
The interior of the church was amazing. The ceiling paintings stood out with its depiction of different passages from the bible. The large arched windows allowed natural lighting to filter inside the church. The two-level retablo glowed in gold with the image of St. Lucy as its main centerpiece. There are two smaller retablos flanking the main altar to complete the beauty of its interior. St. John of Sahagun Parish Church, Candon City Established in 1591 by Augustinian missionaries, the St. John of Sahagun Parish Church, more popularly known as Candon Church, has its fair share of Philippine history. The stone church was built in 1695 and had undergone 2 rehabilitations in 1709 and 1865. The convent was captured by the revolutionaries, led by Isabelo Abaya, in 1898. The church was spared during the WW2 liberation of Ilocos Sur when the Japanese burned down the town of Candon.  Candon Church has the longest religious artwork in the Philippines.
The facade of the church is striking with its retablo-like facade. The 4-story church belfry towers adjacent to the church with its unique rectangular base. The church was built under the earthquake baroque architecture. Plant outgrowth on the facade and bell tower may indicate the age of the structure but this needs to be addressed as this will weaken the structure in time.  The ceiling of Candon Church is adorned with beautiful religious artworks. The interior of the church is very striking. The first thing that will catch your attention are the intricate religious ceiling paintings. The church is home to the longest religious painting in the country. Measuring 150 feet long, the painting depicts the 20 Mysteries of the Holy Rosary and was done by Father Vicente Avila, Mel Andino, and Redentor Castillo. The simple altar, adorned in white and gold highlights, complements thintricate artworks, making visitors focus on the beauty of its ceilings. Minor Basilica of Our Lady of the Assumption, Sta. Maria A visit to the Sta. Maria Church is like being transported through time. Sitting atop a hill, the church stands majestically like a fortress watching over the town. The Minor Basilica of Our Lady of the Assumption was designated as a UNESCO Heritage Site in 1993 under the Baroque Churches of the Philippines for its well-preserved church complex. From its bell tower to its Spanish-period cemetery, a visit would give you that appreciation for the country’s colorful past.  The Sta. Maria Church is a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the Baroque Churches of the Philippines. The church can be reached from the base of the hill through an 85-step grand granite stairway. Built from bricks and mortars, the facade stands out for its reddish shade and its simple facade marked by rounded pillars on both ends. The church was built under the earthquake baroque architecture outlined by huge buttresses on the sides of the church. A relief of the image of the Lady of the Assumption atop a guava tree was installed on the first rectangular buttress of the church as a reminder as to why the church was built on this site. A few meters away from the church is the free-standing belfry of the Sta. Maria Church.
One would be amazed at the huge navel of the church. It could accommodate 800 people at one seating. Unlike the churches in Sta. Lucia and Candon, there are no ceiling murals in Sta. Maria Church. The simple interior makes you focus on the grand and intricately designed retablos of the church. The main altar has the image of the Lady of the Assumption as its main feature. There are two minor altars that flanks the main altar of the church on both sides. Parish of Saint Augustine of Hippo, Bantay More popularly known as Bantay Church, the church was completed in 1590 under a Neo-Gothic and Romanesque architecture. It was severely damaged during World War 2 and was restored in the 1950s. Its red and cream facade stands out unique with two rectangular belfries, with conical cupola, flanking it on both sides. The red bricks of the facade catches your attention when you are looking at its facade.  The Bantay Church and its iconic Bantay Watch Tower. The interior is void of any intricate painting and flooring. It makes you focus on the golden two-tierred altar right in front that bears the image of the Our Lady of Charity, the Patroness of Ilocandia, as its main centerpiece. The altar just draws you to it making it the focal point of the church’s interior. A smaller chapel is located at the ruins of the old church, just right beside the present church structure.  The iconic Bantay Watch Tower watches over the low lying areas surrounding it. The biggest draw of the Bantay Church is the free-standing Bantayan Belfry. The belfry, also made from red bricks, stands atop a hill overlooking the surrounding flatlands and Abra. It served as a watchtower from invaders hence the name “Bantay”, or “guardian”. The Bantay Belfry has been an icon for Ilocos Sur and has been featured in many movies and series because of its rustic, picturesque, and antique feel. It is currently being rehabilitated after it was severely damaged by the 2022 Abra Earthquake. Metropolitan Cathedral of the Conversion of St. Paul the Apostle, Vigan City The Metropolitan Cathedral of the Conversion of St. Paul the Apostle, also known as Vigan Cathedral, is part of the Historic Town of Vigan that was declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. It serves as the seat of the Archdiocese of Nueva Segovia that oversees the Ilocos Sur region. The present-day church started construction in 1790 and was the fourth stone structure to be built since the church was founded. Adjacent to the church is the Palacio de Arzobispado de Nueva Segovia, the only remaining Spanish-period Archbishop’s Palace in the country.  The Vigan Cathedral and its Belfry was being rehabilitated in time for its 450th celebration. The church was built under the earthquake baroque style with large buttresses on the sides. The simple facade of the church has 3 arched doorways and 3 stained-glass windows above it. Standing on the right side of the church, is a 25 meter-high free standing belfry. The belfry has a rectangular base and has a rooster wind vane on top, a symbol for St. Peter. The belfry houses a total of 7 bells.
Similar to the other churches in the area, the interior of the church is void of intricate ceiling paintings. The main altar glows in gold and silver with the image of the Virgin Mary as its centerpiece. The painting of the 4 apostles are mounted on the side walls of the main altar. There are also minor altars along the side naves. The church was under rehabilitation when I visited in line with its 450th celebration this coming April 30. Simbaan a Bassit, Vigan City Simbaan a Bassit is a small church in the city of Vigan that is about 400 meters away from the Cathedral. Its name is derived from the Ilocano word “bassit” which means “small” because its relative size is a lot smaller compared to that of the cathedral. Built in 1852, it was formerly a Spanish-period cemetery church where the last blessing is held before the body of the dead is buried to its final resting place. Eventually, it became a full-pledges church in the city and it is currently where masses are held while the cathedral is on rehabilitation.  Despite of the wires, the facade of the Simbaan a Bassit stands out at the end of a major street in Vigan City.
The facade of the Simbaan a Bassit is simple and is void of the usual artistry that the bigger churches in the area have. Except for the moldings of cherubim and seraphim atop the door, the only thing that is striking is how it mimics the Vigan Cathedral’s facade and the bells hanging at the top of the facade. It is the only church in the region that has its bells hanging from its gables. But don’t be fooled by its simple facade because you will be impressed by its interior. The ceiling paintings are very vivid depicting biblical passages from the bible. The painting of people gathering in prayer and looking down at the altar was very detailed. It complements the neauty of the gold retablo with the image of Christ on the Cross as its centerpiece. It was a real beauty.My interpretation of it is that they are the ones who have gone ahead of us joining in prayer with the living inside the church. St. William the Hermit Parish Church, Magsingal The most striking feature of this church is the church belfry that lies close to the national highway. One would be amazed by the sight of an old belfry rising out of the horizon as you drive by the church complex. The construction of the original structure was completed in 1761 but it was later burned down during the revolt led by the Diego Silang. What remains of the old church are its ruins and the bell tower that was built in 1732. The area is now a heritage park and was recognized as a National Cultural Treasure in 2001.  The Church Ruins and Bell Tower of Masingal was declared a National Cultural Treasure in 2001. The present church was built in 1827. The facade has a single arch door with 3 windows above it. There are three niches that bears images of its saints - 2 adjacent to the main door and one at the top. The top most niche bears the image of St. William the Hermit. An image of the Virgin Mary stands at the pillar fronting the church facade.
The interior of the church gives a relaxing sanctuary vibe with its white and cream-colored walls and ceilings. The main attraction of the interior is the blue-colored retablo with its sea themed design. The three-tierred retablo is complete with mermaids guarding the image of St. William the Hermit. The intricate retablo carvings, complete with seahorse, starfish, clam, and sea waves, was done by a talented local fisherman Pablo Tamayo after the design of another Magsingal local, Juan Nepomuceno Tamayo. POST TRAVEL NOTES These 7 Ilocos Sur Churches are not only a manifestation of the Ilocanos’ faith but are also repositories of the province’s painful history. While these churches were built by Ilocano hands, it was the same Ilocano hands that also took charge of it during the tumultuous times of the revolution against the Spanish regime. A visit to these churches go beyond the Catholic Christian faith but is also an opportunity to understand how the Philippines came to be from the Ilocanos’ narrative. It gives you a preview of the faith and the stories of the province’s fight for the country.  The gold sand island kicked off my summer 2025! We are heading there next. As we all come together to celebrate this year’s Holy Week, let us do the Visita Iglesia with a different perspective. Let this be an opportunity for us to strengthen our Christian faith as we discover and/or re-discover the belief and religious practices of the towns that we will be visiting. We can go beyond the usual by also exploring how the town came to be with the local’s understanding of history. Just a gentle reminder, let us be mindful and respectful of the town’s norms and practices when we go out and explore this Lenten season. #MahalinNatinAngPilipinas Getting there: There are a number of buses that offer trips to these towns in Ilocos Sur. I have arranged the sequence of the churches based off from the first town to the last, if you are coming from the south or Metro Manila. You can take a bus bound for Vigan and start your Visita Iglesia at Sta. Lucia Church. You can take a bus or jeeps going to the next town. If you are driving your own car, you can use the Waze app to guide you during the trip. You can spend a night in Vigan and enjoy a side triparound the city, after your Visita Iglesia. Shoutout to my travel buddies - HULL & STERN Dry Bags for keeping my stuff safe and dry during my travels and MAGWAI for their alternative and eco-friendly products for my local travels.
Beyond the chocolates and primates of Bohol, there is a beach destination tucked on the eastern side of this island province that lets you enjoy its white sand without the usual crowd and touch of commercialism. It also prides itself to having a collection of cave pools where you get a leap into its still waters to discover what’s beneath. Perfectly matched with its bucolic vibe, guests of this town couldn’t help but mutter… “grabe naman ang ganda Anda!”  Enjoying the morning colors of Anda. Anda, and the southeast peninsula of Bohol, is often referred to as the cradle of civilization of the province after archeological excavations yielded that the early inhabitants of the island-province initially settled within the peninsula. It was originally called Quinale, a barrio under the town of Guindulman, before being established as a separate town in 1875 and adopted its current name, Anda. The town is a hidden gem of the province that gained traction on the tourism front with its white sand beach spots and cave pools. You get to enjoy these attractions without the usual tourist crowd. Exploring Anda gives you that thrill of having to experience the place in its raw and unadulterated beauty. Combento Cave Pool System When I was reading on Anda, I thought that Combento Cave Pool was a single cave pool. It came as a surprise that the area is actually a complex of three small cave pools - Combento, Kaligoon, and Dakit. These attractions are hidden behind plain sight and with no signage to tell you that it is what you are looking for. We followed a google map along the backroads of Anda to its exact location. I followed a trail that eventually led me to Combento Cave. I met a local along the way who helped me in exploring the two other caves in the area - Kaligoon and Dakit.  Pumasok ako sa Combento. Photo by Glen Lorenzana. Combento Cave is the most popular among the three caves in the complex. It is tucked on the farther end of the area with a dirt trail that leads to it. It is easy to find since it is the most visited in the area. The water in the cave pool was clear and still that you would actually think that there is no water, if you are looking at it from the outside. The cavern is small but can accommodate swimmers inside who wants to enjoy its cold and still waters.
The two lesser-known caves are both closer to the entrance but they are covered in the shrubs so you really do not notice the entrances to these cave pools. Similar to Combento, the base of the cave has pools but it is smaller than that of the former. Getting into these caves can also be a challenge as there is no established trail going into it. Good thing I met with a local who helped me get close to the cave entrances of the lesser-known cave pools in the area of Combento. Bitoon Beach The baranggay road, where Combento Cave Pool lies, leads to one of the beach spots in Anda - Bitoon Beach. This beach spot has both a sandy cove with rock formations on both ends. Unfortunately, the sandy white sand cove is privately owned so only guests of the resort are allowed access to the area.
The rock formations on the side of the cove can be accessed by the public. The rock formation gives a perfect overlooking view of the sandy cove and the clear turquoise waters of this beach spot. The rockies of Bitoon Beach is also a great place to catch the sunset to cap off your day. We did enjoy exploring the rocky area and enjoying the sea breeze while relaxing after a full day of exploration. Cabagnow Cave Pool The Cabagnow Cave Pool is one of the tourism draw of Anda. The advent of social media brought to light this destination among off-beat travelers and gave Anda the opportunity to be an alternative destination for those who want a more laidback Bohol vibe. Whether you want to enjoy a cool dip or be more adventurous by jumping into the pool, Cabagnow Cave is worth a visit when you find yourself in Anda.  Cabagnow Cave is the most popular cave pool in Anda. Cabagnow Cave Pool is the largest limestone cave pool in Anda and was formed when the bedrock collapsed and eroded. The water inside the cave is a mix of both salt and fresh water. From the ground, it looks like a huge crater that has a deep blue-turquoise pool when the sun strikes its surface. Locals have installed a ladder that guests can use to go down and take a dip in its cold waters. If you are in a more adventurous mode, you can take an easier way by jumping off from the edge of the cave opening into its deep waters.
The cave is bigger when you are inside swimming in its waters. The laughter and cheers echo within its chambers as we enjoyed a quick dip in its deep waters. The water is clear and the sun rays penetrate the surface of the water giving it that ethereal look when you take a video or photo underwater. We came in at around 8am so there were very few people visiting so we really got to enjoy the cave all for ourselves. Talisay Beach Talisay Beach is another white sand beach strip near Cabagnow Cave. We went there after enjoying the waters of Cabagnow Cave, this time to enjoy the sand and the sun. We got to access the beach for free because we were only there for a quick visit. If you intend to stay longer, there are a huts and picnic tables that you can rent from the local caretaker.  Talisay Beach is an unadulterated beach spot in Anda. I enjoyed strolling around the beach. It is raw and unadulterated and we had the beach all for ourselves. I found my spot where I enjoyed the peace and serene vibe that the beach was giving me. The white powdery sand was nice to feet while I enjoyed a quick tan under the sun. If you want a more serene white sand beach vibe in Anda, Talisay Beach is the best place to go. It doesn’t have any establishment around. This is literally an island beach in the raw. Quinale Beach Quinale Beach is the prime tourist beach spot in Anda. With its fine white sand, it can compete with other prime beach spot destination in the country. Its fine sand and its low water depth, even if you are already far from the shoreline, reminds me of the country’s premier beach destination. The only difference is the length of the beach strip and the commercial development in the area. Quinale Beach is the most developed beach destination in Anda but a stretch of the beach remains for public use.  Quinale Beach is the prime beach spot of Anda. One thing that I love about Quinale Beach is that it gives you front seat to an amazing view of the sunrise. You get to enjoy the experience of watching a new day break through with all the amazing colors breaking out on the sky. It is like watching a theater spectacle while being serenaded by the sound of waves slushing along the shore and the cold morning breeze touching your skin. Every now and then, the sound of dogs barking join in the morning sounds of nature. You get to enjoy the moment and you realize that the best things in life are free.
You also get to enjoy walking along the beach while enjoying the warmth of the morning sun on your skin. Not far from you, you get to see a fisherman returning from the sea with his fresh catch. A tourist doing his morning run by the beach. The locals slowly streaming in the beach as they start their day. I also enjoyed capturing the ripples made by the water as a white egret flies low along the waterline of the beach. These were calming scenes in Quinale Beach that I experienced. POST TRAVEL NOTES I am glad that I have seen Anda in its rawness and as an off-beat spot. Similar to other places that I have been to before the place boomed as a mainstream destination, I enjoyed the rustic appeal of the town. It made me see and feel how locals enjoy Anda as their home, and not as an attraction. I got to enjoy calm mornings just watching the sun rise, walking by the beach in solitude, and simply getting the adrenalines pumping just exploring what it has to offer to visitors like us. At the end of the day, we came home happy because we enjoyed ang ganda ng Anda.  Are you ready for the Lenten season? Where are you going? This is what I like the most about exploring off-beat destinations. You get to see how locals see their place. You get to enjoy the interactions with locals as they give you a glimpse of their lives. You get to enjoy the place the way they enjoy it, beyond being a tourist destination. It is rewarding to realize when you watch how a destination, once off-beat, blooms into a much-loved destination by many; that I have experienced it when it was still raw and untouched. That is why I keep exploring. Watch out for the release of our Bohol Roadtrip adventure video on my Youtube Travel Video soon. #MahalinNatinAngPilipinas Getting there: There are direct flights to Panglao International Airport, the gateway to the island of Bohol, from major airports in the Philippines and some international airports. Alternatively, you can also take a Supercat Fastcraft from Cebu Pier 1. Travel time from Cebu to Bohol is 2 hours. We enjoyed Bohol at your own driving pace aboard a rented car. You can check out JAR Car and House Rental in Tagbilaran, Bohol. This is ideal if you are traveling with a group with off beat destinations as part of your itinerary. Stay Here: We stayed at Casa Eduardo located in Anda, Bohol when we explored Anda. They offer basic accommodations and is just 5 minutes away from Quinale Beach by foot. Shoutout to my travel buddies - HULL & STERN Dry Bags for keeping my stuff safe and dry during my travels and MAGWAI for their alternative and eco-friendly products for my local travels.
Our next destination is an off-beat destination in Bohol that got noticed for its own version of the rice terraces. The town is ruggedly beautiful with most of its attraction lie along the mountains that watch over the town. From its beautiful terraces to its spring waters cascading down Bohol’su highest waterfall, the town of Candijay will always give its guests an adventure and a natural high.  Exploring the other side of Bohol this time. Located on the eastern side of Bohol, Candijay is one of the 34 towns that were established by the Spaniards in 1879. The town was originally called “Kang Dihay”, meaning belonging to the strong leader Dihay. The name evolved to Candijay after it was declared as a parish by the Spaniards. It is an off-beat tourist destination that offers mountainside attractions and mangrove covers by the sea. Its main draw is its scenic rice terraces carved along the mountains of Candijay. This man-made attraction placed the town in the tourism map that attracts off-beat travelers to this sleepy town. Armed with our rented car from JAR Car and House Rental, your SHUmermeley TRAvelers went out to explore the mountains of Candijay. Canawa Cold Spring Our first stop for this leg of exploration was the Canawa Cold Spring. The cold spring attraction was already developed to offer basic facilities to its visitors and guests. Picnic sheds and tables line along the cemented banks of the downstream flow of the spring. From here you can already enjoy taking a dip into its cold waters.  Canawa Cold Spring was a beauty that opened up our mountain adventures. A short walk along its cemented banks, you will get to its beautiful lagoon. This is the most photogenic spot of the resort. Surrounded by lush greens, the steep sides create a deep basin where spring water gets collected to form a deep teal-colored pool. Guests can take a dip in the natural pool but the resort requires one to wear a life vest for safety reasons.  The spring water is collected in this deep basin at the headwaters of the Canawa. The spring pool and the resort can easily be accessed by any type of vehicle. I have noticed that most foreign guests prefer renting a bike and exploring this side of Candijay. The resort offer basic facilities that guests can use to wash-up before continuing to the next spot to explore. Can-umantad Falls With waters cascading at a height of 60 feet, Can-umantad Falls is the highest waterfall in the province of Bohol. The water drops on a multi-tierred rock face into a shallow pool at its base where visitors can enjoy a quick dip in its cold waters. The name is derived from the local word “kan-uman tad” which translates to 60 referring to its measure in height in fathom.  Can-umantad Falls is the highest waterfall in the province of Bohol. The area was also developed to offer basic facilities to guests. A guide will be assigned to you from the jump-off point to the base of the falls. Concrete pathways lead to the picnic areas and base of the waterfall. You can enjoy a full view the beauty of the cascade while enjoying the cold water running over your feet.
I enjoyed how the guide shared with us bits of information about Can-umantad Falls. Although there are basic facilities at the jump-off point, the LGU needs to work on improving the area since Candijay has been receiving more attention from travelers. This would be beneficial in putting Candijay in the tourism map of the province. Cadapdapan Rice Terraces When we talk about rice terraces, the rice terraces of Banawe is the first thing that comes to mind. The “staircase” of the north is grand that it does keep visitors in complete awe. Unknown to many, there are other rice terraces attractions in different parts of the Philippines. Bohol has its own version of this agricultural wonder tucked in Candijay.  Cadapdapan Rice Terraces strengthened the tourism branding of Candijay. The Cadapdapan Rice Terraces sits atop the mountains of Candijay. The rice field when viewed in close up is like an amphitheater along the slopes. Cemented walkways/irrigation that run down the terraces allows you to explore the rice fields up close. A small hill serves as the viewing deck of terraces and can be accessed by walking along the irrigation system of the field. You can see a 180-degree view of the Cadapdapan Rice Terraces and the community. The view is definitely a feast for the eyes as you enjoy the gentle breeze touching your skin.
The rice terraces were the first to put the town of Candijay in the off-beat tourism map of the Philippines. Its beauty captured the attention of social media users for its tranquil beauty. A must-visit when you find yourself in Candijay. POST TRAVEL NOTES The Candijay Mountain Loop was an easy adventure for us since road access to these spots were developed. It gave us the opportunity to explore the mountain attractions in a few hours. Although there are still a lot of improvements when it comes to the site facilities, this would be a good opportunity to create a new destination to explore in Bohol.  Alam mo ba na may isa pang Bohol beach spot na talagang magANDA! Local governments have a huge role in developing a sustainable tourism plan for their communities. A solidly executed plan will provide alternative and sustainable livelihood opportunities for their locals. The LGU and the community needs to work together to properly implement a tourism strategy that would bring in tourists and, eventually, financial gains for locals and the LGU. Watch out for the release of our Candijay Roadtrip adventure video on my Youtube Travel Video soon. #MahalinNatinAngPilipinas Getting there: There are direct flights to Panglao International Airport, the gateway to the island of Bohol, from major airports in the Philippines and some international airports. Alternatively, you can also take a Supercat Fastcraft from Cebu Pier 1. Travel time from Cebu to Bohol is 2 hours. We enjoyed Bohol at your own driving pace aboard a rented car. You can check out JAR Car and House Rental in Tagbilaran, Bohol. This is ideal if you are traveling with a group with off beat destinations as part of your itinerary. Stay Here: We stayed at Casa Eduardo located in Anda, Bohol during our stay on this side of Bohol. They offer basic accommodations and is just 5 minutes away from the Quinale Beach by foot. Shoutout to my travel buddies - HULL & STERN Dry Bags for keeping my stuff safe and dry during my travels and MAGWAI for their alternative and eco-friendly products for my local travels.
My 2025 travel adventures started in a totally different kind of adventure. Imagine having my office colleagues in one car, provided by JAR Car Rental in Tagbilaran City, and we were road tripping on an unfamiliar territory. Armed with the waze app and google map, we drove through the popular tourist road, and more, of the beautiful island of Bohol.  Re-visiting and exploring the countryside of Bohol is my 2025 travel starter. The province of Bohol is one of the major PH tourist destinations. The island fuses history, nature, and culture in one adventure that you can enjoy in a day, even better if you can have more days to explore. It is one of the destinations that has a well-executed tourism road network that covers the iconic attractions in Bohol. We started our Bohol #ShuTraRoadTrip by following their popular trail before exploring the road less travelled of the province. Diocesan Shrine of Our Lady of the Assumption, Dauis Established in 1697, the Dauis Church is just one of the many Spanish-period churches in Bohol. The current stone church started construction between 1863 to 1879, under the Gothic and Neoclassic architecture, and was completed in 1923. It also served as a refuge for nuns during World War 2. It was declared a Diocesan Shrine in 2004, a national historical landmark in 2009, and a national cultural treasure in 2011. It also holds the pride of being the home of the first canonical coronation in the province, with the image of the Nuestra Senyora de la Asuncion.  The Simbahan ng Dauis is one of the Spanish-period churches in Bohol.
The church stands by the shores of Panglao Island. A coral stone watchtower stands adjacent to the church and it once served as a guardian against moro attacks. The century-old convent flanks the church on the right side. It once served as the main residence of the Jesuits in Bohol until they were expelled from the country in 1768. The church, watchtower, and convent collectively form this historical and cultural treasure in this side of Bohol.
The church interior is just magnificently amazing! The ceiling murals, that depicted biblical scenes and images of the Our Lady of the Assumption, still captured my attention for its intricate details. These murals were done and completed by Ray Francia in 1916. The altar is highlighted by a retablo with the main image of the canonically crowned Our Lady of the Assumption. The floor tiles seemed to mirror the ceiling murals on the church’s navel completing the grand beauty of its interior.  My purple roadtrippers started our journey with a quick visit at Dauis Church. I was able to explore all corners of this church - from its entrance doors to the back of its pulpit. I was really in awe with the history and beauty of the church. The simple facade contrasts with its grand interior holding visitors in awe of its beauty. A definite must-visit when you are in Bohol. Loboc River Cruise, Loboc This was not my first time to do the Bohol countryside tour but it was my first time to do it on a roadtrip DIY. When the idea of doing the Loboc River Cruise, I was not that interested as my previous experience was not that memorable. I was more inclined to checking out other possible dining places. But since I was with Bohol newbies, I would not want them to miss out on this famous river cruise. It was good that I did try it the second time around.  A Bohol Countryside Tour is not complete without having lunch at the Loboc River Cruise. The cruise starts off at a receiving area where guests make payment and assigned to cruise boats. The price of Php1,000 includes buffet lunch, a cultural presentation, and a cruise along Loboc River. The ticket is a Bohol postcard that could also serve as a souvenir of your trip. Too bad that we did not have a chance to pass by a postal office so I could have sent the postcard to me. I hope they could set up a postal office where guests can mail their postcards as a marked souvenir.
Once aboard your cruise boat, one can already start with the buffet. The cruise does not begin until everyone is seated and enjoying their first round of meal. The cruise takes about an hour where you get to try different Filipino viands while enjoying the serene views along the Loboc River. You will also be treated with Pinoy musicality with an onboard musicians to complete the onboard experience.  Enjoying the serene views of the Bohol countryside. The highlights of the cruise is a short stop along the route where locals treat you with a cultural song and dance presentations. Local songs and dance are highlighted to entertain guests. They also let guests join in dancing the tinikling, a dance where dancers try to not get their feet clapped by two bamboo poles. After this quick stop, you can enjoy the rest of the cruise and the music as you head back to the jump-off point. San Pedro Apostol Parish Church / Diocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Extremadura , Loboc I would say that our visit to the San Pedro Apostol Parish Church, also known as the Loboc Church, is my highlight for this leg of our roadtrip in Bohol. I was not able to visit church on my first try but, this time around, I was lucky that the church was open for visitors to explore. So I did not miss up on the opportunity to make my first visit to the Loboc Church, explore its beauty, and make a couple of wishes.  Our visit to Loboc Church was my highlight for this segment of our road trip. The church was established in 1602 and was the second Christian settlement after Baclayon. It later became the center of the Jesuit mission in Bohol because Baclayon were prone to pirate attacks. Standing along the Loboc River, the present coral church was completed in 1734. It was severely damaged by the Central Visayas Earthquake in 2013. Restoration works started in 2017 and was completed in 2021. The church’s inner facade was patterned after the San Ignacio Church in Intramuros with two octagonal towers on both sides. A portico was added to the facade in 1863 which houses the niche of St. Peter and St. Paul. The symbol of St. Peter, a papal tiara over crossed keys was installed atop the portico. Medallion bass reliefs of the Agustinians and St. Peter flanks the symbol on both sides.  You will be amazed by the beauty of the interior of Loboc Church. Similar to Dauis Church, you will be amazed by the interior of the church. The ceiling paintings depicting scenes from the bible was impressive. These paintings were done by Canuto Avila, Ricardo Francia, and Ray Francia and was completed in 1927. A mural of the Our Lady of Guadalupe by Max Aya-ay was installed in 1930 that depicted the Virgin saving the town from the floods. Interestingly, you can also find a marker inside the church that shows flood water levels at the height of Typhoon Odette in December 2021. The floors of the church were originally made from wood but, because of the constang flooding, it was changed to cement tiles in 1895.  Loboc Church has 5 altars. On the picture is the Retablo Mayor (center), the Epistle Retablo (right), and the Gospel Retablo (left). Loboc Church has 5 retablos. The retablo mayor at the altar features the patron saints of Loboc, Sts. Peter and Paul, its secondary saint, Our Lady of Guadalupe, St. Lucy (Patron Saint against Typhoon), and St. Francis Xavier (Patron Saint against Floods and Alligators). There are two altars that flank central retablo - the Epistle and Gospel retablos. The smaller three-tierred retablo features different images of saints. Adjacent to these retablos are smaller two-tier retablos that features images of the Child Jesus with Saint Joseph and the Crucified Christ. The church complex is complete with a convent, a bell tower, and an adoration chapel. The convent is located at the back of the church. The location of which is said to be where the first church. The convent is the only convent in the country that has 3 floors. The adoration chapel was formerly the mortuary chapel of Loboc. It was built between 1867 to 1868 and made from coral stone. A 4-story belltower stands a few meters from the church. Also made from coral stones, it has 7 bells with the oldest dating back to 1863.  Loboc Church has a separate belfry located a few meters from the church. The Loboc Church was declared a National Historical Landmark in 1998 and a National Cultural Treasure in 2001. It was also declared the Diocesan Shrine of Our Lady in Guadalupe in Extremadura in 2001. It was a candidate for the UNESCO Heritage Site in the Philippines however it was removed from the list after its destruction in 2013. It remains to be one of the historical and cultural site in the province that is worth a visit when you find yourself exploring the countryside of Bohol. Man-made Forest, Bilar This man-made attraction in Bohol has a very odd story. What started as a community reforestation project 60 years ago brought to life to this cool mahogany forest attraction along the highway. It was a response to the lost forest cover because of the kaingin practice by the locals. However, a recent report have indicated that the mahogany tree is not a native tree in the Philippines so endemic flora and fauna of the country find the specie alien to them and do not thrive in this forest cover. This is why this mahogany forest in Bohol is “quiet” and there are no birds in the area.  Enjoying the silence of the Man-made Forest in Bilar.
Nevertheless, the beauty of the place cannot be denied. The tall trees reaching out to the sky in unison was so captivating that we had to stop on the side of the highway to take our dramatic shots. That is when I noticed the eerie silence of the forest. Who would have thought that a project from decades would result to a dramatic and silent forest that visitors get to marvel and enjoy in Bohol. Bohol Tarsier Sanctuary, Bilar A visit to the Bohol Tarsier Sanctuary in Bilar provides a unique face-to-face encounter with the smallest primate in the world - the tarsier. These nocturnal creatures are protected in a 167.64-acre of forest covers in the town of Bilar where they thrive in their natural habitat. The sanctuary provides a non-invasive interaction with these primates in their own safe space.  The Tarsier is one of the two tourism icons of Bohol. The tarsier is the smallest primate in the world measuring only at 3 to 6 inches long. It is a nocturnal creature, with distinct large round eyes, that sleeps in the morning and hunts food at night. It is endemic to Southeast Asia but the Philippine Tarsier is the most popular among its subspecies. It has become one of the tourism icon of Bohol and the Philippines. It is enlisted under the “near threatened” classification and the sanctuary is crucial to the efforts of conserving it.
Exploring the sanctuary is done on an established and cemented trail. The trail snakes around a small area where guides can assist you with your interaction. Note that you can only watch the tarsier from a distance. You cannot touch it and, more importantly, you have to be quiet. The presence of a guide would mean that there is a tarsier under a leaf canopy. The guides are equipped to answer questions about the tarsier and their conservation efforts.  Tarsiers are territorial. They will always return to the branch after hunting. Here is an interesting information. You would usually get a view of the tarsier under a canopy of leaves. I initially thought that it was the tarsier who makes these canopies. I was educated by the guide that tarsiers are territorial and would always come back to their chosen spot. Once the guides have established the spot, the guides build these canopies to serve as the home of the tarsier. That is a cool way of taking care of these cute primates. Chocolate Hills View Deck, Carmen The highlight of a Bohol Countryside Tour is a visit to its famous and iconic Chocolate Hills. This natural wonder can be enjoyed atop one of the hills where one can see the rolling landscape. This geological wonder is spread out in an area of 50 square kilometer protected area with the hills shaped like chocolate kisses. It turns brown during the summer hence the name.  Bohol's Chocolate Hills is a major tourist attraction in the province. The view deck can be reached via a short shuttle ride from parking area and an ascent on a steep cemented stairs. The deck offers an amazing view of these grass-covered conical karst. The estimate number of mounds is between 1,268 to 1,776 that rises to a height of 30 to 50 meters. The highest on mound is at 120 meters. The area is under protected area which limits the tourism activities within the area. Apart from the viewing deck, there are other activities that you can try out in the area where you get to see the hills up close.  The grass on this geological wonder turn brown during the summer and look like chocolate kisses. Owing to its natural and scientific beauty, the Chocolate Hills of Bohol was declared a National Geological Monument in 1988. It was submitted to the UNESCO for inclusion in the World Heritage Site in 2006. In 2018, Former President Rodrigo Duterte declared the Chocolate Hills of Bohol as a National Park under RA11038. POST TRAVEL NOTES The province of Bohol is a charmer. It is one of those destination that fuses popular and offbeat in one island. It is one of the primary island destinations in the country and, no doubt, the tarsier and its Chocolate Hills has put the island on the Philippines tourism map. But wait there’s more to this island than its countryside charm. That is what we are aiming to discover as we continue our roadtrip in Bohol!  We are hitting the mountains in Bohol next! #PurpleTravelers It is nice to revisit and rediscover destinations that we have previously explored. It gives you the opportunity to see an old view under a different circumstance. It gives you a better insight and understanding from the old experience blended with the new. And as they always say, no two experience is the same. Watch out for the release of our Bohol Roadtrip adventure video on my Youtube Travel Video soon. #MahalinNatinAngPilipinas Getting there: There are direct flights to Panglao International Airport, the gateway to the island of Bohol, from major airports in the Philippines and some international airports. Alternatively, you can also take a Supercat Fastcraft from Cebu Pier 1. Travel time from Cebu to Bohol is 2 hours. Bohol Countryside Tours are available for both exclusive and joiner tours. You can inquire at your hotel or from “kuyas” who offer these tours at the arrival area. BUT if you want to enjoy Bohol at your own driving pace aboard a rented car. You can check out JAR Car and House Rental in Tagbilaran, Bohol. Shoutout to my travel buddies - HULL & STERN Dry Bags for keeping my stuff safe and dry during my travels and MAGWAI for their alternative and eco-friendly products for my local travels.
It was around 5am when we started our hike to one of the popular hiking destinations in Ilocos Sur. Although my dad is from the province, this was the first time that I set foot on the mountainous area of Ilocos Sur. This was going to be my 2024 yearend travel and I was sharing the experience with my little lady. We were out to conquer two falls - Aw-Asen Falls in Sigay and Sangbay ni Ragsak in Suyo.  Exploring the hinterlands of Ilocos Sur was our travel year-ender for 2024! When we mention Ilocos Sur, the city of Vigan will always be the first to come to mind. The well-preserved cobble stone street and Spanish-period houses along Calle Crisologo is THE main tourism draw of the province. Little is known about the wonders the mountains that protect the province from the east. But the rugged terrains of Ilocos Sur hold natural wonders that have started to get traction in local tourism. Thanks to social media… what was previously hidden is now being introduced to the world. Aw-Asen Falls, Sigay The dawn was breaking when we started our hike from the jump-off point. It was going to be roughly a 45-minute trek through rice fields, across rivers, and mountain trails to get to the highest waterfalls in the province of Ilocos Sur. The fresh and cold December air greeted us as our eyes were treated with rustic views of Ilocos Sur’s hinterlands. This is the first time that I am seeing this side of the province.  Asher and I enjoying the view of Aw-Asen Falls from the famous view point along the trail. Located along the Cordillera mountain range, Sigay is popular among adventure seekers and mountaineers for its rustic attractions. Locals believe that the town is as old as any pre-Spanish settlement in the region, a claim that still needs to be verified by historians. There are two stories as to how it got its name but, in both stories, there is reference to the local word “sigay” which is a type of fish net used by locals. Now, Sigay is starting to gain traction in local tourism with its prime icon - the Aw-Asen Falls.
Standing at a height of 120 meters, Aw-asen Falls is the highest waterfalls in the province of Ilocos Sur. Cold water flows from a spring at the top of the falls down into a steep rock face into a deep pool at its base. Watching the majestic steep cascade of the water will keep you in awe as you enjoy the droplets on your skin. The cold water on your feet is a refreshing reward after the hike. If you are the type that loves the cold water, you can opt to take a quick dip in its ice cold water.
There are three view points of Aw-Asen Falls. The first is along the trail where you get a side view of the lake as you come out into the opening from the trail. The most popular view point is from a rock formation facing the waterfall. This is often the viewpoint that you would see on social media. The last is from the base of the waterfall where you get a full view of the falls and its surrounding ravines. I highly recommend that you get there early, like we did, to avoid the crowd and lining up for that IG-worthy shot. Sangbay ni Ragsak, Suyo Suyo is another town that lies along the mountain range on the east side of Ilocos Sur. Its name was derived from the Ilocano word “naisuyo” which means thrown because the town was built from the accumulation of soil after the river floods the riverbanks. The rugged terrains of the municipality have kept its natural beauty hidden from plain sight. With the rising popularity of Aw-Asen in Sigay, it is not surprising that the attractions of Suyo is also gaining traction among travelers. Feeling the happiness of watching the cascade of Sangbay ni Ragsak with my little lady, Asher. Sangbay ni Ragsak is one of the many attractions in Suyo. Originally called Burayok, it was renamed Sangbay ni Ragsak in 2007 which is an Ilocano phrase for “Waterfalls of Happiness” and it does give you that smile when you see it up-close. With water cascading from a height of 30 meters, a shallow basin at the base of the falls collects it where tourist can wade in its cold waters. It is relaxing while you enjoy the view of the falls and its surrounding forest covers.  Asher and me at the base of the cascade of Sangbay ni Ragsak. One thing that really amazed me was how one can get close to its waters as it cascades down the rock face wall. You can enjoy a massage or a quick shower right at the base of the falls. Just be extra cautious when heading up to the base because the rocks are slippery in the area. Sangbay ni Ragsak gives a totally different experience to its visitors. POST TRAVEL NOTES Social media has been instrumental in bringing to the front destinations that were once hidden from the spotlight. This was the case for Aw-asen Falls where it was once enjoyed by only a few who dared explore the mountains of Ilocos Sur. Now, we have more people getting interested with seeing it up close and getting that social media savvy picture or video to share with others. It continues to gain interest that has now expanded to include Sangbay ni Ragsak in Suyo. That is the power of today’s technology.  We started 2025 with the beat and the beach! There seems to be more interest in exploring off-beat destinations nowadays with local travelers. Social media posts have been fundamental towards this direction. This is good for local tourism as we start exploring and discovering more which would mean more opportunities for local communities. The challenge for local governments is how fast they can adapt to changes and help promote sustainable tourism in their localities. Watch out for the release of our #JournalsOfTheTravelingDaDA Aw-Asen adventure video on my Youtube Travel Video soon. #MahalinNatinAngPilipinas Getting there: Our travel to Aw-Asen Falls and Sangbay ni Ragsak was organized by Baguio-based FB Travel Organizer - Highland Mountain Movers. Exploring both falls can be quite a challenge if done DIY hence I recommend that you go with joiner groups for the trip to be convenient and economical. Shoutout to my travel buddies - HULL & STERN Dry Bags for keeping my stuff safe and dry during my travels and MAGWAI for their alternative and eco-friendly products for my local travels.
2025 has rolled in and, in a week’s time, I am about to kick off my 2025 adventures. But before I let loose the explorer in me, let me share with you how 2024 was a blast that rolled off in Bohol and ended in Ilocos Sur. It had me enjoying off-beat destinations in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Before my 2025 travels kick in, here are my Top 5 PH travel spots in 2024!  Subic Beach is my top destination for 2025. Subic Beach, Matnog, Sorsogon Subic Beach is one of the few pink beach spots in the country and I was one lucky traveler who got to enjoy it without the usual crowd. The shoreline looks white at usual glance but, when viewed from an angle, it has a light hue of pink. The hue is from crushed red corals that mix with the white sands of this beach spot. This beach spot is THE prime tourist draw of Matnog.  Subic Beach gave me a perfect spot to enjoy all by myself. I enjoyed the cove without the usual crowd. I got to enjoy the sun while walking along its sandy shores. I did find my own beach spot where I got to enjoy the spot all for myself. I got indulged with the sun, sand, and sea of Subic Beach while enjoying the serene and peace that the spot offered. Subic Beach was a real treat because of its beauty paired with a perfect weather.
Subic Beach slowed me down from the whirlwind that I was in. It offered me a serene evening watching the stars and feeling the breeze and a full-on sun escape the next day. It was a perfect spot to disconnect and just re-charge and organize. It is a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Check out my Subic Beach Travel Blog here: #GOT69Sorsogon: Talagang Matnog! Malapascua, Cebu Malapascua was another breather for me. This island, north of Cebu, is a popular diving destination known for its thresher shark. But let me tell you that this island also embraces non-divers. It allows them to enjoy the beauty of its beach spots and also what lies underneath its waters.  Enjoying the chill beach vibe of Malapascua. Malapascua is a rain or shine destination. It offers a lot of amazing activities that lets you enjoy its laidback island vibe. You get to enjoy snorkeling around a Japanese shipwreck and its coral gardens in the morning then enjoy cliff jumping and beach bumming in the afternoon. It is an island destination that opens its arms to any kind of traveler.
What was surprising with Malapascua was it was able to retain its rustic vibe despite the island’s popularity. We got to enjoy motorcycle rides on dirt paths that led us from cove to cove. We had a great time buying fresh seafood to grill for our meals. Evenings were subtle and early mornings were warm as we watched the sunrise. It was an island that allows you to escape with nature. Check out my Malapascua Travel Blog here: A Non-Diver in Malapascua You can also check out my YT Malapascua Travel video here: #ByahengOffTheGrid Malapascua Camotes Island, Cebu I have heard about Camotes Island as a tourist destination after a foundation featured it as part of their sustainable tourism project. It stuck to me so when an opportunity to explore the island came through, I did not hesitate. The island is an easy escape from the city of Cebu that offers an interesting adventure that lets you enjoy what is above and underneath the island.  Catching the drama of the sunset at Camotes Island. The caves of the island are the main tourist draw of Camotes. These underground caves are mostly located near the shoreline that saltwater flows inside these caves. The depth of these pools depends on the tide but you get to enjoy the beauty that lies underneath whether it is high tide or low tide. These underground caves have amazing collections of live stalactite and stalagmite formations formed through the hundred years. There are some cave that are still to be further explored and are believed to be interconnected.
There are a couple of beach spots where you can take a quick dose of your beach fix. Santiago Bay Beach offers one of the amazing beach views on the island. Access to the beach is also free. The island also offers an amazing sunset view with Cebu mainland as its backdrop. Camotes Island fuses island living and adventure perfectly. Check out my Camotes Island Travel Blog here: A Camotes Driver You can also check out my YT Camotes Island Travel video here: #ByahengOffTheGrid Camotes Tabuelan, Cebu Located along the western coast of Cebu mainland, Tabuelan is an unassuming tourist destination. This coastal is known for its spring pools and beach spots that has remained untouched. This is the reason why prices of commodities are still relatively affordable while you get to enjoy its rural vibe. The fusion of beauty and vibe makes Tabuelan stand out.  Enjoying the fresh and salt waters of Tabuelan. While most locals would find their spring pools as part of their daily lives, it was not for our case. We do not find these spots in the city so we get amazed by this natural wonder. The cold water spring, matched by a beautiful view of nature is enough to keep us giddy with delight, much to the amusement of the locals. Cantacoyan Spring is one that will captivate you for its amazing views as spring water flows downstream.
One thing that I really loved in Tabuelan was its laidback vibe which perfectly fuses with the simple beauty of the place. We found a beach spot that we had all for ourselves where we just enjoyed the peace and quiet that it offered. Time slowed down in Tabuelan and it helped us enjoy a simple weekend void of the usual urban buzz. It is a perfect place to disengage and commune with nature. Check out my Tabuelan Travel Blog here: An OG Tabuelan Weekend You can also check out my YT Tabuelan Travel video here: #ByahengOffTheGrid Tabuelan Alburquerque, Bohol Nothing beats traveling that will make you enjoy the beauty of the place and its well-preserved culture and traditions. This was the case of the salt-makers of Alburquerque in Bohol. It was the artisan salt-makers of “asin-tibuok” that brought me to this rustic town. It was not enough that I get to own one. I had to make sure that I get to meet, first-hand, the makers of this traditional salt that you can only find here in Alburquerque, Bohol.  Alburquerque in Bohol was fascinating for its cultural heritage and traditions. This artisan salt takes months to produce from the preparation to its actual cooking. Preparations start with coconut husk being soaked in saltwater for 3-4 months. The cooking process begins with the soaked husk being sun-dried before being set on fire using sea water to control the fire. The roasting process will produce burnt salted crusts which are stored in a container where it is poured with saltwater to produce a brine. The brine is then poured and cooked on a clay pot over a strong fire. The cooking process crystalizes the brine. The asin tibuok is deemed cooked when the base of the clay pot cracks open.
This well-preserved tradition remains because of a few families in Alburquerque that continues the practice the artisan craft. This tradition matched by the rustic vibe of the town creates a perfect immersion to travelers who want a different kind of experience. I just hope that this tradition gets more traction in local tourism to strengthen the practice. If you want a different kind of travel that focuses on actual tradition, Albur is the place to visit. Check out my Alburquerque Travel Blog here: Alburquerque, May Asin Ka Pa You can also check out my YT Alburquerque Travel video here: #ByahengOffTheGrid Alburquerque As we started 2025 with the Cebu’s Sinulog tradition and roadtripping in Bohol, let me share with you my #High5In2025 destination goals: Jomalig Island, Quezon - the golden sands of this island continue to lure me to visit this remote island in the province of Quezon. The real question is - Am I ready to take the 6-hour Pacific boat ride to explore this island? Catarmarman / Biri - The northwest side of the Visayas is waving again. This time I am ready to take it as I already have a ticket to Catarman. I am excited that I am finally crossing out another province on my #GOT82 bucket list SOON. Marawi - We have heard of the stories but I need the stories to come alive by visiting Marawi. The images when we see it may share a different side of the story and the learnings that came from its siege. Isabela - I am really looking into going into a road trip or backpacking trip to this region. Let’s see what stories and beauty this province can share to local travelers and the world. Lake Holon - I have heard about Lake Holon a few years back when I explored Lake S’bu. The lake is now starting to gain traction in social media and I am now more determined to chase it before it succumbs to commercialism. Excited to explore more of the Philippines this 2025! We started rolling our #High5in2025! I have read in an article where they say that you should travel when you are still young. This is partly true but I would like to refine the statement to “travel when you still can”. Travel is for all ages and the earlier you start gives you the opportunity to experience more. As we grow older, our physicality starts to get limitations which can also limit our experiences. The great thing about travel is that it allows us to experience differently depending on our capacity. So go out there and experience the Philippines this 2025! Here is an advance #High5In2025 for your travels! Shoutout to my travel buddies - HULL & STERN Dry Bags for keeping my stuff safe and dry during my travels and MAGWAI for their alternative and eco-friendly products for my local travels. Thank you for being a part of my 2024 travel adventures!
What better way to end the year with a blog on one my top destination for this year. It was my last stop for my #GOT69Sorsogon trip and the best spot was saved for last. The beach spot gave me a much-needed reset from everything that was happening. With a beautiful destination like this in the province of Sorsogon, I am not surprised na talagang matunog ang Matnog!  Matnog is my top travel destination for 2024! Matnog is the southernmost municipality of Sorsogon. It serves as a crucial trading port connection and a vital transportation connection between Luzon and Visayas. Its name is derived from the local world “matonog” that is often associated to the sound of the tidal rip in the San Bernandino Strait and the sound of gongs to call for council meetings. But beyond the connection, Matnog is a perfect destination for travelers who simply want to detach, find peace, and connect with the self. Subic Beach Matnog is host to one of the few pink beaches in the country. Subic Beach was MY primary destination for this part of my trip. This would be my first pink beach experience and this really got me excited.  Subic Beach slowed me down, kept me still, and grounded me. Subic Beach was a laidback beach spot that I really enjoyed. I chanced upon a visit that there was only a couple of visitors on the island that we had it all for ourselves. I enjoyed my afternoon beach walk, exploring the beach. I took an afternoon dip while enjoying the pastel sky colors of dusk. What I really enjoyed the most was watching the stars by the shores. The stars glistened with the sound of waves gently slushing along the shores. That night, I whispered a prayer to the Lord through the stars and He answered an assurance through the blowing gentle wind. It was a night of assurance from above.
I found myself in my own beach corner the next day. I had the spot all for myself as I enjoyed the sand, sea, and sun. The place is picturesque with an old driftwood spicing up my photos. The shoreline of Subic Beach is white with a slight tinge of pink when you look closer because of the crushed red corals that get washed ashore. The faint pink color is evident when seen at a certain angle. Nevertheless, I had a blast at Subic Beach.
Subic Beach was both comforting and relaxing. It leveled up my beach experience by letting me experience my own space and grounding me. It was the perfect beach spot that slows you down first just to get you hyped under the sun the next moment. Calintaan Underwater Cave One of the stops during the island hopping activity is the Calintaan Underwater Cave. The cave lies along the shoreline and is submerged by seawater during high tide. You need to perfectly time your visit to the cave in order for you to get inside it. My boatman shared that the waves could slam the boats onto the cave walls.  The best time to visit Calintaan Cave is during the low tide. Unfortunately, my timing was off when I visited Calintaan Cave. It was just a few minutes away from Subic Beach but I was not able to consider the tide when I planned out the island hopping activity. I had to appreciate its beauty from a distance for safety. You can actually see the tide coming into the cave which meant that getting into the cave would be unsafe. My contact said that the best time to visit and enjoy the beauty of Calintaan Underwater Cave is during the summer months when the sea is calmer. Juag Fish Sanctuary Located on an adjacent island, the Juag Fish Sanctuary is a private fish sanctuary that was opened to help in raising public awareness on importance of a vibrant sea life. The sanctuary showcases their collection of marine life which you can view from a view deck and/or in its waters. If you would opt to enjoy the experience “under the sea”, the sanctuary is strict that you can only swim without sunblock. This is to protect the school of fish under their care.
Guests are welcomed on a dock where you pay an entrance fee. The entrance fee comes with a raft ride to the view deck and fish food. From the dock, you get to see the beauty of the huge expanse of the lagoon. The sanctuary is just part of the lagoon. You would often see fishing boats move in and out of the lagoon. The viewing deck is located at the center of the sanctuary which is connected to the dock station via a floating raft.
You board the raft which is then pulled to the view deck. From the raft ride alone, you can already view the fish collections of the sanctuary as they swim along the raft. The bamboo view deck gives you a 360-degree view of the sanctuary. You can walk along its perimeter fence and find your corner for that IG-worthy shot while enjoying the experience of feeding the fish. By the way, they come in all different sizes and colors. I got lucky that there were two swimmers in the area who were enjoying the feeding frenzy around them. POST TRAVEL NOTES Matnog is my top travel destination in 2024. The place slowed me down, cleared my mind, and grounded me once again. There are really places that stick to you, not just for its beauty, but for how the place made you feel and enjoy the experience. It makes you realize that, more than the destination, the travel experience makes a lasting impression. Cheers to more travels this 2025!!! As we close 2024, my wish for everyone for the incoming year is that may you find your own piece of sanctuary here in the Philippines. Keep traveling to find it. Explore the off-beat while you enjoy the usual spots. Find your corner, get grounded, and find your inner peace. Cheers to more PH travels this 2025! Watch out for the release of my solo travel Matnog adventure video on my Youtube Travel Video soon. #MahalinNatinAngPilipinas Getting there: There are regular flights from major airport hubs in the Philippines to the most scenic international airport in the Philippines, Daraga in Albay. You can then take a van from the airport to SM Legazpi where you can take another van to SM City Sorsogon. You can then take an aircon bus going to Matnog Port where you can hire a boat to Subic Beach and go island hopping. I suggest that you travel with a group as a more economical option. Stay Here: You can stay at Kuya Boy Beach Resort in Subic Beach. You can also make food arrangements during your stay with them. You can check out their Facebook page here: Kuya Boy Beach Resort Shoutout to my travel buddies - HULL & STERN Dry Bags for keeping my stuff safe and dry during my travels and MAGWAI for their alternative and eco-friendly products for my local travels.
Exploring Sorsogon made me realize that the province has a lot to offer to any kind of traveler - from the laidback to the adventurous. I allowed myself to get lost this time on the eastern coast of the province, covering three areas that share remnants of its rich Spanish-period past. The similarities may be evident but each of these towns stand with a unique vibe. Welcome to the tri-towns of Prieto Diaz, Gubat, and Barcelona.  Time to explore three different sides of three Sorsogon towns. The three municipalities lie along the eastern coast of Sorsogon. Prieto Diaz lies along the north eastern coast, Gubat is at the middle, and Barcelona is the southern-most of the three. While each destination has a unique character, the three share a common denominator of having links to its Spanish-period - some still standing while others in ruins. Exploring Prieto Diaz, Gubat, and Barcelona would bring out the destination’s unique tourism brand while keeping the bind that ties three together. Prieto Diaz: A Rustic Seaside Town  Enjoying the chill sea and mangrove views of the town of Prieto Diaz. Prieto Diaz was originally under the visita of Bacon. It is the youngest municipality in the province after being organized as an independent town when Sorsogon. It was established in 1903 and was named after two Bicolano martyrs - Father Gabriel Prieto and Father Severino Diaz. It owns to having the most laidback vibe among the three that it gives travelers that old Philippine town feel. Sabang Beach Sabang Beach is a laidback public beach on the eastern side of Prieto Diaz facing the Pacific Ocean. This beach spot gives you an amazing view of the mangrove ecopark of the town. Apart from being breeding grounds of fish, these covers also protect the town from the powerful waves of the Pacific Ocean.  Prieto Diaz is a laidback town where you can just sit back, relax, and enjoy the moment. A community park was built on the shores of the beach. A Prieto Diaz marker, with the mangrove covers in the backdrop, was installed to give guests the local’s sense of pride for their place. The beach spot is not as grand as the others in the area but the mangroves in the area can be explored and gives you a different perspective of the town. The place exudes calmness so it is not surprising that this beach spot is a favorite early morning or late afternoon spot by locals. Easternmost Point of Luzon Island Just a few minutes-walk from the town center, you will find yourself on the easternmost point of the Luzon mainland. Dotted with mangrove covers, the spot is not easily recognizable as there are no signs that states so. I just saw it in google maps so I walked my way to the eastern edge of Luzon.  That's me, with my big smile, at the easternmost edge of the Luzon Island. A highway runs along the eastern side of the Prieto Diaz. There is a modern lighthouse that stands a few meters from the breakwaters of the town. There are a couple of mangrove covers along its shores that serves as safety anchors of small fishing boats. I walked down close to the edge of the sea wall just to know how it feels to be at the eastern edge of the Luzon landmass. I did not really feel anything special but it did made me smile. I mean you don’t get to stand at the edge of Luzon all the time. That thought alone will give you a smile. Escuela Pia ng Prieto Diaz If there was one attraction that led me to explore Prieto Diaz, it was its Escuela Pia. The Escuela Pia was first built in coral stones in the 19th century under the Spanish government. The one level building served as a school house from the time it was built to the present. This is one of the well-preserved historical structures on this side of Sorsogon.  The Escuela Pia of Prieto Diaz was rehabilitated and still in use today.
The coral stone structure stands out from among the modern structures of the Prieto Diaz Central School. A lot of efforts, headed by private institutions, have been undertaken to preserve the structure especially after it was damaged by Typhoon Reming in 2006. The school house remains to be of use until today. But beyond the efforts to preserve the structure, the Escuela Pia of Prieto Diaz tells how Spanish influence flourished on this eastern coast of the country. Gubat: The Town Where the Sun Rises for Adrenaline Junkies  Enjoying the feel of the morning sun in Gubat, Sorsogon. Established in 1764, the municipality of Gubat is fast becoming a popular spot for surfing because of its friendly waves that suits those who want to start to learn to surf. Its name was derived from the local word “guinobatan” which means “raided” as the town was often times raided by the moros during earlier times. Its present name is a shortened version of the local word. Since Gubat is sandwiched by the other two, it became my nerve center for my exploration. Rizal Beach This is where the adrenaline action is in the province of Sorsogon. The long stretch of black powdery sand is where one heads to for that riding the waves action. The sandy breaks of its coast make it the only beach spot that is beginner-friendly for both locals and visitors. The support given by the local government proved to be beneficial in the putting Gubat in the surfing destinations in the country.  Breathing a much-needed salty sir from the Pacific. But it is not all about riding the waves when you are at Gubat. You can also enjoy a quiet moment in the morning or afternoon as you watch locals and tourists enjoy the beach. This is the beach spot where you can enjoy a quiet afternoon people-watching as you enjoy the breeze and sun on your skin. Serene evenings make you appreciate doing nothing but enjoy a moment of tranquility enveloped by the dark and the night sounds.
One thing that I really enjoyed was watching the sun rise in the morning. Since Gubat is on the eastern side, you get front seats to a beautiful sunrise. I really enjoyed the sound of the waves, the morning breeze, and the warmth of morning sun breaking on my skin. It was great watching a new day breaking while on my fave spot - the beach. St. Anthony de Padua Church At the heart of the town of Gubat is the St. Anthony de Padua Church. Local stories passed on from generation to generation shared that the image of St. Anthony de Padua was held up, during a moro raid, while the townsfolk were praying for a miracle. It was believed that the child Jesus, on the arms of the saint, warded off the pirates. It was after this miracle that the town embraced St. Anthony de Padua as their patron saint.  The St. Anthony de Padua Church of Gubat is a Spanish-period church that took 10 years to start construction.
The idea of the building a stone church was conceived in 1768 but it took the locals 10 years to actually start construction because the residents needed to raise the coral stone materials for the structure. They had to oblige the men to donate one cubic meter of coral stone. Although the church has undergone renovations, the foundations of the church remain to be the original stones laid down in 1778. The rectory remains to be one of the two oldest rectories in the Bicol region.  I was amazed by the beauty of its baptistry. You can see the outline of its coral stones. The interior of the church remains simple and yet elegant. The paintings on the ceilings give the church an immaculate vibe. The simple altar, with the Crucifix and the image of St. Anthony de Padua as its highlight, completes the vibe of the sanctuary. What really stood out for me was the church’s baptistry where you could actually see the coral walls of the church complementing the painting of Jesus’ baptism. You can actually see the beauty of the age of the St. Anthony de Padua Church inside this corner. Christ the King Park The faith of the locals of Gubat must be so strong that they immortalized it by installing the Christ the King Park. The park sits adjacent to the church and separated by a town road. I have seen a church with a sprawling compound but this is the first time that I have seen a park dedicated to faith. Usually, towns have community parks but it is commonly dedicated to either a historical figure or named after the town. In the case of Gubat, it is dedicated and designed to signify their faith.  The Christ the King Park is a sprawling open park across the street of the Gubat Church. The sprawling open park is complete with an image of the Risen Christ as its main centerpiece. A three-level platform stands on one side where, I presume, the traditional salubong is celebrated every Easter Sunday. The space can accommodate throngs of people attending the celebration. Each spot gives them a good view of the celebration. Monreal Ruins Just a few minutes-walk from the church and the park, you will find the Monreal School Building Ruins. The school is the only school building in the Philippines that was built from corals and stones. Inaugurated in 1906, the Monreal Building was part of the American promise to provide free primary education in the province of Sorsogon.
The building is now in ruins and has been off limits to the public due to safety reasons. From the street view, you can still admire the beauty of its coral stone foundation. A similar stone structure stands a few meters from the Monreal Ruins which was re-purposed by the Bicol State University. I don’t know whether both structures were built together at the same time or share the same history. But I hope that the LGU of Gubat would take the initiative to rehabilitate and re-purpose the Monreal Ruins to keeps its historical value. Gubat Heritage Center The Gubat Heritage Center serves as a lifestyle museum and office of the town’s Municipal Tourism and Cultural Office. The house was originally owned by Don Juan Escurel and was built in 1918. The Casa Escurel-Sabater was donated by the heirs in 2017 and the LGU took the effort to re-purpose the heritage house to the Gubat Heritage House.  The Gubat Heritage Center is a museum that walks you through the rich past of Gubat. The first floor of the house serves as the receiving area and a gallery area for local artists. Art works of different forms, on display and on sale, will amuse you as you walk towards the lawn area. The open garden serves as a gathering place for cultural activities and shows. You are then treated to a mural that immortalizes the legend of Ginubat.
The second floor is a repository of time-pieces that give you a glimpse of how locals lived in the past. These antique furnitures and old photographs owned by the family froze a period and shares the snapshot to its guests. The museum also features historical events relevant to the town. It also educates visitors of the important livelihood that is unique to Gubat. Barcelona: A Town of Historic Proportions  Barcelona was a town that I fell easily in love with. Among the three towns, Barcelona outrightly shares its rich history. From the church to its ruins, the LGU has significantly banked on the town’s Spanish-period influence to attract tourist to visit the town. Mention the town of Barcelona to any local traveler and they will mention its famous Spanish-period church. Let me say this, the town will NOT disappoint. St. Joseph Parish Church (Barcelona Church) Built in 1874, the St. Joseph Parish Church, more popularly known as the Barcelona Church, is one of the oldest church in the Bicol region. The church is the tourism centerpiece of the town, making it a popular destination for those who want a piece of Spanish-influence in the province. The church looks amazing from the baywalk area with Mount Bulusan in the background.  Barcelona Church is one of the oldest church in the Bicol Region. The church was built in Neo-classical architecture using corals and slabs of sea stones joined together by a mix of egg whites, lime, and tuba (coconut wine). It has undergone restoration under the supervision of the National Historical Commission with the church walls and the bell tower remaining intact from its original structure. An image of Jesus Christ welcomes visitors in the church courtyard. Stone walls that depict the Stations of the Cross line the perimeter of the church’s courtyard. The simple facade is highlighted by a stained-glass window of St. Joseph carrying Baby Jesus.  The Barcelona Church with Mount Bulusan in the background. The interior of the church is a complete contrast to its simple facade. You will be impressed by the intricate and grand design of the church from its ceilings to its floor. I was really impressed by the ceiling paintings depicting different passages from the bible. The tiled floorings lead your eyes to its retablo depicting the Holy Family. The details were simply amazing and will keep you in awe.
I had the chance to get up to the choir loft to admire the church navel from a different perspective. I got to touch and feel the coral stones that was meticulously put together by its workers. I am not Catholic but I am amazed by the faith and the story of early Filipinos through these Spanish-structures that remain standing to this day. The Barcelona Church is one of the well-preserved church’s in the country that gives us a glimpse of the past. It is part of Sorsogon’s collection of Important Cultural Properties. Barcelona Ruins Park Just right across the Barcelona Church is a park that also gives you a glimpse of Barcelona’s rich history. The Barcelona Ruins Park offers was developed to highlight two significant Spanish-period ruins while giving you an amazing view of the Pacific Ocean. This is where you will also find the Barcelona, Sorsogon sign for that iconic “I was here” photo.  Enjoying a full view of the La Presidencia Ruins of Barcelona. The La Presidencia Ruins is one of the three remaining Spanish-period structures in the town of Barcelona. It used to be the seat of the Spanish-government in the area. It is said that the structure had tunnels underneath to serve as added protection against moro raiders. It is also believed that the tunnels also lead to the church. The structure served as a garrison during the Japanese occupation and the seat of the municipal government after the war before succumbing to the forces of nature.
At the other side of the park is the Escuela Pia Ruins of Barcelona. Built by the Spaniards to serve as a school to the children of the illustrados, the structure remained true to its purpose even during the American-period. It was later called the Stone Building that offered primary education, only this time, for everyone. It was later abandoned due to safety reasons but a large part of its foundation remain intact to this day.
The three Spanish-period structures are enough to give you a complete Barcelona history experience. You get to see it in one place just how the Spaniards build towns. Everything is within reach at the poblacion, in this case, within an arms reach of each structure. Too bad though that the town was only able to preserve the church intact. It would have been more interesting if all three were preserved for everyone to see a typical Spanish-period town in Bicol. Barcelona Baywalk and Boulevard Just behind the Barcelona Ruins Park is a boardwalk that connects to the Barcelona Boulevard. From here, you get to see a full view of the old town’s layout on one side and the Pacific Ocean on the other side. The 180-degree view of the Pacific Ocean was a relaxing breather after walking around the area. The baywalk and the boulevard is a favorite spot for locals to unwind in the early mornings and late afternoons. Small businesses have sprung up to offer guests refreshments during their visit. You get to enjoy the laidback charm of Barcelona as you feel the sea breeze on your skin while feasting on the sea view of Barcelona. The spot got me thinking that this place would be a perfect place to catch the sunrise. Vintage Bridge Just a short ride away from the Poblacion is a small park called Vintage Bridge. Built in 1939, the only remaining part of the structure is the foundation of the bridge that remains rooted on its riverbed and its parapet on both ends. The actual bridge itself offers an amazing view of the river and the estuary.
The park was added as part of the town’s historical attraction. They have water sports that will give you the opportunity to explore the river and its surrounding palm covers. For those who just want to enjoy a quiet moment, you can take a sit in one of the park benches and enjoy the calm vibe of the park. POST TRAVEL NOTES Prieto Diaz, Gubat, and Barcelona are three Sorsogon town that share the common Spanish influence and yet have a uniquely distinct town vibe. This makes you wonder how these influences managed to come through on the eastern side of Sorsogon, unlike other provinces on the eastern side of the country. The answer lies on the Galleon Trade between Mexico and the Philippines. Since the ships traverse the Pacific Ocean, the Spanish rule needed to guide ships into the San Bernandino Strait to get to Manila Bay. Hence, Spanish settlements need to established along the eastern coast of Sorsogon for this purpose. Galeng, di ba?  Ohhh... we are not yet done with Sorsogon! We still have one spot coming up. Guess where? It is interesting how “developments” can happen because of the presence of trade in an area. This goes to show if LGUs provide opportunities for economic growth in their areas, it will give their locals opportunities to stay and become part of future developments. However we should also not forget that in the midst of these developments, we should not lose the vibe that makes our towns unique and our very own. Watch out for the release of my solo adventure in Prieto Diaz, Gubat, and Barcelona on my Youtube Travel Video soon. #MahalinNatinAngPilipinas Getting there: There are regular flights from major airport hubs in the Philippines to the most scenic international airport in the Philippines, Daraga in Albay. You can then take a van from the airport to SM Legazpi where you can take another van to SM City Sorsogon. You can then take an aircon bus going to Prieto Diaz or Gubat. Traveling between the towns of Prieto Diaz, Gubat, and Barcelona can be done via mini-aircon buses or jeeps. Where to Stay: You can stay at Sayong Eco-SurFarm in Gubat, Sorsogon to enjoy the back-to-basic and laidback vibe of Gubat. You can also arrange for surfing classes if you want to ride the waves of Gubat. You can check out their Facebook page: Lola Sayongs Eco-SurFarm Shoutout to my travel buddies - HULL & STERN Dry Bags for keeping my stuff safe and dry during my travels and MAGWAI for their alternative and eco-friendly products for my local travels.
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Marc del Rosario
I believe in education, entrepreneurship, and caring for the environment. 
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May 2025
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