The hidden beauty of Sta. Ana

Sta. Ana has fascinating beaches. I visited two well known beaches in Sta. Ana, one is Anguib and the other is Nangaramoan. It was a paradise, indeed. I was stunned by the hidden beauty of this beaches. My narration will only tell some of my experiences in Anguib.

You can reach this place by land or by Boat. And if your afraid of big waves i recommend you take a motorcycle from Sta. ana proper or if your up for an adventure go for the boat from san vicente port and it includes a sidetrip to the mangrove forest, a very nice mangrove forest and if you are lucky enough you'd catch a flock of birds at this place.

Anguib beach is made famous by last seasons US Survivor Palaui and Cagayan. They say this is the Boracay of the North, Anguib Beach has a powdery soft white sand and shallow waters,like Anawangin it has pine trees which compliment the beautiful beach.

First destination is the Mangrove forest park (the biggest mangrove park i been to). From here you can see a mini white sand beach in the middle of the mangrove forest and bird watching is also good here. Since the park is only accessible during high tide and it is almost getting low tide the boat man decided that we leave the place right away.

After a while, i could see a long strip of white beach waiting for me. As the boat approached the beach, i was left speechless by the sight of clear green and blue waters greeting me with the most assuring white beach in the north and I was immediately distracted by the sight of numerous colourful fish swimming around the boat.

Usually being more of an active traveller, I was looking forward to spending a few days lazing on a white sand beach, feet dangling in the water or trekking, but I was antonished by the silence of Anguib and how its beauty seemed to have calmed down my mind and body. For a while, I thought everything is good, but looking back at the sky and the different shades of clouds that is visible in the sky, I was brought back to the reality of a bad weather waiting for me at this cove.

The water in anguib is a real emerald green colour, which is complimented by deep white sand. The beaches are surrounded by some rock formations that jut out of the water, covered in patches of greenery stone. The setting is enchanting, and gives a completely different feel to the other beaches that i been. I presumed all of these beaches would be stunning and 'same, same, but different'. But as it turns out, there is no 'same, same' at all, only beautiful and different.

What more would you ask for? This is a beach bummer's haven. And if you want to stay out for some quiet time this is a perfect place,  it was like i owned this place. Such a Perfect hideaway. 

At the mangrove forest

the beachfront of Anguib where survivor immunity challenge was shoot

some of the props use for survivor

beautiful rock formation at the right end part of anguib

@ nangaramoan beach

jps-travelogue visita la iglesia series 24 : The Roman Catholic Parish Church of Saint James the Apostle - Paete, Laguna

Yes, you definitely need to visit or attend mass at this church.

This is a beautiful old church that you can admire from the outside or the inside interiors.Paete being known for woodcarving can also be proud of this old church. The wonders of this building never ceases to amaze me. Its strong walls and beautiful interiors speak for its aged history. Although, the church underwent a lot of renovation due to natural calamities. The church in itself has been maintained from its old appearance. 

The structure, its presense is beautiful and solemn. I was really impressed by how it was built and how its being taken care of by the locals.

A really beautiful church with lots of History,i was able to get inside and offer some prayers, i  felt very blessed.

Quick Facts on The Roman Catholic Parish Church of Saint James the Apostle - Paete, Laguna

Church Information

Names : The Roman Catholic Parish Church of Saint James the Apostle 

Founded : 1864

Architectural type : baroque 

Location :  Paete, Laguna

Main attraction : The large wall paintings on wood panels inside the church. The intricate retablo which is so beautifully done.

jps-travelogue visita la iglesia series 19 : San Ildefonso Parish Church - Tanay, Rizal

When you go to Tanay you'll come upon a church which is worth a visit.

From what I could tell, this church is beautiful. Its design is unique and amazing. And it has such a fascinating history. The interior of this centuries old church is vivid and endearing. Its exterior and interior facade is well preserve.

If only its facade can speak, you would hear its more than hundred years of history, whispering its story behinds this marvelous church.

San Ildefonso Church is always a part of my itinerary when visiting Tanay. A very nice church and absolutely a must see.

Quick Facts on San Ildefonso Parish Church

Church Information

Names : San Ildefonso Parish Church

Founded : 1783

Architectural type : baroque 

Location : Tanay, Rizal

Main attraction : The 14 Stations of the Cross inside the church and the two huge acacia trees outside the church. It was declared a National Cultural Heritage by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts along with 25 other churches all over the Philippines.

Introduction to Rock Scrambling : Lion's Rock

At first glance this may appear to be just another amazing rock formation, but looking at it closely , it offers so much more.

Lion's Rock is a fairly tall rock formation in the province of Bulacan, a multi-peaked rock formation surrounded by a smaller residential community. 

Every mountain top is within reach if you just keep climbing, that is what i have in mind before we start the climb. I have a positive outlook so I'm also expecting a positive result.

The trail started directly up a tall, extremely steep slide of pointed rock, i though it would be close to impossible continuing the climb, but with Kap Omeng leading the trail we find a way to inched and clinged up the rocks. The pointed rocks is useful for the tricky spots, though I have fear of heights, and it's not to any extreme, half way up the climb, i begin to panic, my heart rate goes up and my knees feel weak and shaky, it's really debilitating. But the climb was far from over, and what happened next is the real story. While the details don’t matter, I found myself half hovering, half clinging to the rock face. I was there for several minutes, I'm about to give up. I was not moving and cant even open my eyes. Scary isn't it. Take it or leave it. This is what i have in mind. Then I open my eyes slowly and relax, tried to focus on avoiding the fear. I push myself not let this fear get in my way, i've been up the Rockies of Maculot, Balingkilat and walked on high rope bridges above the ground in ifugao and benguet. This panic never gets better, i know, but the experience is always worth it and rewarding.

Finally I pushed myself back up, testing my knees and the pointed rocks, use positive thinking, then i continued up the climb. One step at a time, a quick stop to relax, and the distance passed easily. Before I knew it there was nothing left to climb. 

When I finally reached the top I wasted little time finding a good seat to rest on and enjoy the views. It is truly miraculous Or something. I told myself it was the most nerve racking experience. The Lions Rock is within my reach now, but i decided not to climb the other side of the rock.

holy shit I love it here.

Lions Rock is, well, there's no word for this. "glorious" comes to my mind. But so does "distressing", "moving" and "sentimentally beautiful." 

Well, I might be able to draw one conclusion, rock scrambling is awesome!

How to get to Lion's Rock:

Getting to Lion's Rock is same with Pinagrealan Cave. Take a bus going to SM fairview. Then, from SM Fairview, hail a jeepney going to Brgy. Bigte. Lastly, hire tricycles that will bring you to Lions rock.

Entrance fee: No entrance fee

Guide Fee: Not needed , but for safety i suggest ask for a guide and just give them a tip. 

Introduction to Rock Scrambling : Pinagrealan Cave

I've been to a few caving and spelunking adventures in Sagada and Daraitan and this is my favorite so far. Why? Simple, Its near my place.

The cave has many features including stalactites, stalagmites, and mini pools, which you could see up close. So be ready to be wet.

The tiny opening of the cave is so inviting. From the outside, numbers of rock formations can be seen already. This is not going to be just a normal wander through the caves.  Its History is Informative and fascinating. 

Some parts felt a little claustrophobic but it is not a problem with some encouragement from Jackie and Kap Omeng and our excellent guide Jonvic. Jonvic knew so much about the caves and made the tour an educational experience as well (you can check Pinagrealan's history at this link). The caves are not internally lit. The only light source is from the flashlights provided by our guide. Most of the paths was just ankle deep but there were a few parts where we had to dabble in waist deep water. Paths were not hard at all, some exciting climbs, and moderately active scrambling over rocks, and the only part that looks hard is some small opening that you need to infiltrate. There are a couple of points as well that you need to stoop down, so there's a risk of bumping one's head, good thing the park provided as helmets as well.

Sad to see the amount of damage wrought by previous visitors who snap away parts of the delicate stalactites and stalagmites for souvenirs or engraved their names onto the walls, but this doesn't detract from the overall experience I have.

It was an amazing tour.  Overall, its a fun diversion, not too long and not too strenuous. I highly recommend this.  It was about 2 hours all up, but worth every minute.

Pinagrealan cave offers amazing rock formations but is not comparable to the ones in Sagada and Cagayan. But i'd still say Pinagrealan has its own wonders and natural beauty that is worth exploring.

The Parks owner are very helpful and obliging, and may even take a group photo with you. Special thanks to Sir Rommy and his brother for their hospitality.

I thought that 1 Km would be far too long but at the end of the tour I wished we had had more time in the cave. 

If you want a more intimate experience without the crowds then make sure to visit the caves on a weekdays.

How to get to Pinagrealan Cave:

Getting to Pinagrealan Cave is easy. Take a bus going to SM fairview. Then, from SM Fairview, hail a jeepney going to Brgy. Bigte. Lastly, hire tricycles that will bring you to the entrance of the cave.

Entrance fee: Php50

Guide Fee: No exact amount

This is the cave entrance. Inviting isn't?

slippery smooth rocks that forms a tunnel.

The smooth stalagmites and spiky stalactites beautifully formed by time on our background.

A fish like stalactite.