The Old Stone Church of Kalayaan, Laguna

A big factor in my decision of why I chose to visit Laguna was the rich history and culture the province holds. The preservation of old structures from ancestral houses to old churches is simply amazing.

In the town of Kalayaan, Laguna is the old stone church of Longos dedicated to San Juan Bautista. The Longos Church is located in Brgy. Longos, Kalayaan, Laguna.  Longos is a barrio of the town of Kalayaan, the municipality in between Paete and Lumban Laguna.

A short walk from the national highway is the Church compound with a garden surrounded with old trees. From the outside, it seems that the Longos church has retained its Spanish-era features.  Walking around you’ll see old stones that fit tightly together like puzzle pieces and create walls and structures that have stood the test of time.

The St. John the Baptist Church, built in 1669, has one of the most beautiful facades and bell tower in Laguna. Though its facade looks very much preserved, the rooftop portion is a different story. Locals says, due to typhoon Ondoy in 2006 its original roof was heavily damaged, thus it was replaced with iron roofs because Government lack support and funds to restore it. 

How to get to Longos, Kalayaan, Laguna

Ride an HM Transport bus (fare: P140)on EDSA, Cubao or Green Star Express bus  on Taft Avenue, Pasay City near LRT Buendia, alight in Sta. Cruz then ride a Siniloan-bound jeepney. Request the driver to drop you off in Longos.

Chasing Waterfalls series: Refreshing Tanawan Falls

A hidden gem in the mountains of Sierra Madre in Dingalan, Aurora. It's truly a gift of nature. Seeing the beauty of Tanawan Waterfalls is really worth the walk, I was amazed when I see it myself.. The trail to the falls is pretty clear and I didn't hire a guide for this walk, just ask for directions from the locals.

How to get there : Take a bus ride from Manila to Cabanatuan City Public Terminal, fare is around Php 185 and travel time is about 2.5 - 3 hours. From Cabanatuan City Public Terminal, you can hop on a bus/van bound to Dingalan, Aurora P100. Make your way to Tanawan Falls jump off by renting a tricycle from town proper for P50 - a P20 entrace fee needs to be paid. Then a 30 minute walk from the jump-off to the waterfalls.

Surprising Dingalan

When we talk about the province of Aurora, the first town that comes to our mind is Baler. Simply because it become a tourist hotspot because of its natural wonders, historic spots and other attractions. I loved Baler - We all loved Baler but Aurora is not just about Baler. I'm presenting Dingalan, Aurora. There is plenty to see and do at Dingalan. 

Dingalan is far less popular than its neighbouring Baler on the other side of the mountain range. But with  how Dingalan spreads to tourist through Social Media - Tag as "Batanes of the East" - soon Dingalan will have its fair share of fame. 

It’s really not hard to be surprised with how Dingalan caught tourists interest - with informative websites, reviews on travel blogs and endless opinions on social media, sometimes it seems like the experiences are over before they’ve even happened.

Somewhat surprising, I found Dingalan town very, very enjoyable. Honestly I was not expecting such beauty from Dingalan when i arrived at the town proper.  It was wholly new and unexpected – a surprising experience I can’t wait to repeat.

Location:

Dingalan is in the southernmost town of Aurora. It is separated from the rest of the province by the Sierra Madre mountains. It is bounded on the west by the provinces of Nueva Ecija and Bulacan, on the south by Quezon Province and Pacific Ocean on the east. Dingalan is located about two hours from cabanatuan via via Nueva Ecija - Aurora Rd and Junction Tablang - Gabaldon Rd/Palayan - Gabaldon - Dingalan Rd.

must see attractions:

White beach and Dingalan Lighthouse

Abungan Falls and Laktas Falls in Brgy. Ibona

Tabi Falls and Iyapit Falls in Brgy. Umiray

Tanawan Falls in Brgy. Tanawan

How to get there:

Ride a bus from Cubao (Five Star Bus) bound for Cabanatuan, fare is Php 185.00 and approximately 2-3 hours travel time. Once you arrived in Cabanatuan, ride a van/bus bound for Dingalan, Aurora and pay Php 100.00(van) Php 80.00 (bus) fare and additional 1-2 hours travel time. Then ride a tricycle going to feeder port for only Php 20.00. You can rent a boat for Php 500.00 RT going to White Beach where Dingalan Lighthouse is located or you can walk from Feeder port to White Beach is the other option (1 hour leisurely walk). From White Beach, hire a guide that will lead you towards Dingalan Light house and pay Php 100.00. 

Where I stayed:

I stayed at Kuya Buboy's Resort in white beach. For accommodation in Dingalan you can visit http://www.dingalanlgu.gov.ph/?page=resort.

Chasing Waterfalls series: Enjoying Serenity at Imugan Falls

I'm not really sure what it is but there is something about waterfalls that leave me wanting more. Whatever it is, I love waterfalls and I simply cannot get enough of them. Luckily together with a mountainous landscape of Nueva vizcaya, Imugan is an amazing waterfalls for visitors to enjoy. The place is resting high up in the Caraballo Mountain Range bordering Nueva Vizcaya and Province of Pangasinan and Nueva Ecija. It’s a short scenic drive from Sta. Fe proper to Barangay Imugan which gives you a taste of the countryside with rolling green hills in every direction. 

From Barangay hall all the way to the falls is a pleasant hike. To get there you only need to follow the signage along the road - no need to hire a guide. It is a good 30 minutes walk through beautiful forested area with minimal ascend - and that means a lovely walk back up after you have finished seeing the falls. 

Reaching the falls is a bliss. The falls cascade perfectly into a pristine catch basin below where you can enjoy a refreshing swim in the cold waters - I spend hours exploring the falls. It’s a truly romantic location with lush green trees and rainforest insulating you from the world.

There are private properties in the area though, mostly vegetation area - so please do be mindful and respectful to their property to ensure that Imugan Falls remains beautiful.

How to get to Imugan. 

Ride a bus bound to Solano, Nueva Vizcaya, Isabela or Cagayan Valley and drop off to Sta. Fe, the first Municipality in Nueva Vizcaya (P285). Then from Sta. Fe proper you can ride a jeepney going to Imugan for (P20) but jeepney ride only has 2 trips per day, you can take a habal-habal or tricycle instead (P130).

Revisiting Arayat

January 2016 I posted my top 7 destinations that have magical impact on me, and that I would love to go back again. I note down these destinations where I’d love to come back, sooner or later. June of 2016 i revisited my favorite mountain.. How about you? I would love to hear which places you’d love to visit again…

Before I put away my hiking shoes for good i'm going back to where it all started..Climbing Mt Arayat back in 2003 was about realizing a dream and proving to myself that I could do it. I got into the best shape of my life after completing your summit. I made a lot of new friends. I found countless hours to reflect at your summit. And I learned valuable lessons i will never forget. Mt. Arayat Thank you for all the lessons in life

Silvia's Resort - A Lovely Nature Resort secluded in Nagcarlan, Laguna

Summer may be now over but this doesnt mean swimming has to end - enjoying the cold waters of narcarlan at silvia's resort..the atmosphere truly embraces the sense of nature.

How to get to Villa Sylvia Resort via public transport : 

From Gil Puyat Station Bus Terminal (Pasay)/Jac/Jam/HM Bus Terminal (Cubao), take the bus going to Lucena to reach Santa Cruz City, Laguna. From there, take a tricycle/jeep ride going to liliw/nagcarlan, tell the driver that you are going to villa sylvia resort located at Brgy. Banago, Nagcarlan, Laguna.

For Inquiries or reservations, please contact:

Villa Sylvia Resort, Bgy. Bangago, Nagcarlan, Laguna

09984132699 - 09212086617

Beaches of Burdeos Quezon

How gorgeous is this perfectly hidden spots tucked away in the heart of Burdeos ?!

BUrdeos has some of the most stunning beaches but some of the best ones are hidden away and are off the beaten path - You just need to endure the boat ride from one island to another. And to those willing to make the effort to come there now will be HANDSOMELY REWARDED.

Happy beaching!

HOW TO GET To BURDEOS:

Buses/Vans have daily trips from Legarda terminal in Manila going to Ungos Port in Real, Quezon. The trip will take 3 - 4 hours via Famy-Infanta. Then you can take a boat to Anawan port or to Polillo port, they have daily trips from Real-Anawan/Polillo and vice versa. The boat ride is for 2 hours - then less than 2 hours of jeepney ride from Anawan/Polillo port to Burdeos proper.

Surrounded with the nearby islands of Polillo, the many islets, some rocky coves and white sandy beaches and sandbar, Burdeos is indeed one of Quezon's most charming tourist destination. These are the list of great places to visit at Burdeos. 

1. Snake Island / Pulong Kokoc

2. Kabalo Sand Bar

3. Anawan Island

4. Anilon Island

5. Isla Butas 

6. CARLAGAN ISLAND

7. Luli Island

8. Isla Puting Bato and Puting Bato Cave

9. Binumbunan Island

Kabalo Sandbar

Luli Sandbar

Snake Island

Anawan Island

Kabalo Sandbar 

Anilon Island 

Carlagan Island

Binunbunan Island and Sandbar