The Church of Saint Augustine of Paoay, Ilocos Norte

The Church of Saint Augustine, commonly known as the Paoay Church, started its constructions in the year 1694 and was completed in 1710 in the province of Ilocos Norte. It is a supreme model of an Earthquake Baroque church which is designed to withstand earthquakes as Philippines’ has a reputation of an earthquake-prone country during that time.

Ever since I've been stung by the travel bug, I have been wanting to see Paoay Church. Just seeing the photos of this church in the internet and different SNS makes me wonder what more does it looks like up close and in-person. That's why when me and my friends booked a flight to this province, Paoay Church is one of the spots I've been looking forward to see. And when I was there already, it doesn't disappoint me. The beautiful structure and the mix of Gothic, Baroque and Oriental designs of this church makes me fall in love with it. This is by far the number 1 church on my list.

Calaguas Islands of Camarines Norte [featuring Maculabo Island]

This blog entry is a part II of my Calaguas Trip. You may refer on this link - [click here] to read the first half of my Calaguas Islands trip featuring its well known and top tourist destination island, the Tinaga Island, where the "Mahabang Buhangin" beach is located. Moving on, as for this blog post, I will be featuring another Calaguas' pride, none other than, the majestic Maculabo Island.

Maculabo Island is still part of Calaguas Islands under the municipality of Paracale in Camarines Norte. It is now considered as a prime stop-over for tourists either before or after going to Tinaga Island because of its beauty and elegance. Why it is considered good for stop-over or side trip despite its beuaty and fame? Well, I guess because the island is small and can be explored in a matter of few hours compared to Tinaga Island. According to Wikipedia, Maculabo Island is just about 4 kilometers long. Plus, I didn't see any resort in the area unlike in Tinaga. But if you'll ask me which of the two islands is more beautiful? I'll say, its Maculabo Island.

Calaguas Islands of Camarines Norte [featuring Tinaga Island]

Situated in the northern most part of the Bicol Region, lies the picturesque paradise of Calaguas. If Camarines Sur is known for Wakeboarding and Surfing, Camarines Norte is known for its unspoiled, turquoise water and white sand beaches. Calaguas is a term used to define a group of islands in the province of Camarines Norte which includes Guintinua Island, Maculabo Island, the famous Tinaga Island and other minor islands and islets.

As for this blog post, I'll be featuring the Tinaga Island also known as the "Mahabang Buhangin" which translates as long sand.

Ardent Hibok-Hibok Spring Resort of Mambajao, Camiguin

Ardent Hibok-Hibok Spring Resort is one of the known site in Camiguin for both local and foreign tourists. I believe it is because of its calming effect it can give to an individual.  A visit to ardent is a great way to release stress after a day or week of work.  While backpackers and adventurers will surely love soaking in this hot spring after their long travel, island exploration and adventure in the Island of Camiguin.

Ardent Hibok-Hibok Spring Resort is a natural hot spring heated by Mt Hibok Hibok, an active volcano in the country. It is located at the foot of Mt Hibok-Hibok, Mambajao, Camiguin and this natural hot spring can reach up to 40 °C in terms of water temperature.

Camiguin's Sunken Cemetery and Guiob Church Ruins

After our visit in White Island, a plain and treeless island in Camiguin, we asked our boatmen if we could go to Sunken Cemetery. A famous cemetery in the town of Bonbon that subsided below sea level due to the birth of Mt. Vulcan Daan in 1870's. And with the right price, both parties agreed to visit Sunken Cemetery.

How to get there? (or how did we got there?)
As for us, what we did was we talked to our boatmen who brought us to White Island if he could also bring us to Sunken Cemetery. Well of course, we added some amount to avail that change of itinerary and here's what we came up with: Our group is composed of 9 persons and agreed to pay 267 pesos / pax

That 267 pesos per pax covered a trip from the shore near Paras Beach Resort going to White Island. Then, from White Island going to Sunken Cemetery. Plus! From Sunken Cemetery, the boatmen will bring us to the shore and wait for us because we will be going to Guiob Church Ruins. Then after our side trip at the ruins, they'll bring us back again to the shore near Paras Beach Resort. Not bad for the cost of 267 pesos, right?

White Island: The Naked Island of Camiguin

I've been to Naked Island of Britania Group of Islands in Surigao del Sur and even though I am not fond of staying (long) under the sun, I enjoyed my stay there. That's why I was very excited when I visited Camiguin and got the chance to visit its own version of the naked island, named White Island.

White Island is just like any typical naked island where there are no trees, plants or grass above its sand bar. However, Camiguin's White Island offers a 360 degree picturesque view featuring Mt Mambajao, Mt Hibok-hibok and Old Volcano. Plus, if the weather is fair, islands of Bohol and Leyte are also can be seen from White Island. A great backdrop for photo op and an ideal subject for landscape photography.

A Day at Pico de Loro Cove - Hamilo Coast, Nasugbu, Batangas

Batangas homed some of the most beautiful beaches and resorts in Luzon specially the Nasugbu part of it. Though it may not possess the whitest sand, the relaxation that visitors may experience due to nature that surrounds this place fairly makes it up. Therefore, it is not surprising that this place has always been on the list of Manilenos whenever they are, or should I say, whenever we are ask on where to go for an out of town trip. Having said that, we chose the town of Batangas to hold our team building/team outing!

It was pretty tough to decide where we should go. There are lots of potential resorts in Batangas and we have bosses coming from different sides of the world so we need to consider high class place but also not to risk our own pockets. Haha.

Then we came across Pico de Loro Cove of Hamilo Coast, Nasugbu, Batangas. It is a private beach club owned by SM investment group. It is so private that the only way for an individual to access this place are 1) to own an apartment unit, 2) know someone that owns a unit and have an endorsement from them 3) or book a room at Pico Sands Hotel. Being tagged as private, staying at Pico de Loro is accompanied as a luxurious trip. Thank Goodness, we know someone who owns a unit and have us endorsed. That lessen our expense BIG TIME!

Kamay ni Hesus Shrine of Lucban, Quezon

Quezon Province is a popular pilgrimage destination in Luzon. Reasons are 1) it is where Mt. Banahaw is situated which is considered to be as a holy ground and 2) it is a home to "Kamay ni Hesus" which is a healing church that has been founded in the year 1998 by Rev. Fr. Joseph Ayala Faller. And as for this blog post, I will be sharing my experience in this 5-hectare garden/shrine -- Kamay ni Hesus Shrine.

How to get there?
Going to Kamay ni Hesus is easy. From LRT-Buendia Bus Terminal, take a bus bound to Lucena. Inform the bus conductor that you will be off at Lucena Grand Central Terminal. As you reach Grand Central Terminal, transfer to a jeepney bound to Lucban. Advise the driver that you are going to Kamay ni Hesus church. Nonetheless, you will easily notice the place due to the large sign on the entrance and because it is a regular stop for jeepneys because most of the passengers drop here.

Taytay Falls [or Imelda Falls] of Majayjay, Laguna

Three names yet referring to one beautiful spot in Laguna. That's how I recall this waterfall...

Taytay Falls is a two-story high waterfall which others call it as the Majayjay Falls and even the Imelda Falls. The reason why it has so many names is because of its rich background. Its famous name is actually Taytay Falls but since it is located at Brgy. Gagalot, Majayjay, Laguna, people has started calling it Majayjay Falls. Another story is, it got its other name (which is Imelda Falls) from the First Lady of the late Ferdinand Marcos named Imelda Marcos, as she financed the promotion of tourism in this place and because of this, there was a time where the World Bank has sponsored the promotion of tourism in Taytay Falls. With those stories, I hope I eliminated the confusion when I use these 3 different names to refer the place for this post.