MOMI WANDERS| Cagayan’s Natural Wonder

Feb 5, 2016 | Likes, Only Berlin

Sitting for too long can make your body feel so sore.  After a 12-hour butt-numbing journey on a provincial bus to Tuguegarao, I was more than thankful to see  Kuya Nato.  He was our shuttle driver who brought us to Hotel Josefina, a quaint inn that sits at the heart of Tuguegarao City in Cagayan.  Geographically, Cagayan is situated in the northeastern part of Luzon, thus explains the long drive.

For our almost three days stay at Cagayan, we opted for Hotel Josefina. Significantly impressive, the hotel has a homey feel.  Its decorative accessories are stylishly romantic as well.  At once, I felt at home.

Hotel Josefina

Finding our way to our room, we passed by a narrow hallway.  Narrow hallways can be dull, but with decors hanging on its walls and the brightness of direct sunlight passing through the other side, I have a rather reassuring walk toward our temporary abode.

We got a twin deluxe room, just spacious enough for two people who do not have much luggage but have a lot of chips to munch.  An overnight stay was P1,100.00.

Aside from its 24-hour front desk service, Hotel Josefina had free WIFI, electronic key card door, and an individual smoking area.

Jomar’s Panciteria

We had our quick hot shower and without much delay, headed to Jomar’s Panciteria for our late breakfast.   Jomar’s Panciteria, a famous eatery in Tuguegarao, was full that day, mostly of tricycle drivers having their pancit matched with ice-cold beer.  Outside the main kitchen area, rows of nipa huts were erected where anyone could smoke and chit-chat comfortably.  A serving of Jomar’s super special was at P70.00.

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CAGAYAN’S NATURAL WONDER| Tuguegarao’s most famous pansit batil patung priced at P70.00 at Jomar’s Panciteria.

Going around Tuguegarao, it would be ideal to have a local guide with you.  Good thing Kuya Nato had some friends he could ask to drive us around the city.   For a whole day tour, most van owners would ask for P2,500 as rental fee plus P1,000 for the gasoline.  We opted for a tricycle service and hired a driver for P1,000 for four destinations that day.

With our tummies filled with Tuguegarao’s most famous pansit batil patung,   we were ready for our first destination — Callao Cave.

Manong driver recommended that we visit Callao Cave first as it may take us about an hour to reach Penablanca.    We readily agreed since my friend was so eager to visit the place before dark to take some real nice photos inside the cavern.

Callao Cave

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CAGAYAN’S NATURAL WONDER

We paid P40 for the entrance.  Though no defined fee for the tour guide, the registrar encouraged us to give any amount to Jaylord, the kid who acted as our guide within the place.  The tour guiding job is the primary source of income of most youngsters in Penablanca and is very much supported by the local government.

Very knowledgeable and bubbly, Jaylord talked with excessive pride about Callao Cave.  He also narrated how he had met Korina Sanchez and her Balitang K crew.   He mentioned as well that he was given a scholarship as Korina’s token of gratitude for touring them around.

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From the entrance gate was a rocky trail going to the stairs that would lead us to the cave. The walk was about five minutes.

Every tourist wanting to take a glimpse of the famous Callao Cave need to painstakingly climb 187 steps.  And from there, he will be welcomed by the cave’s main archway.

Halfway up the stairs, one could enjoy a spectacular panorama of the Pinacanauan River. It has clear waters and beautiful natural setting which all the more makes it fit as one of the tourist attractions of Cagayan Province.

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A spectacular panorama of the Pinacanauan River.

Flawlessly sculpted by time, Callao Cave — according to Jaylord — was named after a kalaw bird which richly inhabits the place.  That was before, though, as these kalaw birds are swiftly diminishing because of the rude hunting activities of others who apparently do not appreciate nature’s wonder.

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Flawlessly sculpted by time, Callao Cave is named after a kalaw bird which richly inhabits the place.

The cave was naturally accentuated with stalactites believed to be present for centuries now.  The cave was a sight to behold, especially the stylish drapers and other cave formations.  By the entrance, there was a path leading to a chapel where pews and makeshift altar were arranged.  Jaylord confirmed that masses are heard there every first Sunday of the month.

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But what is so magnificent about Callao Cave is the massive hole in the ceiling where the sunlight enters and illuminates through the cave walls and the chapel inside.  Standing beneath that hole feels like an apparition is about to take place.

Though I have been to a number of caves in the Philippines, Callao is definitely important to me.  It has such impressive features which, I guess, I will never dare forget for the rest of my life.  It is where I find peace, a moment I could pray and commune with God and feel His presence.  It is cold inside but does not give negative chills.

Calvary Hills

After Callao Cave, we headed to Iguig to see the famous Calvary Hills.  Very popular with devotees especially during the holy week, Calvary Hills is located within the grounds of San Antonio de Galicia Church in Iguig, Cagayan.  And within the 11 hectares of rolling hills are life-size concrete statues of the stations of the cross.    Its elevation provides stunning views of the Cagayan River and the valley.

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The famous Calvary Hills, a favorite Holy Week destination in Cagayan.

Aside from being called the “smiling land of beauty,” often, Tuguegarao is also known as the land that sizzles as it has recorded the hottest temperature in the country. Likewise, the city’s average temperature during summer months is 38 degree Celsius, one of the highest in the Philippines.  This scorching weather of the city is but an ordinary occurrence thus, after our Calvary tour, we all the more felt the need to refresh and quench our thirst.   In all honestly, Tuguegarao City is the melting pot of the Philippines– both figuratively and literally.

We went back to the city and looked for a decent restaurant to 1) put something inside our growling stomach, 2) drink and replenish our body’s water and electrolyte levels after dehydration caused by the extreme heat, and 3) visit the Metropolitan Cathedral of Tuguegarao.  Also known as Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral, this biggest Spanish-built church is included in our must visit places in Tuguegarao.

Lorie’s restaurant

My travel buddy used her internet connection to research; and relayed that one of Tuguegarao’s must-see diners is Lorie’s restaurant.  Though somehow difficult to find, Lorie’s  never failed our high hopes for a decent and filling lunch.  We had a genuinely good eating experience there!

Together with their highly recommended chicken barbecue and pork liempo, we had frozen chocolate beverages and cakes for dessert.  These were some of my friend’s great shots of our food.

Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral

Also called the Metropolitan Cathedral of Tuguegarao, Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral is the seat of the archdiocese of the city and considered the biggest Spanish-built church in the entire region.   Named after two of the twelve apostles of Jesus, the cathedral has a beautiful five-level bell tower.

Buntun Bridge

Before we retired for the day, we went to Buntun Bridge, the longest river-spanning bridge in the country which connects Tuguegarao and Solana.    Also known as the second longest bridge in the Philippines — after the San Juanico Bridge– Buntun bridge is constructed for travelers to cross the Cagayan River.    Yes, under it is the Cagayan River, the largest river basin the country.

If sunsets over Manila Bay are among the most beautiful and colorful views that almost all condominiums along Roxas Boulevard in Manila advertise, the sunset along Buntun Bridge is also worth experiencing.

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The sunset along Buntun Bridge is also worth experiencing.

As we waited for the sky to turn into some red and orange, we were startled by the radiating glows of the sun as it set.   The steady and reliable steel bars against the dimming light all the more made the scene very dramatic.

The view from below was just as impressive.   We couldn’t even hear any rushing sound of the water nor the vast carpets of green left no eerie feeling.  Everything seemed quiet and steady.  So gold and … steady.

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Cagayan’s Natural Wonder

The sunset scenes made our evening calm and relaxed.   After our dinner of bulalo and papaitan at Felicita’s, we went straight to bed to have a good night sleep.   Because the following day, we have to wake up at 4:30 in the morning to catch the bus plying to Sta. Ana, Cagayan.

Palaui Island and  Anguib Beach

We arrived at the bus station at five in the morning that following day.  The lone bus bound for Sta. Ana, Cagayan left already, giving us with no other option than to catch by chance a UV express van that would bring us to the port and eventually reach Palaui Island and Anguib Beach.    Luck must have been on our side as we were able to get our seats.   Fare was P180.00 each.

Excited to see the location shoot of the US reality TV series Survivor season 27, we endured the butt-numbing ride.  We were very optimistic that seeing the pristine Palaui Island and the enchanting Anguib Beach would help us forget all the discomfort of traveling for three hours in a passenger van.

We arrived at the port at around 8:30 in the morning.  Signages that say “27th and 28th seasons of ‘Survivor’ USA were filmed on Palaui Island” were around the area.  The boatman relayed to us that the Survivor shoot further put the town, which has been a once-obscure fishing village,  in the world’s tourism map.

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Palaui Island

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Cagayan’s Natural Wonder

Going to Palaui Island took us about 45 minutes.  The ride was not a bore as we were constantly entertained by the clear waters– bright enough to see the seabed in the deepest sections.  Everything was a perfect harmony of green, brown and blue with the mountains on the side and the clear blue skies above us.

This impressively beautiful view greeted us as we step our feet at the Palaui Islands —

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Cagayan’s Natural Wonder

The view was simply like a canvass with the strong sun rays splayed at the horizon as background to the lush green hills and the serene blue waters.   The calmness of the sky, mountains, and sea invited me to take my late morning stroll and simply enjoy the damp sand and the tiny sea shells that somehow pricked my feet.

As we explored the island, our feet brought us to a vast grassland leading us to the famous Cape Engano Lighthouse.  There was a trail up; one needs to go through over 200 steps and a shorter hike inclined at about 45 degrees. From time to time, I stopped not to  rest and catch my breath but more on to savor and capture everything.

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Cagayan’s Natural Wonder

All our efforts to reach the summit was rewarded with a stunning view of the bluest of blue skies… of the lush green hills and grasslands… of the sparkling blue waters and its waves pounding at the nearest gigantic rocks… and of the serene cove with the deepest blues.

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Cagayan’s Natural Wonder

 

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The lighthouse has open windows to let one see the natural landscape and welcome in natural air.

Aside from the picturesque landscape of the island, the lighthouse came in second as my favorite Palaui attraction.   Our kind tour guide said that this Spanish-designed structure is still functioning using solar-powered light.    The lighthouse also has open windows to let one see the natural landscape and welcome in natural air.

We must have enjoyed the view from above that it almost took us an hour before we decide to go down.  It was easier to go down the hill, perhaps we were somehow familiar with the trail already.  But as we went down, I kept on rewinding the view I had at the top.  I would want to bring my boys there.   I would want them to experience what I have experienced.   Perhaps it is the lack of disturbance that drove me to want to visit the lighthouse again.  Even the wind was somehow cooperative that day.  Though I felt its blow, i did not feel its hard slap on my face.

After the Cape Engano Lighthouse, manong tour guide invited us to visit one of many waterfalls in Palaui — a place that can be reached after a 10-minute walk through a forested area.  There, fresh water from the mountains falls to a natural pool where one could douse off that summer heat.

Our Cagayan travel was truly a tiring one.  But all the energy we put into this adventure was rewarded with:

  • the new learnings and awareness about the place, its culture, and its people’s beliefs;
  • first time experiences which I could now strike off my bucket list;
  • conquering my fears of the unknown and knowing that I could do it;
  • helping me slow down and giving myself a break from the hustle and bustle of the big loud city; and
  • the realization to appreciate my work, my family, and myself.
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Cagayan’s natural wonder

 

After another 16-hour butt-numbing experience inside the Victory Liner bus which brought us home, I  realized that indeed, life is worth living.  You just need to appreciate everything surrounding you, may it be the scorching sun or the long trails or even the dried falling leaves.

*  I was able to see the beauty of Cagayan Valley about two years ago, and would want to once again experience its natural beauty – the fiery sun included – with my boys.

42 Comments

  1. mysliceofcake

    The photos are great and the beach looks so serene. I missed this trip because of work. Aargh!

    Reply
    • msbolin

      Haha. Sayang. It’s worth the travel naman. And long travels are better enjoyed in the company of great friends. By the way, the Callao cave is the church used sa The Mistress movie.

      Reply
  2. celin mendoza

    The hotel you’ve got is really cheap! Good job. I’ve been to Callao cave but super sayang hindi kami nakapunta to Palaui Island =(

    Reply
    • msbolin

      Thanks. We have a limited budget kaya we really look for a decent yet affordable hotel. Sayang nga. Palaui is said to be the Boracay of the North daw.

      Reply
  3. Mommy Queenelizabeth

    Okey yung hotel nio ah…il note this down.. this is one in my bucket list and i’ll bookmark this! I’m sure those places are so worth it despite the butt-numbing journey and body sores afterwards.. Thanks for sharing! 🙂

    Reply
    • msbolin

      Travels are best when with family. Kaya Lang you should bring food and chips for the kids if they will join para kahit mahaba byahe, they have something to munch.

      Reply
  4. Patty | MrsC

    So mababaw, but you know what my favorite thing is about Tuguegarao? The longganisa! I went there with my dad several years ago, and we were so blown away at breakfast time haha.

    Reply
    • msbolin

      Sadly we haven’t tried the longganisa but my travel buddy bought a plastic full of longganisa. aw, such a nice memory with your father. inggit ako.

      Reply
    • msbolin

      Punta na! 🙂

      Reply
    • msbolin

      Thank you. It is indeed a wonderful place.

      Reply
  5. rjdancel629

    OMG I’ve always wanted to go here. I will save up for this! Yay! Thank you. Super nakakainggit yung photos and experience mo 🙂 Hopefully, I get to go there with my little fam soon!

    Reply
    • msbolin

      Thank you as well for appreciating the photos and the sharing. Yes, its nice to travel with family kaso sobrang layo to, minumum na yung 12 hours bus ride. its better siguro if plane kayo. kapag kasi drive wawa naman si papa or mama na magdadrive, ngawit. 🙂

      Reply
  6. mommymadz

    I love Cagayan. I’ve been there a few times each and have seen Callao caves, among others.Your pics brings back great memories with my family.

    Reply
    • msbolin

      Hooray for great memories, esp with family. 🙂

      Reply
  7. Nini Perez

    My gosh. Didn’t know cagayan has this much to offer. Truly worth a visit. Is it child-friendly? Like, is the pathway going to and inside callao cave, ok for a 1 yr old? We’re looking for a vacay for his 1st birthday.

    Reply
    • msbolin

      Perhaps if you will babywear your 1-year old, Kaya. There’s an almost hundred steps (forgot Na Ilang steps to) stair to climb going to the cave so Medyo nakakahingal. Plus the travel time from manila to Cagayan may take you from 12 to 16hours. TUGUEGARAO also has the hottest temperature record two years ago ata so Talagang mainit dun. But as I’ve said, it’s worth everything naman. 🙂

      Reply
  8. Melisa Sanchez

    This place looks so great, lagi nalang akong dumadaan dito pero di ko lang naman napansin may mga magandang place pala dito na pwedeng tambayan,

    Reply
    • msbolin

      Sumaglit na at dumaan! 🙂

      Reply
  9. Mhaan Arambulo (@momyrockinstyle)

    Oh my! This is the church from the movie the Mistress diba? And I heard Tuguegarao has the record of the hottest place in the Philippines. And Palaui, me and friends was supposed to go there but then I got pregnant hehehe. Hope to visit them in the future.

    Reply
    • msbolin

      Yes, its the church from the movie The Mistress. Yes, again. Tuguegarao has the record of the hottest place in the Philippines. My travel buddy’s rubber slippers melted because of the extreme heat 🙂 Palui is love. But Anguib is super love. I hope you get to visit them soon.

      Reply
  10. MommyPehpot

    ang gandaaa! Dream ng mother ko na mapuntahan ang mga lugar dito.. how I wish we could also travel this far.

    Reply
    • msbolin

      If not for work, I would not have seen this as well. Kaya pa NI mother, go Na. Isama si baby M.

      Reply
  11. mrsEnerodiaries

    This is one of my bucket list : to see the famous Callao Cave. Oh I miss traveling 🙁

    Reply
    • msbolin

      I miss traveling, too 🙂 yes, Callao cave is love.

      Reply
  12. tweenselmom

    It’s nice to know more about Cagayan, thank you for sharing about these places.

    Reply
    • msbolin

      You are welcome. 🙂

      Reply
  13. Louisa Mercado

    The beaches look fantastic! I hope to travel around the country and visit places like these.

    Reply
    • msbolin

      Anguib is tooted as the Boracay of the North. It has fine sand, too, though not as white as Boracay’s.

      Reply
  14. den

    What a beautiful place to see! The photos are very beautiful!

    Reply
  15. Ayi

    Very nice. To be honest, I want to go around the Philippines before travelling abroad. There’s so much more to see 🙂

    Reply
    • msbolin

      Yes, I couldn’t agree more. So much more to see. 🙂

      Reply
  16. Peachy A.

    Nice pictures you captured the beauty of Cagayan. I could not help but notice the brand of toyo is Malabon? My husband is from Malabon.

    Reply
    • msbolin

      Hahaha. I didn’t even give much attention sa Toyo.

      Reply
  17. queenofeternalbangs

    Great shots! The water looks pristine and the food looks yummy.

    Reply
    • msbolin

      Food is yummy. And the water is ow so clear. Thanks.

      Reply
  18. Donna Cristobal

    I haven’t been to Cagayan.. After seeing this post, I may include it on my list 🙂

    Reply
    • msbolin

      Best to avoid summer travel as TUGUEGARAO is one of the hottest places talaga.

      Reply
  19. Mommy Anna

    thanks for sharing now I know there are lot of good views in Cagayan

    Reply
    • msbolin

      Yes, a lot but too far if traveled through land. Preferred if you board a plane. 🙂

      Reply

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Motherhood, as I live it, is a gift not everyone can appreciate until she learns to truly live it. More musings and realizations, fun discoveries, and mommy tips at Momi Berlin's blog.

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