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.

How did I get here?
The hotel we stayed-in offers a complete Ilocandia tour (Ilocos Norte and Sur). As for our group of 5, we paid 2,990 pesos/pax (price varies depending on the head count) which includes a private aircon van transportation to Laoag-Vigan-Pagudpud, a hotel accommodation for 2 days and 2 nights, a daily set of breakfast, entrance fees, toll fees, driver's meal, and as well as airport transfers. Airfare is not included. Oops, before I forgot, the name of the hotel is UKL Ever Hotel and it is located in Laoag City. It is also 15 minutes away from the airport.

Full view of Paoay Church

Inside Paoay Church. Just plain and simple

Paoay church was built using bricks, tree sap, and lumbers but what makes it special and strong is, it is mainly built using coral stones/rocks. Huge coral stones were used in the lower portion of the church to have a great hold of its weight. Its bell tower, although it is separated from the main building, is also made in coral stones. With its striking look and architectural design, Paoay Church was proclaimed as one of UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Philippines which took part in 1993. Other Baroque Churches in the Philippines which are recognized by UNESCO are the following: Nuestra Señora dela Asunción in Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur, San Agustin Church in Intramuros, Manila, and Santo Tomas de Villanueva Church in Miag-ao, Iloilo.

Rains stop. Cameras out. #groupfie

Though it was raining when we visited the Church of Saint Augustine due to a low pressure area (LPA), I am still thankful that I have given the chance to see this beautiful church in person and have a selfie and groupfie as well (as the rain stops in about 20 minutes).

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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.

How to get there?
Please refer on the direction written here -- [click here].

My visit to Maculabo Island was just a side trip and quick so I want this blog post to be short and straight to the point as well. Going to Maculabo Island is just a matter of negotiation to your boatman. As for us, we just added 500 pesos to our boat rental in order to stop-over at Maculabo. All in all, we spend 4,500 pesos on our boat rental which covers a trip to Tinaga Island and Maculabo Island. Its not a bad deal knowing that this place is divine!

The trip from Tinaga Island going to Maculabo Island is about an hour away. From afar you'll say that Maculabo is an ordinary island that you see on your tour around Calaguas but as you go near it and reach the island itself, you'll be mesmerize on its appearance and charm.

Beach shore of Maculabo Island

I'm not faking it when I said crystal clear water

Just feeling the heat of summer!

"Medyo" Candid

The sand in this island may not be as powdery as Tinaga but with its vast blue water, Maculabo Island captivated my heart. Though I consider myself a traveler, I hate staying under sun. Weird eh? I just don't want to go into waste my mother's investment on papaya soap, that's why. Haha. But during my visit at Maculabo, it is one of those moments wherein I didn't care if I turn black or "nognog" and suffer from sunburn. I just swam and dived in the crystal clear blue water of Maculabo under the scorching heat of the sun. Another thing I liked about this island is even I am just right beside the shoreline, the water can go beyond human deep. A perfect site to swim!

Well, for those who doesn't know how to swim, just don't forget to wear life vest to enjoy the water of Maculabo Island.

Nailed it on the first shot!

Photo op mode! 

Undercut mode this summer. LOL!

Maculabo Island is our final destination of this Calaguas Islands adventure. It has brought extra fun and added excitement on this trip. I strongly recommend to visit Maculabo Island when hitting Calaguas!

Breakdown of Expenses:
Please refer on the bottom part of this blog post - [click here]

Click here to read the 1sr part of my Calaguas Adventure featuring Tinaga Island

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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.

How to get there?
One way to go there is by bus. There are several bus lines which serves transport route going to Paracale. Superlines in Cubao, Quezon City is one of those bus lines. They have a direct route to Paracale but the last bus trip is only until 7:45 PM. If you miss the trip to Paracale (which happened to us), do not worry because you may take a bus going to Daet. Last trip of air conditioned bus is until 10:45 PM. The fare is 515 pesos per head and travel time is about 8 to 9 hours. Just inform the bus conductor to drop you at Talobatib at the town of Labo.  Alight at Talobatib, there are buses passing through it with a signboard of Paracale. Ride one of those buses. Fare is 25 pesos and it will take another 1 hour of bus ride.  As you reach Paracale, you need to hire a tricycle to take you at Paracale Port. It is only 10-15 minutes ride. Fare is 15 pesos per head. There's a wet market near Paracale Port so if you need to buy something like meat or fish as your food on the island, you may ask your tricycle driver if you can passed by the market first before going to the Port. From the port, boatmen of Paracale awaits that can take you to islands of Calaguas.

If you are not fond of super long travel by bus, another way is you can book a flight to Naga City and then take a bus going to Daet. It is approximately 2 hours of travel. Then from Daet take another bus going to Paracale and then follow the instructions above.

Boat ride going to Tinaga Island of Calaguas!

As we landed on Paracale Port, we were stopped by locals to go to the island of Calaguas. I believe they were officials of Paracale. It is because they established an association for the boatmen wherein rules are being implemented.The said association is just a week old and they facilitate the ratings of boat rental in the area:

Paracale Tourist Boat Operator Assn (PTBOA) Overnight Rating:

• 4 Persons below > 3,000 PhP
• 5-7 Persons > 4,000 PhP
• 8-10 Persons > 6,000 PhP
• 11-15 Persons > 8,000 PhP
• 16-20 Persons > 12,000 PhP
• 21 Persons > 15,000 PhP

We already contracted/hired a local boatman 3 weeks before our said trip and agreed to get his service at the price of 4,000 PhP for our group of 9 persons. The reason why they stopped us is because for a group of 9 persons we did got a boat in a low-ball (based on the new ratings stated above). But they can't blame us, we had an agreement before even before they've established their association. So in the end, they let us passed through and sail to Calaguas! Our contact person is Kuya Nelson (0909 525 9821) and the name of the boatman who toured us was Kuya Rolly. Well, I am not really in favor of the new established association. The price is too high compared to the old ratings but what else can I do? Good thing we had booked a boat earlier.

If you think that the long ride ends at the bus, well sorry to say but its not. In order to reach the Tinaga Island (Calaguas Islands most popular destination) you'll be spending 2 hours of boat ride. Hep Hep Hep... but you'll be entertained by the islands and islets along the way. Splash of water will also wake you up if ever you'll fall asleep. Yes, the boat ride tends to be bumpy and wavy so be ready to get wet along the way and wear a life vest for safety precaution.

An island along the way

HEAVEN on earth!

Every body were exhausted due to the lack of sleep and long travel but all of it were paid off and gone instantly as we come near Calaguas' Tinaga Island. We were all smiling and just stunned on its beauty. Now I know why it is called "Mahabang Buhangin" or long sand. It is because Tinaga Island's beach shore is a long stretch of fine white sand. It is actually a powdery white sand (they say, it is comparable to the sand of Boracay). I find the place perfect for beach bumming and camping.

Presenting, the Mahabang Buhangin Beach of Tinaga Island - Calaguas

After we've unloaded our things off the boat, we looked for the person who's in-charge in the nipa huts in the beach front. Then we met Tatay Bert of Bert's Calaguas Island Resort. He is the owner of one of the resort in the island, he owns nipa huts and provides tent rentals. There is also a Comfort room and a small convenient store in his area. There is no hotel yet in the islands of Calaguas. Visitors can either rent a hut (open-type or closed-type nipa hut),stay in tent, or just beach bum under the sun and moon!

Bert's Calaguas Island Resort Rating:

• Open type nipa hut > 500 PhP
• Closed type nipa hut (with 1 elevated room like) > 500 PhP
• Tent (2-3 persons) > 300 PhP
• Tent (4-5 persons) > 400 PhP
• Tent Corkage > 100 PhP per tent
• Comfort Room > 10 PhP per basin
• Ihawan > 50 PhP
• Entrance fee > 100 PhP per pax

Since we only have 1 tent, we planned to rent 2 more tents when we reach the island. But since the price of a Closed-type nipa hut is close enough if we rent a 4 persons tent, we decided to get the Closed-type nipa hut instead. It is more spacious and can accommodate our group very well. We also rented an "ihawan" as we bought raw liempo and hotdogs.

The Open-type and Closed-type nipa huts at Bert's Calaguas Resort

So after we changed on our beach attire (whut?), we started to cooked our food, prepared our lunch, we ate together, then rest just a little. What's next? Well of course, get ourselves wet and enjoyed this whole island experience!

Kulitan moment in the island :)

Trying to do something out of that sand :)

If I were to to describe the place, it is plain yet captivating. Plain in a way that you can only see nipa huts, few cottages, no electricity, trees, plants, mountains on both ends of the island, white sand and clear water. Captivating at the same time because of the same reasons. Who wouldn't fall in love with this place where one can enjoy splashing into the turquoise beach water, walk on that long stretch of fine white sand, and sit back while watching the sunset? Now tell me!!!

Time to relax

The long and white parking lot of Tinaga Island

Calm water and a great weather

Beachfront of Tinaga

By the way, there were no signal in the island (well, for Globe users like us. Smart? I don't know) but who needs signal? Why do I spend my time on my phone and surfing the net with all the view in front me, right? I'm in paradise! By having said that, with all the good stuff around me, of course I also took this chance to have a photoshoot with my modelesque friends :)

Survivor campaign ad Jing

Pola and her perfectly sun kissed skin

Still looking sharp here Anna :)

We've enjoyed too much swimming on the beach and taking group photos and selfies when we realized it's already getting dark. So some of us decided to get-off of the water to prepare our dinner. We had "Adobong Manok" and cooked another batch of liempo for dinner. Swimming makes us all tired and hungry so it was a chaos. Most of us ate using our hands to feel the back-to-basic vibes of this island vacation.

Sunset at Calaguas is priceless

After the war dinner, we had some chat while others took a shower. Then all went to sleep as we need to charge up. It has been a long, tiring yet super fun day. Plus, we still had another day at Calaguas ahead of us.

I set my alarm clock at 6 AM because I want to explore the other side of the island before we leave. Along with Mae and Edward, we went on one of the hill at the end part of the island. There is a 25 pesos fee if you want to trek up to the hill. The trek is pretty easy and would only take 5-10 minutes in order to reach its top. On top of it, you'll see the Mahabang Buhangin in bird's eye view. You'll surely appreciate more the beauty of this island. This is definitely a must try activity.

Other resort in the Island

He only used spoon to do this...

Mahabang Buhangin Beach on Bird's eye view

Neighboring island of Tinaga

When we went back to our hut, breakfast is already being served. So we jump along with the others and took our breakfast. It was already 8am when we bid farewell to the beautiful Tinaga Island of Calaguas as we will be heading next to Maculabo Island - another major island of Calaguas. But before that, we had a photo op with Tatay Bert and his family. They were so nice and hospitable, and treats all their guest with respect.

Just before we leave the island

Breakdown of Expenses (For this whole trip. Tinaga Island + Maculabo Island):
Bus (Superline: Manila to Daet) - 515.00 Pesos per pax
Bus (Talobatib to Paracale) - 25.00 Pesos per pax
Tricycle (Paracale to Paracale Port) - 15.00 Pesos per pax
Environmental Fee - 10.00 Pesos per pax
Boat (Paracale Port to Calaguas - Tinaga Island, 2 way) - 4,000.00 Pesos / 9 pax = 445.00 Pesos
Sidetrip (Tinaga Island to Maculabo Island) - 500.00 Pesos / 9 pax = 56.00 Pesos
Closed type Nipa Hut - 500.00 Pesos / 9 pax = 56.00 Pesos
Tent Corkage - 100.00 Pesos / 9 pax = 12.00 Pesos
Entrance Fee (Bert's Calaguas Resort - 150.00 Pesos per pax
Ihawan - 50.00 Pesos / 9 pax = 6.00 Pesos
Trek on the other side of Calaguas - 25.00 Pesons per pax
CR - **.**
Food - **.**

Click here to read the 2nd part of my Calaguas Adventure featuring Maculabo Island

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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.

Ardent Hibok-Hibok Spring Resort offers...

40 °C may sound pretty intense to others but not all pools here have the same temperature. There are 6 pools in Ardent with different water temperature so I am sure you'll find a pool that will suit on your standards. All 6 pools are connected to one another however they are layered or in a form of a falls so one can still identify each of the 6 pools. I find the top most layer as the hottest and the lower layer the moderate one (I couldn't say it is cold).

Mini fall that connects one pool to another

[Relaxation + bonding time] Edward, Yap and Baron

Ardent Hibok-Hibok Spring Resort is operating 24 by 7 therefore people can visit the place anytime they want. How cool is that? Aside from that, Ardent is a smoke free vicinity so please refrain from lighting your cigarettes during your stay here. The only smoke I saw during my visit in Ardent were the smokes emitted by the water due to its water temperature. As I am talking with Ardent's vicinity, let me take this chance to commend the caretakers of this place. Aside from the fallen leaves that is just natural because the place is covered with tall trees and plants, I didn't noticed any trash or waste in the place. Kudos!

Lower pools of Ardent (Photo from Thea Isabel Velasco)

Upper pools of Ardent (Photo from Thea Isabel Velasco)

If you're looking for accommodation in Camiguin, Ardent also offers affordable rooms and cottages. Since we just stayed there for a couple of hours, we only availed a nipa hut for our shed. A regular size hut with table costs us 70 pesos which is good for 3 hours. But if you'll be in a larger group, they also have a family size hut for 150 pesos for the first 3 hours as well. 10 pesos per hour will be added for the excess of 3 hours. They also have grill station at 20 pesos.

I haven't checked their rooms personally but here are the ratings of their rooms:
Single Rooms w/ AC (good for 2 pax) - 1,200 pesos/day
Family Rooms w/ AC (good for 5 pax) - 2,750 pesos/day
Dormitory Type  Rooms w/ AC (good for 7 pax) - 3,080 pesos/day
** Additional bed for single, family and dorm rooms - 175 pesos/day

I believe these are some of the accommodations at Ardent

I really recommend visiting this place. Especially after a long drive, travel or adventure in the island of Camiguin. A nice way to relax those muscles and also your mind.

Breakdown of Expenses:
Entrance Fee - 30 PhP (adult rate)
Regular size hut - 170 PhP / 9 persons (our group number) = 19 PhP per pax

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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?

Visiting by water or by boat, you'll easily know you're near Sunken Cemetery because of its noticeable marker which in the form of a huge cross. I, myself got excited when I saw that large cross from a far because I knew that we're in the right direction and it will take just a few more minutes to reach that famous landmark in Camiguin. It took us 35-45 minutes from White Island going to Sunken Cemetery.

Sunken Cemetery from the shore

Our boatmen became more careful as we came closer to the cross. Simply because it was low tide when we visited Sunken Cemetery and therefore we might hit some tall corals below us (well, we've bump once or twice during this trip). Yes, that's right! It is not only tombstones and graves you'll expect underneath Sunken Cemetery. There are also corals, fishes and other marine living organisms below and around the area of this cemetery. With that, snorkeling is one of the activity an individual can do during their visit here.

Transferring from the boat to the cross is somewhat challenging. The water during our visit was quite wavy (maybe because there was an LPA advisory in the area during our visit) and it makes our boat unstable so standing on boat and walking across the platform of the cross was somewhat a bit difficult. Also, the stairs going up to cross is very slippery so be cautious. One of my friend slipped off and hurt her elbow and back.

Those ropes are used as guides to transfer visitors from the shoreline across that cross

Oily Selfie mode Hahaha

There isn't much to do at Sunken Cemetery so after some walk around in the site and tons of photo ops and #selfies, we decided to go to the shoreline and visit Guiob Church Ruins. But as we thought that our Sunken Cemetery experience was over, a boatman named Kuya Obet approached us, borrowed our camera, positioned us into different poses and took several shots. Here's the output of his art:

Julius and Jing holding the marker of the Sunken Cemetery

Keep it closer guys!

[bts] Kuya Obet in action...

Kuya Obet gave an effort to take pictures for us, a variety of angles and poses that came along with tricks. He proves that people in Camiguin are very welcoming to tourists.

Tip #1: There are souvenir shops near the shoreline of Sunken Cemetery. Different sizes and designs of key chains and magnets are being sold there. For as low as 5 pesos, you can have a cute shell-designed key chain labelled with Camiguin - an ideal "pasalubong". I also bought a coin bank made of bamboo worth 100 pesos.

Side trip: Guiob Church Ruins

The rain started to fall when we visited the ruins

Right after the photo op with Kuya Obet, our group decided to go to our next destination -- the Guiob Church Ruins. It is about 500 meters away from Sunken Cemetery so we went there by feet and we were accompanied by one of our boatman.

Sometimes called as Old Catarman Church, Guiob Church Ruins is one of the oldest structure in the island of Camiguin. The church was built in the 16th century and turned into ruins in 1870's when Mt. Vulcan Daan erupted. What's left to this old church were its towering walls covered by moss. Those walls give a picture on how big this structure was and how violent & dark had happened in this place. 

View at the back of Guiob Church Ruins

I find this spot a good backdrop for photography

There is no entrance fee at Guiob Church Ruins but a donation box is placed in its entrance. People are not force to donate but during our visit we saw some locals sweeping around the area. I guess the amount from that donation box is used to maintain the cleanliness and beautification of the ruins. So I encourage visitors and tourists to donate for this place preservation.

Thank you Lord for introducing me to these crazy people

Tip #2: There is a souvenir shop in front of Guiob Church Ruins. They sell t-shirts with lots of designs in a very cheap price. If you're planning to buy Camiguin shirts, I recommend that you buy in that shop. I just forgot the name of the shop but it is just in front of the ruins. I got my shirt at 100 pesos and the fabric is more than ok, it is thick (I am lost of words on how to define a clothes' texture. Lols). 

As we end our quick tour at Guiob Church Ruins, we went back again at Sunken Cemetery where our boat awaits us. We were brought back again at the shoreline of Paras Beach Resort just like what we had agreed on. With my 267 pesos, I've got to visit White Island, Sunken Cemetery and Guiob Church Ruins. A perks on travelling in a large group.

Breakdown of Expenses: 

Boat (Paras Resort - White Island - Sunken Cemetery - Paras Resort) - 2,400 PhP / 9 persons = 267 PhP per pax

Donation in ruins - **.**

Food - **.**

Camiguin T-shirts - 200 PhP (100 pesos each)

Key chains -  115 PhP / 23 pcs = 5 PhP each

Coin Bank made of Bamboo - 100 PhP

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