A Brief Excursion to the Western Side of Mindoro Island

Last July 2016, we journeyed further to the Southern Tagalog Region and for the first time, set out at the western part of Mindoro island, the pristine province of Occidental Mindoro. A hearing at Mamburao, the capital of Occidental Mindoro, led us to this brief but exceptional trip.

From the bustling Batangas City Port, my husband and I rode a Montenegro Ro-Ro vessel bound to Abra de Ilog the day before my scheduled hearing. The ride on the way there is very much entertaining, with “foggy” islands and dolphins greeting us. But what struck me at first glance is the sight of the Port of Abra de Ilog. It’s a small port compared to the others, but charming nevertheless. The pictures that follow would speak for itself.

The sight of the port while aboard the ship.

The lighthouse at the port.

When we arrived at the port.

Abra de Ilog Port. The green bus is the Dimple Bus which transports passengers to different municipalities of Occidental Mindoro.

From the port, we rode a Dimple bus bound to San Jose, Occidental Mindoro, which would pass by the capital town of Mamburao, our destination. I sat near the window and got amazed at the view of mountains, ricefields, and the wide, paved road. We got off at the national highway in Mamburao, right in front of the hotel reserved by our client for us, La Gensol Plaza Hotel.

After having snacks, hubby and I can’t help but take a walking tour around Mamburao. The air is so fresh, the roads wide and clean. We passed by the public market, a tourist inn, the local department store… There is no fast food chain or big malls. There is something serene about Mamburao, something that you would not expect in a capital town, which is usually congested with commercial buildings.

Mamburao at dusk.

The next day, after attending hearing at the Regional Trial Court, we took again a walking tour, this time around the Capitol Building compound. There are various government buildings surrounding the provincial capitolio. The compound is located at a vast area, so even though the government buildings are situated near each other, you would still walk quite a distance to get from one building to another. The capitolio is elevated among them all, the majestic of all buildings. In front of the capitol building, you would see two statues symbolizing the province’s pride: Mangyan on the left side, and Tamaraw on the right.

Tamaraw

The provincial capitol building of Occidental Mindoro

Giant clock on the local function hall

We also visited the Nuestra Senora del Pilar Parish Church, which is presently undergoing renovation. During provincial hearings, hubby and I make it a point to eat at the local restaurants, to drink coffee at the local coffee shops. In Mamburao, we got to eat at the two best restaurants in town, Maru’s Food Lounge and the restaurant of the hotel where we stayed. Both restaurants boast their own unique dishes, which left tourists like us yearning to return, just to taste again their meals and coffee.

at Maru’s Food Lounge

After having lunch, we hurried back to the hotel so that we can make it to the Abra de Ilog Port before 2:00 p.m. A Montenegro Ro-Ro vessel is already waiting when we arrived, ready to leave at two ‘o clock. In barely twenty-four hours, we are back again at the port where we had a first glimpse of the province. Brief as our stay was at Occidental Mindoro, we left without any burden of feeling that we went there for work purposes. It did not feel like it. It felt as if we went there seeking for solace and found it, and now coming back to the city feeling renewed and energized.

Montenegro Ro-Ro vessel bound to Batangas City Port

Western Batangas Series: Nasugbu’s Kainan sa Dalampasigan

As mentioned in my previous blog entries, my hometown is Sto. Tomas, Batangas, which is the first town in the province of Batangas coming from Manila. Considering that our town is located near the province of Laguna, I feel as if I have explored the province of Laguna more than my own province. I vowed not to be a tourist in my own province and for the past few months (thanks to work), I was able to travel more on Western Batangas, where the coastal towns of Nasugbu, Lian, Calatagan, and Balayan are located.

Hall of Justice – Nasugbu, Batangas

A hearing in Nasugbu, Batangas allowed us to explore the town proper. 🙂 I researched a bit before going to Nasugbu and read reviews about a certain restaurant called “Kainan sa Dalampasigan“.

After our hearing hubby and I decided to have brunch at Kainan sa Dalampasigan.

You’ll walk a bit from the entrance before reaching the restaurant proper. It’s green everywhere!

It’s a large, airy restaurant where you can hear birds chirping while you are eating; the restaurant is filled with plants which gives it a “garden” ambiance.

We ordered the famous binalot which consists of rice toppings of shrimp, chicken, and tender beef wrapped in banana leaves, with the rice (good for two) soaked in adobo sauce. We also ordered shredded beef with wine sauce.

Binalot.

shredded beef

For dessert, hubby ordered the highly-acclaimed halo-halo, while I ordered good old kapeng barako.

Halo-halo and the view inside the restaurant

We felt so contended with our meal; we most especially love the shredded beef. The binalot itself is a meal sufficient for the two of us. As for the halo-halo, hubby liked it but contrary to the other reviews, it’s not as good as Razon’s halo-halo.

As to the restaurant itself, I love the fact that since it’s in a garden setting, the air is naturally cool so you would not long for an air-conditioned room. However , the common disadvantage of such setting is that you are prone to mosquito bites. When we were there, my foot got bitten by mosquitoes several times. This problem can be remedied easily if the restaurant personnel would monitor the areas prone to mosquitoes.

Lovely brunch at an out-of-town restaurant. 🙂

Dalampasigan in Filipino language means seashore. I was a bit disappointed that the restaurant is not really located near the seashore. I was hoping for a glimpse of the sea. Oh well, there is still next time. 🙂

Overall, hubby and I enjoyed dining at Kainan sa Dalampasigan. The restaurant is huge enough to accommodate many people, as it is a popular venue for wedding receptions. When we were there, we can’t help but notice that the usual lunch crowd consists of family members dining together. It’s as if it’s a Sunday, instead of a weekday. And since the restaurant is big, there is no need for reservation; walk-in customers are always welcome.

Kainan sa Dalampasigan is definitely not a typical Filipino restaurant. A must-try! It’s located at Brgy. Bucana, the area where the beach resorts are located.

Our 2014 Trips: First-time travels and Revisits

For me and hubby, 2014 is… cliche as it may sound… a roller-coaster ride. But since it’s a brand new year so I will not dwell on the sad memories but focus on the positive. 🙂 2014 gave us so many opportunities to travel, and most of our travels are all-expense paid by clients. While we had more work-related trips than leisure trips, just being together during our work-related trips made the experience feels as if we were just playing. 🙂

JANUARY: OUR 2ND WEDDING ANNIVERSARY AT TAGAYTAY CITY

Windy January at Skyranch Tagaytay.

We started the year by celebrating our second wedding anniversary at Tagaytay City, Cavite. It was a blissful celebration, a day trip at one of the coolest (literally) destinations last January 2014. It was also our first time to visit Tagaytay City as a couple, although we have been there countless times during our childhood and college yeaers.

We had late lunch at Mahogany Market, where we ordered steaming bowl of bulalo and crispy tawilis. Then, a first time visit to Sky Ranch. We endured the long lines in order to ride the Sky Eye, which was then the tallest ferris wheel in the country (as of now it’s the Sky Eye in Pampanga). We ended the day by having dinner and coffee at Bag of Beans. It’s a first time experience for us as a couple and up to this date that 11th day of January 2014 (a belated celebration, our anniv is January 8) will always feel as if I’m on cloud nine. 🙂 ❤

MARCH: RE-VISITING TAGAYTAY CITY VIA TALISAY ROAD

Taal Volcano as seen from Talisay, Batangas

It was during the first week of March when we got to visit again Tagaytay City, for a work-related trip. This time, we went up to Tagaytay City via the Talisay Road or what the locals call the “Sungay Road”. While this route will give you picturesque view of the Taal Volcano and Tagaytay Ridge, this road is not for the faint of heart. One have to be skilled and experienced before traversing this zigzag-gy and very steep road.

APRIL: MOM’S BIRTHDAY AT A MOUNTAIN RESORT IN BAY, LAGUNA

On mid-April, we celebrated my mom’s 61st birthday (and our third anniversary as a couple or “bf-gf anniv”) at Grand Villa Resort and Butterfly Centre, a mountain resort in Bay, Laguna.

Pool area at night

It was a perfect day for swimming, a special day last summer spent with family and relatives. This sprawling resort will provide you tons of activities to engage in, so that you would momentarily forget the stress of city life. To read my review of this mountain resort, click here.

MAY: FIRST GLIMPSE OF THE BEAUTIFUL ISLAND PROVINCES OF MARINDUQUE AND CATANDUANES; RE-VISITED ALBAY

The month of May was totally unpredictable and bittersweet. But as what I said, I will focus on the good things that happened to keep reminding that despite the trials, we are still very much blessed.

On the first week of May, hubby and I got to visit the pristine island of Marinduque. It’s hubby’s second time to visit the province, while it was my first time. It’s a work-related trip as our purpose to go there is to attend a hearing at the Municipal Trial Court  I was enchanted at my first glimpse of Balanacan Port, where the giant statue of Ina ng Biglang Awa welcomes you upon arrival at the port.

Ina ng Biglang Awa at Balanacan Port

On the third week of May 2014, another opportunity to travel beckoned. This is my first time to travel solo, as the trip was sponsored by another law firm and not by our law office. I attended a hearing in Virac, Catanduanes, but before that hearing I first have to travel by air, land and water. Since there were no direct flights at that time to Virac, I took the flight to Legazpi, which is pure ecstasy, as the flight gave me a chance to revisit the province of Albay and see again the beautiful and majestic Mayon Volcano.

View of Mayon Volcano from the plane

After the air travel, my client and I traveled by land since we’ll be riding a Ro-Ro vessel at the Tabaco Port. At the port, I got to witness one of 2014’s biggest phenomena, the solar halo which was seen only in the Bicol Region that 22nd day of May 2014.

Solar halo. Seen only in Bicol region.

Dining alone. Inside Blossoms Restaurant in Virac, Catanduanes.

My experience at the rustic province of Catanduanes is pure bliss. It’s where I had my first media exposure/interview. 😀 And I explored the town of Virac literally by foot. As what I said, it was my first time to travel solo. While I sorely missed my hubby during that trip as he is my constant companion, the chance to travel solo made me braver, more aware of the surroundings, more alert. The three days and two nights experience in Catanduanes reminded me to enjoy my own company and to be independent when the situation calls for it. 🙂

The Bato River. No filter.

JUNE: REVISITED BOAC, MARINDUQUE; FIRST TIME AT GASAN, MARINDUQUE

June is the birthday month of my hubby. We had an overnight trip at Tagaytay City and celebrated his birthday. 🙂 Again, he had post-birthday celebration in Marinduque, when we went there the third week of June, for another work-related trip. But since we brought along my mom and aunt so that they can also visit Marinduque, we extended our trip to three days. 🙂 After touring our companions at Boac, Marinduque, we took a side trip at the nearby town of Gasan, Marinduque, to meet up with another client who is based in Gasan. It’s our first time to visit this time and we got to visit another heritage church perched on a hill, the St. Joseph Church of Gasan, Marinduque.

Another heritage church perched on a hill.

AUGUST: CEBU REVISITED

Last August, we got the chance to visit a city that I missed so much, Cebu City! It’s my hubby’s first time to visit this island, while it’s my second. 🙂 While it’s a work-related trip, we consider it as a beautiful opportunity to explore the historic urban city of Cebu. It’s only a two-day trip but on our two days we were able to go not just to the Capitol Building and Court of Appeals but also to Magellan’s Cross, Sto. Nino de Cebu Church, Ayala Center Cebu, Chapel of St. Pedro Calungsod, buy pasalubongs at Taboan Market, and enjoy buffet breakfast at Wellcome Hotel. 🙂

SEPTEMBER: FIRST TIME AT TRECE MARTIRES, CAVITE

Republic of Cavite

Last September we got to visit another historic town, Trece Martires, the capital and heart of Cavite. We roamed around the capitol compound and after done with work, we can’t help but take pictures of the Capitol building of Cavite and the majestic Legislative Building. We had a walking tour of Governors Drive and dropped by at the Shrine of the Thirteen Martyrs, church visit at the Chapel of St. Jude Thaddeus, and had coffee and ube buchi at Republic of Cavite, a cafe and restaurant often mistaken as the Emilio Aguinaldo Shrine as it is a replica of the same.

OCTOBER: REVISITED CEBU AND FIRST TIME AT LAPU-LAPU SHRINE; HALLOWEEN IN MARINDUQUE

Another work-related trip brought us back to Cebu in October. We had an early flight to Cebu which allowed us to explore Mactan Island and take a side-trip first to Lapu-Lapu Shrine, which is near the airport vicinity.

Larsian barbecue

This trip is a more relaxed one than our previous trip to Cebu, as after we are done at the Court of Appeals, we got to enjoy the city the whole day, with prolonged stay at IT Park and Ayala Center Cebu, and ending the day having late dinner Cebuano style at Larsian Barbecue. On the other hand, the last week of October gave us a chance to spend Halloween in Boac as we took our third work-related trip to Marinduque this year.

Halloween festivities at Case De Don Emilio, Boac, Marinduque.

DECEMBER: REVISITED BAGUIO CITY AND CALAPAN CITY, ORIENTAL MINDORO

strawberry taho

Come December, we were able to squeeze in two work-related out-of-town trips despite the uncertain weather. On the first week of December, just before my birthday, we got to revisit the city of pines, Baguio City. It was a quick trip, less than twenty four hours including travel time. But the trip gave us new experiences, such as getting to taste the strawberry taho, food trip at Good Taste Restaurant, and non-stop travel from Baguio City to Manila via the Genesis Executive Coach, Joy Bus.

By third week of December, we got to revisit Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro due to another work-related trip with our clients. After done with work, we visited my law school best friend and our godparents and stayed at their home. The weekend trip allowed us to explore the bustling city of Calapan, food trips and bonding moments with what we consider as our second family. 🙂

Capitol Building of Oriental Mindoro

We are thankful for a year full of safe travels. Indeed, travel broadened our horizons and made us see how beautiful and diverse our motherland is. This 2015, we are targeting to explore more the Visayas region and perhaps, a first time trip to Mindanao. We are also claiming that we would be able to travel abroad. Anything’s possible, all in the right time. 🙂

Re-visiting Baguio City and first time at Good Taste Cafe & Restaurant

Taken that morning at Baguio City (12/03/14)

Our hearing was set during that first week of December that I considered as the busiest week for me. But as they, “When there’s a will, there’s a way.” 🙂 After our hearing in Batangas the day before, hubby and I immediately prepared for our trip to the north. We traveled from South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) to North Luzon Expressway (NLEX). Tiring, yes, but the excitement of re-visiting one of my favorite cities won over fatigue, even though we have to come back to Manila asap since I needed to attend a company event.

We were supposed to board the de luxe bus of Victory Liner but we encountered heavy traffic on our way to Manila. Instead, we rode the regular air-conditioned bus of Victory Liner at 9:00 in the evening, together with our clients. Since we traveled at nighttime, we experienced less to zero traffic. Despite the two stop overs (one in Tarlac, one in Pangasinan), we arrived at Baguio City by 2:30 in the morning, after five and a half hours. So I recommend traveling at night, for less travel time to the city of pines.

strawberry taho

As soon as we arrived at the Victory Liner bus station in Baguio City, taho vendors came to us and offering the famous strawberry taho at 30 pesos each. It’s my first time to taste strawberry taho so we immediately ordered. It was freezing cold when we arrived and a hot strawberry taho is what we needed at that time, for an authentic we-really-are-in-Baguio-City experience. 🙂

We slept for four hours and woke up at 7:00 in the morning in order to prepare for the 8:30 a.m. hearing. The Hall of Justice of Baguio City is located near the city hall and Burnharm Park.

After hearing, we went to have brunch at Good Taste Cafe & Restaurant with our clients. They have basement parking for customers. When we went inside, I know that without a doubt it is one of the best restos in Baguio City, judging from the number of people dining there when we arrived. Good Taste is a huge restaurant reminiscent of a typical Chinese restaurant in Binondo, Manila. Our clients ordered for us the resto’s best sellers: Buttered chicken, lechon kawali, and beef ampalaya.

An instagram post of what we ordered at Good Taste Cafe 🙂

I was right when I thought that we were in for a treat at this resto. Buttered chicken is indeed a best seller, as we looked to the left and to the right and this dish is present at almost every table. 🙂 Their lechon kawali is very tasty, as it is marinated with some sort of sauce. And hubby loved the beef ampalaya, which is his favorite. Not only are the dishes sumptuous, they also offer big servings of everything. And the price is very much reasonable. 🙂

We will definitely come back at Good Taste Cafe & Restaurant and try the other best sellers (I heard their pancit is delish!). It’s located at Lapu Lapu St., Baguio City. 🙂

Overall, while we were in Baguio City for merely ten hours (sleep included), I enjoyed every single minute of it. And I can’t wait to come back for the next hearing, and to explore the city for longer hours, several days. 🙂

Halloween in Marinduque

I am writing this blog while aboard the Montenegro ship. We have just left Balanacan Port and as usual, I could not tear my eyes from the pristine islands surrounding us when the ship started moving. Marinduque is such a quiant, idyllic province full of surprises.

We arrived the day before our hearing and we did not leave immediately after our afternoon hearing; weather has been erratic due to hanging amihan. But honestly, I like this kind of “English” weather. 🙂

This is how the Balanacan Port looks like when we arrived last October 27, 2014.

A bit rainy but still, calm waters

It’s almost Halloween and establishments in Boac, Marinduque got a festive atmosphere. I will be sharing photographs taken at Casa de Don Emilio, a fine dining restaurant in Boac, Marinduque located near the plaza.

This will greet you at the entrance of the restaurant.

At the entrance

Inside the seemingly old-house-turned-restaurant, there are creepy decorations as well. There’s a witch by the stairs, a severed and bloody hand on display, the killer’s mask in Scream movie, and what’s this?

Spot the “headhunter” and the Scream mask

Is that a headless woman or a manananggal?

Happy Halloween!! 😀

 

The coastline of Gasan, Marinduque and Tres Reyes Islands

Tres Reyes islands

When we were en route to the Gasan Church last June, hubby noticed a baywalk of some sort and the glistening sea. We made a sudden turnaround and we discovered the Reyes Park, a small park where you can see the Tres Reyes islands off the coast of Gasan. Tres Reyes Islands is also known as the “three kings”, since the islands are named after the three kings: Gaspar, Melchor, and Baltazar.

Reyes Park

It is so refreshing and calming at the Reyes Park. From the left, you would see the three kings islands. From the right, you would see the beautiful coastline of Gasan. It was late afternoon when we dropped by; it’s not too hot, the sea breeze and the soft lapping of the waves made the perfect setting for a serene afternoon. I was mesmerized how clean everything is, how unspoiled is the beach.

with hubby

There are boats which would take you on an island tour of the Tres Reyes islands. However since we were planning to visit the Gasan Church, we were contented with just viewing the Tres Reyes Islands from afar. 🙂

For me, Marinduque is one of the most pristine islands in the Philippines. During our two visits in the island province, we have explored the municipalities of Mogpog, Boac, and Gasan. There are other three municipalities waiting to be explored: Sta. Cruz, Buenavista, and Torrijos, which are equally rustic towns with virgin beaches. Our target is to visit all the municipalities of Marinduque before the cases we are handling got terminated. 🙂

From the map of Marinduque, the Tres Reyes islands can be found at the lower left portion of the island: the three small islands off the coast of Gasan.

Source: wikipilipinas.org

Come visit the island province of Marinduque, the heart of the Philippines. 🙂 Here are other blog posts about this beautiful island:

Marinduque’s natural beauty starts at the Balanacan Port

Unique native dishes and Time warp at Boac, Marinduque

The Cathedral of Immaculate Concepcion: Overlooking the lower town of Boac

Boac Revisited

St. Joseph Parish Church in Gasan, Marinduque and the Garden of Mediation

The Boac Hotel: Distinctive interiors and Extraordinary hospitality

Church visit at Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage in Antipolo City

Tayo na sa Antipolo Church

Hearings at Antipolo City gave us opportunity to visit the Antipolo Church or the shrine of “Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage”. Visiting the Antipolo Church gave me nostalgic memories of childhood, when we used to go there with my parents and grandparents. I had an old picture of my grandfather carrying me at the parking lot of Antipolo Church, him wearing a hat during that sunshiny Antipolo day. After going to church, we would be buying kasoy (cashew), which I then pronounced as “ka-shoy”. 😀

It has been customary for most Filipinos to go up in Antipolo City and to pray at the Virgin Mary of Antipolo whenever they are about to embark on a long journey. At the back of the church, religious items and prayer books are available, especially for those who want to pray or novena for safe travel.

 The Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage is considered as one of the most traveled for and sought after Marian icons in the Philippines. During Holy Week, thousands of devotees flock to Antipolo Church to pray and reflect.

 After praying at the church and buying religious items, don’t forget to drop by at the nearby pasalubong center to buy cashew nuts and suman. 🙂

Boac Revisited

Our second trip to Marinduque allowed us to explore more of Boac. On our second trip, we took our time getting to know Boac. 🙂

Of course there is that mandatory trip to the Boac Cathedral; but aside from this, we also got to explore the compound where the Boac Cathedral is situated. You will see the Ina ng Biglang Awa Shrine and the Bishops’ Residence where the gigantic statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is located.

Sacred Heart of Jesus at the Bishops’ Residence

The gigantic statue is located at the top of a hill, at the back of the Boac Cathedral.

with my mom and aunt

The compound overlooks the lower town of Boac. 🙂

overlooking the town of Boac

Once you get down from the compound, there is this another altar of Ina ng Biglang Awa at the foot of the compound, facing the street where the Boac Hotel is located.

enclosed shrine

Buying pasalubong is much more fun in Marinduque. You can opt to have your picture taken at the carton figure of a Morion, with your head sticking out, but made more authentic since store owners allow you to wear a Moriones headgear. 🙂

Hubby at the Moriones figure and headgear

We also got to try a fine dining restaurant near the town plaza, the Case de Don Emilio. We loved the ambiance, a restaurant in an antique house setting, with wooden furniture and elegant chandeliers lighting the place. Food is superb, we ordered lemon fish, beef con carne, and pancit. 🙂

Inside Casa de Don Emilio

Marinduque dining

A trip to Marinduque is always worth it. That’s why with our second trip (due to another court hearing), I brought my mom and aunt with me as I have no doubts that they would enjoy the natural beauty of this province island. 🙂

As always, I heart Marinduque. 🙂

taken after hearing

St. Joseph Parish Church in Gasan, Marinduque and the Garden of Meditation

Another heritage church perched on a hill.

We were able to come back to the beautiful island province of Marinduque this June due to another court hearing. This trip is much memorable since I brought with me not just my hubby but my mom and aunt as well. I was thinking it’s the perfect opportunity for them to visit the island since no typhoons are threatening the skies that week that we were scheduled to go there.

Another thing that made this trip more memorable is that we were able to tour around the municipality of Gasan. One of our clients are based in Gasan, Marinduque and when they learned that we are staying in Boac, they told us to visit Gasan since it’s the municipality after Boac. So on our second day in Marinduque, we went to Gasan in the mid-afternoon.

We met up with our client at the St. Joseph Parish Church at Poblacion, Gasan, Marinduque. Like the Boac Cathedral, the St. Joseph Parish Church is perched on a hill. Hubby and I took the stairs (a steep climb), while my mom and aunt rode a vehicle uphill. All the hard work and effort is worth it once you’re at the top. The grandiose church, which was originally built in 1609, boasts not just a magnificent view of the town of Gasan but also of a “Meditation Garden”.

The pictures below show the magnificent interiors of the church, the intricate details. 🙂

Inside the church

Fan-like

Also within the compound of the St. Joseph Parish Church is the meditation garden and the lookout point where you can see the coastline of Gasan and the poblacion.

Jesus in the Garden

at the lookout point

It is very refreshing at the garden compound of the church, plus the open air, and the view of Tres Reyes islands from afar.

San Jose.

Garden compound

You would see the poblacion from the lookout point. The Municipal Town Hall of Gasan can be clearly seen. 🙂

The municipal town hall as seen from the church compound

At the church compound, you would also see century-old church bells.

old church bells

When in Marinduque, a visit to the town of Gasan is truly a must. 🙂 The visit to the St. Joseph Parish Church is an exhilarating experience. And we were blessed with such good weather when we visited, that we enjoyed our stay inside the church and its compound. It’s such a visual treat.

The St. Joseph Parish Church is located at the poblacion of Gasan, Marinduque. You would easily see it since the reddish church is located at the top of a hill, overlooking the town of Gasan.

Exploring the town of Virac by foot

It was the 22nd day of May 2014 when I first saw the mountainous island province of Catanduanes.

This is the panoramic view that greeted me while aboard the Regina Calixta vessel.

Port of San Andres in San Andres, Catanduanes

I was fetched by my clients from Port of San Andres and off we went to the town of Virac. We passed by zigzag roads, mountain ranges and green fields. At long last, we arrived at Virac, Catanduanes. I was billeted at a simple but lovely pension house located near the province’s Capitol Building. This is the Marem Pension House.

Marem Pension House

After resting, I decided to go out of the pension house and to explore the town of Virac. As I have mentioned awhile ago, provincial Capitol building is just walking distance from the pension house.

The Catanduanes Capitolio

On my first night, I asked the front desk at the lobby of Marem’s where to eat, preferably an airconditioned restaurant, since it was very hot that day. They suggested that I try the Fin Bar & Grill, which is located at the Center Mall, which is also located near the pension house.

The Fin Bar & Grill, at the Center Mall

sizzling chicken

Being a chicken lover, I tried the 2-piece sizzling fried chicken with java rice. For 99 pesos, I had a hearty meal of two pieces fried chicken with sumptuous gravy, and the java rice is so Bicolandia… with bell pepper and chili. I love it!! 🙂 There’s also iced tea that goes with the chicken meal. That’s all for 99 pesos. So rare nowadays to get your 99 pesos’ worth. 🙂

The next day, my clients and I went to have lunch at Sea Breeze, an outdoor restaurant near the Virac Port.

It’s so refreshing to have lunch when you have this view:

Seaside view from our table

This is how the tables look like at Sea Breeze. 🙂

Al fresco dining at Sea Breeze is one of the activities that I definitely miss! 😦 There’s nothing like dining with a great view of the sea, and the sea breeze softly touching your skin. 🙂

I was also able to drop by, pray, and give thanks at the Virac Cathedral.

Virac Cathedral

For the renovation of Virac Cathedral

That late afternoon, after resting at the pension house, I explored Virac again by foot. After all, it’s my last night in Virac. 😦

While walking, I came upon this building, which used to be the provincial Capitol building of Catanduanes.

This used to be the Catanduanes Capitolio.

After searching last-minute for additional souvenirs, I went to search for Blossoms Restaurant, which was recommended by one of the staff at Marem’s pension house. Of course, I got lost while searching for it, having a lousy sense of direction. But the locals are kind enough to point me towards the place. 🙂 I was enchanted the moment I saw the restaurant from across the street.

Blossoms

You would feel more enchanted inside, with the homey ambiance, the pretty lights, elegant wall decors, and country-style furniture.

Inside Blossoms

I ordered pasta and cake at Blossoms Restaurant. I liked the mango cream pie better than the baked macaroni that I ordered. But the ambiance of the place more than makes up for the dining experience. 🙂

It was a fun, liberating experience for me to explore Virac by foot. I was excited at the prospect of exploring, guided with tips from the warm manoys and manays (that’s how they call each other)… Getting lost was not a scary experience as I knew that I am in a safe place with friendly, hospitable people. I love the simplistic way of life in Virac, and I cherish having visited the local malls and restaurants. I am hoping that I will get to visit this island again in the future, with my hubby. 🙂

The allure of the scenic town of Bato, Catanduanes

After attending a hearing in Virac, Catanduanes last May, my clients took me to a side trip to Bato, Catanduanes, where the century-old Bato Church is located. I knew that I would be seeing an old, charming, heritage church. But I didn’t expect that along the way I would be enthralled with marvelous sights.

As we traverse through the coastal town of Virac, I could not help but take photographs of the shoreline.

As we approach the municipality of Bato, I saw a placid river amid the mountains. According to my clients, it is the Bato River. They told me that the Bato Church will be just across the river. And with that I saw the long bridge that we have to pass in order to get through the municipality of Bato. It was breathtaking to see the bridge, the river, and the mountains.

The Bato Bridge

While I am at loss for words to describe what I felt when I saw the bridge, the more that I am at loss for words to define the feeling when we were actually crossing the bridge.

Crossing the longest bridge in Catanduanes

Time seems so quick for me to actually grasp what I felt when were crossing the bridge. I could not decide whether to look to the left or to the right. Everything’s so beautiful. The skies are clear, the mountains are abundant with trees, the river is calm and serene. And after crossing the bridge we turned right. And then the vehicle stopped. They said we have arrived at the place where the Bato Church is situated. But again, I am caught off-guard. I got amazed with the view when I got out of the vehicle.

The Bato River. No filter.

I just have to take a picture in order to preserve this view in my memory. 🙂

After basking in that beautiful sight, I turned and saw an archaic but charming edifice in front of me: the Bato Church or the St. John the Baptist Church.

St. John the Baptist Church of Bato

This is the facade of the Bato Church.

The church was closed when we went there. Even if I was not able to go inside, I felt contended having seen the Bato Church from the outside. There is that feeling that the church has witnessed so much, and that despite its age, it is still magnificently intact. The Bato Church is worth crossing the distance. Besides, you would not get bored along the way due to the interesting sights that will marvel you. 🙂

Re-visiting Legazpi, Albay and the Solar Halo at Tabaco Port

A hearing at the province of Catanduanes paved way for me to re-visit Albay province and see again the majestic and beautiful Mayon Volcano. Since there were no available direct flights to Virac, Catanduanes the day before my hearing, my client and I took the morning flight to Legazpi, Albay. From Legazpi, we would be travelling by land for almost an hour to Port of Tabaco, then ride a Ro-Ro vessel bound to Port of San Andres in Catanduanes. Adventure, isn’t it?

And so, the only thing that would take off the anxiety for this air/land/sea adventure would be the chance to take a glimpse again of Mayon Volcano.. I could not get over the beauty and the perfect cone of Mayon Volcano ever since hubby and I went to Legazpi (for the first time) last year. In fact, I posted several blog entries about this, which I called the Albay series. 🙂

View of Mayon Volcano from the plane

It was a perfect day to fly, and as soon as we were about to land in Legazpi Airport, the pilot even announced the perfect weather and the clear skies, and for the passengers to get their cameras ready as they could take good shots of the Mayon Volcano–which was not hidden from the clouds that day. And so again, that feeling that just when I was terribly missing and aching to get a glimpse of Mayon Volcano and then this opportunity to re-visit Legazpi came? Priceless!!

My client and I had brunch at one of the restaurants in the airport compound. One of the things that I miss from Albay province is their version of suman, which they call “Binutong”. It’s like the usual suman, with gata (coconut milk). I was pleasantly surprised when I saw near the counter a pile of binutong; my client ordered for the two of us, as I could not contain my glee when the cashier confirmed that it was indeed binutong. And when I took that first bite? Ahh, delicious!! 🙂

Binutong

Inside the airport compound, there were vans for hire towards different parts of Albay province, or even as far as Sorsogon province. We hired a Toyota Innova van, which would take us to Port of Tabaco in Tabaco, Albay.

On the way to Tabaco, I was able to take several pictures of the Mayon Volcano. I felt insatiable as to its beauty. 🙂

The shot below is one of the closest and most unobstructed view that I could take of the Mayon Volcano, according to the van driver. In fact, he even stopped driving so that I could get out and take a picture.

It was almost an hour of travel time to the Port of Tabaco. There were interesting sights along the way, such as the churches and malls in Tabaco, Albay. Tabaco is like Legazpi, as to urbanization and proximity to transportation channels. While Legazpi has the airport, Tabaco Port is the converging point for passage to Catanduanes and other nearby islands.

While my client was buying our tickets for the Ro-Ro vessel, I stayed inside the van since it’s very hot outside. Suddenly, the driver of the van told me to step outside and take a look at the sun. I was surprised when he told me to do that, but I complied since I saw people outside taking pictures of the sun.

And this is what I saw…

Unobstructed view (I took this with sunglasses on)

View under the shade of a tree

The solar halo became part of the news that day, the 22nd day of May 2014. While the solar halo is indeed a phenomenon, many people felt fear when they saw it, as if it is a bad omen. For me though, I felt lucky enough to have witnessed seeing a rainbow around the sun; and it happened when I’m in Bicol region, the only region privileged enough to have seen this phenomenon. Such an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experience. 🙂

Mayon Volcano view from Port of Tabaco

My next blog entry (or blog series) would be about the captivating province of Catanduanes… Captivating because my heart was really captivated (cheesy isn’t it) with the province’s rustic charm.

 

The Cathedral of Immaculate Concepcion: Overlooking the Lower Town of Boac

The Boac Cathedral (The Cathedral of the Immaculate Concepcion) is located at the top of the hill, overlooking the town of Boac. You can just imagine how glorious it looks from afar, with the centuries-old facade illuminated by the blue sky.

The majestic Boac Cathedral

The Boac Cathedral was built sometime in the 17th century. It then served as a refuge for the Marinduquenos whenever Moro pirates would attempt to conquer the town of Boac. They would pray fervently for the safety of their town.

One day, the Moros came into the shores of Boac, aboard their vinta. Suddenly, there were heavy rains and floods; the attempt to conquer Marinduque did not prosper, as when the Moros are approaching, a mirage of a Senyora appeared on the wall of the cathedral, her hand outstretched, as if telling the Moros to stay away. And so, the Blessed Virgin became known as the Mother of Immediate Succor, “Ina ng Biglang Awa“, due to the immediate action and mercy from the Heavens to save the town from the invaders.

May, the month of “Alay para kay Ave Maria”

Inside the cathedral.

Feast day for Boac is during the 8th of December, the birth date of Immaculate Concepcion. Outside the Cathedral and within the cathedral compound is the shrine for Mother of Immediate Succor.

Inside the shrine of Ina ng Biglang Awa

There are also religious items and souvenirs sold inside the shrine if you want remembrance and novena/prayer book of the Mother of Immediate Succor.

We visited after our hearing and before the leaving the beautiful town of Boac.

Unique native dishes and Time warp at Boac, Marinduque

From the Balanacan Port in Mompog, Marinduque, we were fetched by our clients and we traversed through zigzag roads before finally arriving at the town of Boac. It felt as though we went back in time.

Spanish-style Houses

Heritage houses lined up the streets, whether for residential or commercial purposes. I can’t help but feel nostalgic, looking at the Spanish-style houses. The roads are wide and clean; tree branches are swaying and you can feel the gentle breeze. There are no loud signage of fast food chains or huge billboards. There are no malls, no tall buildings. We are in the town of Boac but the rural setting added to the charm.

Below is an old Spanish-style house turned into a restaurant named “Casa de Don Emilio”. This restaurant is considered as one that offers fine dining in Boac town.

Casa de Don Emilio

Lunch at Kusina sa Plaza after hearing

Beside Casa de Don Emilio is the famous “Kusina sa Plaza” restaurant. “Kusina sa Plaza” offers Marinduqueno dishes. This is where we got to taste “Kare-Kare”. No, the Kare-Kare referred to is not the Filipino stew with peanut sauce, and orangey in color. The Kare-Kare dish in Marinduque is like the traditional Dinuguan and bopis. It’s chopped as small as bopis, mixed with pork blood like dinuguan. But it tastes different. It’s delicious! There is that smoky flavor that you can’t explain. Hubby loved it instantly.

Kusina sa Plaza

Boac is very easy to navigate. You can easily locate where the restaurants are, which is near the plaza. You would see the library, the national museum, the old townhall, and from afar you would see the Boac Cathedral at the top of the hill.

The Plaza

Another homegrown restaurant in Boac is GoodChow Food Express, which is beside Kusina sa Plaza. GoodChow has both airconditioned and non-airconditioned dining areas. If you want to eat al fresco  then you can dine at the ground floor. If you want an air-conditioned dining area, with great view of the Boac Cathedral, then you can eat at the third floor. We highly recommend the homemade pizza and birthday pancit canton. 🙂

There are also lovely maroon-colored coffee tables lined up at the third floor beside the glass windows. When we come back, we plan to have coffee at GoodChow by the maroon tables and to enjoy the scenic view of the town.

Good Chow Food Express

Souvenirs can be bought at the Boac Hotel and Bodette’s Gift Shop, which is across GoodChow Food Express. Souvenir items in Bodette’s are much cheaper; however, you can only find Arrowroot (uraro) cookies at the Boac Hotel.

Bodette’s Gift Shop

Beside the hotel where we stayed is a computer shop. Not your ordinary computer shop though. 🙂

Internet cafe

It’s easy to fall in love with a town like Boac. It’s rare nowadays to experience simplicity at its finest. 🙂

*This is part two of my Marinduque blog series. I will also be posting a review of our stay at The Boac Hotel, our experience aboard the Montenegro and Starhorse vessel, and a feature on the Boac Cathedral. Stay tuned. 🙂  

Marinduque’s natural beauty starts at the Balanacan Port

It was during my elementary education years when I first heard of Marinduque and the famous Moriones Festival. Our history books boast of Marinduque’s Moriones Festival as one of the Philippines’ festivals and Lenten season practices. This summer, a hearing at Boac, Marinduque gave me an opportunity to take the first glimpse of the naturally beautiful island of Marinduque.

Small picturesque islands

Hubby and I were aboard the Montenegro vessel when small islands came into view. These islands are literally virgin islands; the islands are of green color because of the trees planted almost up to the shoreline. The islands are “untouched”. And it’s such a breathtaking sight, and at the same time that giddy feeling as if you’re getting a free island hopping tour while aboard the vessel.

Blue and green colors

Calm waters

Hubby can’t stop taking pictures

I thought these islands only exist in Palawan. But no, Marinduque boasts of the same virgin islands (or islets). What’s more, you get to view these islands for free, while aboard a vessel bound to Balanacan Port. Hubby and I kept kept dashing to one side of the vessel to another; you would not want to miss these beautiful sights. You’ll see tourists aboard the vessel preparing their cameras and taking pictures non-stop. What a natural beauty!

As we come closer, you would see the shoreline of the Marinduque island, the residential houses, the gleaming white sand…

the shoreline

And the best and most beautiful view of all is when you approach the Balanacan Port in Mogpog, Marinduque. From afar, you will see a lady standing atop a small island, as if welcoming,beckoning…

The “Ina ng Biglang Awa” from afar

As you approach the port, your eyes would not be riveted. You would feel at peace. The gigantic statue of Ina ng Biglang Awa (Mother of Immediate Succor) seemingly greets the passengers, surrounded by the calm, aquamarine waters.

Mother of Immediate Succor at the Balanacan Port

Marinduquenos are devotees of the Mother of Immediate Succor. The devotion originated sometime in the 1700s, when the Moros of Mindanao plotted to conquer the island of Marinduque. The Marinduquenos fervently prayed at the Boac Cathedral for the safety of the island. They felt that their prayers were heard, when strong torrential rains came pouring in when the Moros were arriving, and a Senyora suddenly appeared standing at the wall, as if ordering the Moros to stay away. The Moros hurriedly left aboard the vinta. (Source: www.dioceseofboac.org)

If the Legazpi Airport is considered as the most picturesque airport in the Philippines, for me, the Balanacan Port is the most picturesque port in the country. Truly, Marinduque is more than the Moriones Festival. I hope that the provincial government will preserve the natural beauty of the island and promote more the tourism. I can’t wait to come back on the next hearing. 🙂