Pangasinan: Bolinao Church and Town Hall

Just two drive-by pictures of two landmarks in Bolinao, Pangasinan: The old stone church of
Bolinao, formally called St. James the Great Parish (same with Paete, Laguna making July 25 the
date of Bolinao town fiesta) and the red brick Bolinao town hall.

The Bolinao Church was built by the Augustinians in 1609 and still stands to this day. Behind
the church is Bolinao Public Market where you can buy danggit at just PhP250.00/kilo (similar
danggit in Cebu costs around PhP750.00) but at limited supply. There several hotels, bars,
restaurants and hotels in town, and a 24 hour eatery.



Across the church is the red brick Bolinao town hall. In between the two structures is the main
road where you can also see stalls selling binungey. Near the town hall are several banks (one of
them with an ATM), and a handful of bus companies going to Bolinao either from Manila,
Alaminos or Dagupan: Boltex Express, Bolinao Express, Mhel Ben, Dagupan Bus Company,
Victory Liner, Santrans, et al.



Related posts on Bolinao, Pangasinan: - See more at:
http://www.backpackingphilippines.com/2011/12/pangasinan-bolinao-church-town-
hall.html#sthash.gfuSpS0d.dpuf

Origin of the Philippines and the Enchanted Cave of Bolinao Pangasinan
A few hundred meters from Puerto del Sol Beach
Resort and Spa, along the road going to Cape Bolinao
Lighthouse and Patar white beach, are several
underground caves with natural swimming pools
where tourists go to after beach bumming on the
white sand beach of Patar.



One of the more popular, and promoted by Bolinao
Tourism people, is the so called Enchanted Cave, a
privately-owned resort/park with the underground
cave and a natural pool of cold, refreshing fresh
water.

On the way to the cave entrance, near the parking lot
are coral stones, testament to the fact that Luzon
Island, not just Bolinao used to be underwater (did
you also notice this in Sagada? way up in the
mountains of the Cordillera?)

these rocks are actually dead corals, proof that at
least this part of Bolinao used to be submerged under
the sea

fossilized giant clams probably millions of years old
though no carbon dating of scientific way to verify
the claim

the underground natural swimming pool of
Enchanted Cave beckons to swimmers

Review and Comment on Enchanted Cave:

This cave reminds Tutubi of Bohol's Hinagdanan
Cave, something overrated and bordering as a tourist
trap with expensive entrance fee plus the fact that it's
being promoted as something enchanted or mystic
just to lure tourists. Near Enchanted Cave are other
pseudo-spelunking attractions e.g. Wonderful Cave
then Cindy's Cave.

---

Enchanted Cave:
Contact Numbers: +63.928.783.9890;
+63.939.5709907
Coordinates: N16 20 35.5 E119 48 13.6

Enchanted Cave Entrance Fee:

Entrance Fee: PhP50.00
Swimming: PhP70.00 (PhP50.00 + PhP20.00)

Parking:
4 wheel vehicle: PhP25.00 (cars, jeeps, vans)
3 wheel vehicle: PhP15.00
2 wheel vehicle: PhP10.00

Backpacker-friendly: Patar White Beach, Bolinao, Pangasinan
A hidden gem of Bolinao, Pangasinan
unknown to ordinary people is the presence
of a long fine white sand beach in barangay
Patar, less than a kilometer from Cape
Bolinao Lighthouse that is a perfect spot for
backpackers and travelers with a shoestring
budget.

Patar Shite Beach's stretch of fine white
sand, with Treasures of Bolinao Beach
Resort on the background

fine white sand, clear waters, no hecklers
and pesky vendors in sight unlike...it's more
fun here than...

Patar Beach Resorts, hotels,
accommodations and camp site:

there are really two "Patar Beach resorts"
here on Patar White Beach, there's the 5 star
Treasures of Bolinao Beach Resort and the
bundget travel-friendly cottages for rent on
the beachfront.

Cottages for rent rates are pegged at
PhP200/cottage for a day. Backpackers can
pitch tents on the beach but camping rates
for PhP200 to be paid at barangay Patar for
them to provide security and for the use of
public restrooms/washroom/toilets.







Tutubi asked around for overnight
accommodations, he got quotes for as low as
PhP1500.00/cottage good for 15 people
(backpacker or dorm type) not for the
squimish but very cheap beachfront
accommodations.

the public restroom near the service road to
Patar White beach

open cottages for family picnics/company
outings for only PhP200.00/cottage/day -
Parola: Cape Bolinao Lighthouse,
Pangasinan
Standing 101 feet high, Cape Bolinao
Lighthouse is the second tallest lighthouse in
the Philippines, next only to Cape Bojeador
Lighthouse. Located in Patar, Bolinao,
Pangasinan, it guides sailors and fishermen
from the coast of Cape Bolinao. It was built
by the Americans some time in 1903 (thus
it's not really an old Spanish Lighthouse)

Like most lighthouses in the Philippines, it's
operated by the Philippine Coast Guard and
now running on solar power.

Cape Bolinao Lighthouse with Scarlett,
Tutubi's new travel buddy in view




a crude attempt at framing the shot behind a
flower with the camera held so low without
even looking at the viewfinder...turned out
fine though

Cape Bolinao Lighthouse offers a sweeping
view of Cape Bolinao passage, the iconic
Treasures of Bolinao beach resort with its
lighthouse logo and the backpacker-friendly
white sand beach of Patar.

---

Cape Bolinao Lighthouse
Coordinates: N16 18 25.6 E119 47 07.8 -

Visita Iglesia Pangasinan: Churches
of Mangatarem and Aguilar
Just some sort of drive-by Visita Iglesia in
Pangasinan on the way to Bolinao town, you
can see two old churches along the way

These are just two drive-by photos, you can
see the effect of the car tint plus some slight
blur and poor composition :(

St. Raymund the Peafort Church,
Mangatarem, Pangasinan (Mangatarem
Church)

Mangatarem church features a large green
dome, technically called the apse, common
in baroque style churches of old

St. Joseph The Patriarch Church Aguilar,
Pangasinan (Aguilar Church):

the church has similar architecture and
facade with the churches of Ilocos Sur and
Ilocos Norte but not the earthquake baroque
style of siblings up north

these two churches are easiest to visit should
you decide to do a Visita Iglesia Pangasinan
in Holy Week, particularly on Holy
Thursday where Catholic faithful visit seven
churches.



Isdaan Floating Restaurant in Tarlac
Combine tried and tested Barrio Fiesta Singing
Cooks and Waiters Atbp's restaurant experience and
Filipino cuisine, native-themed palaisdaan restaurant
with an ambiance of native huts with Buddhist-
inspired landscaping and you got yourself a satisfying
meal and relaxing place called Isdaan Floating
Restaurant.



Located along Gerona, Tarlac portion of MacArthur
Highway where Tutubi passed by so many times in
the past but never actually visited. This time, his
officemates, coming from Camp John Hay in Baguio
City, acquiesced to drop by for late lunch at the
popular palaisdaan floating restaurant in Tarlac. This
place is half-way to Baguio, and other northern
provinces making it a popular stop-over for road trips
reachable from Manila via NLEX, SCTEX and
Tarlac City.

Cory Aquino, a Tarlac native, consulting with the
late Jaime Cardinal Sin

From MacArthur Highway, one can see the giant
Buddhas, fishes and other Buddhist-inspired statues
and mythical creatures that remind you of Buddhist
nations of Southeast Asia like Thailand, Vietnam,
Cambodia, and Laos if you've ever been to one of
them.


Giant Buddha at Isdaan

Price of food at Isdaan Floating Restaurant is only
slightly lower than Barrio Fiesta restaurants in
Manila but worth it due to the relaxing atmosphere,
beside rice fields with fresh air, conducive to sleeping
after a heavy meal.

Sample menu prices:

Crispy Pata: PhP254.00 (crispy pork knuckles)
Ginataang Hipon Sipitsipitan Luto sa Buho:
PhP139.00 (a recommended dish of prawns in spicy
coconut milk served in bamboo),
Lechon de Leche PhP2,800.00 (one whole pit-roasted
baby suckling pig, quite cheap actually)
Lechon Manok (Inihaw sa Dahon): PhP191.00 (one
whole roast chicken)

lechon de leche (roast suckling pig) only costs
PhP2,800.00

picture of
the table with the food gone, reason why Tutubi
doesn't take pictures of food if he's with hungry office
mates. Note the restaurant serves food in
environment-friendly banana leaves and bamboo-- no
plastic except straws

Activities at Isdaan Floating Restaurant, Gerona,
Tarlac:

Tacsiyapo Wall: Release your anger
Ungoy-Unggoyan: survive the spitting, urinating
monkeys for a kilo of free fish
San Kilo Bridge: for 1 kilo of free fish, cooked the
way you want it, cross the long bridge and survive
Mga Mahiwagang kamay: experience the legend of
the giant hands
Wishing Buddhas: make your dreams come true


Cross this concrete bridge called "Sang Kilo Bridge"
about 20 centimeters wide and 30 meters long, laden
with sea shells as obstacles, and get 1 free kilo of fish
cooked to your preferred way...the fishpond is about
6 ft to 9 ft so prepare to get wet should you fall

Note the place is dangerous for playing kids to roam
around unattended so better stick to the restaurant's
policy of using life vests for hyperactive kids. Be
careful also when stepping on or leaving the floating
huts, this is specially for non-swimmers as you can
get a splash of your life there.


the
tyrannosaurus rex dinosaur is out of place, it
should've been moved to a children's playground as
its a really distracting figure

Talking about negatives, their non-acceptance of
credit cards -- it's a cash-only establishment so better
bring wads of cash before visiting the restaurant.
Budget about PhP300.00 and up per person and you'll
really have a really nice meal. The establishment
seems to be almost always full, attracting families of
tourists and balikbayan so be early in order to get
your desired seat/hut in the place.

How to get to Isdaan Floating Restaurant,
Gerona, Tarlac:

Directions to Isdaan Floating Restaurant is easy, just
follow this route: NLEX, SCTEX, exit at Tarlac, turn
left going to Tarlac city proper and Hacienda Luisita
then right on MacArthur Highway. Continue until
you reach Gerona where the restaurant can be seen on
your left. Travel time is about an hour from NLEX
Dau exit entering SCTEX.

Update August 2010: there's an on-going
construction of Isdaan restaurant in Bay, Laguna in
between Kamayan sa Palaisdaan sa Bay and Samaral
Seafood Restaurant. No information on opening date
though.

UPDATE: November 2011: Isdaan Laguna is now
open for business. No information yet on Isdaan
telehone number for reservation nor contact person.


Directions to Pangasinan via SCTEx and Tarlac
Going to Pangasinan with your own vehicle? Here's
an updated route guide for you to get to Pangasinan
the fastest and safest way via the Subic-Clark-Tarlac
Expressway or SCTEx that shortened travel time to
Pangasinan.

Driving Directions to Pangasinan via SCTEx:

From EDSA going to Monumento, turn right towards
NLEX, drive towards the end of the modern tollway,
take Dau exit toll gate and follow the SCTEx spur,
pay the toll fees. Turn right on seeing direction signs
to Tarlac City. On reaching the end of the
expressway, turn left, follow the road (Landmarks:
Central Park Hotel, Microtel Inns and Suites and
Aquino Center) then right on MacArthur Highway
(beside Hacienda Luisita)

In Tarlac City portion of MacArthur Highway you
will see the gate of Camp General Servillano Aquino,
Servillano Aquino Park (where vintage tanks and
airplanes are on display), Vilmar Hotel and
Restaurant and SM Tarlac (under Construction)

Choose left fork where Mercury Drug is and the
Siesta Bus Station (bus terminals of Victory Liner
and Five Star)

You will see Tarlac State University then Ninoy
Aquino Monument then turn left right at Agana
bridge, continue driving and pass by Santa Ignacia,
Camiling (camiling Church: St. Michael and
Camiling Public Market), then left to San Clemente
(a right turn will lead to Paniqui, Tarlac while going
straight will take you to Pangasinan towns of
Bayambang, Urbiztondo, Bautista, Alcala, Sto.
Tomas, Malasiqui,and San Carlos City)

After the town of San Clemente, Tarlac is now the
province of Pangasinan with the towns of
Mangatarem, Aguilar, Bugallon then Labrador.

In Labrador, you have the option to get to Lingayen,
Binmaley, Dagupan, Mangladan or San Fabian if you
go eastbound or head straight to Sual, Alaminos
(going to Hundred Islands National Park or Mabini),
Bani, Agno Anda, and Bolinao.

The towns of Infanta, Dasol and Burgos are more
accessible via Zambales than Tarlac.

If you're going to the northern Pangasinan towns
drive straight on MacArthur Highway and pass by
Gerona, before entering Pangasinan town of San
Manuel, Rosales (where the new SM City Rosales is
located and a road leading to Balungao, Uringan, San
Quintin, Natividad, San Nicolas), Villasis, Urdaneta
City (where roads lead to Calasiao, Mapandan,
Mangaldan, San Jacinto, Dagupan City and San
Fabian even Asingan), Binalonan (with roads leading
to Laoac, Manaoag, San Manuel,), Pozzorubio, and
Sison.

After Sison town is the town of Rosario, La Union
province, the gateway to Baguio City, or onwards to
Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte.

More Than A Hundred Islands Tour
and Resorts in Pangasinan
Pangasinan, a province whose name was
derived from asin (salt) due to its salt-
making industry, more popularly known for
its bangus and the Hundred Islands National
Park, a cluster of more than a hundred
islands off the city of Alaminos in Lingayen
Gulf got a brief visit from Tutubi

After the Dagupan bangus overload, a
sidetrip to the market for the famed
Alaminos longganiza, a so-so lunch at
Maxine By The Sea Lodge and Restaurant
(not recommended, food is not "pwede na"
for the price), a trip to the Hundred Islands
National Park for a three-hour boat ride,
sadly, due to limited time, weren't able to
get wet and wild :(

Pictures as usual:

One of the group's boat anchored on
Governor's Island
View of some of the islands on the viewdeck
of Governor's Island and in front of Pinoy
Big Brother House
the cavernous hole of the so called Cathedral
Island (didn't have a lens hood for this one,
sorry)
Quezon island teeming with people
frolicking on the beach. The island is only
one of the three islands with facilities like
decks, toilets and picnic sheds. The other
two are Governor's Island and Children's
Island with bathrooms, camping and
sleeping areas.

Quezon Island Bridge to nearby island

A view from inside the cave of Cuenco
(PADI) Island. Also a nice camping site.

Quite a crappy picture but it includes one of
Tutubi's target destination: the Cape Bolinao
Lighthouse

It's also in Hundred Islands and nearby
Bolinao where giant clams (Tridacna gigas)
can be found.

By the way, the trip, food and even the
bangus/longganisa pasalubong were paid
for by Tutubi's company :P

For details on accommodations, rates
including resorts and rooms for
backpacking and budget travelers, click
here. Information on snorkeling, diving and
other water-sports equipment rental and
telephone numbers. Not much information
on cheap resorts though.

Where to Stay in Hundred I slands Resorts
and Hotels:

Helden Resthouse
Hundred Islands Pension House
Maxine by the Sea Lodge and Restaurant
Rose Plaza Inn
S&R Homestead
Seaside Haven (LS Marina 100)
Ted's by the Sea Lodge and Restaurant
The Hundred Islands Resort Hotel
Villa Milagros Pension House
Vista de las Islas Hotel & Restaurant

How to get to Hundred I slands in Alaminos
City, Pangasinan:

Commute: Victory Liner in Cubao and
Pasay has buses going to Alaminos City.
Trip is about 5 hours. In Alaminos, hire a
tricycle to take you to Lucap pier where
you'll hire boats for the island-hopping trip.

Pilgrimage to Our Lady of Manaoag in
Pangasinan
A
favorite pilgrimage site for Catholics, the Our Lady
of Manaoag, revered patroness of the sick, the
helpless and the needy draws the faithful to the shrine
in Manaoag, Pangasinan.

History of Manaoag shrine dates back to 1605 by its
establishment by the Dominicans. The present church
is a showcase of Romanesque architecture (the same
one used by the Baclaran Church).

The ivory image was brought from Spain by way of
Acapulco and venerated by many faithful Catholics
who flock to the site on pilgrimages.




Travel Guide Manaoag Church

Manaoag Shrine Mass Schedules according to the
official website:

Monday - Friday every hour 5am - 11am
Saturday - every hour 5am - 12nn & 4:30pm
Sunday - every hour 5am - 12nn, 3pm & 4:30pm

Feast of Senora de Manaoag: The fiesta of the Lady
of the Most Holy Rosary popularly known as Seora
de Manaoag, is celebrated on the third Wednesday
after Easter Sunday.

Telephone number: +63.75.529.0132

How to get to Manaoag Church from Manila:

Commute: Bus companies Five Star, Victory Liner,
and Dagupan Bus Line with bus terminals in on
EDSA Cubao, Quezon City, have daily trip schedules
that'll take you directly to Manaoag Church. Fare is
around PhP231 one way and thr trip takes about 4
hours.

Victory Liner bus to Manaoag trip schedules: Sunday
at 4 a.m. at the Pasay terminal and at 4 a.m. at the
Cubao bus terminal of Victory Liner. Bus fare to
Manaoag: PhP350.00

Other directions: Manaoag is bordered by Pozorrubio
in the north, Urdaneta and Mapandan in the South,
Binalonan in the east, and San Jacinto in the west all
in Pangasinan.

Pasalubong: look for tupig sold in the vicinity of the
church.

UPDATED: March 2013

Dagupan and Bonuan Bangus Belly Overload in
Pangasinan
After the some delay in Tarlac due to a direction-
challenged colleague, passed by miles and miles of
roads dotted with bangus (milkfish) fisheries and
where Guilon Guilon or harvesting of the world
famous Bonuan bangus can be witnessed, Tutubi
finally reached his destination for the day in Dagupan
City, and checked it at Star Plaza Hotel strategically
located on the banks of the river. (This could have
been a good nightscape picture but it was raining for
two nights)

Twin sharing
room at Star Plaza
Hotel

As expected when
in this city famous
for the tastiest
variety of bangus
(milkfish), the Philippines' national fish, breakfast
served offered choices of longganisa (Filipino
sausages), tocino (sweet marinated pork) and
boneless bangus (in ordinary and spicy). Being not
like the usual Filipino averse to hot and spicy food,
Tutubi opted for the spicy one that isn't really spicy at
all. The bangus is just basted with a mild chili sauce
similar to tabasco and preferred to be de-boned due to
its being bony.

Bangsilog, a typical
Filipino portmanteau
breakfast consisting
of boneless bangus,
sinangag (garlic fried
rice) and pritong
itlog (fried egg) with
tomatoes on the side.

In the evening, the group had dinner at Matutina
Restaurant in Bonuan, Dagupan where they feasted
on various seafoods e.g. nilasing na hipon ("drunken"
shrimp) and calamares (fried squid with batter), in a
nice ambiance though quite expensive.

The following was the seminar where Tutubi was the
last speaker (a slot he inherited due to resignation of
one of his colleagues) and where his colleagues aver
there were so many pretty Dagupeas in attendance.
In between breaks and meals, he washed down his
thirst with soda, something he normally doesn't do
these days.

Hurrying out of the hotel right after the seminar,
made a quick pilgrimage to Our Lady of Manaoag in
Manaog town before heading to another feast in
another famous restaurant in Calasiao town:
Dagupea Restaurant in San Miguel, Calasiao. The
restaurant, which was quaint and homey with capiz
windows and kawai chairs, started out as an eatery in
1928 owned by Ignacia
Bernal.

Interiors of Dagupea
Restaurant(below). Was
only able to take pictures
of this and not the food,
again, due to fear of not
being able to eat what's
served. Highly
recommend this
restaurant for a sampling
of Pangasinan cuisine
aside from not being too pricey.



The menu served for the night included: honey
mustard bangus belly (recommended. wish to have
their recipe for this one), tarragon honeyed crabs,
fried hito (catfish) with buro (fermented fish paste),
sinigang sa miso na hipon (prawns in Filipino style
broth with miso), rellenong alimasag (stuffed
crabs),and the house specialty binagoongang pata
(pork knuckles with shrimp paste). Don't also forget
to buy and sample Calasiao's famous puto (rice
cakes).

With tummies full, the group called it a night to rest
while eagerly awaiting the following day's island-
hopping adventure in Alaminos.

Continued on Hundred Islands island-hopping post.

Notes:
Star Plaza Hotel A.B. Fernandez Avenue (+63-75-
5234888)

Other "where to eat" places: Silverio's, Matutina,
Dawel, Alimango

Pasalubong Bonuan Boneless Bangus can be bought
at cheaper prices at CBN Bonuan Boneless Bangus
km 381 beside Petron gas station along the highway.

Note also one of the best boneless bangus available
near Manila is at LZM Restaurant in Silang, Cavite
on the old highway near Riviera Golf and Country
Club.



What really happened:
Day 1
Cape Bolinao Lighthouse (picture taking only)
Enchanted Cave (swimming)
Patar White Beach (lunch and swimming)
Villa Antolin (check-in and dinner)
Day 2
Island hopping



----- Forwarded by Catherine G. Bringino/Meralco on 04/01/2013 04:18 PM -----

From: Catherine Bringino <cathy.bringino@gmail.com>
To: "Catherine G. Bringino" <cgbringino@meralco.com.ph>,
Date: 04/01/2013 04:17 PM
Subject: Fwd: Bolinao - Hundred Islands





---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Catherine Bringino <cathy.bringino@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, Feb 26, 2013 at 10:01 AM
Subject: Bolinao - Hundred Islands
To: olegna3_25@yahoo.com, myka mallillin <mykamallillin@gmail.com>


Day 1
0200am Assembly at Meralco, Ortigas
0230am Estimated time of departure from Meralco, Ortigas to Alaminos, Pangasinan
0730am Stop over at Alaminos town for Breakfast
0830am ETD to Bolinao Falls
1030am Visit Bolinao church
1130am Lunch at Enchanted Cave
1200nn Picture taking at SOLOMONS Paradise
0230pm Tour resumes to Cape Bolinao Lighthouse
0300pm Proceed to and stay at Patar White Beach to watch sunset and swim
0530pm Head back to Alaminos
0630pm Estimated time of arrival at Villa Antolin. Check in
0730pm Dinner and Free time

Day 2
0700am Wake up call and Breakfast
0800am Start Island Hopping (3-5 islands)
1200pm Lunch
0130pm Head back to Hotel
0300pm Estimated Time of Departure from Alaminos to Ortigas.
0800pm Estimated Time of Arrival to Ortigas.

We're getting the dorm type room (good for 12) para mura and masaya.
Prepare P2k-3k each.


Sample itinerary
THE PANGASINAN ESCAPADE TRAVEL SERIES:
Part 1: The Pangasinan Escapade
Part 2: A Visit to Manaoag Shrine
Part 3: Hop to Hundred Islands!
Part 4: Hop to Hundred Islands! Snorkeling Unltd
Part 5: How to Go to Hundred Islands + Photo Ops
Part 6: Escape to Bolinao
Part 7: The Golden Beach of Patar
Part 8: Bolinao Lighthouse, Cave, Falls, Rock & Roll
Part 9: How to Go to Bolinao + Photo Ops
Part 10: Back to Baguio from Bolinao + Rundown of Expenses


Hundred Islands tour
Register at the Tourism Info Center at the Lucap Wharf. Boats are available from 7am-5pm.
Choose according to how many you are. If you are traveling solo, I suggest you wait for a group
where you can tag along to save expenses. Entrance fee to island hopping is Php20 during day
tour, Php40 for night trips. Boat rental and parking fees are published below:

Kayak rental: Php250/hour (good for 2 persons). I suggest you do this and hop from one island to
another. Experience the thrill and excitement when conquering waves; serenity when in between
large rock formations.
Snorkeling gear: Php100, use as long as you want. I have seen both big and small fishes when I
snorkled.
Cottage Overnight rental: Php 2,500 (good for 4-6pax)
CR: Php5
Tips:
1. There is cellphone signal (Smart & Globe) in the islands. Im not sure with Sun.
2. There is no fresh water supply. Be sure to bring enough drinking water as basic necessities are
sooooo f****** expensive in the island. Yes, more expensive than Boracay. Buko Juice is
Php100, Sardines is Php80, etc.
3. Bring enough food. See #2 tip again.
4. There is no electricity except for the generator for the cottage. Charging of cellphone is Php50.

Hundred Islands Service Boat Guide
Whenever I go to Hundred Islands National Park
in Alaminos, Pangasinan I take the Service Boat
instead of the Regular Tour because I would like
to visit the many islands inside the park.
Unfortunately, everytime I ask the different
boatmen I was with to take us to an
undeveloped island they would stare blank at
me and suggest the 3 developed islands! Fail!
So I decided to make a Service Boat Guide so
whenever you are doing a Island Hopping tour in
the Hundred Islands National Park you would
just say the undeveloped island that you want to
swim in or the island you would want to spend
time.

Beach at Lopez Island
Here are the islands that you can go because they have beaches.
Name of Island Has shade
Lopez Island Morning and a little space in the afternoon
Scout Island Morning
Old Scout Island Morning
Marcos Island Morning. Can also do cliff jumping inside Imelda Cave
Clave Island Morning and Afternoon
Cuenco Island West Side morning shade. East Side afternoon shade.
Ma. Liza Island Morning
Quirino Island Morning
Martha Island Morning and Afternoon
Braganza Island Afternoon
Romulo Island Morning
Macapagal Island Morning and Afternoon
Virgen Island Morning and Afternoon
Abad Santos Island Afternoon
Cariaz Island Morning
Sisons Island Morning and Afternoon depending on which beach of the island you will stay
Shell Island Morning
The 3 developed islands namely Governors Island, Childrens Island and Quezon Island has a beach and
cottages. You can also spend the night there.
Spending the night at the undeveloped islands are not allowed.
2 Restaurants that you should know when in Bolinao, Pangasinan
Posted by Josiah on January 20, 2012 Leave a comment (1) Go to comments
It was my second time to go to Bolinao and I
remember the problems regarding food due to
time of arrival and the lack of food
establishments in Abrac Beach in Patar. Thats
why I would like to present to you 2 Restaurants
you should know when in Bolinao, Pangasinan.
1. Adoras Restaurant
When I noticed that
we were arriving in
Bolinao around 2
AM, I quickly asked
the driver where we
could stay or eat
while we wait for
daylight. He quickly
answered a 24
hours opened
restaurant named
Adoras that is
located near the
public market and
Bolinao Church.
Arriving at Bolinao I noticed that there were a
few karinderyas opened but since we were not
hungry we first tried to talk to a few tricycle
drivers around the station of Victory Liner and
Five Star. After a while they suggested for a
lodging where I could stay for a short-time to
sleep, but I said no. They then said that if I do
not want to sleep I should try Adoras too.
There must be something about Adoras that two
different people would recommend it. Actually,
the people at the Department of Tourism in
Bolinao also recommended Adoras. Thats why
we ended up trying it.
It was a karinderya type of food establishment
where you will just pick a readily available food
for you to eat. It was good and their ingredients
were fresh. Their also specialty are kambing
cooking.
Adoras Restaurant is just walking distance from
the bus stations, public market and Bolinao
Church.
2. La Parola el Restaurante (in Abrac Beach)

On my first time in Patar we forgot to bring
uncooked rice so I was the one assigned to look
for bigas and I walked for more than 2
kilometers looking for a sari-sari store that has
one. Unfortunately, there were no sari-sari
stores nor kardineryas in Patar! I ended up
knocking on the door of a household and asking
for a small amount of their bigas.
Due to Patar slowly becoming popular through
the years a lot of sari-sari stores have sprung up
on my second visit. Unfortunately, there were
still no karinderyas but only one restaurant now
sprung up and that is La Parola el Restaurante.
Still a great news!

Outside La Parola el Restaurante
The crew of La Parola told us that we were the
first customer for the day when we ate our late
lunch. When we came back for dinner the crew
told us that we were the only customers they
had for the whole day!
Their mixed pancit was good and it only costs
P90 and could feed 3 pax me, Laiza and Kuya
Rowel, our tricycle driver.
We ordered the following:
Lunch
P90.00 Mixed Pancit
Dinner
P100.00 Pinakbet (Ilocano)
P30.00 Barbecue
P30.00 2 plain rice; P15/each

La Parola el Restaurante Details
Contact Numbers: 0908-312-0580, 0949-603-
3152
Operating Hours: 7AM to 8PM

Abrac Beach in Brgy Patar, Bolinao,
Pangasinan
Posted by Josiah on January 25, 2012 How to
get there
How to go back
Additional Note
Popularly known as Patar Beach or
sometimes called as Patar White Sand
Public Beach. I knew the real name of the
beach when we visited the Bolinao Tourism
Office thanks to Tourism Officer Myrna
Aguila and her staff.
I love walking on the long stretch of white
beach.

In the middle there is a big rock that I could
rest and hide from the sun for a while.

At the end there are these rock formations.


The sand is not very fine, more like very
tiny pebbles.

And the sunset is just awesome.
At night I do star gazing.
And I sleep with the sounds of water
crashing on the shore.


Therefore, Abrac Beach is one of my
favorite beaches in the Philippines
How to get there
From Bolinao Town Proper ride a tricycle to
Patar Beach. One-way costs 250
Pesos/tricycle and may take up to 45
minutes. Tricycles are available 24 hours in
Bolinao Town Proper.
How to go back
Since public transportation is not that
accessible in Brgy. Patar it is best to talk to
your tricycle driver to wait for you or pick
you up on your desired time to go back.
Dont forget to get the number of your
tricycle driver, though cellphone signal in
Patar are really weak.
Additional Note
Abrac Beach can be included on the
tricycle tour that covers UP Marine
Science Institute, Bolinao Church,
Balingasay River, Enchanted Cave,
Wonderful Cave, Cindys Cave and
Bolinao Lighthouse. The tricycle tour
costs 800 Pesos/tricycle for the whole
day and pick up on the next day.
There are kubo lodgings you can rent in
Patar Beach. Kubo Lodgings costs 800 to
1,000 Pesos on off-peak and goes up to
3,000 Pesos per night on peak.
During the walk to the end of Patar
Beach bring water and snacks. When
we walked to the end it took us almost
1 hour one-way and we only had 1
short break in between. Please bring
back your trash and throw it on proper
disposal areas.
The only food establishment where you
can buy food for your breakfast, lunch
and dinner at Abrac Beach is at La
Parola el Restaurante
There are sari-sari stores where you can
buy drinks, snacks and souvenirs in
Abrac Beach.

Cape Bolinao Lighthouse in Pangasinan
Posted by Josiah on January 25, 2012
Our tricycle increased its speed when we were
approaching the Cape Bolinao Lighthouse but
the road to the lighthouse was too steep that we
stopped halfway and the tricycle scarily skid a
little before we stopped fully. We quickly went
out to lessen the weight of the tricycle. Our
driver then advised us to walk to the lighthouse,
even if he does not advise us we would happily
walk than to risk getting into an accident.
Steep uphill to
Cape Bolinao
Lighthouse
Unfortunately, we
were not able to
go inside the
lighthouse
because it was
locked. According
to our tricycle
driver if the one
guarding the
lighthouse was
there we could
have gotten permission to climb. O well, it was
still great to see a lonely sentinel again.


"Comfort" Rooms

How to get there
If youre coming from Abrac Beach in Patar you
can walk to the lighthouse though the walk is a
bit long if youre not used to walking and its
mostly uphill. Rough distance estimate is less
than 700 meters.
But you can get there by availing of the tricycle
tour in Bolinao that costs 800 Pesos/tricycle,
4pax per tricycle. Warning: The tricycle may not
have enough power to go uphill with your group
inside, be ready to walk when you are near the
lighthouse.
How to get out
You can walk to Abrac Beach in Patar. Walking
is mostly downhill and little far.
If you avail of the tricycle tour the driver will wait
for you.
Additional Note
There are chairs and tables where you can eat before the steep uphill to the lighthouse.
There are comfort rooms in the lighthouse vicinity, unfortunately it is not well maintained and only
the people who can bear a strong odor could go in.
There are no sari-sari store or karinderyas in the vicinity of the lighthouse. You may go down to
Abrac Beach for some food and water.

3 Caves of Bolinao, Pangasinan
Posted by Josiah on January 22, 2012 Leave a
comment (2) Go to comments
One of the things I love about Bolinao are its
caves. Its not as adventurous as the one you
will find in Sagada, but after a day on the salty
waters of the beach a dip on the fresh cool
waters of some of the caves of Bolinao,
Pangasinan would be a must before you go
back to the city.
Enchanted Cave

Our first stop after our late breakfast at Adoras
Restaurant is Enchanted Cave. On my first time
in Bolinao this is where swam before we headed
back home for Manila. I love how clear the water
is inside and how it wash the salty and sticky
feeling of sea water.
A little bit of caution though because the rocks
on the pool are sharp. Best if you could bring a
sandal with straps so you could avoid being cut.


Inside Enchanted Cave
Contact Number: 0939-570-9901
Operating Hours: 8AM to 5PM
Entrance Fee: 50 Pesos/pax if not swimming; 70
Pesos/pax if swimming

Additional Note:
They also offer tables that you can rent.
350 Pesos/table
They have a sari-sari store where you
can buy light snacks and halo-halo.
You can rinse here with their manual
water pump (poso).
Wonderful Cave

Steep stairs to the water of Wonderful Cave
When we arrived at the compound of Wonderful
Cave it was somehow a residential area and it
was. The cave is being handled by the family
that lives there.
When you go take a dip into the pool in
Wonderful Cave try to find the secret room.
Contact Number: 0908-714-2210
Operating Hours: 6AM to 6:30PM
Entrance Fee: 40 Pesos/pax

Additional Note: During summer they have a
time limit of 30 minutes per person to
accommodate the many visitors that arrives.
Cindys Cave
Unfortunately, when we reached Cindys Cave it
was closed and we dont know why. Anyways,
here are some of the details I got before the
dogs inside the compound chased me.

Contact Number: 0928-411-1102
Entrance Fee: 50 Pesos/pax
I love the caves of Bolinao but I also hate the
fact that they are getting too touristy, especially
Enchanted Cave. There are already concrete
seats inside and sometimes they give time limits
to the people going there.
Many people visit the caves during summertime
and Christmas break. When going to the
different caves of Bolinao, please be responsible
for your belongings mostly when it is summer
time.
Enchanted, Wonderful and Cindys Cave are
included in the tricycle tours around Bolinao,
Pangasinan which costs 800 Pesos/tricycle and
will take you to the different tourist spots of
Bolinao.

UP Marine Science Institute at
Bolinao, Pangasinan
Posted by Josiah on January 21, 2012
It was 7AM after our short stay at Dos Flores
Hotel & Resort, we decided that before we get
breakfast we should at least go first to UP
Marine Science Institute (MSI).
We got a tricycle in front of the resort and asked
to take us to UP Marine Science Institute and
wait for us so we could have a ride back.
According to the people I talked earlier in the
bus stations, there were only a few tricycles
going to the UP Marine Science Institute thats
why it is best for the tricycle to wait for us. The
fare is P50/tricycle/one-way and we had to pay
P100 for a round trip.

I did not know what to expect from the UP
Marine Science Institute. It was my first time
there and I only heard stories about it from my
friends. We paid 10 Pesos each and the guard
explained that it was for the entrance to the
Outdoor hatchery. It was still too early for
visitors, 7:30AM but they still accommodated us.
The guard then called someone who can tour us
around the hatchery. At first site of the hatchery,
my eager-interested-geek mode turned on!
I remember my Marine Science 1 class when I
was in college, I learned about how people
destroy the seas through different methods.
Though the class was interesting, I somehow
found it boring because we were not seeing
anything tangible. But here in Bolinao Marine
Laboratory, lessons of my previous subject
flashbacked.
Have you ever thought about how small a giant
clam is when it was still a baby? The answer to
that question can be found here in UP MSI
Bolinao because they culture giant clams from it
being a juvenile to a
big enough giant
clam to be
transferred to the sea.

1 year old giant
clams
They also
culture sea
cucumbers, sea urchins, corals and seaweeds.
Cultured Corals
If youre in UP MSI
Bolinao, try talking to
your tour guide and
other people inside the
facility. It was amazing
to learn how they
provide livelihood to the
island baranggays of
Bolinao.
A staff of Bolinao Marine Laboratory telling us
how they grow Sea Cucumbers
Small pools are filled with sea water
Contact Number: 0908-527-0677
Visiting Hours: 8AM to 5PM
Entrance Fee: 10 Pesos per person
How to get there
Ride a tricycle from the town proper of Bolinao
and tell the driver that you want to go to UP
Marine Science Institute. Fare is
P50/tricycle/one-way, 4pax/tricycle.
How to go back
Tell your tricycle driver to wait for you as
tricycles in UP MSI is scarce. According to the
tricycle driver that we got the usual waiting time
is 30 minutes, more than that it is highly advised
to give an additional tip to the driver.
Activities
Tour of their Outdoor Hatchery
You can also arrange a boat to their
giant clams garden located in one of the
islands in Bolinao. According to the tour
guide the boat minimum budget for the
boat is P700/boat. I dont know the
capacity and the duration though.
Contact the UP MSI for more
information on this activity.
Additional Note
You could hire a tricycle to tour you on different
locations in Bolinao including the caves,
museum, lighthouse and Abrac Beach in Patar,
Bolinao Church and UP Marine Science Institute
for P800/tricycle.
Tricycle Tour Around Bolinao,
Pangasinan
Posted by Josiah on February 4, 2012 Leave a
comment (0) Go to comments
Tricycle Tour Rates
Tricycle Availability
Tricycle Contact Numbers
Heres a list of places and the time we got there
when we had our tricycle tour in Bolinao,
Pangasinan

January 12, 2012 Thursday
07:15 AM Start of Tricycle Tour
07:23 AM Bolinao Marine Laboratory UP
Marine Institute

Baby Giant Clams at the Outdoor Hatchery of
Bolinao Marine Laboratory
We paid an entrance fee of 10 Pesos/person to
see their outdoor hatchery.
0908-527-0677 Bolinao Marine Laboratory
Contact Number
08:04 AM Left for the Tourism Office of
Bolinao
Talked to Maam Myrna Aguila, the tourism
officer of Bolinao, and her staff, and learned
about the different tourist spots Bolinao.
We also learned that Bolinao has a different
language than other areas in Pangasinan. Their
language is Bolinao. You could buy a dictionary
in the Tourism office for 100 Pesos.
To know more about Bolinao, Pangasinan you
can contact their Tourism Office at (075) 554-
4284, bolinaotourismoffice@yahoo.com or visit
their website at Bolinao.gov.ph
8:28 AM National Museum, Bolinao Branch
This is where we learned the history of Bolinao
and the Philipppines. We also got to different
doves that they are conserving.
We paid an entrance fee of 20 Pesos/person.
They are open from Mondays to Fridays, 8AM to
5PM. You cannot take pictures inside.
10:13 AM Late Breakfast at Adoras
Restaurant
This restaurant is open 24 hours everyday.
Thats why it is popular among locals and also
travellers who arrive at a very early time in the
morning.
0928-239-8414 Adoras Restaurant
10:46 AM Bought supplies at the Bolinao
Peoples Market

Dried Fishes that can be found in Bolinao
People's Market
Here we saw many pasalubongs inside their
Public Market. Best time to go here is during
their market day, Tuesdays and Saturdays,
where everyone would gather here, even the
residents on the islands. Farmers and fish
producers can also sell their goods directly to
the consumer and because of that almost
everything goes cheaper.
11:23 AM Arrived at the bridge of
Balingasay River
According to Maam Myrna Aguila, you could
rent a pumpboat here and cruise through one of
the cleanest river in the country. At the end of
the River you would get to visit Bolinao Falls.
Boat rental for the pumpboat cruise is around
500 pesos/boat. A boat can fit 4-5 person,
excluding the pumpboat driver. Contact the
Tourism Office if you want to do this.
11:46 AM Enchanted Cave
We just entered the cave and did not swim.
Entrance Fee is 50 Pesos/person if youre not
swimming and 70 Pesos if you are swimming in
the fresh water in the cave. They are open from
8AM to 5PM.
0939-570-9901 Enchanted Cave
12:21 PM Cindys Cave
Unfortunately, it was closed when we visited.
Entrance Fee is 50 Pesos/person
0928-411-1102 Cindys Cave Contact Number
12:28 PM - Wonderful Cave

Inside Wonderful Cave
Also, we just entered the cave and did not swim.
Entrance Fee is 40 Pesos/person. They are
open around 6AM to around 6:30PM.
0908-714-2210 Wonderful Cave Contact
Number
12:58 PM Cape Bolinao Lighthouse

Offers a view of the town of Patar and South
China Sea from its view deck.
01:32 PM Late lunch at La Parola el
Restaurante
Ate lunch at the only restaurant near Abrac
Beach in Patar, Bolinao.
0908-312-0580, 0949-603-3152 La Parola el
Restaurante Contact Number
02:38 PM Arrival at Abrac Beach in Patar,
Bolinao
One of my favorite beaches in the Philippines.
Whenever I go here I do long beach walks, star
gazing, sunset watching and camping.

Sunset at Abrac Beach in Brgy. Patar
Our tricycle driver left us for the night and will be
picking us up the next day.
This is a public beach so there are No Entrance
Fee. I highly advise to do overnight here. You
can stay at the Nipa Huts that are offered on the
beach.
January 13, 2012 Friday
07:57 AM Fetched at Abrac Beach by our
Tricycle Driver and we were headed back to
town.
07:59 AM Unfortunately, the tricycle got a
flat tire.
We did not get far. Fortunately, there was a
vulcanizing shop nearby. Unfortunately, there
were no people in the vulcanizing shop. Luckily,
there was a tricycle that was transporting
students to school, so our tricycle driver asked if
we could ride the tricycle with the students so
we would not be late with our schedule. Laiza
got inside, while I had fun standing outside the
tricycle.
09:05 AM Arrival at Saint James the Great
Parish Church.
Laiza said to me that she was not allowed
because she was wearing shorts. Fortunately,
the candle seller told us that it was only during
the mass that those type of clothes are not
allowed. But it would be better if we respect their
tradition here, so wear proper attire when going
to Saint James the Great Parish Church in the
town proper of Bolinao.
Our tricycle driver left us at the church as the
mini buses to Dagupan via Alaminos are walking
distance from there.
The total expense of our tricycle tour around
Bolinao is 800 Pesos.
All in all, I really had fun going around Bolinao,
Pangasinan with the use of their tricycle land
tour.
Other Tourist Spots that we have not visited in
Bolinao, Pangasinan
Bolinao Falls
Tara Falls
Balingasay River Cruise
Santiago Island
Bolinao Tricycle Tour Details
Tricycle Tour Rate
According to tricycle drivers that I talked to the
rate is around 800 to 1,000 Pesos per tricycle.
That includes the whole day land tour, be left at
Abrac Beach and fetched the next day.
If youre just going around town the tricycle is 10
Pesos/person.
The standard one-way rate for a tricycle to go
directly to Abrac Beach is 200 to 250
Pesos/tricycle.
Tricycle Availability
Tricycles are available 24 hours in the Town
Proper. During the night and early morning the
number of tricycles available significantly drops.
Tricycle Drivers Contact Numbers
Here are some of the number of the tricycle
drivers that I met in Bolinao. Rates may change
through time, call/SMS them if you want to get
the updated rates. But you can just go Bolinao
and call any tricycle drivers you see to tour you
around.
0930-683-5774 Rowell: The tricycle
driver who toured us around
0932-479-7398 Bernard: The tricycle
driver who we got into when our tricycle
got a flat tire
0909-583-9404 Vic
0999-800-8366 Ramon
0999-303-3080 Ashong
0912-607-0416 Albert


Pangasinan: D.I.Y. Itinerary & Travel Guide
Pangasinan! Well known for their Bangus and
the Hundred Island National Park. With
awesome golden sand beaches that will take
your breath away, this province is the perfect
destination for those looking for a cheaper
alternative near Metro Manila. Little do people
know that hundred islands mean countless of
white and golden beaches can be found.

Me and my travel buddies explored Dagupan,
Lingayen, Calasiao, Alaminos, and Bolinao to
find out what else can be seen and below are
some of the highlights of my experience there.
Based on the map, there are still so many
places to explore and more secrets to be
unraveled. Meanwhile, lets stick to the popular
ones first.
WHAT TO DO AND SEE IN PANGASINAN
I was pleasantly surprised to find out that there
were a lot of tourist spots, other than the
Hundred Islands, to see in Pangasinan. Both
natural and man-made attractions were a delight
to see and going there for a weekend is
definitely not enough to experience all of it.
Hundred Islands
Lingayen Municipal
Calasiao Church
Bolinao Falls
Bolinao Light house
Patar/Abrac beach
Patar Rocks
WHERE TO STAY IN PANGASINAN
Picking a place to stay for a vacation is as
important as the vacation itself. Whether you
pick a budget-friendly inn or a resort that
prioritizes comfort and relaxation, picking the
right one that would fit your itinerary is . Here are
some of the resorts/hotels that we stayed in
while in Pangasinan.
Puerto del Sol
Islandia Hotel

WHERE TO EAT IN PANGASINAN
A trip is never complete without trying the local
delicacy of a particular place. From puto to
seafood to bamboo-cooked rice, Pangasinan
does not disappoint!
Plato Wraps
Pigar Pigar

PERSONAL EXPERIENCES
Travelling offers the best possible way to find
yourself. When youre away from your comfort
zone, you may discover new things that can
define who you are.
SUGGESTED 3D/2N ITINERARY FOR
PANGASINAN
If youre planning to visit Pangasinan, I would
suggested going straight to Bolinao then making
your way to Dagupan or Alaminos for the
Hundred Islands tour.

WHAT ELSE TO DO AND SEE IN
PANGASINAN
In my next trip back to Pangasinan, Ill make
sure to visit the following places:
1. Experience Bangus Festival
2. Pedritos Bakeshop & Restaurant
3. Calasiao Puto
4. Lingayen Gulf
5. Dawel River Cruise
6. Enchanted Cave, Wonderful Cave, Cindys
Cave
OTHER INFORMATION ABOUT
PANGASINAN
1. Travel time from Manila to Dagupan is usually
5 to 6 hours
2. Bangus Festival, their month-long annual
festivity that celebrates Dagupans bangus,
happens during April
3. Aside from bangus, it is also recommended
that you try local flavor like the Calasiao Puto
and Longganisa Alaminos
4. It gets pretty hot during the day. Bring an
umbrella or a quick-dry towel to prevent
excessive sweating

Hundred Islands Itinerary
Posted by Josiah on April 15, 2010

Hundred Islands National Park, Pangasinan;
Photo by Bernadette Joy Lopez
Itinerary
Day 0
1100 PM Assembly Victory Liner Cubao
1200 MN ETD Alaminos, Pangasinan
Day 1
0500 AM ETA Alaminos; Go to Market to
buy food supply
0540 AM Head to lodging, cook food, rest
0800 AM Breakfast
0900 AM Start of Island Tour
1200 NN Lunch
0200 PM Snorkeling
0500 PM Wait for Sunset at Governors
Island
0600 PM Back at Lucap Wharf
0630 PM ETA Lucap Wharf; Freshen up
0730 PM Dinner at Maxine by the Sea Hotel
& Restaurant
Free Time!
Day 2
1100 AM ETD Alaminos Town Proper
1200 NN Lunch anywhere in Alaminos and
buy pasalubong
0100 PM ETD Metro Manila
0600 PM ETA Metro Manila



Things to Bring
Swimming Clothes
Extra Clothes
Toiletries
Personal Medication
Towel
*Sunblock
*Sun glasses
*Mask and Snorkel
* Optional
Notes
Alaminos market is open early in the
morning.
You can buy pasalubong at Alaminos
Market.
Korinas Mansion offers a van that will
fetch you from Alaminos to Lucap
Wharf and accompany you from Lucap
Wharf to bus station.
Korinas Mansion offers a single room
that can be occupied by 10 pax, air-
conditioned and has its own bathroom.
There are sari-sari stores located in
Lucap Wharf
Contacts
0919 502 8063 Korinas Mansion
(075) 551 2145 / (075) 551 2505 / (075)
551 2249 / (075) 654 0101 Hundred
Islands Tourism
(02) 851 6659 / (02) 851 6613 to 14
Five Star Bus, Pasay