A Mother’s Stuff

Tourism in Agno, Pangasinan

Agno offers different places of interest to nature lovers and beachgoers. There is the Sabangan Beach where you can find natural umbrella rocks and the Aloleng Beach, simply called “Agno Beach,” with its fine sands.

Photos below are full views of Agno Beach in Aloleng. Private beach rest houses dot the shoreline and vacant beach lots with array of coconut trees are ideal for camping and bonfire.

Agno Beach is also a good place for swimming, snorkeling and diving for it is rich with underwater beauty and marine life. You can find the splendor of marine treasure such as undisturbed corals, edible seaweeds and multicolored fish.

Living along the seacoast gives us sigh of relief and heals the wounds of loneliness. The roaring sound of Bangol Crag gives lullaby music during stormy nights.

If you love the game of hide-and-seek, just confine yourselves at Sabangan Beach under its huge boulders of umbrella rocks adorned with crawling plants. These rocks are like caves. Boy Scouts used to camp overnight under the umbrella rocks as part of their training. You can also make a visit to the lighthouse on the hillside nearby and watch those birds flying from one tree to another.

The Mabini River offers a habitat for bangus (milkfish) fry and a variety of fish. It is also a perfect place for boating and boat racing. Swimmers who prefer fresh water stay at the river. And those experienced ones swim across the wide river.

Bolo Beach of Alaminos City

Ten kilometers from the City lies a weekend destination that is rapidly increasing in popularity. Highly accessible, Bolo beach has become a favorite getaway for families and barkadas who feel the need to unwind or just catch up on bonding sessions. Its long, horseshoe-shaped beach and shallow waters is a spacious and inviting playground for children and a refreshing retreat for adults, combined. The coarsely formed rock formations near the shore are given new looks with the ingenuity of the folks residing near or on the beach. They topped these rough, blank rocks with colored, smaller rocks, creating an instant work of art.

You can gather your fun-hungry troops and relax on the beach’s wooden sheds and cottages, complete with picnic tables and videoke equipment for all-out entertainment. Or, amp up the fun factor by renting the “rock shed” being developed in the area. These rock sheds are really rock formations on the water that were slightly flattened and furnished with rustic benches and tables, and a videoke, kind of Bolo’s version of floating huts.

Caves of Alaminos City

Alama Cave [L=62.70m, W=4.50 to 12.0m, H=1.20 to 8.0m]

Cave still intact, consists of stalactites, stalagmites, columns and draperies.  It is rich in guano or bat manure.

Nalsoc Cave [L=81.25m, W=3.50 to 6.00m, H=3.0 to 8.0m]

This cave is intact consisting of stalactites, columns and draperies.It is rich in guano since it is home of to a large number of bats.

Nalsoc Cave [L=104.30m, W=8.0 to 12.0m, H=3.0 to 8.0m]

This cave is considered exploited because of diggings and discoloration of walls and ceilings although some stone formation are still present. Bat manure or guano is found on floors and ceilings

Simmimbahan Cave [L=82.50m, W=16.0, H=1.20 to 8m]

This cave resembles a subway or tunnel. It is considered intact with its unique stone hydrological formations. It is also rich in guano.

Milagrosa Cave [L=25.00m, W=0.5 to 0.6m, H=2.0m to 10.0m]

The cave floor is composed of white sand which makes potential for recreation. It also consists of intact limestone formations. Activities recommended in the area are swimming and picknicking.

Cuenco Cave [L=30.00m, W=0.5 to 0.7m, H=2.0m to 10.0m]

It is in the form of a tunnel with intact limestone formations e.g. stalactites, stalagmites, draperies, etc.

Cathedral Cave [L=20.00m, W=5.0m, H=20.0m]

This is similar to the St. Paul Subterranean Cave whose stone formations are still in their original shape.

Century Cave [L=40.00m, W=0.6m to 0.7m, H=0.8m to 10m]

This dome-shaped cave is home to thousands of various species of bats and other cave dwellers. It is rich in guano or bat manure and its dripstones are still intact except for some digging on the floors.

Quirino Cave [L=30.00m, W=8.0m, H=6.0m]

Limestone formations (draperies and dripstones) are still intact. It is ideal for cave enthusiasts.

Virgin Cave [L=25.00m, W=2.5m, H=1.5m]

Some of its naturalness have been lost due to the use of torches by visitors. It is note-worthy that young stalactites have been cleared

Giant Clams or Taklobos of Alaminos

A part of the diverse marine ecosystem that was largely affected by the depletion of the coral reefs in the Hundred Islands National Park (HINP) was the Giant Clams, locally known as taklobos. This marine resource regarded as the world’s largest bivalve mollusks, their shell length extending over a meter and can weigh over 225 kg, is the faithful ally of the coral reef in supporting the marine life in the Park. Its massive size and interesting hues that gleamed underwater proved to be a magnificent attraction, marveled at by visiting tourists who either dive or snorkel in the area. Its soft flesh is coveted the world over for its delectability.

Sadly, they began to be wiped out through the indiscriminate harvesting of people who intends to profit from selling them as delicacies, and as decorations in aquariums and home ornaments. This was made even worse by illegal fishing.

A new surge of hope dawned on HINP through the University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute (UPMSI). They greatly help the City in rehabilitating this vital marine gem, replanting them in parts of the park, which is currently strictly protected. No diver or snorkeler is allowed in those parts. With this revitalization, valuable marine food resources are given new lives, ensuring a continuing dynamic marine ecosystem for the Park. With the joint efforts of UPMIS and Alaminos City, the Giant Clams would soon flourish and aid in the City’s goal of a fully restored Hundred Islands National Park, with a thriving marine life and ready to thrust forward the city’s economy and tourism potential.

Coral Reefs of Alaminos

The Philippines is blessed with a thriving marine ecosystem, supported by reefs and mangrove forests. And the Hundred Islands National Park, the first Natural Park in the Philippines and Southeast Asia, is no exception. Its alluring cerulean waters strewn with 123 islets, is also home to the fragile and diverse jewels of the Philippine Sea – the Coral Reefs. They shelter, feed and protect a copious number of sea creatures of the Park. They also aid the 123 islets in protecting the city’s coast from the impact of waves. Their hard and soft corals with awe-inspiring forms and interesting hues that glistened mystically in the deep, creates a magical underwater vista. Divers and snorkelers can have the time of their lives gliding over it and beside the many magnificent fishes and other sea creatures.

Sadly, these gems became endangered in the Philippines and some parts of the world and started to sink in a deplorable state, a trend that local and foreign scientists believe maybe irreversible. With the onslaught of dynamite and cyanide fishing, aggravated by neglect and increase in population, the Park finally met the same plight.

However, decisive programs that target the rehabilitation and restoration of the splendor of these beautiful and vital water resources have been implemented. Artificial reefs were introduced in parts of the Park, where the corals are quite depleted. Hope became strong at the frequent visits of fishes, which eventually settled in or near the area of the artificial reefs. Just like the natural reefs, they will serve as vital breeding grounds for the sea creatures, so they could again flourish and replenish the Park’s resources. And the City is committed in securing the protection of these new treasures.

Now, the Park is on its way up to recovery and tourists who would immerse themselves in a diving or snorkeling underwater exploration beneath its revitalized waters, would find it beginning to breath in the scent of its old health and magnificence, supported by both natural and artificial reefs.

Hundred Islands National Park

The Hundred Islands National Park (Pangasinan: Kapulo-puloan or Taytay-Bakes) is in the province of Pangasinan in northern Philippines. It is located in Alaminos City, Pangasinan. The islands (124 at low tide and 123 at high tide) are scattered along Lingayen Gulf and cover an area of 18.44 square kilometres (4,557 acres). They are believed to be about two million years old. Only three of them have been developed for tourists: Governor Island, Quezon Island, and Children’s Island.

Sparkling like diamonds, the waters glisten as the sun’s golden rays touch the pristine sea. Delightful in one’s eyes is the powdery blue sky casting a bright gleam beneath. The spread of white sand shimmers against the stream that changes hue—from emerald green to turquoise and azure—as the briny deep goes unfathomable. A stroll along the beach ends up with a dip into the soothing warm waters. Colorful tropical fish glide in somewhat orchestrated manner among a many coral gardens. Out of the water, is a discovery that envelopes not only one isle but a throng of numerous islands ambling along each other.

Public bus lines, namely Victory Liner, Five Star, and Philippine Rabbit have scheduled rides from Manila, Baguio, Dagupan, Subic, Tarlac, and Zambales bound straight to Alaminos City and vice versa.

Kasay Marine Sanctuary in Barangay Canaoay

The 30 hectares of Kasay MPA- area is designated in Barangays San Vicente and Canaoay for the rehabilitation and replenishment of fishery and other coastal resources. About 100 out of 400 coral species in the Philippines are found in the Kasay MPA. There are 70-100 years old coral growth. The estimated 50 years old giant clam (Tridacna gigas) was found in the MPA.

Baluarte Falls of Salcedo, Ilocos Sur

Baluarte Falls is accessible by light transportation vehicles and her beauty is best seen during the last quarter of the year. Passing through rainforest, visitors are greeted with cool mist and showers. Adventurist may also scale the top of the falls through a steep pathway constructed for this purpose. Being manned 24 hours by Baluarte Barangay Tanods, these tourist guards says: Conquer your fears, let your spirits soar, have your souls reinvigorated and feel nature at its best.

Apatot Beach in San Esteban

Apatot Beach in San Esteban is frequently visited by picnickers. During the last stage of World War II, US submarines surfaced in the area to unload arms and supplies for the USAFIP, NL. There is very little information about Apatot Beach. Most visitors are just locals from nearby towns and cities and there are three existing beach resorts.

Sulvec Beach of Narvacan

The rocky shore of Sulvec, Narvacan is a favorite stop-over of commuters and the locals as well. By the shoreline is the Paraiso ni Juan leading up to the grotto atop a rock.

Pug-os Beach in Cabugao

Rest houses and picnic sheds are found in this nearby white sand beach in Cabugao. A developed beach known for its pure white sand and shallow shoreline. Barangay Pug-os, located along the national highway and two kilometers north of the poblacion, boasts of its fine beach – its white sand stretching to more than half a kilometer. This attribute and the gradually slopping seabed make it a top favorite among town mates and tourists for swimming, picnics or fun hiking.

Pinsal Falls

Located at Barangay Babal-lasioan, where the legendary foot prints of Angalo was left when he was in search of his wife, Aran. There is a stone stairs out of the mountain between the falls which is frequently used by the resident of Pilar, Abra in coming to and from the Municipality of Santa Maria.

The majestic grandeur and pristine beauty of this falls has long been attracting foreign tourists and local excursions who love nature in its best as a picnic destination. Crystalline falling water cascades down to two spacious natural pools below during the dry summer where one could swim and frolic in the clear and transparent water. Another factor to its natural beauty is the hillsides on both sides covered with foliage of big trees under which one can take a restful nap after having an appetizing lunch from so much swimming on the two pools or inside a hidden cave behind the cascading waterfalls of the main fall. One’s trip to Pinsal Falls is not complete without climbing the carved steps to the top. On reaching the top of the falls, the visitor will be fascinated with more natural pools, the biggest of which is the so-called footprint of Angalo, a male giant which he left chasing his lady-love, Aran, also a female giant, so the legend goes.

Calling it a day, after an exhausting but rich and unforgettable experiences, the visitor trod back to the cascading falls for a lunch under the cool and breezy shade of the verdant trees.

Pinsal Falls can be reached in 45 minutes by any vehicular transportation from the Municipal Hall of Santa Maria. This is the biggest waterfall in the Ilocos Region as the eastern branch of the Santa Maria. It drops from a height of some 85 feet to a narrow gorge below many miles away from the South China Sea. It is considered as the most picturesque waterfalls and considered the pride of Santa Maria.

Santiago Cove

Santiago Cove in Ilocos Sur is a stretch of golden sand beach in Santiago with amenities for picnics and water sports. It is approximately 51 km away from San Fernando La Union.