It was the 30th of December and we have decided to spend the day with a relaxing and fun family trip to the North of Isabela in the province of Cagayan.
Callao Cave
The province is widely known by tourist as the home Province of the famous Pancit Batil Patong [made out of pansit miki Tuguegarao, minced carabao meat (water buffalo), bean sprouts and other vegetables topped with egg and chicharon. Batil Patong if directly translated means “beat the egg” for Batil and “placed on top” for Patong and that explains the egg on top] and the Callao Cave in the Municipality of Peñablanca within the Protected Landscape and Seascape.
Onboard our L300 van, we travelled North around 160km from home and almost a 4H drive. We had fun along the way passing by the Municipalities of Alicia, Cauayan, Naguilian, Ilagan, Tumauini, Cabagan, San Pablo, Tuguegarao and finally Peñablanca. The Cave is accessible from the main highway.
Protected Landscape and Seascape Tourist Information Office
We reached the Protected Landscape and Seascape area past 1300H and decided to have lunch at the mini-park facing the Cave entrance. There are several souvenir shops in the area.
Picnic Area
We registered at the entrance and met our Cave local guide - Arlem. It is a requirement of Cagayan Tourism office to secure a Cave guide at the entrance gate.
Tourist Registration Office
To reach the entrance of the Cave, we need to climb a 184-step concrete stairs from the entrance gate. There is a comfort room near the entrance leading to the stairs.
Callao Cave Entrance
Opposite the entrance of the Cave is a nice lush green landscape overlooking the Pinacanauan river and the foot of the mighty Sierra Madre mountain range - the longest mountain range in the Philippines.
Pinacanauan River and Sierra Madre Mountain Range
After climbing up the concrete stairs, we reached the entrance of the Cave and marveled at the rock formations, stalactites and stalagmites inside.
Cave First Chamber - Near the Cave Entrance
A sight that immediately captured my attention was the Cathedral-like ceiling of the second chamber where a chapel was built by the locals. The rock formations lighted by stream of sunlight from the ceiling served as the altar.
Cave Second Chamber - Cathedral-like Ceiling
Arlem, our local guide, patiently guided us through the Chambers of the Cave. According to him, there are seven chambers of the Cave.
Cave Third Chamber
Cave Fourth Chamber
Cave Fifth Chamber
Only the first until the fifth Chambers are accessible at that time. Arlem said, Chambers six and seven are under water due to the recent rains. Authorities said that there used to be nine Chambers but the 1980 earthquake cut-off the path going to the eight and nineth Chambers.
According to Wikipedia, Callao Cave (IPA: [kaʎaʊ]) is one of 300 limestone caves located in the Barangays of Magdalo and Quibal in the municipality of Peñablanca, about 24 km (15 mi) northeast of Tuguegarao City, the capital of Cagayan province within the Peñablanca Protected Landscape and Seascape in the western foothills of the Northern Sierra Madre Mountains on Luzon island in the Philippines. The town Peñablanca's (Spanish: white rocks) name refers to the predominance of white limestone rock formations in the area. First excavated in 1980 by Maharlika Cuevas, the seven-chamber show cave is the best known natural tourist attraction of the Cagayan province and in February 2020 has officially been recognized as an important cultural property of the Philippines.
Fossils of archaic humans, that lived during the Late Pleistocene were first discovered in the cave and documented in 2007 by a team led by Armand Salvador Mijares from the University of the Philippines and eventually confirmed in 2019 as to belong to a previously unknown and now extinct human sub-species - Callao Man or Homo luzonensis.
More than 300 caves dot the protected area, 75 of which have been documented by the National Museum since 1977. The Callao Cave and the nearby, but more challenging, Sierra Cave are easily accessible by automobile.
The Callao Cave is the premier attraction in the Peñablanca Protected Landscape and Seascape. It is the most accessible of all the caves, its entrance is reached by climbing 184 concrete steps. The Callao Cave system is composed of seven chambers, each with natural crevices above that let streams of light to get into the cave, serving as illumination for the otherwise dark areas of the place. Previously, there were reported nine caves in the system, but an earthquake in the 1980s cut off the last two chambers.
The first chamber of the show cave is the largest room with a width of about 50 m (160 ft) and a height of 36 m (118 ft).The cathedral-like room has been turned into a chapel by the local people. A rock formation serves as the altar of the chapel lit by a stream of light coming from a rooftop opening. The conditions inside the caves have caused the formation of stalactites and stalagmites, more so in the deeper chambers. Several spectacular speleothems or formations are found inside the cave like flowstones, glittering dripstones, cave curtains, crystal helictites, columns, etc.
We concluded our Caving adventure with a pose at the Callao Cave entrance before leaving the place.
Our Cave Guide Arlem
A taste of the famous Cagayan Pancit Batil Patong concluded our family road trip. We left Cagayan with a happy heart and fulfilled curiosity about the famous Cave and Pancit Batil Patong.
According to the authorities, Magat Dam is a large rock-fill dam in the island of Luzon in the Philippines.
The dam is located along the Magat River, a major tributary of the Cagayan River. The construction of the dam started in 1975 and was completed in 1982. It is one of the largest dams in the Philippines.
It is a multi-purpose dam which is used primarily for irrigating about 85,000 hectares (210,000 acres) of agricultural lands, flood control, and power generation through the Magat Hydroelectric Power Plant.
The water stored in the reservoir is enough to supply about two months of normal energy requirements.
The construction and appurtenant structures were authorized by Presidential Decree No/ 693 signed on May 7, 1975, by then President Ferdinand E. Marcos. The Magat Dam was constructed in 1978, inaugurated by Marcos on October 27, 1982, and started operations in 1983.
Exploring the Area
Posing at the #MAGATDAM
The Magat River as Backdrop
Having Merienda at the Car Park
The Magam Dam & Hydroelectric Power Plant
Boating in the Magat Dam Basin
The Magat River and the Bridge Leading to Alfonso Lista Ifugao
It was a relaxing road trip, a perfect bonding activity for the family.
It was a special day - my birthday, the 2nd of November. The day was also declare a regular non-working holiday throughout the country in observance of the "All Souls Day" for Christian Catholics. It was a long weekend.
I thought of bringing my family somewhere out of the city to spend the long weekend meaningfully and to celebrate my special day with them. I had always been celebrating my birthday at home in Isabela Province with my family and relatives.
There were several choices I had in mind. First was to stay overnight at Corregidor and have a family tour around the island. My family will enjoy the reach history of the island particularly during the last World War II. Second was to spend a night at Subic, visit Subic Safari, enjoy a short trek inside the jungle, cook lunch with the natives using bamboo tree and have lunch together. Third was to have a tour in Pagudpud Ilocos Norte and enjoy the white sand beaches.
Planning for the whole activities started in mid September. The idea was to conduct activities that are fit for every member of my family so that everyone will enjoy, relax and unwind - a family bonding.
After considering several factors such as travel time/distance, accessibility of the place and weather, I had decided to bring my family up north in Ilocos Sur for them to experience a heritage tour within the UNESCO World Heritage City, experience the famous "Santorini" of the north at Vitalis Villas south of the City of Vigan in the municipality of Santiago and to meet old friends. It was in 2016 when I had my first visit at Vitalis Villas for a company anniversary.
ORGANIZING THE TRIP
My first idea was to explore Pagudpud in Ilocos Norte and neighboring places for my family to enjoy the white sand beach, take photos at the wind mills, climb the Kapurpurawan rock formation and marvel at the lush green landscape from atop Cape Bojeador. However, with the limited time allotted for all the activities and considering the travel time from Manila, I decided to explore Ilocos Sur instead. Besides, Ilocos Norte is no longer new to my family. We already had previous trips to the white sand beaches of the Province in the past.
Speaking of Ilocos Sur, one would immediately think of Vigan City, the capital of the province considered a premiere heritage site of the Philippines. Visiting Ilocos Sur means visiting Vigan City.
To complement the heritage tour activities, I decided to bring my family at Vitalis Villas after moving around the heritage sites in Vigan City. Santorini inspired Villas known as "Vitalis Villas" would be a perfect place to rest, unwind and relax for the whole family. It is a unique resort perched on a rocky mountain side facing Santiago Cove in the town of Santiago, Ilocos Sur.
Santorini inspired Vitalis Villas
After making arrangements for the Villa, I contacted sir John Noel "Janoh" Andaya, head of the provincial tourism of Ilocos Sur, for a quick heritage tour within the city and also made arrangements with ma'am Joan Mendiola of Nokarin Travel for our transport service.
Vitalis Villa from the sky.
THE TRIP: ALL IS READY!
Nov 01
2100H ETD Sampaloc Manila to Ilocos Sur
Nov 02
0500H ETA Santiago Ilocos Sur; Prepare to check-in the Villa
0600H Breakfast at white beach
0700H ETD Vigan City
0800H Start Tour
Walking tour within the heritage city
Kalesa tour around city outskirts
1200H Lunch at Hidden Garden
1330H ETD Sta. Maria Ilocos Sur
1400H Explore Sta. Maria Church (World Heritage Site)
1430H ETD Sta. Maria Ilocos Sur
1500H ETA Santiago Ilocos Sur; Check-in at the Villas
1900H Dinner; Bonding
Nov 03
0600H Breakfast at the Villas; Bonding
1200H Check-out
1330H Explore Gonzales Grape Farm (Bauang, La Union)
1400H Lunch at Lakay Apo (Agoo, La Union)
1500H ETD Manila
2200H ETA Manila
Nov 01: Travel to Ilocos Sur
At exactly 2100H on the night of the 1st of November, we traveled North onboard a Van from Sampaloc. We were 6 including sir John, our professional Van driver.
Santiago in Ilocos Sur is approximately 315 KM from Sampaloc, according to Google Maps. Estimated travel time is 8H including traffic along the way.
It was a Wednesday, a holiday throughout the country and as expected, the roads and highways were clear of any traffic and obstacles. It was a comfortable ride for everyone inside a clean and spacious van that was safely maneuvered by sir John.
I did not reveal the destination at first for a little surprise to everyone.
We had our first stop-over at a Petron Kilometer 134 Gas Station along NLEX in Victoria, Tarlac for refreshments. From NLEX, we took TPLEX and reached Balaoan, La Union at 1402M and had another stop-over to rest.
From Balaoan, we traveled further north via MacArthur Highway. We reached the La Union - Ilocos Sur boarder at 1432H. This place is Tagudin, first town of Ilocos Sur coming from La Union. We had a stop-over for a coffee and photo ops with Ilocos Sur welcome arc.
At 1600H, we reached Santiago Cove in Santiago, Ilocos Sur and proceeded to the main gate of Vitalis Villas to unload our things at the reception area. We stayed at the resort for two hours to rest.
Thanks to sir John for the safe travel and thanks to the Lord for the nice weather. At 0600H, we took the Van and started our journey to the Heritage City of Vigan.
Nov 02: Heritage Tour in Vigan City | Family Bonding at Vitalis Villas
Helpful Tour Guide
We reached the City of Vigan at 0743H, alighted at Calle Crisologo and walked towards the center of the City. We decided to take a quick breakfast near the Bell Tower. We enjoyed Vigan's Sinanglaoan and Longaniza along with rice and coffee.
From the Bell Tower, we walked slowly towards the City Plaza where the dancing light is and met sir Janoh infront of the Provincial Capitol building
Heritage Tour
Destination 01 City Tour - UNESCO World Heritage Marker
Our first tour destination was at the center of the City where the UNESCO World Heritage seal is located. Few meters away from the site is the New 7 Wonder Cities seal.
Vigan City is both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a New 7 Wonder Cities of the World.
Established in the 16th century, Vigan is the best-preserved example of a planned Spanish colonial town in Asia. Its architecture reflects the coming together of cultural elements from elsewhere in the Philippines, from China and from Europe, resulting in a culture and townscape that have no parallel anywhere in East and South-East Asia (UNESCO).
It was inscribed in 1999.
Destination 02 Bantay Church, Bell Tower, Kalesa Ride
One of the highlights of our Heritage Tour in Vigan was the experience to ride a horse drawn carriage called "Calesa/Kalesa". Got 3 Kalesa for all of us including sir Janoh.
Our second destination was the Bantay Church and Bell Tower. The church and its Bell Tower predates the Vigan Cathedral, according to sir Janoh.
These infrastructures are few of the oldest in the province.
Destination 03 Padre Burgos, Provincial Jail
Birthplace and residence of Padre Burgos, one of the Martyrs of GOMBURZA.
Old Ilocos Sur Jail (now restored as Museum). At the lower level of the museum, there are paintings depicting the Basi Revolt in Ilocos. Also displayed inside the museum are important Iloco heritage collections one of which is the "Pagdapilan" (old sugarcane juicer).
Sir Janoh carefully explained the history of the Basi Revolt and the way the executions were carried out. "Basi" is a native Iloco wine made from sugarcane.
At the second level of the museum is a showcase of collections from the late President Elpedio Quirino and his wife Alicia Sy-Quia Quirino.
Destination 04 Pagburnayan
We reached Pagburnayan at 0948HH. Pagburnayan in the Iloco vernacular comes from the word "Burnay" a hand-crafted unglazed clay jar (pot) made in Vigan.
The Pagburnayan, according to sir Janoh, is owned and managed by Apo Fidel Antiporda Go. In 1990, the National Commission on Culture and Arts recognized him as a National Folk Artist. According to sir Janoh, it will take days to dry a freshly made pot and several days more to bake it.
Destination 05 Vigan Conservation Complex
An interactive museum. We learned a lot about Vigan's history and founders including the different types of Vigan houses influenced by Spanish and Americans - thus the fusion of different building styles.
Destination 06 Crisologo Museum
The residence of the Crisologo family in Vigan converted into a museum. It houses the memorabilia of the Crisologos and original furnishings of a typical Vigan ancestral house.
Destination 07 Hidden Garden
Located in Bulala (a barrio known for its making of bricks, pots, and other objects made of clay), it is a wonderland of greenery, with a mini-snack bar nestled somewhere in the middle and a restaurant.
We enjoyed various Ilocano dishes at the Hidden Garden restaurant together with sir Janoh and Sir John.
Destination 08 Baluarte
A zoo located in Salindeg where visitors can see a variety of animals (including tigers and ostriches). It is also a popular venue for special events such as seminars and conferences. The owner of Baluarte is former Ilocos Sur Governor Chavit Singson.
At the top of Baluarte tower overlooking the entire City of Vigan and even neighboring places. The Banaoang bridge can also be seen from afar.
Destination 09 Safari Gallery
This is located inside Baluarte. It housed a wide variety of animals. Most of them are free range, it is well maintained, and well-known attraction in the region.
Destination 10 Safari Hotel and Villas
Safari Hotel & Villas is situated in the olden city of Vigan Ilocos Sur. Designed and dedicated as an interactive haven, the new sanctuary of wildlife in the North.
Destination 11 Vigan Longaniza Factory in Capangpangan
Visited Gonzales Vigan Longaniza at Capangpangan district.
EXPLORING STA. MARIA CHURCH
The Nuestra Senora de la Asuncion Church in Santa Maria (also known as Sta. Maria Church) has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993 as part of the Baroque Churches of the Philippines collection of four Spanish-era churches.
Unlike other town churches in the Philippines, which conform to the Spanish tradition of sitting them on the central plaza, the Church of Nuestra Señora de la Asuncion in Santa Maria with its convento are on a hill surrounded by a defensive wall.
Check-in at Vitalis Villas
Got a surprise cake from Vitalis Villas with a happy birthday song played in the restaurant while having our dinner. It was a nice surprise.
Click here for a short tour of our Villa.
Nov 03: Family Bonding at Vitalis Villas
Enjoyed Villa 1101 with the whole family. Had very nice bonding moments together.
Our spacious bed room.
The living room.
Very nice kitchen.
Our private pool.
Having dinner and swimming at the pool together and had nice breakfast.
Enjoying the good food.
We checked-out with a very happy heart and headed back to Manila at exactly 1200H November 03.
LA UNION
Gonzales Grape Farm
Stop-over at Gonzales Grapes farm in Bauang, La Union, on our way home to Manila from Santiago, Ilocos Sur.
Got few bottles of Guyabano, Grapes, Mangosteen juice with free bottle of Grape wine.
Lakay Ago Restaurant
Had a sumptuous dinner at Lakay Ago restaurant in Agoo, La Union. We enjoyed the place situated atop the hill and the tasty Iloco foods.
The Hobbit house - also a restaurant inside. This is one of the attractions situated beside the restaurant.
