#cagayanvalley

The Captivating “Callao Cave”

Callao Cave is 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.  

The Callao Cave is the leading attraction in the Peñablanca Protected Landscape and Seascape. The Callao Cave is composed of seven chambers which are The Column, Chapel, Skeleton, Elephant’s Head, Praying Angel, Rocket, Lion’s Head and Dog’s Head Formations. The place draws a dramatic picture and each natural narrow above that the streams of light coming from the sun gets into the cave, serving as illumination of the wall through its opening. 

How to get there?

From Manila ride a bus bound to Tuguegarao, from terminals located in Cubao or along Buendia Avenue. The travel time is about 10 to 12 hours and the fare are around Php 600.00 per head. From Tuguegarao City rent a trike for at least Php 400.00 round trip. Or otherwise if you were alone you can take a shared ride at Peñatoda (tricycle station in Tuguegarao Riverside to Callao Caves Resort) approximately the fare would be Php 40.00 per head then, a 2 minutes boat ride to Callao Caves for Php 20.00 per head.

What to do in Callao Cave and nearby places?

Callao Cave is relatively easy to explore or what we called spelunking, it is about 184 steps staircase that lead to the cave entrance, showcasing different kinds of its seven chambers and the conditions inside the cave have caused the formation of stalactites and stalagmites, and many other formations.

You may want to maximize your exploration by experiencing riding a boat for only Php 300.00 a boat to explore the one of the largest tributaries of the Cagayan River, the “Pinacanauan River” the longest, widest and most powerful river in the Philippines. Activities that can do river rafting or boating, kayaking, fishing, and swimming while the mountains are perfect for trekking and mountaineering

Cuisines

Batil Patung is a Tuguegarao original. Batil means mix and patung means top or topping. The noodles in Batil Patung are the flat kind. The topping consists of sautéed beef or, I guess, carabeef, bean sprouts, sliced leeks, julienned carrots, crushed chicharon, meat loaf slices and fried egg. It comes with a cup of egg drop soup meant to be sipped or mixed with the pancit. Chopped red onions, calamansi and chili peppers are also served.

Every place has their own distinctive type of cuisines, and the way they prepare and cook it and the way it represents their own unique place and culture.

Economy

The Cagayan Valley’s major industries are agriculture with rice and corn as main crops, livestock production of cattle, hog, carabaos and poultry, furniture making of rattan and other indigenous materials, fishing especially along the coast of Cagayan, Isabela and Batanes and Magat Dam in Isabela and also exportation of fruits, fruit preserves and vegetables.

Culture

The friendly Ivatans of Batanes, they are considered as “True Insulares,” they can be found greeting their visitors and tourists walking along the streets of the island province. The Ivatan's culture have been largely influenced by the climate of Batanes. Due to the severe climatic disruptions to their agriculture, they have developed some successful strategies to protect their food supply and their way of life.

One of the endemic clothing of the Ivatans is the vakul. A vakul is a headgear designed to protect the wearer from sun and rain. It is made from vuyavuy palm fiber. The ivatan people are given opportunity to showcase their uniqueness in culture, structure of their houses and other traditions.

Author: Ella Mae Ubana

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Region 3: Central Luzon

Where is the best tourist attraction in Central Luzon?

Let’s go to Minalungao National Park!

Minalungao National Park is a protected area of the Philippines located in the municipality of General Tinio, Nueva Ecija in Central Luzon. The park covers an area of 2,018 hectares centered along the scenic Peñaranda River bordered on both sides by up to 16-meter high limestone walls in the foothills of the Sierra Madre mountain range. The park is considered as one of the few remaining natural environments in this region north of Manila. It is promoted by the local government as an ecotourism destination offering breath-taking scenery of green pristine river and unique rock formations. A system of unexplored caverns has also been identified as potential attractions. Facilities for picnics, swimming, fishing, raft riding and cliff diving have likewise been put up to draw more visitors.

How to get there?

             Ride a bus bound to Gapan / Cabanatuan thru ES Terminal at Cubao. Travel time is 2 hours (depending on traffic) for P200 pesos per way. Alight at Gapan Puregold . From Gapan, ride a tricycle going straight to Minalungao National Park. Travel time is 1 hour and 15 minutes. There are so many tricycles in Gapan that could lead you straight to Gapan (there is no standard rate, but the cheapest we got was P600 for 4 pax for 2 way already). The booked tricycle will take you straight to Minalungao and fetch you at a certain time you prefer.

What to do?

             There are plenty activities to do in Minalungao National Park. First, Bamboo Rafting and Swimming, you can rent a bamboo raft and go through the blue-green Peñaranda River surrounded white limestone. Second, Hanging Bridge, thrill-seekers will love to cross in the steel hanging bridge overlooking the narrow natural passage of Minalungao National Park. Third, Hiking or Trekking, from the hanging bridge, you can also hike a thousand steps to a grotto and glass cross. Fourth, Zipline, adventurers can zip line across the river. Fifth, Cliff Diving, and Sixth, Spelunking or Caving, further on a park trail is a cool cave waiting to be explored.

Cuisine

Every province seems to have its own version of longganisa and Nueva Ecija is no exception. For breakfast, be sure to try Cabanatuan garlic longganisa, a very savory variant of the well-loved sausage typically made of ground pork and spices. If you prefer your longganisa on the sweet side, try batotay, a beef-based longganisa coated with a distinctive sweet sauce. You can also pass by the wet market to buy strings of longganisa to take home.

Economy

Central Luzon is a major contributor to the Philippine economy. It accounted for 8.98 percent of the country's Gross Domestic Product in 2013. GDP grew by 4.30 percent. Agriculture, Hunting, Forestry and Fishing sector comprised 16.97 percent of the regional economy and it was 5.37 percent in 2013. Central Luzon contains the largest plain in the country with its agricultural plains accounting for about 40% of the region’s area. It produces most of the country's rice supply, earning itself the nickname "Rice Bowl of the Philippines or Rice Granary of the Philippines". Excess rice is delivered and imported to other provinces of the Philippines.  Although rice is the major crop, its vast and fertile plains are highly suitable for growing almost all agricultural crops. It has long coast lines rich with marine fishing grounds in Bataan, Zambales and Aurora. About 45 percent of the region’s area is devoted to forestlands. Gold, silver, chromite, limestone, marble, clay, sand and gravel abound in either Zambales or Bulacan.

Culture

Sinukwan Festival is a weeklong festival that captures the soul of San Fernando City. It is best described as the essence of the Kapampangan Spirit. Sinukwan is a cultural festival, so you would expect that most of the events are steeped in the traditional culture of the natives. A festival of this magnitude in the Philippines is incomplete without the spectacular street dances that bring locals together in a remarkably fluid manner.

Author: Rofe Mae Lugatiman

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Region 4A: CALABARZON

Tagaytay Picnic Grove

Tagaytay Picnic Grove is located in Tagaytay City province of Cavite.  Known as having a panoramic or scenic view of Taal Lake and Taal Volcano which claims the title for being the world’s smallest volcano.  A recreational place where tourist can relax in the pavilion picnic huts and feel the cool Tagaytay weather, sight-seeing, picture taking at the view deck, stroll through the eco trail, enjoy horseback riding and ziplining activities.  Tagaytay Picnic Grove is managed by the city government.

 How to get there?

Picnic Grove is located along the Tagaytay-Calamba Road, approximately 10 minutes away from Olivarez Plaza, Emilio Aguinaldo Highway.

1.      Bus: Take a bus ride from Uniwide Coastal Mall in Paranaque. Make your way to the Paranaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX), also called South West Integrated Provincial Terminal. Board a bus bound for Tagaytay, Mendez (neighboring town), or Nasugbu.

DLTB Terminal at LRT Buendia area (near LRT Gil Puyat Station), Pasay City. Board the bus bound for either Nasugbu or Calatagan. This will be taking South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) and Carmona Exit and will pass through Tagaytay.

Fare would be around be Php 87.00. and the travel time is 2-3 hours, (depending on traffic conditions.) Might be much longer during rush hour.

2.      Private Car or Van: From Olivarez Plaza, head south towards the Tagaytay Rotonda and merge into the Tagaytay-Calamba Road. Follow along the stretch of the road. Along the way, Discovery Country Suites Tagaytay, Tagaytay South Ridge Estates and the Development Academy of the Philippines. Picnic Grove is on the right side of the road.

Entrance fee is php 50.00

Parking Fee: P35, cars; P50, vans or jeepneys.

Zipline & Cable Car Rates:

Weekdays: 1-way ride, P200; 2-way ride, P300.

Weekend/Holidays: 1-way ride, P300; 2-way ride, P400.

Hut/Cottage Rental: P100, P150, P300, P500

 Cuisine

Bulalo is a traditional Filipino soup that is prepared by cooking beef shanks and marrow bones until the fat and collagen dissolve into the broth, resulting in a robust flavor of the dish. The soup is a specialty of the Luzon region, where it is traditionally consumed during cold weather, when it is usually served for dinner. It’s main ingredients are Beef, cabbage, chinese cabbage, corn, fish sauce, garlic, onion, potatoes, lemon.

 Economy

The region’s natural resources and its history plays a major role in regional economy. Cavite and Laguna are homes to various historical sites, such as the Rizal Shrine in Calamba City, the tallest Jose Rizal Statue in the World, that is located in Calamba City and the Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite.

 Culture

The region 4A CALABARZON is rich in history, is also rich in cultural traditions. There historical landmarks, monuments, old churches, and shrines got the region’s landscape.  Laguna is known for embroidery, wood carving, and papier-mâché (locally known as taka). Quezon has harvest festivals and flamboyantly decorated houses. Rizal has artisan villages and art galleries.

Author: Ella Mae Ubana

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Region 4B: MIMAROPA

Where is the best tourist attraction in MIMAROPA?

Let’s go to Palawan Island!

Palawan is the largest island of the province of Palawan in the Philippines and the fifth largest island of the country. Much of the island remains traditional and is considered by some as under-developed. Abundant wildlife, jungle mountains, and some white sandy beaches attract many tourists, as well as international companies looking for development opportunities. As of 2016, the main island of Palawan was rated the "Most Beautiful Island in the World" as voted by respective readers of rival travel publications Conde Nast Traveller and Travel & Leisure. It is the second year running that Palawan has won the Conde Nast Traveller award, as well as the second time in four years that it has occupied Travel & Leisure's top spot (2013). El Nido, located at the northern tip of the island, is also currently rated the "Most Beautiful Beach in the World" by Conde Nast Traveller readers.

How to get there?

1. Flying from Manila to Puerto Princesa

             Most tourists coming to El Nido land on Palawan Island in Puerto Princesa International Airport, through a direct flight from Manila. The two main companies operating daily flights between the two cities are Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines.

2. Taking a van from Puerto Princesa to El Nido

             The journey usually continues with a van direct from Puerto Princesa airport up to El Nido bus terminal. Your van transfer will take between 4:30 and 6 hours, depending on the time of the day, and the price for a seat is around P600 to P700.

3. Riding a tricycle to get to El Nido town

             Finally, your van will stop in Corong-Corong bus terminal. This is located just 5 minutes away from El Nido Poblacion (the proper town) with a tricycle. You’ll just have to ask you to one of the drivers to take your hotel or guesthouse. During the day, the normal price is P15 per person, but at night, the rates goes up and the tricycle drivers will ask you P50 minimum.

 Cuisine

Mindoro's rich marine life strongly influences the local industry and cuisine. It is popular for Adobong Pugita, Octopus Adobo. Adobong Pugita is made with mature octopus that is cooked in soy and vinegar sauce.  If cooked perfectly, the dish yields a very flavorful and succulent octopus that is well-matched with steamed rice. It is usually served as a main entree for lunch or dinner or as an accompaniment to beer in the Philippines.  

Economy

The region’s economy relies mostly on agriculture, fishing and ecotourism, making it one of the strongest in the country. MIMAROPA is one of the Philippine’s top producers of rice, banana, coconut, mango, cashew, papaya and cassava, which are included among the country’s top export products. The region is the second top fish producer in the country, and its output makes up almost 14% of the Philippine’s total produce annually from 2002-2004. MIMAROPA also ranks as the second top producer of seaweeds, representing 21% of the country’s total output.

Culture

Palawan is not just an island of beauty and abundant resources but a place with colorful and creative culture. In these festivals, the people of Palawan would usually conduct colorful street parades and wear creative costumes. These street dances are one of the most awaited competitions during festivals. The people of Palawan are given the opportunity to exhibit their unique culture, each municipality’s delicacy, and products and many other things related to the festivity.