I no longer know how many times I’ve visited Cagayan province ever since I first set foot on June 2005. For more than a decade, there’s always something to experience and learn everytime I’m there despite the long bus rides. I’ve marveled at its religious heritage, was in awe of its natural wonders and always delighted in partaking its culinary offerings. And always, in my mind, I ask myself, when I should go back, especially if I’m craving for pansit batil patung. A rich religious…Continue Reading “Why I visit Cagayan province, again and again”

We love waterfalls that energize the body. We chase these too because of their beauty. Sometimes for the challenge of getting there but swimming in their cool waters is one of the best rewards of finding one. From the time I visited my first waterfall at the age of 14 to the present, I’ve probably been to more than a hundred. Most I purposefully seek out while a few were serendipitous discoveries. However, I have noticed that over the years, I gravitate to these waterfalls…Continue Reading “5 Waterfalls that energize your body”

Things to do in Cagayan

For many tourists, Cagayan province in northwest Luzon is distant and hard to reach. And if a traveler persisted to visit, it may be in Tuguegarao, the provincial capital, to see the cathedral or eat pansit batil patung.. And for the adventurer, a quick stop in Penablanca for the caves. But my travels over the years to this fascinating province has made me realize that there are more untamed places to visit in Cagayan. This listing is in no way complete but gives you an…Continue Reading “10 untamed places to visit in Cagayan Province”

Palaui Island

The rush of waves abated as our boat entered the cove at Cape Engano, the northeastern part of Palaui Island facing the Pacific. I collected myself from the rather wild boat ride earlier en route to Anguib Beach as the amihan, northeast monsoon, blew strong, riling the seas. But unlike my first visit several years ago, the same month as now, February, it was a bright and sunny day with picturesque blue skies. I’m back! I said to myself as I went down from the…Continue Reading “Cast off remote but beautiful Palaui Island”

Visita Iglesia Cagayan

Rich in history and heritage, Visita Iglesia Cagayan is an apt endeavor to explore and get to know the faith and piety of the Cagayanos, especially that summer is here and Holy Week is near. From Tuguegarao straight up to Aparri, discover places of religious importance, get to know the brick structures whose building materials were made and fired in a gigantic oven in one of the towns and see the oldest bell in the Philippines cast 400 years ago. Tuguegarao Cathedral The Metropolitan Cathedral…Continue Reading “Visita Iglesia Cagayan: Touring Tuguegarao to Aparri”