Sagada, Mt. Province

Sagada, Mt. Province is a small town in the northern part of Luzon which is about 5-6 hours drive from Baguio City and 275 km. from Manila. The town is nestled in a valley enveloped between the main Cordillera Ranges and the Ilocos Range. The elevation (5000 ft) and cool breeze is almost identical to Baguio City except that is more blissful and serene. Sagada became much popular after it was featured in the movie: "That Thing Called Tadhana" with the famed catchphrase "Where do broken hearts go?" -  the answer is simple, they go to Sagada.

Popular activities in Sagada includes: trekking at Mt. Ampacao and Echo Valley, be amazed at the picturesque view of Sagada Terraces and Sea of Clouds from Kiltepan Peak; explore Bomok-Ok Falls and Lake Danum, spelunking at Sumaguing Caves. Other activities also includes bonfires, picnics, visiting historical sites and participating in tribal celebrations.

One must also visit the famous Lemon Pie House in Sagada which known for their famed Lemon Pie - it's worth it.

Episcopal Church of Mary the Virgin

Sagada Rice Terraces as viewed from Kiltepan Peak

Echo Valley

Sumaguin Cave

Lake Danum

Hanging Coffins

(On our way to Sagada via Halsema Highway we passed by the
highest point of Philippine Highway System)

How to Get There: (The author used a private vehicle)
1.) In Baguio City go to Dangwa Bus terminal, look for Lizardo Bus bound for Sagada
2.) Travel time is 5-6 hours.

Scarbourough Shoal Grill and Seafood Resto

Named after the Scarborough Shoal,  or to what Philippines refers to as Panatag Shoal or Bajo de Masinloc — is one of the crucial and disputed land formations between China and the Philippines which lies about 118 nautical miles west of Zambales.

On the otherhand, Scarbourough Shoal Grill is located in San Carlos, Pangasinan - due to the familiarity of the restos' name, I've decided to pay it a little visit together with my wife to see what they have to offer. We are in the right place and time that they offer an "Eat All You Can" promo during Tusedays from 11am to 2pm.

For only 179 pesos, one can have an unlimited drinks and a hefty serving of dishes which includes: Lengua de Gato, Marinated Pork Strips, Seafood Pakbet (Crab, Squid & Osyter), Marinated Shrimps and Kalderetang Kambing; soup and dessert are also included. The food is really "sulit" for it's price, though the "Embutido" is somehow a little bit salty, but then again it's still better than any fast food or restos found in the city.

There are also Acoustic Live band performance during  7pm to 12mn.

Rating:
5 out 10

How to Get There:
1. Located in Perez Blvd., San Carlos City, just across Solid North Terminal

Hundred Island National Park

Located in the town of Alaminos in Pangasinan, Hundred Islands is the iconic tourist spot and national treasure of the said province. It is composed of about 123 islands and islets when high tide (124 when low tide) which are scattered across the Lingayen Gulf. Among them are the Governor's Island which is the largest island, then Quezon Island and Children's Island.

We have visited the Governor's Island which is more or less 200 feet through a plight of stairs which can be reached in 10 minutes. The summit offers a panoramic view of the whole Lingayen Gulf, Lucap Bay, and the surrounding islands. For adventure junkies, one can also try the zipline that connects to the nearby island.

How to Get There:

1.) Take a bus bound to Alaminos, Pangasinan  (FiveStar), they have terminals in Cubao.

2.) Once in Alaminos,  you can then ride a trike to Lucap Wharf - the gateway to the Hundred Islands.
3.) Since me and my wife were lone travelers, I rented the whole boat good for 10 people (3500php) and its all worth it.

Bumbungan River Eco Park

Bumbungan Eco Park is the spillway of Bumbungan River where the road is literally covered with the overflowing water thus creating a dramatic cascade of a man made falls known as the Bumbungan Falls. Picnic huts were built beside the river ideal for picnics and outing.

The water is quite murky, where it originates from the Sierra Madre Mountains then flows through the town of Pagsanjan and ends in Lumban where it drains to Laguna de Bay which is the largest lake in the country.

It is a nice sidetrip whenever you visit Pagsanjan Falls or Hulugan Falls which is located right after Cavinti Poblacion.

How to Get There:

1.) Take a bus bound to Sta. Cruz (DLTB), they have terminals in Cubao and LRT Buendia 

2.) Tell the conductor to drop you off in Pagsawitan.

3.) Once in Pagsawitan, you can then ride a jeep bound to Cavinti. From Cavinti Junction you can then ride a trike to Bumbungan Eco Park (ideal only for sidetrip, not the main trip)

Dalcielo Bakeshop & Restaurant

According to the restaurant owner "Dalcielo" means heaven sent or sent from the sky, And the word heaven sent is providential, fortunate, and blessed in other terms dalcielo is a blessing from God.

I visited one of their stores which is located in Lopez Ave., Los Banos, according to their waiter their specialties includes Fried Dinuguan, Pinakbet, Bagnet etc., but since I am not really into vegetables and I am more of a Carnivore, I ordered different foods that I usually prefer to eat like Pasta, Salads, Cakes & Pastries, Sandwiches and other meat/fish menu.

Some of the foods that I've ordered are: fettucini alfredo - the taste is okay though I would love it better if there are no basil and oregano included. The strawberry shake - it's like a diluted strawberry jam. The pepperoni pizza - it's like im eating a piece of rubber, too oily I might get a large dose of cholesterol. Their chocolate moist cake, it's suppose to be moist yet it's too dry it's a good thing the icing tastes good and their NYC Strawberry cheesecake which is the only thing that Im satisfied. However, they should at least cut down the sweetness of the strawberry syrup- not ideal for those with serious insulin problem.

Rating:

5 out of 10

UPLB Campus

Considered to be one of the most famous landmark in Laguna, UPLB is located beside the foot of Mt Makiling in Los Banos about 64 km. away from Manila. Originally established in 1909 as University of Philippines College of Agriculture (UPCA), it was then changed to it's current name.

During WWII, UPLB served as a an interment camp for allied nationals and a headquarters of the Japanese army. Most of the establishments were demolished during the war,  the current buildings and establishments were restored and renovated with visible influence of American architecture.

How to Get There:

1.) Take a bus bound to Sta. Cruz, Laguna (DLTB), their terminal is in LRT Buendia.

2.) Tell the conductor to drop you off in College.

3.) You can then ride a Jeepney bound to UPLB

Rizal Park (Luneta)

Rizal Park is also known as Luneta that comes from the word “lunette” which means crescent moon – because of the park's shape. It has a total land area of  58 hectares which is much bigger than that of Vatican City with only 44 hectares. Luneta Park was renamed in 1913 to Rizal Park, but to this day many still call it as  Luneta (myself included).

It once played a pivotal part in the Philippine history, where it witnessed the execution of notable patriots e.g. GOMBURZA (Gomez, Burgos, and Zamora) and of course Dr. Jose Rizal to which the park was renamed after. Rizal Monument was erected with an obelisk and is also known as Kilometer Zero (the zero mark or the starting point of every kilometer post in Luzon) and across is the tallest flagpole in the country which stands at 150ft tall. 

There are numerous places of interests inside the park's vicinity some of which are the Chinese Garden, Orchidarium, Artists Haven, Heroes Biography, Statue of Lapu Lapu, and of course the famous Rizal Monument which is securely guarded by Philippine Marine Corps’ Marine Security and Escort Group 24/7 around the perimeter of the monument. 

For me, it is a relaxing place to unwind when in the metro and my recollections would bring me back to my childhood memories of Rizal Park where we used to play and held picnic together with my family.  There are available Kalesa (horse-drawn chariots) to give a tour inside the park.

How to Get There:

1.) From LRT Buendia ride a jeepney bound to Quiapo (w/ Luneta) on the signboard

2.) Tell the driver to drop you off in Luneta