PATAR BEACH RESORTS

Location: Barangay Patar, Bolinao, Pangasinan, Philippines

Note: This is a part of my June 5 – 6, 2016 Alaminos City-Bolinao-Camiling Tour which includes: Hundred Islands, Saint Joseph Cathedral Parish Church, Alaminos City Hall and Colegio San Jose de Alaminos, Cape Bolinao Lighthouse, Giant Taklobo Resto Grill and Accommodation and Camiling Quick Tour.

The long beach stretch of Patar white beach

Patar is just one of the barangays of Bolinao which is located in the northwestern part of Lingayen Gulf of Pangasinan. There might be some other beach resorts here also having off-white fine sand but what is good in there is, it is not that crowded. And yes!!! It is so close to Punta Piedra Point where the historical and cultural heritage edifice of Cape Bolinao Lighthouse is located.

Open nipa and wooden cottages along Patar beach front

Our tour operator brought us to a beach resort managed by Patar White Beach Bolinao Community Association, Inc. Cottages and resort houses are not that expensive as they are made of simple bamboo and wooden materials. While roaming around, I spotted a name of White Beach of Patar and another is the Ocean Side Beach Resort. Noticeably, shower rooms have more than enough water when you rinse but you just have to pay P10.

Enjoying a friendly weather in the beach

Since ours was just a day trip just enjoying the crystal clear waters and blue skies and endless snorkel, we ended up renting an open cottage which costs P500 with a capacity of at least 15 people equipped with a table where we can put our personal stuff. This part of Patar Beach is flocked with commoners and so bigger crowds of people are expected mostly those who are staying for a day.

A place where the sand, sea and skies blend to give a relaxing mood

For those who wanted to stay overnight where stargazing is an exciting activity, closed nipa hut ranging from P700 to P1,500 with capacity of 3 to 5 persons. However, for those who really wanted to stay in luxurious hotels in the area, this LINK can be useful.

Where souvenir shops abounds (Model: Allan R. De la Trinidad)

There are some souvenir shops around and stores where one can buy basic necessities like food stuff, drinks or even hard drinks. And I’ve read a certain post about the parking rental which varies as to vehicular type, namely: Bus/Truck – P80; Van/Jeep/Pick-up/Car – P50; Tricycle – P20; and Single Motor – P15.

The typical open nipa cottage size

Looking around, I have noticed that the other end of the beach stretch has luxurious beach resorts while the other end has rock formations. The clear waters was really that inviting. And the waves after noon time were so playful that if you just let yourself afloat on the water, you will be washed ashore. There is also a net for the volleyball enthusiasts.

One of the convenient stores in the area

We initially had a trip coming from Alaminos City because we stayed overnight in the Island Tropics Hotel after our Hundred Islands day tour and so heading to Bolinao is closer for a total of one and a half hours drive.

Playing with the rushing waves

However, if one intends to just enjoy Patar beaches, he can take Five Star bus liner (Cubao and Pasay terminals); Victory and Dagupan bus liners (Cubao terminals) where your destination ends in Bolinao town. Tricycle services can be chartered from Bolinao town to Barangay Patar which will range from P150 to P200 depending on your haggling skills.

HOW TO GO THERE

Since I had a different route when I visited this place and I want to provide you the best information to reach it, I copied this portion from a blog of a public school teacher, "Blissfulguro" with details as follows:

From Manila, there are three Bus stops and it normally takes 5-6 hours to reach Bolinao Pangasinan. Buses stops in Dau terminal, Tarlac terminal and Alaminos City terminal. For trip schedules, reservations and ticket prices, you may contact the bus company at the following contact numbers:

Victory Liner – Cubao Quezon City Terminal
Phone #: (632) 727-4534, (632) 727-4688, (632) 410-8986
Twitter Account: @VictoryLinerInc
Email: info@victoryliner.com
Website: http://www.victoryliner.com

FiveStar Bus Line – Pasay City Terminal
Phone #: TEL.# (632) 853-4772/ (632) 851-6659/ (632) 851-6614
Hotline: 0927-7124349
Website: http://www.5starbus.co/

Dagupan Bus Line – Cubao Quezon City Terminal
Phone#: +63(2)8252927 and +63(2)8252930

VENICE GRAND CANAL MALL

Location: McKinley Hill, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City, Phillippines

The newly built Venice Grand Canal

This newest mall with an attraction of architectural design inspired from the Venice Canal of Italy is now operating with a few shops and restaurants for picks of guests and tourists. Even if it just opened, hundreds of visitors and tourists are now crowding the mall most particularly in capturing its picturesque grand canal where gondolas for hire will give a delight to visitors.

The other end of the grand canal

I was checking some blogs to get some facts about it but most of the posts provided no significant information. And so, I have to rely with my first hand experience on how I reached the place.

Capturing a better view from the bridge

I was with my colleague, Allan Revilla De la Trinidad (shown on the above picture) and my eldest sister when I visited the place and we really find it difficult to capture a nice angle shot as people are crowding everywhere. I am thinking of visiting the place again during weekdays to get more shots with less people around.







Taken from the second level of the mall

An inset park in the mall

There are more fine dining restaurants in the mall but a couple or three are fastfoods with standard prices same in other locations like KFC. I just noticed that not all shops are opened yet. Some parts of the mall are still being worked for its completion.

Venice Piazza - the Mall's Facade

Gondola rides along the grand canal just opened last February 13, 2016 and this will only operate during Saturdays and Sundays from 1:00 to 11:00 P.M. for P500 per person. A gondola ride in the evening is even better as lights can help the camera capture best results. It can be more romantic and serene as background music will also be aired all along the place.

A wide angle picture of Venice Grandcanal Mall

To know which restaurant will you dine while in the mall, click this link and see what restaurant will you prefer to dine in case you became hungry after an exhausting stroll in the mall.

Taking a rest after being worn out from my stroll

Venice Grandcanal Mall at Night (Photo Credit: Costas Images)

HOW TO GET THERE

My Personal Option

For me who just resorted to public transportation, I went there through a jeepney ride from my condo unit at City Residences at the back of Jose Rizal University (JRU) taking Hulo Jeepney Route for P7 only and dropped at the boat terminal just after Makati Bridge. Took a motor boat for a minute ride just to cross to the other end of Poblacion, Makati City. Took a jeepney again and lifted near Gate 1 for P7 and took another jeepney to Market Market for P7. From the Market Market, look for the Jeepney Terminal of Gate 3 for P7 and walk down the street maybe three long blocks away.

Another Option

You may find this link useful in visiting this place. After reaching Market Market, look for the Jeepney Terminal of Gate 3 for P7 and walk down the street maybe three long blocks away.