SHRINE OF OUR LADY OF THE MOST HOLY ROSARY, MOTHER OF PEACE

Location: Caglago Mountain, Barangay Tabgon, Caramoan, Camarines Sur, Philippines Date Opened to the Public – First Image: May 20, 1990 Date Opened to the Public – Second Image as Replacement: May 1, 2008 No. of Steps from base to the summit: 530 Descriptive Summary: This is a 26-foot image of the Blessed Virgin Mary currently named as the Shrine of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary, the Mother of Peace. Records tell that its first image was badly damaged by super Typhoon Loleng in October 21, 1998 wherein partly its mantle was blown off and some fingers were lost. In 1999, it was also struck by a lightning which severely damaged it that its restoration may no longer practical. Thus, another image was constructed and was completed on May 1, 2008.

View Caramoan in a larger map

The imposing image of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary

Caramoan is known for its beautiful islands dotting the Maqueda Channel. Caramoan municipality is a peninsula which is a part of Bicol Region mainland.

Saint Michael the Archangel Parish in Caramoan town

You will find the people of Caramoan to be religious as a proof that its town’s parish church are always filled with church goers attending even a Saturday morning mass.

The municipal hall of Caramoan town

The town itself has imposing building structures and aside from its parish church, its municipal hall can also be a pride of the people of Caramoan as its design and structure looks new and palacial.

A green and refreshing countryside

Heading to the Shrine of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary boarding a chartered single motorcycle with a maximum of two passengers is quite rewarding as you see the charming countryside. The scent of a rice field is quite refreshing. The gentle blow of cool mountain breeze completes the package.

Fresh and abundant flowing water from a small dam

As I pass thru a bridge turned to a small dam, I can’t help but lift from the vehicle and feel the aura of being in a river where just like the place where I grew up, a river is the source of everything where mothers are in a long line washing their clothes while the kids are having a playful swim. Fathers are seen to fetch water and accompany their carabaos for fresh drink in the river.

The start of any pilgrim as he is challenged to complete 530 steps to the Grotto

The signage arc serves to be the jump-off point for pilgrims. If you plan to scale these concrete steps leading to the grotto, do bring water to hydrate in between your steps and a towel to wipe the sweat off. If you're going in the morning where I did, either wear a hat or a shawl because it will get very hot! The challenge is in the number of steps, not the steps themselves. The steps, while not equally-sized, are all cement, and there are railings to hold onto as well.

The scenic sunrise as taken just halfway to the grotto

As you climb higher on stairs, superb views of the Maqueda Channel will unfold to your very own eyes not to mention that sunrise magnify the beauty of the surroundings.

My last 30 steps to complete the scaling challenge

Being physically fit since I am a mountaineer was not at exactly a challenge. I did the climbing with ease and gusto. Honestly, I was so intoxicated of the beautiful nature that besieged me. It was great to be in this part of the Earth. Try it and you will be able to relate to my experience.

The waving symbolic religious flags welcome the pilgrims

Not yet on top of the Grotto, these waving flags would welcome you with all hospitality as if those big arms ready to embrace you with warmness.

Scenery taken as I reached the flatform of the Grotto

Reaching the Grotto is such a rewarding experience. It is like a feeling of a mountaineer reaching the summit of a mountain. But this one is reaching the arms of the Mama Mary figuratively.

A comparative scale in size of the Image of Virgin Mary to a human body size and height

After praying the Holy Rosary, I stayed a bit longer to feel the presence of the Holy Mother and to give my full veneration to Her.

As an additional background, the construction of the first structural image of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary began in 1989 under the leadership of St. Dominic of Guzman parish priest Rev. Fr. Felix F. Barella. During its construction, the people of Caramoan had to climb Mt. Caglago to bring the materials. It was completed the following year through foreign and local funding.

The second sculpture was built through Ben Niera who was commissioned by Rev. Msgr. Juan N. Buentiempo which was completed on May 1, 2008.

In May 2000, during the occasion of the Great Jubilee Year, the Shrine was declared as one of the pilgrimage sites in the Archdiocese of Caceres.

The two telecommunication towers dominate the Grotto

The place would really be a total sacred ground had it not with the presence of these two telecommunication towers. I find it difficult to capture a total picture of the image removing these structures as a part of the Grotto.

Pilgrims descending the Grotto

Descending the Grotto is easier compared to climbing it. For a pilgrim whose age and health is in the brink of severe condition, climbing is like fighting with cardiac assaults while descending is equally exhausting as you control your weight in every step you make.

HOLY MASS CELEBRATION IN THE SHRINE

The Eucharist is celebrated in this Shrine every first Sunday of the month and other occasions such as the anniversary of the foundation of the image (20th of May), Triduum, and feast of the Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary, Mother of Peace (4th of October).

HOW TO GET THERE

You may find this link useful Manila to Caramoan Tour in providing you with options on how to go to Caramoan town. From the town, you either hire a van or a single tricycle with maximum of two backride passengers. The round trip fare is negotiable but I paid P150 since the shrine is quite far from the town. The driver will wait for you from the jump-off point when you completely descended the shrine.

CAPUL ISLAND

Location: Northern Samar, Philippines Region: VIII (Eastern Visayas) Total Land Area: 35.56 km2 (13.73 sq mi) No. of Barangay: 12 Congressional District 1st District of Northern Samar Coordinates: 12°25′N 124°11′E Date Established: November 7, 1975 Time Zone PST (UTC+8) Zip Code: 6408 Dialing Code: 55 Descriptive Summary: Capul once served as the capital of Samar from 1848 to 1852 since the Acupolco-Manila galleon trade vessels used to have frequent stop-over at this point of San Bernardo Strait, thus, a watchtower (light house) was built to serve as a guidepost. Currently, it is a fifth class island municipality of the 24 municipalities of the province of Northern Samar. The name Capul came from the word Acapulco, an old trading post in Mexico.

View Municipality of Capul in a larger map

A blend of colors of the sky, far reaching seas and the sprawling landscape of Capul Lighthouse

Capul is the only town in the province of Northern Samar with a distinct language, Inabaknon, instead of Waray-Waray, the native language spoken by the locals of Samar island. Inabaknon is considered to be 8th of the rarest dialects in the Philippines.

The historical Capul lighthouse

This historic Capul Lighthouse has been erected to serve as a sentry or warning system and a refuge for indigents during Moro raids.

Ideally, one can make it to Capul for a day tour. Food can be bought from 2 or 3 eateries at a minimum of P50 per meal. Though, the two food stores in Barangay Dos near the port do not cater for dine-in services.

The refreshing cliff down the Capul Lighthouse

Touring around the island is not a problem as there are habal-habal drivers who are very much willing to drive you around. Going to the lighthouse is just P50 one way. Don’t worry as they will also wait for you if you opt stay much longer in one place. Just be generous enough to give them a tip.

Just one of the white beaches on the way back to the port coming from the lighthouse

The island of Capul is blessed to have a lot of nameless white beaches which will not charge the guests with an entrance fee. Tourists and guests can have a dip and go so that they can be relieved from the exhausting travel.

The 233-year old Saint Ignatius of Loyola Parish Church

St. Ignatius of Loyola Parish Church was built in a concrete structure in 1781 thru the initiative of a Spanish architect-priest, Fr. Mariano Valero and along with it was also built a stonewall fortress similar to that of Intramuros, Manila that would wedge it against the Moro attacks. However, the first two structures of the church was built earlier than 1781 made of hard wood and nipa roofs but were both devastated by the attacking Moro pirates in 1615 and 1768.

The stonewall of the Saint Ignatius of Loyola Church

Other than the lighthouse and the historical church, tourists can also try the popular tourist attraction, Bito Cave or Beto Cave located in Sawang and try to visit the Timon-timon Rock which is a rudder-shaped rock formation located near the southern point of the island. Habal-habal rates for these destinations will vary since it is located opposite to the direction of the lighthouse.

Capul Municipal Hall

HOW TO GET THERE

Assume that the point of origin is Manila, then these alternatives can be considered:

By Air:

Take the nearest airport to Capul, which is either Calbayog or Catarman. Calbayog airport is an hour and a half from Allen, Northern Samar. Catarman driving distance time to Allen is also approximately the same. From Allen Balwharteco Port Terminal, take a boat going to Capul island for an hour sea travel for P150 for one way. There is only one trip in a day at 11:00 A.M. from Allen to Capul Island and from Capul to Allen is at 7:00 A.M. the following day. You can have an option to charter a boat for special trip which can cost at P2,500 and above depending on the size of your group. The bigger your group is, the lower the cost sharing is.

By Land:

Take a bus trip preferably Philtranco from either Pasay or Cubao Terminals to Allen for P1,100 at an approximate travel duration of 14 hours which is inclusive of Ferry boat fare of P120 from Matnog, Sorsogon to Allen but not to include the P30 terminal fee in Matnog Port. The ferry sea travel crossing the San Bernardino Strait is to 2 hours going to Allen. The same routes will be followed if you are already in Allen’s Balwharteco Port Terminal.

MOUNT TARAK DAY CLIMB

Location: Mariveles, Bataan Jump-off point: Brgy. Alas-asin, Mariveles Coordinates: 14°30.357′N, 120°30′E Elevation (Ridge): 1,006 MASL (3,300 feet) Elevation (Peak): 1,130 MASL (3,707 feet) Days required/Hours to summit: 1 day / 5-6 hours Specs: Major climb, Difficulty 4/9, Trail class 3 Descriptive Summary: Its craggy landscape, sharp rocks, and steep location may have given rise to its name “Tarak” which was coined by the locals from two words: “Tabak” which means “hunting knife” in English and “Tarik” which means “steep”. Rich dramatic hues of sunset can be viewed at its best from the ridge. Whether you are on the ridge or at the summit, you will have a 270-degree view of sprawling hills and plains as well as its coastline and that is to include Corregidor Island and its neighboring islands and islets and the majestic Manila Bay for the farthest point of Cavite..

View Tarak Peak in a larger map

The scenic Tarak Ridge with the summit in the background

Mount Tarak is an ideal mountain for workout in preparation for major climbs. Partly, its trail and terrain is the similar to that of Mount Kanlaon and a few others. To really enjoy the climb, it is best to have it overnight. However, on my part, I was taking it as a workout.

The rolling trail near the jump-off point

Heading to the house of "Nanay"

This is the long flat trail heading to the house of "Nanay".   The real battle starts after the Papaya River where the trails are literally cardiac assaults.  But this mountain really provides training for major climbs.

The house of the famous "Nanay" in Tarak

We usually pass through this point to rest and we always had conversation with "Nanay".  From here,  I learned that there is a land dispute in this area.

Just after "Nanay's" house

I tell you, since I have been frequenting to have a work out climb here, I am no longer get the services of a guide.   What I usually do, was to have a late night trip to Brgy. Alas-asin, and from there, I would normally spend the rest of the night at the barangay hall where they do not charge anything plus there is a comfort/bath room where you can relieve yourself and take a fresh shower bath.




From the jump-off point, the trail is a dusty road where vehicles can pass and gradually trees are increasing in number and gradual elevation is evident that is why it is still manageable to trek. Occasional long cardiac assaults will then be experienced one hour before approaching the Papaya River with deep gullies (ravines) which as far as I can recall totals to five though it is a consolation that the trail is becoming too shady because of thick concentration of trees along the trail. At the most, for an average-paced climber, it will take more than three to trek from the jump-off point to Papaya River.

The long cardiac assaults after Papaya River

Papaya River, which I am wondering why it was called such despite of the non-presence of papaya plant around. This is point here is the only known water source to climbers though a few guides revealed that there are some minor water sources available though not accessible near the usual trails. Water here is so fresh it is safe to drink. From this point to the ridge is challenging since you must have longer strides and more cardiac assaults are evident, jumping over the roots or holding on to branches for support. Emerging to the ridge is a rewarding sight as it is an open clearing grown with cogon. The campsite at the ridge is protected with thick bonsai trees. However, you are advised to bring with you extra pegs as gusts of wind from the South China Sea at night will still uncontrollably be penetrating to the hidden camp site on the ridge.

The entry to the Ridge with lose soil trail

It is advisable for first-time climbers to hire a guide since the trails can be misleading. In my second time here, I was lost together with a friend. We were leading to a pineapple plantation and there was nobody there where we can ask for assistance.

Part of the extremely rocky steep Ridge

ACTUAL CLOCKED TIME OF ACTIVITIES

04:30 Board Bataan Transit on its Doroteo Jose Terminal to Brgy. Alas-asin, Mariveles
08:30 Brgy. Alas-asin; register at the barangay hall
09:40 Start trek
12:30 Papaya River, take a break for lunch
13:00 Resume trek
15:00 Tarak Ridge, take pictures for 15 minutes
15:15 Summit assault
16:00 Summit just for picture taking
16:30 Back to the ridge and without rest descend
17:00 Papaya River (without taking rest)
19:30 Back to the jump-off Point
20:00 Dinner in Brgy Alas-asin
20:30 Left Brgy. Alas-asin boarding a mini-bus for Balanga
21:50 Balanga, Bataan
12:00 Left Balanga boarding Genesis airconditioned bus
02:20 Arrived Boni MRT Station

In the picture is Gani Dionela at the other side of the Ridge, with the backdrop overlooking the vast expanse of Bataan lowlands and coastal area

Particulars	Amount
Trail food	P110
Bus Fare (Bataan Transit Airconditioned Bus from Doroteo Jose, Sta. Cruz to Brgy. Alas-asin, Mariveles)	267
Breakfast in Brgy. Alas-asin (Eatery)	40
Registration fee (Barangay Alas-asin Hall)	40
Dinner in Brgy. Alas-asin (Eatery)	40
Minibus Fare from Brgy. Alas-asin to Balanga, Bataan	48
Bus Fare (Genesis Airconditioned Bus from Balanga to Boni MRT Station)	210
TOTAL EXPENSES	P755

The Ridge taken from the midpoint going to the summit

Taken Near the Peak 3 of Mount Mariveles

Just a clarification.  Mount Tarak is famous to be Mount Tarak.  However, Tarak is just a ridge in Mount Mariveles.  There are three peaks of this mountain.  First, one has to traverse the Tarak ridge heading to Peak 1, then to Peak 2 and finally to Peak 3.

Descending the Tarak Ridge coming from Peak 3

You might be wondering why I am wearing different outfit when my climb is only day climb.  Well, this post is a combination of three dates of climb.

The captured view while starting to descend from Tarak Ridge

Descending Tarak ridge is a little bit risky since, its trail has loose soil and you have no choice but to hold on to the sharp leaves of cogon grasses.  Its leaves' edges are serrated, finely toothed, and embedded with sharp silica crystals, making them feel abrasive, like sandpaper or a razor, especially if you move your hand down the blade.

The scenery taken from a clearing midpoint of Papaya River and jump-off point

THANKS FOR READING!

METROPOLITAN MANILA

Location: Luzon, Philippines Total Land Area: 638.55 sq. km. (246.55 sq. miles) Coordinates: 14°35′N 121°00′E Date Established: November 7, 1975 Descriptive Summary: Metropolitan Manila or Metro Manila is also called National Capital Region (NCR) consisting of 16 cities and one municipality. It is the seat of government and the most populous region of the Philippines as well as the center of economy, culture, education and tourism. Its 16 cities are: Kalookan, Las Pinas, Makati, Malabon, Mandaluyong, Manila, Marikina, Muntinlupa, Navotas, Paranaque, Pasay, Pasig, Quezon, San Juan, Taguig and Valenzuela. Pateros is its lone municipality. Metro Manila has a very strategic location in Asia most particularly its famous natural harbor. Manila Bay is very much famous in the world for its scenic sunset.

View Manila in a larger map

Part of the fast-growing Greenfield and Ortigas Center of Mandaluyong City

The picture above (from left to right) The Twin Oaks Place - West Tower of the Greenfield District, The Soho Central Greenfield District, The Cityland Shaw Tower and The Saint Francis Shangri-La Place. Mandaluyong, a tiger city rivals its neighboring city, Makati in terms of progress and massive development whereby Makati prides to have a green environment like Ayala Triangle Gardens. Learn more about the Metropolitan Manila by reading all the links provided in this post.

SN	City/Municipality	Area (sq. km.)	No. of Barangays	Date of Cityhood
1.	Caloocan City	55.8	188	February 16, 1962
2.	Las Pinas City	32.69	20	March 26, 1997
3.	Makati City	27.36	22	January 2, 1995
4.	Malabon City	19.76	21	May 7, 2001
5.	Mandaluyong City	21.26	27	February 9, 1994
6.	Manila	38.55	897	June 24, 1571
7.	Marikina City	21.52	16	December 8, 1996
8.	Muntinlupa City	46.70	9	March 1, 1995
9.	Navotas City	10.77	14	June 24, 2007
10.	Paranaque City	46.57	16	February 15, 1998
11.	Pasay City	18.5	201	June 21, 1947
12.	Pasig City	48.46	30	January 21, 1995
13.	Municipality of Pateros	2.25	10	Not Applicable
14.	Quezon City	166.20	142	October 12, 1939
15.	San Juan City	5.95	21	June 17, 2007
16.	Taguig City	45.21	28	December 8, 2004
17.	Valenzuela City	44.589	33	February 14, 1998

The Pasig River with the background of Sta. Cruz and Quiapo buildings

Skyscrapers in Manila and the Manila Bay as viewed from the Sofitel Hotel

The historic and symbolic Manila Cathedral

Palacio del Governador: A Hispanic Legacy

T.M. Kalaw Avenue: A busy district of Ermita

Welcome Rotonda: Separates Manila and Quezon City

CAGBALETE ISLAND

Location: Mauban, Quezon, Philippines Region: IV-A Coordinates: 14°16'41"N 121°49'38"E Total Area: 1,640 hectares Surrounding Bodies of Water: Lamon Bay and Pacific Ocean Descriptive Summary: This island paradise is privately-owned by a number of resort operators. It is a home to a diverse ecosystem with unique variety of birds, rich marine life, and the abundance of unique species of plants where adventurers and nature lovers will love. Partly, the island’s beach coast is dotted with Agoho trees which is a family of pine tree. It is also a habitat of coconut crab or “kuray” which remains to be the favorite of its locals. In the last 3 years, the local townfolks have reported several sightings of threatened and endangered species such as sea turtles, juvenile whalesharks and dugongs foraging among the seagrass, seaweeds and mangrove areas.

View Cagbalete Island in a larger map

The scenic low tide along the Sabang's tip coastline

Boarding a JAM airconditioned bus from Kamias along Edsa to Lucena Grand Central Bus Station is three hours. Another two hours from Lucena Grand Central to the town of Mauban if you opt to board a non-aircon minibus but just more than an hour if you take a passenger van. From the town of Mauban, you can either walk to the port or take a tricycle at P12 per head. From the port, you can have an option to take a passenger ferry at P50 or if you are in a bigger group, you can rent boat which will be good for round trip transport to Cagbalete Island.

Pansacola Beach Resort

As our group was heading to Villa Cleofas which is on the south eastern part of the island, our chartered boat turned right and navigated along the coastline of Pansacola Beach Resort. If we opted to take a passenger ferry, then it will turn left heading to Sabang fishing village. However, it will take more than 30 minutes from Sabang community to Villa Cleofas which is on the other part of the island.

Villa Noe Beach Resort

Like the picturesque Pansacola Beach Resort, Villa Noe Beach Resort is densely grown with Agoho Trees which help the place to be more shady where campers love to stay. From this point, our boat still navigated for a number of minutes to Villa Cleofas where we booked to stay for an overnight.

The camping ground of Villa Cleofas Beach Resort

Villa Cleofas Beach Resort has many cottages for the guests' accommodation. However, we opted to rent a tent which is P400 for one tent good for three persons. There is a pavillon where guests can stay and booze, dine or have the videoke sing-along. To minimize expenses, we just hired a local and have him market and cook for our food and he just deliver it to us every meal. It is advisable to buy drinking water from Mauban water station or in 7-eleven branch. Mauban has also a market where food supplies can be bought.

The inviting clean and clear beach water

After the tents were pitched, our group rushed to the beach for a swim which is just three steps away from our tents. In the morning till 10:00 A.M. is still high tide but beyond it, low tide occurs.

This is how the beach looks like during low tide

Dry sand extends to at least two kilometers away from the beach line during low tide. Thus, our group decided to have a trek to the other side of the island which is in Sabang fishing village cutting through shady part of the island for an hour. Approximately, the locals that live there are more than a thousand people.

The stretch of Sabang beach coast

The picture above is the point where we had an exit coming from Villa Cleofas as we were toured around by a local kid for an hour. This is such a clean and white sand beach but there is no resort erected yet. Thus, tourists can have a swim here without paying any entrance.

Sunset taken from our camp at Villa Cleofas Beach Resort

From 3:00 P.M. until sunset, our group had a beach hopping where we saw some other resorts like MVT Sto. Nino Beach Resort, Joven's Blue Sea Beach Resort, Dona Choleng Camping Resort and a few others. In the evening, we stayed at the Pavillon of Villa Cleofas for a social drinking and sing along. We enjoyed night swimming then till 10:00 P.M.

Full-scale low tide at 12:00 Noon

Our boat took us back to Mauban Port at 12:00 Noon the following day but since it was low tide, we have to walk from the shore to the farthest point of more than 2 kilometers where our docked chartered motor boat awaited us.