PANGASINAN WHITE ISLAND RESORT (PHILIPPINES)

REGISTERED BUSINESS NAME: Pangasinan Pacific Shore White Sand Beach Resort

LOCATION: Port Lamon, Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, Philippines

SIBADAN FISH CAGE AND RESORT (PHILIPPINES)

LOCATION: P-6 Port Lamon, Hinatuan, Surigao Del Sur, Philippines

Sibadan Fish Cage and Resort is one of the tourist destinations of the Municipality of Hinatuan in the province of Surigao del Sur, Philippines. Hinatual is one of the 71 municipalities in Region XIII which is known as Caraga Administrative Region.



There are more places to visit in this part of Surigao Del Sur where I personally did where it included: Enchanted River, Tinuy-an Water Falls, Pangasinan White Sand Beach, International Doll House, Tinago Cove and Cambatong Fishing Village



Simply a fish cage where fish are cultured, tourists and guests can spend an overnight where there are few comfortable rooms to have a soundly sleep. The accommodation is a cluster of nipa houses on stilts in the middle of the fish cage and the entire place is bordered by fishing nets. The main cage is at the center and the dining area, sleeping rooms, the restobar (restaurant and bar) with huge TV (there is a signal also) and other amenities are lined along its rectangular perimeter.



Guests are served with fresh fish and other seafoods catch in the fish cage. Talking to the concierge, he told me that the cage are inhabited with stingray (for safety purposes its spike has been removed), baby sharks, talakitok, triggerfish and a few others I forgot to remember. In a separate smaller cages, lobsters, crabs and smaller talakitoks are cultured. The small fish catch in the fish cage are even used to feed the bigger ones.



There is enough space to roam around the resort. Guests are entertained watching the sea creatures inside the cage. Some can even see the live sea creature caught and cooked right in front in their dining table in the restobar. Beer is also available while you unwind in the restobar.



A few staff serve as lifeguard like in a baywatch to make sure the kids are safe and those who do not have a swimming skill. The place is good for photography. For those who wanted to hold a party most particularly a fine dining party, the venue can also be turned into one.



The place is really good to chill out for a magnificent sunset viewing. Guests can also enjoy fishing and swim inside the fish cages. I observed that most of those guests who visit the resort are groups or families. Some of them are even coming as far as Manila, Cebu and Davao. I had rarely seen a foreigner in the resort.



Most of the guests take with them their own cars and they just park it in the fishing village of Barangay Cambatong which is just 5 minutes off the coast.



The last photo is another fish cage just across 20 minutes away from Sibadan Fish Cage and Resort. The island at its background is the Pangasinan White Sand Beach which is just 10 minutes away.

HOW TO GET THERE:

You will reach first the Enchanted River before you can take a boat to Sibadan Fish Cage. The habal-habal or any other chartered vehicle after the Enchanted River will have its dead end at the basketball court of Cambatong fishing village where vehicles can safely park. To start with, take a bus from the Butuan Bus Terminal, then take a bus bound for Mangagoy (Bislig) but ask to be dropped off at Dugmanon Junction for Enchanted River. The Tagbina Terminal is your sign that you are close. If you reach the Hinatuan Terminal, you missed the junction. P189 non aircon bus, 4 hours. Take a habal-habal from the junction for P150 if you are alone or P75/pax with other passengers, 12 kms of dusty road until you reach Enchanted River in Talisay. Just tell the habal-habal driver to head further to Cambatong but you also have the option to go inside Enchanted River paying the P30 entrance fee and ask the staff where to go to take the boat ride to Sibadan Fish Cage. It's just a short walk. Don't worry as the enterprising kids at Enchanted River will offer to 'guide you' to the boat area and even offer to do radio calls to Sibadan Fish Cage. If you're not carrying heavy gear, there is no need to take this service. At the boat area, the dispatcher can radio Sibadan Fish Cage if there is vacancy. Take the boat for the 10 minute ride to Sibadan Fish Cage. P100/trip or P20/pax, one-way. If you are alone, chances are, you'll have to pay the P100 fee. But if you are to take a boat from Cambatong, the trip will be even shorter for 5 minutes and costs P50 per head. You can make arrangements with the fish cage staff when to call the boat to pick you up for the mainland.

RESORT FEES AND CHARGES:

Food price here is generally reasonable which is almost comparable to the market prices. They charge P200 for a kilo of Talakitok which are frozen but live ones or fresh catch range to P300 per kilo. The tiger lobsters are at P1,600 and native lobster is at P1,000 per kilo. The prices are inclusive of cooking. There are other seafoods available in the fish cage and they vary in price.

Lodging is charged at P400 for single room for fan only with common washroom while the double room with fan only and common washroom is charged at P800.

CONTACT NUMBERS:

For reservation, contact the following mobile phone numbers: 0916-9291-305; 0927-3936-207; and 0946-5634-927.

INTERNATIONAL DOLL HOUSE (PHILIPPINES)

LOCATION: Ocean View Park, P-6 Brgy. Cumawas, Highway Gamaon, Bislig City, Surigao del Sur, Philippines

CAMBATONG FISHING VILLAGE (PHILIPPINES)

LOCATION: Barangay Cambatong, Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, Philippines

TINAGO COVE (PHILIPPINES)

LOCATION: Brgy. Tinago, Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, Philippines

VILLA ESCUDERO PLANTATIONS AND RESORTS

The proximity of Villa Escudero Plantations and Resorts from Metro Manila which is just a 3-hour drive away is one of the reasons why local and foreign tourists prefer it to be a good alternative tourist spot to visit.

The Labasin Lake and along with it are the cool native cottages for guests' accommodation

This 800-hectare (2,000 acres) working coconut plantation and hacienda-turned resort is actually located in Laguna and Quezon provinces where its area partly situated in one provincial city and two municipalities in two provinces of San Pablo City in Laguna province and the municipalities of Tiaong and Dolores of the Quezon province. In fact, the entrance to the resort is located just a few feet from the Laguna and Quezon boundary arch.

The Villa Escudero Museum

It is quite a different experience to visit this destination as it really showcases the rich colonial culture of the Philippines which you will find inside its museum, during the cultural show and the resort itself is a living testimony of Philippine culture and history in a beautiful rural setting. Taking pictures inside the museum is strictly prohibited.

Just one of the Escuderos' mansions

As a background, Villa Escudero Plantations was founded in 1872 by Don Plácido Escudero and his wife Doña Claudia Marasigan. Originally a sugar cane plantation, the crop was converted to coconut by their son, Don Arsenio Escudero in the early 1900s. A pioneering agriculture industrialist, he built the country’s first working hydroelectric plant - Labasin Dam - to supply his desiccated coconut factory and the Escudero Plantation house, which he and his wife Doña Rosario Adap built in 1929.

Arsenio Escudero Hydroelectric Power Plant

It was only in 1981 that this plantation was opened to the public as it was turned into a resort offering village tours, museum tour, food and accommodations. It gradually earned a worldwide reputation of giving its guests the experience of how Philippine culture is depicted and visibly presents the very rich history of the Philippines through its museum, cultural show and the word-of-mouth of the staff who work inside the resort.

One of the preserved properties of the Escuderos turned into a park attraction

A day tour costing P1,400 per head will give the guests the following activities to enjoy: (1) waterfalls restaurant serving buffet lunch as part of the package, (2) museum tour, (3) Philippine cultural show, (4) bamboo rafting, (5) rural village tour, (6) bird watching, and (7) sports & recreational activities which include swimming, fishing, biking and the like. Pre-nuptial and nature photography are both perfect when done at Villa Escudero.

Preserved ammunition and war artifacts in the resort's park

Guests have the option to have an overnight tour which charges P2,200 with the provision of native cottages by the lake served with all meals from breakfast, lunch and dinner. Discounts are given for group tours both in day and overnight tour packages.

Guests have the option to have a carabao ride during resort tour

Guests will feel at home as aside from a gulaman welcome drink, the staff are very accommodating and they all treat the guests with genuine hospitality giving assistance from one activity to another.

Another option to tour around the resort is the trambia-like open car

Guests should keep their ticket as it is composed of stubs where each part is torn down for every activity and attraction he/she may opt to go and do. It is highly suggested that a museum tour will be done first. What will you really see in the museum? Well, it houses the private collections of the family from their local travels and around the world. It was started by Arsenio and Rosario Escudero and passed on to the living generations of the family. The assorted collections include, among others, religious artifacts, Chinese porcelain, antique furniture, ethnic clothing, relics from Second World War, clothes of Philippine presidents, butterfly collections, up to Jose Rizal's letters in his slumbook. In 1987, the extensive collection was moved and showcased in the church of the plantation. A trip of the museum is a must to Philippine history enthusiasts and is included with the admission.

I have visited a number of museums in the Philippines and I find the Villa Escudero museum to have an extensive collection which are all very enriching in terms of Philippine history.I was not really expecting much from its museum but it turned out to be extensively educational.

A buffet lunch at Al Fresco Restaurant by the waterfalls

After the museum tour, one may opt to have village tour if you still have ample time. But thinking that the buffet lunch is served starting at 11:00 A.M., then guests may have the option to go down to the water falls to enjoy the buffet in Al Fresco Restaurant till 2:00 P.M. where the dining tables are situated below the spillway of the hydroelectric dam (or the cascading'Labasin waterfalls') while diners enjoy their lunch dipped in the flowing calf-deep water. The water falls is actually a dam coming from the narrow lake of Labasin where this dam can generate electricity to the whole plantation and resort. Buco fruit is not a part of the tour package but you can order them at the Al Fresco Restaurant for P40 per piece.

While waiting for my turn for bamboo rafting

It would be advisable to do the bamboo rafting by pair. And if you want to have good shots while on board the bamboo raft, you may ask some of your companions to get the shots for you. You may wonder where is the water source of Labasin Lake. Well, it comes from Mount Banahaw.

Bamboo rafting in Labasin Lake

Labasin Lake with a depth of 30 feet also offers a perfect twin-rider bamboo rafting with the provision of life vest or jacket for the safety of the guests who do not know how to swim. The guests can freely paddle even up to the farthest point of the lake where no casualty incident has been recorded yet in this recreational activity.

Bamboo rafting also gives opportunity for fishing

The lake also is the breeding place of fat tilapias where these are served also in the buffet lunch. Since these tilapia are countless in number, guests are given the opportunity to enjoy fishing while on board the bamboo rafts and whatever catch they may have are free of charge.

The pier where excited rafters can board or disembark

Ideally, bamboo rafting can be done after lunch though riders may bring with them some covering if it is hot to protect their skin from the scourging heat of the sun. However, those who stay for overnight may have more time for bamboo rafting even after breakfast or late in the afternoon.

This swimming pool is equipped also with a giant slide and a jacuzzi.

Just close to the activity hall where a restaurant and stage for a cultural show is normally performed are swimming pools which vary from kiddie and two adult pools where one is equipped with a giant slide and a jacuzzi.

The very inviting kiddie pool

The kiddie pool is located in a very accessible place where kids can be watched while others are having a swim in two adjacent adult pools or guests are in queue in the pier for bamboo rafting.

The spacious activity and dining hall

The activity hall which was erected fronting the tranquil Labasin Lake is spacious enough to accommodate wedding receptions, conferences, seminars and workshops, team building activities and other social functions. This is the place where cultural shows are held every weekend. Guests can dine-in while watching the show but any food and drinks order is for the guests' account.

The famous Singkil dance of the people of Maranao of the Lake Lanao popularised by the Bayanihan Philippine National Folk Dance Company.

Guests will really be entertained with the live cultural presentation showcasing a variety of dance numbers which depicts the culture of the provinces and ethnic groups of the Philippines where the late Ramon Obusan, a national artist and closely identified icon of the Cultural Center of the Philippines has been its choreographer and artistic director.

Singkil is derived from a story in the Darangen, the Maranao interpretation of the ancient Indian epic, the Ramayana. The name of the dance itself means "to entangle the feet with disturbing objects such as vines or anything in your path". It is a popular dance performed during celebrations and other festive entertainment. Originally only women, particularly royalty, danced the Singkíl, which serves as either a conscious or unconscious advertisement to potential suitors. (Wikipedia)

The Villa Escudero Rondalla Ensemble

This ensemble is consist of the resort employees who work either in the kitchen, dining operation, garden and landscaping maintenance and in some other department and they were trained to render the guests with authentic Filipino music by the late national artist Ramon Obusan.

The Rigodon Real performance

From 17th century France, this Rigodon dance caught on and moved to Spain. It was then exported to the Philippines in the 19th century, but over the years it has developed in its own way and the Caviteňos present it in their Rigodon Real way.

The La Jota Cagayana dance number

La Jota Cagayana was performed by the Filipino Chinese in the Philippines show the fashion styles which was influenced by the European at the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869 in Cagayan Valley province. The tempo of the jota makes it similar to the waltz. It comes from the 16th century courtship dance, Canaries, which is said to be the "parent of the Jota." As one of the adapted Philippine folk dance, the Jota was brought by the Spaniards from Southern Spain found its way into many places in the Philippines. One such jota is named after the valley it adapted. Though Filipinized in many ways that one, Jota Cagayana still displays the fire and fury of its European origin. (www.likha.org)

The Jota Caviteňa

The Jota Cavitena is among the popular versions of the Spanish jota. This jota came from the Spanish-speaking town in Cavite named Ternate. The dance is characterized by brisk and snobbish posture of the male dancers and the flowing elegance of lady dancers. Spanish footworks called zapateado are used as well as pairs of elongated buho castanets for each hand. The staccato rhythm provided by the castanets is sweeping. The music that accompanies this "baile y canto criollo tradicional" is a funny Chabacano Ermitense song entitled Chiqui,Chiqui. It is a mix of fast and raucous part accentuated by the clicking of the castanets and a slow, melancholic music played as a romantic interlude. (WikiPilipinas)

The Pandanggo sa Ilaw

Pandanggo is a Philippine folk dance which has become popular in the rural areas of the Philippines. The dance evolved from Fandango, a Spanish folk dance, which arrived in the Philippines during the Hispanic period. This dance, together with the Jota, became popular among the illustrados or the upper class and later adapted among the local communities. In the early 18th century, any dance that is considered jovial and lively was called Pandanggo. There are many versions of this dance and each locality has its own version. Local dancers have many ways of doing the Pandanggo, but there is one thing in common between different versions: they have gay and sprightly figures. It may be danced at any social gathering and is usually accompanied by clapping. In some places, the musicians do not stop playing until four to five couples have danced, one after the other. When one couple tires, another takes its place until there are no more who want to dance. The musicians play faster and faster after each repetition until the dancers are exhausted.(Wikipedia)

The Maglalatik Cultural Dance

During the Spanish regime, the present barrios of Loma and Zapote of Biñan, Laguna, were separated. With coconut shells as implements the people of these two barrios danced the Maglalatik, or Magbabao, a war dance depicting a fight between the Moros and the Christians over the latik (residue left after the coconut milk has been boiled). The first two parts of the dance, the Palipasan and the Baligtaran show the heated encounter between the two groups. The last two parts, the Paseo and the Sayaw Escaramusa show the reconciliation between the two groups. According to the legend the Moros came out victorious, thus getting the coveted latik. The Christians, not contented with the result of the war, sent an envoy to the Moros to offer peace and to baptize them. The best Maglalatik dancers are found in Zapote. In the daytime during the town fiesta of Biñan, the Maglalatik dancers go from house to house performing this dance for money or a gift. In the evening they dance Maglalatik in the religious procession as it moves along the streets. They perform the dance as an offering to the patron saint of the farmers, San Isidro de Labrador. (www.likha.org)

Sayaw sa Bangko (Dance on Top of a Bench)

Sayaw ed Tapew na Bangko (dance on top of a bench), is a dance which originates from Pangasinan and researched by Jovita Sison. It is performed by a couple on a narrow bench, inching and hopping from one end to another. Dancer show skill in staying up the bench as they exchange places by moving their way around or the girl thrown in the air while boy moves to the other end. They do not compete but rather complement each other so that no one falls. It is usually performed during town fiestas.(www.likha.org)

The Sabong Cultural Dance (Cockfighting Dance)

This is a famous Visayan Dance where it depicts the scene of cockfighting. Sabong or cockfighting was first mentioned in Pigafetta’s First Voyage Around the World. Dating back to pre-Spanish times, sabong is played out in public squares on Sundays immediately after church. Heavy bets are made and are paid to the owners of the winning birds. When the public has already placed its bets, the duel is about to begin. Held by the handlers, the gamecocks are brought together head to head and are allowed to peck and infuriate each other. Then they are placed on the ground at a certain distance from each other and left alone. Both birds now enraged from the previous pecking, their hackles rising, go at it with abandon, flying up and down, delivering multiple blows with their slashers against each other. The match ends when one rooster is either killed or turns tail. The winning gamecock, however, must peck the slain opponent twice to declare the victory official. Should the winner, however, run from the slain foe, the match is called a draw. (This was taken from the blog of Filipino Deltiologist).

In what the blogger saw, what was depicted was not really a dance showdown but rather, there were two characters of the dance, a couple maybe, whose wife was hesitant to give a bet for the cockfight but the husband was so insistent that finally she gave in. However, the sad thing is, they lost on their bet and so the wife was mad at her husband. So, as the dance continues, the husband continued to persuade his wife to be reconciled with him. Finally, the wife gave in, and the dance ended that way.

The Tinikling Dance (Bamboo Dance)

The tinikling dance is one of the most popular and well-known of traditional Philippine dances. The tinikling is a pre-Spanish dance from the Philippines that involves two people beating, tapping, and sliding bamboo poles on the ground and against each other in coordination with one or more dancers who step over and in between the poles in a dance. The name is a reference to birds locally known as tikling, which can be any of a number of rail species; the term tinikling literally means "tikling-like." The dance originated in Leyte among the Visayan islands in the central Philippines as an imitation of the tikling bird dodging bamboo traps set by rice farmers. The dance imitates the movement of the tikling birds as they walk between grass stems, run over tree branches, or dodge bamboo traps set by rice farmers. Dancers imitate the tikling bird's legendary grace and speed by skillfully maneuvering between large bamboo poles. (Wikipedia)

HOW TO GET THERE

For those who wanted to place reservation this link will be useful. If you are already decided to visit the place, you will be guided with this link to reach this destination.

POPE FRANCIS' PASTORAL VISIT IN THE PHILIPPINES

This picture is through the courtesy of the Yahoo News

His Holiness Pope Francis had at last arrived in the Philippines at 5:31 P.M. of January 15, 2015 as part of his January 15-19, 2015 Philippine pastoral visit. The whole country rejoiced as roads were closed and major transport facilities like the Metro Rail Transit and the Light Railway Transit in Metro Manila were shut down one hour before the plane he was boarding touched down the Villamore Airbase. All flights of that same time were cancelled and rescheduled just to make sure that the Holy Pontiff was safe in his arrival at Villamor Airbase. Classes were all suspended and the weekdays of January 15, 16 & 19, 2015 were declared holidays.

The huge crowd outside Manila Cathedral waiting for the Pope to appear at the Church's main door

Indeed, Filipinos counted the event as such a historical one as the country is noted having more than 80% Catholics. The preparation was that big and almost everybody wanted to see the Holy Father in person.

Outside Manila Cathedral where huge crowd attended his holy mass

The Philippine Government highly worked on the security of the Pope. In fact, thousands of police officers and military staff served as the frontliners wherever the Holy See goes.

Just one of the tanks stationed near the Manila Cathedral

The crowd management system was highly organized to avoid casualties and huge crowd reaching to millions will surge along the streets and landmarks where the Pope is expected to pass.

The Red Cross Volunteers stationed in Intramuros near Manila Cathedral

The Red Cross Organization in Manila was very active to address the mass casualty incidents which might result in this huge crowd of people. They were all installed in specific venues where the Pope was expected to be there, namely: The Malacanang Palace, The Manila Cathedral, The Mall of Asia, University of Santo Tomas and in Tacloban City.

For a comprehensive update, you may check on this link for the activities of Pope Francis in the Philippines.

An up-close shot of Pope Francis along Roxas Boulevard corner Buendia Avenue in Pasay City, Philippines on his way to SM Arena dated January 16, 2015 as captured by Richard Macasero

BALUARTE OF VIGAN CITY (PHILIPPINES)

Location: Brgy. Salindeg, Vigan City, Ilocos Sur, Philippines

Updated:  November 2019

Note:  The original post of this blog has been pushed down with the recent ones on top pages

The vast zoological park of Baluarte

A tourist who toured Vigan and was not able to visit Baluaarte has not actually gone to Vigan City for reason of trip incompleteness. Besides, this attraction is just a 10-minute drive away from the city’s center from Calle Crisologo. This vast 20-hectare property turned into a zoological park is owned by former Governor Luis “Chavit” Singson located in Barangay Salindeg of Vigan City. It has his monumental mansion with resort complex lying in hectares of land that stretches from the rolling plain towards the hills. On top of his mansion is a rewarding view of Vigan City and the tranquil South China Sea. Most of the animals housed in this zoo are imported from the Middle East, Africa and in some parts of Asia. It offers a free pony ride drawn in a carriage.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How much is the entrance fee:  Free

What is the operating hours?

               8:00 A.M. (Opening Time), 4:30 P.M. (Last Entry), 5:00 P.M. (Closing Time)

What is the schedule of the Animal Shows:

               There are three schedules:  10:00 A.M., 2:00 P.M. and 4:00 P.M.

A P50 per person ride  thru golf cart shuttle

There is so much to do and enjoy when you are inside Baluarte.  A half day will not be enough to visit and enjoy all its attractions.  Snacks and refreshments are available inside from their food stalls and stores.  I assume that this golf cart shuttle ride is just new, because the first I visit this park, I only saw some ponies where kids are allowed to ride with it.

An intimate union with the roaming animals inside the park

Guests have the option to go near the animals with caution.  I have seen a couple of ostriches roaming freely in one part of the park. There were few species of animals like donkeys, antelopes and the chital or spotted deer which were freely roaming around the park and kids can even touch them if they are accompanied by adults.

Caged animal species

Zebras are the species being caged inside the park.  Other animals being caged here are: 8 Bengal tigers, 2 leopards, 6 white lions, snakes, pythons, crocodiles, monitor lizards, iguanas, eagles, peacocks and owls. I remember that during my first visit, there were camels whom the guests can take pictures touching them with the presence of park rangers.

Animal mascots at the entrance (Models: Russel A. Po and daughter Cheska Marie)

Not all animals are live and real.  To entertain the kids, there are animal mascots at the entrance where kids can play with. Some of these mascots would even voluntarily play with infants while being carried by their adult companions.

Park rangers assist the kids who are riding the ponies

Aside from riding from the ponies, a father-and-daughter or a mother-and-son, can also have a tiburin ride being carried by a pony.  A tiburin ride is a light carriage with two wheels pulled by a ap pony resembling to a chariot in form, though a chariot is not a light carriage.

Animal feeding

Guests are not allowed to feed the animals with any kind of food or leftover.  You need to buy it in a store with the kind of feed the animal eat like the monitor lizard on the picture above.

The souvenir and pasalubong store

Filipino tourists are fond of buying souvenir items and pasalubong items whenever they are on travel and Chavit Singzon has that in mind, too.  This is the reason why he also welcomed concessionaires to sell items like souvenir t-shirts, accessories and other local delicacies.

The Catholic chapel inside the park

Conveniently,  guests can also visit the chapel inside this safari park.  Maybe, aside from masses to be held, booking  for weddings can also be accommodated here.  I am sure, but this just came to me as an idea.  Prenup pictorials would also be perfect with the backdrop of roaming animals.

The interior of the park's chapel

The tall golden building on the right is Chavit's private mansion

The Baluarte where animals show is hosted

The following pictures were taken from the free animals show.   The hosts ask the audience to participate on the show by holding the animals being used for the show.  If not, they are allowed to touched while the hosts are carrying it live.

There is also the Safari Gallery.   In the gallery room, it accommodates Chavit'z hunting trophy collection, the head of the animals he hunted in various parts of the world, since hunting is his hobby.  As this collection is growing too big, he decided to put up this Safari Gallery.  His intention is for people to see exotic animals without going to other countries just to these animals.

You might  also refresh yourself by visiting their ice cream store.  Remember, it is very hot in the park and one needs to cool himself.

The ice cream parlor

Below is the original blog post:

The vast acres of Baluarte Zoological Park

Aside from sprawling zoological park setting, most of its part have landscaped garden complete with nature pools. Visiting the place is quite engaging as there are a lot of attractions to make all guests busy like experiencing the butterfly farm like a butterfly aviary, a skeet shooting range, feeding animals like flamingos, Albino Burmese python (Scientific name: Python molorus bivittatus), monkeys, swans, ostriches, spotted deer and the one-hump camel where I found it very tamable. These animals are fenced only.

The butterfly garden contains thousands of kinds of butterflies which according to the assisting staff, are endemic to the Philippines.

Free pony ride at Baluarte Zoological Park

Like Manila Zoo, we also saw caged animals like Indian rock python (Scientific name: Geochelone elegans), Indian Star tortoise (Scientific name: Python molorus), reptiles, birds, green iguanas (Scientific name: Iguana iguana), palm civet cats (Scientific name: Paradoxurus hermaphrodites), peacocks, lions, Bengal tigers and the Philippine cloud rat which is endemic to the Philippine Cordillera region.

One of the one-hump camels in Baluarte

I remember when I had a Safari Tour in Bangkok, where the park personnel would normally have scheduled show when to introduce the animals to the guests which we experienced also in Baluarte.

Taming a one-hump camel

Near the entrance, I saw parrots, Nicobar pigeon (Scientific name: Caloenas nicobarica) and Luzon hornbill (Scientific name: Penelopides manillae) where guests can have a closer look and take pictures with. What screwed my attention was when I heard a voice saying “Pangit ka! Pangit Ka!” where when I turned my head, I was amused to find out that it was a parrot saying those words which means in English, “You are ugly! You are ugly!”

For Catholic guests, this tourist spot has a pink chapel and another added attraction is a lighthouse. Indeed, visiting this park will give a guest a complete experience.

Touring around the park through free pony ride

Guests are assured of signs posted at some points of the park that all these amenities are for free as long as Mr. Chavit Singzon can afford its maintenance. As a form of help from the tourists, they buy pet food sold inside the park. With this, the guests are helping to maintain the park for its operation.

Enjoying the cool park amenities

HOW TO GET THERE

Take a bus from Manila via Partas, Dominion, Philippine Rabbit by 9 – 10 hours to Vigan City for a distance of 404 kilometers and another 10 minutes drive from the heart of Vigan City to Baluarte. Partas Transportation Company offers the best and comfortable ride with its air-conditioned buses equipped with only three seats across and have better reclining positions. You may check this link for Partas bus operation schedule

Alternatively, through by air which is flying from Manila to Laoag International Airport for three times a week for 70 minutes either by Cebu Pacific or Philippine Airlines. Laoag City is 2 and a half hours or 82 kilometers away from Vigan City.