CAGAYAN STATE UNIVERSITY - ANDREWS CAMPUS

Location: Caritan Highway, Tuguegarao City, Cagayan Valley, Philippines

Cagayan State University Main Campus

Indeed, Tuguegarao City is not only the seat of Catholicism being the Archdiocese but also the center of education. One proof of this is having the Cagayan State University. In my city tour, I only walked from St. Paul University Philippines to Cagayan State University (CSU). But mind you, I did it under the searing heat of the sun as Tuguegarao is noted for being the hottest place in the Philippines.

Concrete benches and tables at the university

CSU Main Campus is known as Andrews Campus which is just one of the university’s 8 campus and the biggest one is the Carig Campus located on a 19.8 hectare land area which houses seven colleges offering 24 undergraduate program in the arts, agriculture, natural sciences, and technology.

The campus water fountain with the main building at the background

Andrews campus is very welcoming. It has concrete benches and tables where students and teachers alike can study or relax under the giant shady trees. Comfort rooms were well-maintained. I can also see some tourists roaming around there.

HOW TO GO THERE

By land, there are number of daily trips of Victory and Florida bus liners in Sampaloc of Manila to Tuguegarao City which runs 479.5 kilometers for a road travel via Pan-Philippine Highway/AH26 for 9 - 12 hours considering the traffic conditions along the way.

By air, Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific flights are available from Manila to Tuguegarao City.

ST. PETER METROPOLITAN CATHEDRAL OF TUGUEGARAO CITY

Location: Rizal Street, Barangay Centro 10, Tuguegarao, Cagayan Valley, Philippines

St. Peter Metropolitan Cathedral's nightscape

Tuguegarao which is a third class city with a total land area of 144.80 square kilometers as compared with Metro Manila of 619.6 square kilometers is almost ¼ the size of the latter. It was not as big as it is when I visited it in October 2000 being connected with Philippine National Bank. Unlike, Metro Manila, travelling is easier because we have jeepneys. But there, within the city, only tricycles are available. In some cases, the drivers take advantage especially to those who are not speaking Ilocano. Thus, I was hesitant to go out in my first day since I have no companions to charter a whole trip of a tricycle. It was in the evening that my companions were already available that we decided to go out for a visit to St. Peter Metropolitan Cathedral. It was late in Saturday evening and the church was already closed, but it was worth it.

The 18th-century baroque architecturally designed St. Peter Metropolitan Cathedral

Saint Peter Metropolitan Cathedral is also known as Tuguegarao Cathedral situated at the vast expanse of St. Peter and Paul Complex as the seat of the Archdiocese of Tuguegarao. This cathedral with the belfry is the biggest Spanish-built church in Cagayan Valley region. It was built by Spanish colonist and was constructed by the supervision of Fr. Antonio Lobato, OP on January 1761 to 1767. (Wikipedia)

The church plaza fronting St. Peter Metropolitan Cathedral

Since I was staying in Cataggaman Viejo, the cathedral was really far from where I stayed. Tricycle routes at first were very confusing. However, tricycles TODA officers were very much willing to assist. They would tell the driver, you charge him P12 for the route going to cathedral, which is the rate within the city. If the routes are quite far within the city, you need to ride again another tricycle to your desired destination, thus, it is another P12. You need to ride along with 4 other passengers. Students and PWDs are charged P10.

A crowded Sunday mass despite the COVID 19 scare

Upon hearing that the mass was in English, I was relieved because at least I can readily participate. However, the songs were in Ilocano and I can hardly follow how to read Ilocano lines confused where will be the accent and to syllabicate them when singing.

The social distancing of COVID 19 was disregarded inside the church

I was relieved again during the homily because the mass celebrant who happened to be a bishop had it in English. I knew then that a lot of church goers were tourists. They came in groups and families.

The altar as captured from an elevated choir's loft

A closer picture of the altar

HOW TO GO THERE

By land, there are number of daily trips of Victory and Florida bus liners in Sampaloc of Manila to Tuguegarao City which runs 479.5 kilometers for a road travel via Pan-Philippine Highway/AH26 for 9 - 12 hours considering the traffic conditions along the way.

By air, Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific flights are available from Manila to Tuguegarao City.

SAINT PAUL UNIVERSITY OF TUGUEGARAO CITY

Location: Mabini Street, Ugac Norte, 3500 Tuguegarao City, Cagayan Valley

The Gothic architecturally designed Chapel of St. Paul University Tuguegarao City

One of the famous landmarks of Tuguegarao City, is the Saint Paul University Philippnes (SPUP) founded on May 10, 1907 by the Sisters of Saint Paul of Chartres (SPC) in the Philippines, which also owns, manages, and operates 40 schools in the Philippines. It is running to 113 years in operation to date. It is the only University among the schools of the SPC Sisters in the Philippines, offering basic education to graduate school programs.

The eco-friendly campus of St. Paul University Philippines

It was originally as the Colegio de San Pablo by six nuns from SPC led by Mother Ephrem Marie Fieu. They came to the Cagayan Valley region upon the invitation of Bishop Dennis Joseph Dougherty. The school was initially hosted inside a Spanish convent adjacent to a cathedral. The institution changed its name to Colegio del Sagrado Corazon de Jesus in 1909 and later to Sacred Heart of Jesus Institution (SHOJI) in 1925. The school was moved from its previous location in a convent to a separate grounds acquired by the SPC from the Dominica Order due to increased number of enrollees and the expansion of its curriculum.

The spacious and world-class campus of St. Paul University Philippines

The school complex which was razed by the Allied forces after being used as a military garrison and hospital by the Japanese during the World War II Japanese occupation of the Philippines, has been changed by its name to St. Paul College of Tuguegarao (SPCT) in 1948 since it became the first Teacher-Training Institution in Cagayan Valley. It was first accredited by Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities (PAASCU) in 1961. However, the entire school complex was razed by fire on January 18, 1965.

Touring around the university campus

The school became the first university in Cagayan Valley in 1982. The school received accreditation from more bodies and institutions such as TUV Rheinland which gave the SPUP, ISO 9001 Certification in 2000 and the Asian Association of Schools of Business International in 2014. The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines through the Episcopal Commission on Culture (CBCP-ECC) designated the SPUP as a Catholic Center for Culture in 2012.

Source: Wikipedia

HOW TO GO THERE

By land, there are number of daily trips of Victory and Florida bus liners in Sampaloc of Manila to Tuguegarao City which runs 479.5 kilometers for a road travel via Pan-Philippine Highway/AH26 for 9 - 12 hours considering the traffic conditions along the way.

By air, Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific flights are available from Manila to Tuguegarao City.

THE STATIONS OF THE CROSS IN CALVARY HILLS OF CAGAYAN VALLEY

Location: Ajat, Iguig, Cagayan Valley, Philippines

Calvayry Hills in Iguig of Cagayan Valley

Calvary Hills is located in Barangay Ajat of the Municipality of Iguig, a municipality next to Tuguegarao City of the province of Cagayan Valley which is 19.3 kilometers from the city center of Tuguegarao for 35 minutes drive via Cagayan Valley Road/Pan-Philippine Highway/AH26.

Calvary Hills marker

This religious site is now considered the Mount Calvary of the Far East initiated by Rev. Fr. Rogelio Cortez and constructed in 1982. It is located in a sprawling 4 hectares of rolling hills overlooking the Cagayan River which resembles the Jordan River. This site features the 14 Stations of the Cross and larger than life-size concrete statues depicted Jesus Christ suffering before His death at Mount Calvary and likewise the giant statue of the Resurrection is now considered a major Pilgrimage tourist destination.

THE STATIONS OF THE CROSS

1st Station: Jesus is condemned to death

2nd Station: Jesus carries His cross

3rd Station: Jesus falls the first time

4th Station: Jesus meets His mother

5th Station: Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus to carry His cross

6th Station: Veronica wipes the face of Jesus

7th Station: Jesus falls the second time

8th Station: Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem

9th Station: Jesus falls the third time

10th Station: Jesus' clothes are taken away

11th Station: Jesus is nailed on the cross

12th Station: Jesus dies on the cross

13th Station: The body of Jesus is taken down from the cross

Unfortunately, I haven't seen the 14th Station which depicts that Jesus is placed in the tomb. Meanwhile, the following are pictures taken within Calvary Hills.

The scenic hills with the backdrop of residential houses

Students tend to use the spacious hillsides for practices, informal meetings and rehearsals

Facade of the 18th-Century San Antonio de Galicia Parish Church as an entry point to the Calvary Hills

The rear view of San Antonio de Galicia Parish Church

While at the 13th Station of the Cross

Photo taken by my service tricycle driver for the nth time

Yes! Calvary Hills is in the municipality of Iguig

HOW TO GO THERE AND OTHER CONCERNS

There are number of daily trips of Victory and Florida bus liners in Sampaloc of Manila which runs 479.5 kilometers for a road travel via Pan-Philippine Highway/AH26 for 9 - 12 hours considering the traffic conditions along the way. If you travel alone through DIY arrangement (which means cheaper by cost), it is highly recommended that you charter a tricycle from the Tuguegarao City to Iguig. Iguig is another town so, it is really very far. Try to haggle the price between P300 to P350, that is round trip. There are no public utility jeeps (PUJ) servicing these municipalities. The best time to go there is early in the morning and late in the afternoon. An entrance fee is charged for P10 per head.

As an alternative, coming from the city center of Tuguegarao, look for the trike terminal going to the van terminal going to Iguig. It will only cost P12 per head and maximum capacity is 5. The van going to the jump-off point of Calvary Hills cost P30 per head. From the jump off point, you can either walk or take another trike but it is not far trekking up the hill. Take the same route back to the city. Just a word of caution, vans going to the city are only up to 6:00 P.M. and trikes coming from Iguig may charge you round trip. It is safer in the morning.

One thing, I noticed. On my way to Iguig, I saw buses going to Sta. Ana of Cagayan Valley and Aparri, passing thru the same highway. But the problem is, if you will not charter a tricycle then, going back to Tuguegarao is a problem. While if you charter a trike, you have already a driver and photographer.

WHAT IS IN STORE FOR CAMSUR WATERSPORTS COMPLEX (CWC)?

Location: Provincial Capitol Complex Cadlan, Pili, Camarines Sur, Philippines

A souvenir photo in front of the Camsur Watersports Complex

This is the first quick tour we had from our Caramoan tour which is 121 kilometers drive for 3 and a half hours via Governor Jose T. Fuentebella National Highway and Governor Felix A. Fuentebella National Highway.

The watersports complex as viewed from a distance

CWC is a cable park in a 6-hectare land area with 6-point cable ski system designed for wakeboarding, wakeskating and waterskiing. It has state-of-the-art outdoor cable-ski water-sports complex, where overhead cables do the work of speedboats, towing boarders around the purpose-built water park, complete with jumps, rails and slides. It's fun to watch experienced riders performing tricks and flips, and beginners are welcome to have a go, with gear hire and instruction. The complex is 12 kilometers south of Naga in Pili.

CWC Aqua Inflatable Water Park facility

This complex is equipped with the following amenities: (1) clubhouse restaurant and bar which offers wonderful dishes and treats in a wide variety of dishes which include cuisines from Korea, Japan, Philippines and even some of Western flavor as well as the full bar featuring San Miguel beers and some tasty tropical delights; (2) cabana rentals if guests opt to stay with enthusiastic staff willing to serve needed food or refreshments; (3) swimming pool to cool yourself from exhausting watersports activity; and (4) skate park where it is open to the public free of charge featuring a 6 feet, half pipe, transitions and some street style stuff.

Just some of their promo rates

The above rates may vary from time to time and so it is advisable that before booking for any package to Camsur Watersports Complex, visit their website at http://cwcwake.com/web/.

How to contact them:

Address: Provincial Capitol Complex Cadlan, Pili, Camarines Sur, Philippines
Phone: (054) 477 3344 & (054) 477 3349
Mobile: +63 917 895 4156 & +63 999 889 3697
Fax: (054) 477 3347
Manager: Chris Hopf
Email: villadelreyreservation@gmail.com

HOW TO GO THERE:

By land, use this link. It is a land travel by Philtranco buses for 399 kilometers via Pan-Philippine Highway/AH26 which will range from 9 - 12 hours depending on the traffic condition. Tell the driver to drop you on the jumpoff point leading to CWC and a tricycle will take you there.

By air, fly through Philippine Airlines. For booking use their website the availability of desired flights. If not, get the nearest airport in Naga City which is 12 kilometers away.

A QUICK TOUR IN NAGA CITY

Location: Naga City, Camarines Sur, Bicol Region, Philippines

While at Plaza Quince Martires

I have been to Naga City for several times but due to my busy schedule I am not able to document it for a blog post. This specific post is just a part of my second Caramoan summer tour, after a quick stop in Camsur Watersports Complex of Pili City.

Naga is a second class independent component city in the Bicol Region, Philippines which is dubbed as the Queen City of Bicol. It is a part of the province of Camarines Sur. The town was established in 1575 by order of Spanish Governor-General Francisco de Sande. It has a total land area of of 8,448 hectares. It is consist of 27 barangays. It is 385 kilometers from Manila with an average travel time of 12 hours via Pan-Philippine Highway/AH26.(Wikipedia)

Our Lady of Penafrancia Basilica Minore

This basilica minore of Our Lady of Penafrancia has the following names: Nuestra Senora de Penafrancia in the Philippines, Nuestra Senora de la Pena de Francia or Virgen dela Pena de Francia in Spain is wooden statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary venerated in Naga City where this image comes from the original image enshrined in Salamanca, Spain. In honor of this image is a novena festivities every September as the principal Patroness and Queen of Bicol. (Wikipedia)

One of the images during the Penafrancia Festival (Remit2Homeblog).

The festival of Our Lady of Penafrancia draws which is held every September draws thousands of pilgrims not only from the Philippines but from the devotees outside the country. It even have a fluvial procession.

An image of Our Lady of Penafrancia Fluvial Procession in Naga City (Remit2homeblog)

I have not attended yet a celebration in Naga City of the Our Lady of Penafrancia festival or its fluvial procession but I am highly aware of this grand celebration among my from friends and colleagues who attend this annual celebration.

The interior Our Lady of Penafrancia Basilica Minore.

We stayed an hour at the basilica to offer some prayers and intentions and to buy some souvenir items. We strolled around the whole vicinity and find the place the best for meditation.

The iconic landmark of Plaza Quince Martires

From the the Basilica Minore of Our Lady of the Penafrancia, we had a short drive to the vicinity of Plaza Quince Martires for our lunch on a nearby Mang Inasal fastfood outlet.

HOW TO GET THERE:

If you opt not to avail of a travel package, the following are your options considering that you are coming from Manila:

1. Several bus companies are plying from Manila to Naga City which will take 12-14 hours, depending on the traffic conditions.
2. Fly to Naga thru Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific.

CARAMOAN ISLANDS ON MY SECOND VISIT: WHAT HAPPENED?

Location: Municipality of Caramoan, Camarines Sur, Bicol Region, Philippines

The picturesque sprawling green tropical island of Guinahoan

This is my second time to be in Caramoan. My first time was wayback April 9-12. 2009. It was not a good experience because the boatman we hired then had deceived us and we only visited two destinations, namely: Lahos Island and Hunongan Cove. We only had an hour in Lahos then and we were dropped in Hunongan Cove, a very rocky coastline inhabited with thousands of starfish. We waited there from 12:20 noon and we were picked up at around 6:00 P.M. by the boatman where we missed our lunch because the boatman told us that there was no need to get our things out from the boat since they will be back in a short while. However, we just find out that they were servicing another group of guests and so we ended up in a police station for a blotter and it was Good Friday then. The police officers (except for the chief of police who was drunk had intimidated us) demanded that we should not pay. The whole family of the boat operator confronted us because at the port, I was shouting in anger with what had happened. Thus, when I hear the word Caramoan, I am traumatized. Another consolation was being able to visit the shrine Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary, Queen of Peace.

Scenery in our long drive along the Caramoan Peninsula

This was what also happened during my second time, the package was good for five islands but we only had three because they told us that the two islands were being used for the filming of a Survivor Show where I forgot the name of the country. I learned that this is always their style. Deceiving the guests of the number of islands of the island hopping package but eventually, they will tell you, the other islands are not available because of Survivor Show filming. But anyway, this second time was more enjoyable than the first.

Guests being welcomed in the Caramoan town proper

Our trip package was a land travel of 19 hours from Mandaluyong City via Pan-Philippine Highway or AH26 for 510 kilometers. Driving along the Caramoan peninsula was such a long and endless zigzag-road drive. The first time I went there, we made use of the Sabang Port boarding a big boat going to Guijalo Port but this time, all land travel. I find the former to be a comfortable option than have the long drive along Caramoan Peninsula.

The 400-year old red brick church of Saint Michael The Archangel in Caramoan town built in 1619

Saint Michael The Archangel was our first stop in the town of Caramoan which is now a mother parish of four parishes: Sacred Heart Parish in Garchitorena, St. Dominic of Guzman Parish in Tabgon, Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage in Guijalo, and St. Anthony of Padua in Bikal.

Our accommodation at Airus Xander Front Beach Resort

As a background, Caramoan is a second class municipality in the province of Camarines Sur, Philippines. It is located at the tip of the Caramoan Peninsula, a rugged place of land extending into the waters of the Maqueda Channel on the north and east and Lagonoy Gulf on the south. The municipality covers approximately 277.41 square kilometers (107.11 sq mi) consisting of 49 barangays with approximately 71 kilometers (44 mi) of irregular coastline surrounded by the vast ocean, bay, seas and swamps. It is approximately 500 kilometers (310 mi) from Metro Manila; 95 kilometers (59 mi) from the municipality of Pili, where the seat of the provincial government and the Naga Domestic Airport are located; and 110 kilometers (68 mi) east from Naga City, the heart of Bicol.

The inviting coastline fronting our accommodation

We had such an excellent accommodation since its location was on the mouth of Sohoton River where it meets the Paniman Bay in Barangay Paniman and guests have the option to have water fun activities either in the river or beach front. It is just a few steps from our comfortable accommodation.

Ready to plunge on the beach while waiting for my companions

Here are some information you should know about Airus Xander Front Beach Resort. Book now!

There is so much to see on the neighborhood of the resort. You have so many options but we booked for the best accommodation we thought could give us the assured comfort we need.

Aha! You want a comfortable rest on one of the resorts' hammocks with quite a refreshing backdrop?

After our late sumptuous lunch, we readied ourselves for an exciting island hopping. The scene was quite dragging. We cannot find our boatman. Our tour guide was in search of him. We did not bother being exposed to the summer heat. What we want was to start the island hopping adventure.

This is our first island destination: Matukad Island

This island has prominent tall limestone cliff and unique formation with white sand beach (not as powdery as Boracay's but offers the same beach experience). It has a mystery lagoon that is believed by locals to be enchanted. Its aquamarine blue waters is just irresistible. You can not say no for swimming. I can see some guests having scuba diving and snorkeling.

There is a 360-degree scenery from a rock cliff climbing

Rock cliff climbing may not be good for kids or for those with weak foot work as there are some loose rocks on it. But mind you, the view from atop is quite rewarding. You can see the aerial view of the fascinating island.

There is always increasing crowd during weekends for beach goers

The beach line of the island can accommodate the most of more than a thousand guests. Staying overnight is not encouraged for it is a part of the municipal ordinance to maintain the cleanliness of the island.

Its aerial view gives you an idea on how many guests can be accommodated

After Matukad Island, we headed to Lahos Island and when we were just a kilometer away, our boat changed direction. The boatman was talking to somebody and when he was done, he told us that we cannot dock in Lahos Island because there is a filming of a Survivor show of one foreign country. It was disappointing. They could have informed us earlier. And so, our boatman brought us to a beach which I forgot the name. We also enjoyed the place. We played with the smashing waves. Quite a different experience for beginners.

A beach in lieu of Lahos Island not in our original itinerary

We were thrilled for the second day island hopping but we did not know where our destination was because there was a change in destination island. The boat travel was 1 hour and 15 minutes.

We ended up docking in Guinahoan island's port

The said island was in contrast different from the islands we visited with tall limestone rock formations. Guinahoan is an inhabited island with small community. It features rolling green hills resembling to that of the Marlboro country of Batanes though here cogon are tall in comparison with Batanes which are purely flat carabao grass.

A minor ascent from the port heading to the lighthouse

From the island's port, guests are greeted by the friendly locals mostly kids. There is a makeshift store which also sells halo-halo and buco. From that point, an trek ascent of approximately 15-20 minutes to reach the lighthouse.

Some cattle are raised by the locals as part of their livelihood

Nipa huts as shades from burning hot sun

It was very hot but everybody was amazed of the place and they rather made themselves busy for some pictorials. There was a 360-degree view of the neighboring blue seas, skies and islands at a distance.

The lighthouse in complete isolation

As I can see the lighthouse was not functional and in fact, you can see it in the above photo. Unlike other lighthouses that I visited in some parts of the country, this one is simply erected with no other annexed structures like that of Cape Bojeador of Ilocos Norte, Cape Bolinao of Pangasinan and Capones Lighthouse of Zambales.

Such a rewarding scenery from the island's lighthouse

One last glimpse of the island's vast expanse

We regrouped again at the port and we headed towards the other end of the island which is the Liwa white beach. It was very hot but the clear sea waters with very transparent sea bed was very inviting for a swim.

Guinahoan Liwa's white beach

The boat travel was around 20 minutes and presto! we ended up docking at a pristine beach typical of a tropical beach grown with "lambayong" in a Waray dialect.

The nipa cottages at Liwa beach that serve as the only shade for us

We were actually self-contained with food for lunch. Our boatmen helped us to cook our food including the grilled fish of fresh catch we bought from the port. Some had their swimming while waiting for the food to be served.

The captured scenery from the nipa hut with the backdrop of another distant island

After lunch, we had swimming in reckless abandon from the hot sun's exposure. We enjoyed every minute of our stay in the beach. After all, this might be just the first and last that we will be here.

Enjoying the hot summer along the beach (Model: Connie Quijano)

It was still early in the afternoon when we left the place and next destination was in a snorkel park of Sabitang Laya. It was a 40-minute boat travel from Liwa Beach.

Docked boats while guests are having snorkel

We stayed in this place for an hour. It was shallow but corals are sharp and so it was not safe to walk over the corals but rather swim and enjoy snorkel. The boatmen advised us not to step on the corals as they will die.

Obviously, I am not a fan of snorkel but I was there for a pictorial

The night that followed was memorable as we were served with a sumptuous dinner of seafoods and barbecue. Most importantly, we had a soundly and comfortable sleep in our airconditioned rooms.

An endless view of the countryside

The following day was our departure from a worthwhile experience and headed back from a picturesque countryside. From time to time, we disembark from our service vans to have a picture taking.

A viewdeck from the Municipality of Presentacion showcasing Mount Mayon

The long trip back to Manila was again a long one but it was not boring at all because we had a quick tour in Camsur Watersports Complex in Pili and Naga City, both cities of Camarines Sur.

How I wish that I can visit other beautiful islands of Caramoan including: Cotivas, Minalahos, Cagbanilad and Malarad and to experience the Manlawi Sandbar.

HOW TO GET THERE

If you opt not to avail of a travel package, the following are your options considering that you are coming from Manila:

1. Several bus companies are plying from Manila to Naga City which will take 12-14 hours. Then, have another transport from Naga City to Sabang Port. From Sabang Port to Guijalo Port will be by boat. Then, another 30-minute tricycle ride from Guijalo Port to Caramoan town.
2. Fly to Naga thru Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific. From Naga City is land transport to Sabang Port and then take a 2-hour boat to Guijalo Port and another 30-minute tricycle ride transport to Caramoan town.
3. Fly to Virac booking online at Trip.Com and take a 1-hour boat.
4. 2.5 to 3-hour drive from Legazpi City to Naga or Pili and take the same route like that of Options 1 and 2.

OTHER CONCERNS

For those DIY travelers, beware of dishonest local contacts and boat operators. In our second trip, the local contact decided to cancel our original accommodation reservation and they housed us into a small nipa/wooden house with only electric fans and infested with cockroaches because it was our local contact's house. Barely no plates, forks and spoons and we stand while eating. Just to learn that the local contact did not inform our Manila tour operator that we were booked to another house because he said that all accommodations are fully booked when the reservation was made earlier. Our boatman also did not give us the services for the agreed five-island hopping but only three. Once maybe a mistake but twice is already intentional.