Remarking Bolinao...

The town of Bolinao in Pangasinan is known for its lighthouse and its powdery, golden sand beach.

According to tales of the old, Bolinao was named after the couple named Bolido and Anao or Malinao.

There is this village named Ilog Malino. I wonder if it has something to do with the name Anao or Malinao, since the two names came up in the legend of Bolinao. Malinao which means "clear" being Anao, who love to bathe leisurely for hours. 

Again, just like previous travels when I am with lighthouses- awed, inspired, and excited to create stories at the back of my head. Lighthouses never ceases to amaze me especially the antiquated ones. Cape Bolinao was erected by the British, Americans and Filipinos in the early 1900s and considered the second tallest, next to Cape Bojeador in Ilocos Norte.

I remembered in my childhood, my grandmother traveled in this part of Pangasinan. She was a merchant. I was reminded of the banig or the floor mat she bought. I can still see the weave, and  the colors. She said it was one of the most beautifully prepared. I have no idea if the town is still producing mats to this day.

Bolinao can be reached by 5 hour land travel from Manila. Victory Liner and Five Star buses has direct trips going to and from Bolinao.

Cape Bojeador Lighthouse of Burgos

After the disappointments in Batac, I headed to Laoag and took Daxxel Bus going to Pagudpud.I dropped off at the Bojeador Lighthouse intersection. From there I walked about 15 minutes uphill to reach the carpark of Burgos Lighthouse. It's only the crazy and the adventurous walk uphill and I am all sweat. Haha. So before taking the stairs to the lighthouse, I ate ice cream to cool myself down. 

This is the 3rd time I'll be meeting with the Burgos lighthouse and I am always enthralled by their magnificence and their good old tales.

Cape Bojeador or Burgos Lighthouse was declared a National Historical Landmark and National Cultural Treasure by the government. This Spanish Colonial Lighthouse was first lit in March of 1892.

The present caretaker is the 4th generation warden of Cape Bojeador lighthouse.

Vigan City and the old world charm

In Vigan, the birds are chirping as early as 3 in the morning. 

Vigan city was established in the 16th century and became an important trading post in the early times. When Juan de Salcedo founded this town, he named it Villa Fernandina in honor of the son of King Philip II and later on renamed Ciudad Fernandina de Bigan. Vigan's name was derived from the river called Bigan. 

The city of Vigan is on UNESCO world heritage list. 

The good thing about Vigan is knowing you're safe to roam the streets even at night, but walking the calle Crisologo all by yourself when the whole town is asleep can be hair-raising, watching the street light flicker as you pass by the antiquated houses. 

 

From the Heritage city, every spot is just a walk away. It's almost sunrise and the Vigan church opened its side doors so I sneaked in. Then walked the Ilocos Sur Capitol grounds to the national highway and hiked to Bantay church nearby before heading to my next destination. 

Non-airconditioned buses ply the route bound Laoag on regular basis, but if you wish to go to Pagudpud or Cagayan, check GMW transit stationed in the gasoline station, very near the Vigan arch. 

*CLICK on thumbnails to show larger picture

Lucap Wharf in Alaminos

Alaminos is home to the Hundred Islands, a National Park situated in Pangasinan. About 6 hours away from Manila. 

Lucap is the jump off point to the Hundred Islands. This is where the outrigger boats are stationed. Here is where all cars are parked and where souvenir shops and some restos are lodged.

 Also in Lucap Wharf is where you can spot the gazebo with the statues of Chinese Pirate Limahong and Princess Urduja.

Cabongaoan Beach

If you've been to Hundred Islands and Bolinao beaches, 

try the Cabongaoan beach for a more "get away from it all" drama.

Located in Burgos, Pangasinan.

About 2 hours drive from Alaminos City. The bumpy ride, the rough road will lead you to a secluded, white sand, charming paradise.

  

I always mistaken Cabongaoan to Caboangan, 

it's the pronunciation, the latter is easier to say. =)

The modern lighthouse at the "end" of the beach.

Portions of the beach are rocky, wear a slipper or your beach shoes.

The beach is ideal to those who wanted privacy.

Dip at sundown is soothing, the water isn't that cold.

Watch the golden sunset.

One fine day at Caboangan Beach.

Cabongaoan beach has electricity. But if you wish to stay overnight, ask the caretakers if they can provide you with light bulbs. Also, bring mosquito net with you and your rolling mat including pillows for a more comfortable sleep. I am more than willing to try an overnight stay in those nipa hut cottages and catch the sunrise.