Batanes a wonderful spot in the North

Batanes is the northernmost province of the Philippines. It is the smallest province in terms of land area and population. You will surely love this place. It is the best place for nature lover and people who love tranquility and serenity. This is where the Pacific Ocean merges with the South China Sea. Batanes is great for summer vacation, fishing, diving and hiking.

What makes Batanes unique?

One of the most notable facts about Batanes is its claim to a zero crime rate. Violent crime is unheard of on the islands and even petty theft is a rare occurrence. Visitors who misplaced or lost personal items are told to visit the local radio station in Batanes so that an island-wide bulletin can be aired. Locals who have found items are also likely to drop them off at the station.

Batanes’ Honesty Coffee Shop, believe it or not, there is no one minding the store. Instead, a clear plastic jar is left on the counter for customers to pay for their snacks and get their own change. It works under the honesty system. Softdrinks, instant coffee, candies, biscuits, noodles, chips and other snacks are available. This is one of the many things that make Batanes a unique place to visit.

Here are some other things that make Batanes unique among other tourist destinations in the world;

Batanes is a special place. Isolated from the rest of the country, it has evolved into a truly unique destination – unlike any other island in the Philippine archipelago. Batanes is absolutely pollution-free. No traffic jams. All you can see are beauty of nature.

Unique architecture of Ivatan houses made of thick lime and stone walls with cogon grass roof has made it a favorite attraction to visitors. They were built this way to endure typhoons that frequently hit the area.

Batanes is made up mostly of hills and mountains. Lush greenery tapers off to give way to stretches of sandy beaches and rocky shorelines.

Batanes is suitable to hardy, outdoor types who enjoy hiking over hills and vales, swimming and discovering a unique local culture, rather than indulging in material pleasures.

Tabon Cave, Palawan

The history of Palawan may be traced back 22,000 years ago, as confirmed by the discovery of bone fragments of the Tabon Man in the municipality of Quezon. Although the origin of he cave dwellers is not yet establish. anthropologist believe they came from Borneo. Known as the "Cradle of Philippine Civilization", the Tabon Caves consist of a series of chambers where scholars and anthropologists discovered the remains of the Tabon Man along with his tools and a number of artifacts.

There are several versions regarding the origin of the name "Palawan." Some contend that it was derived from the Chinese word "Pa-Lao-Yu" meaning Land of Beautiful Harbors. Others believed that it came from the Indian word "Palawans" meaning Territory. Still others say that it was derived from a plant which the natives called Palwa. But the popular belief is that "Palawan" is a corrupted form of the Spanish word "Paragua" because the main island's shape resembles a closed umbrella.

Spanish colonial structures like forts and lighthouses exist in the province. In Taytay, the historic Santa Isabel Fort is located. Built in 1667, under the Augustinian Recollect Fathers, the fort was used as a military station during that period. A small chapel and a cannon are still in the site. In Cuyo, one of the oldest and unique forts is found. The fort was built during the early Spanish period, purposedly to protect its people from its enemies. Within its walls are a church, a convent, a Perpetual adoration chapel which now are houses. A historical landmark in Brooke's Point is the Port Miller and Lighthouse Tower. Port Miller is a cemented water tank constructed as a source of portable water for the natives and the settlers. The original lighthouse tower constructed by Sir James Brooke is still visible but much of the area is now occupied by a new lighthouse tower. In Balabac, a century-old beacon to seafarers, called the Melville Lighthouse, was used to guide ancient marine vessels landward. Presently, it is a familiar landmark to the local folks.

Palawan is a champion of nature preservation. A unique institute called the Irawan Crocodile Farming Institute is located in National Road, Barangay Irawan, Puerto Princesa City. Also known as the hospital for the sick and disabled crocodiles, the institute aims to aims to preserve and conduct further research studies on endangered crocodile species. It also institutionalizes the use of the raw materials derived from crocodile skin for common purposes. The place, moreover, also maintains a mini-zoo, featuring some of Palawan's endemic animals.

Mt. Pulog Nueva Viscaya

Nueva Vizcaya, which is very mountainous attracts visitors to Mt. Pulog National Park. This is the site of the country’s second highest peak.

Dalton Pass is the gateway to Cagayan Region and, because of its strategic importance, was the scene of intense battle at the end of World War 2. A shrine has been erected to honor sacrifices of Filipino troops .

Kirang Pass has a monument erected by the Japanese to commemorate the gallantry of soldiers on both sides. Historic Spanish churches include St. Dominic Cathedral and Dupax Del Sur Church.

The Lion-Alayan Cave is a large horizontal cave system with an array of stalactites, stalagmites and columns with draperies, where water flows towards an underground river.

Feast Day of St. Clare of Assisi in Bayo,Iguig

The office of the Supreme Student Body and office of student affairs sponsored the mass at St. Clare Monastery on August 11,2011.The mass was conducted by Father Baculi who was the former parish priest at St. Rose of Lima parish at Annafunan West,Tuguegarao City.

The Schedule of Activities:

Novena Masses: August 2-10 5:30 PM August 11 – Thursday Feast Day Masses: Morning 6-8 AM & 10-11 AM Afternoon 2-3 PM & 5:30-6:30 PM Procession of the image of St. Clare @ 4 PM

Men whose wives have difficulty conceiving will carry the image of St. Clare in a procession at 4 p.m., Aug. 11, around the St. Clare Monastery in Iguig, Cagayan.

How to get there?

Take passenger jeep,tricycle, or van for just 15 minutes taking into the top of a hill. St. Clare Monastery is a too short distance from Tuguegarao.

Blue Water hotspot at Sta. Margarita Baggao,Cgayan

Feel and enjoy the lambent waters cascading the golden rocks towards the lagoon of the Blue Water Falls. Trek the trails and go higher the slopes! Grip through a giant vine with your barefoot and slowly creep up walls through the slippery rocks. Up, up, ti’ll you see the peak! Rest a bit and while away your time, explore the cave and feel the invigorating coolness of the mountain breeze, meditate and commune with Mother Nature. Blue Water Falls and Cave is the right place for us CAGAYANO'S!

Tuguegarao celebrates Pavvurulun festival on August 16

TUGUEGARAO CITY, Aug. 14 (PNA) -- The City Government of Tuguegarao will showcase the Ibanag culture and tradition in the celebration of Pavvuurulun Festival, the highlight of the 286th Patronal fiesta of the city from August 10 to 16.

Pavvurulun is an Ibanag word which means get-together.

It gathers Tuguegaraoenos to a weeklong festivities culminating with a mass and procession of the city's patron saint, St. Hyacinth, on August 16.

City Mayor Delfin Ting, released the schedules of activities featuring trade fair exhibit and selling at the Mall of the Valley, Bangkarera contest along Pinacanauan River, Pancit festival featuring pansit eating contest, street dancing competion, battle of the bands to be participated by elementary and high school students, Nuang Karera (Carabao race) and Kabayu Karera (Horse race) at the sports complex.

A music festival will also be staged featuring local bands and an LGU night honoring the people behind the yearly success of Pavvu-rulun festival.

On the other hand, President Benigno Aquino, Jr. , through Executive Secretary Pacquito Ochoa, Jr., signed the proclamation No. 12 declaring August 16 as special non-working holiday in the city in line with the celebration of Pavvurulun festival.

“The proclamation will give the people of Tuguegarao the chance to enjoy the various activities prepared by local government of Tuguegarao,” Ting said.