Potipot Island

Potipot Island

Where is Potipot Island? It is that cute little isle that looks like an oasis of peace in a troubled world, that you won't resist its charm once you catch a glimpse of it. So where is Potipot Island?

 Potipot is located in Uocon,  Candelaria, Zambales, a small paradise dedicated to all the island and beach lovers!

Candelaria town proper

Candelaria, Zambales can be reached by land from Manila for about 4-5 hours in a private vehicle but if you're taking a public transportation it would probably take 5-6 hours. It is 42 km away from the capital town of Iba, Zambales. Candelaria has a rustic ambiance, the ancestral houses and old structures gives an impression that this town existed from a former period of history. The narrow paved streets as well as with the old and huge acacia and pine trees alongside adds more texture to its appearance.

Will take you to paradise!

From Candelaria town you can take a public transportation going to Dawal Beach, which is the jump off point to the island. You can hire a boat from the resorts along the beach in Dawal going to the little island which would only take 5 minutes! Isn't that quick enough?

Potipot Island has a land area of  approximately 7-8 hectares, in fact you can walk around the island in less than an hour without hurting your feet because of its fine white sands. It is teeming with trees which gives shelter to tourists and clear water where one can frolic and swim with the fish!

Potipot Island is becoming popular among local and foreign tourists, it is a quick weekend getaway with your family, relatives and friends. It could also be a perfect venue for company outings and
pre-nuptial photoshoot!  On the other hand, there are no resorts in the island so you have to book an accommodation in the resorts in the mainland. If you're really that adventurous, just bring a tent and food...and you'll survive! But I have to remind you that there are no toilets available in the island so just let your inventive skills carry on with it. Just don't leave your trashes in the island, there are few caretakers who maintains cleanliness and order in the island, so please let us not be a burden to them. Thank you for reading.

HOW TO GET THERE?

1. Take a bus going to Sta. Cruz, Zambales and tell the driver to drop you in Candelaria. Take a tricycle and tell the driver to drop you at the beach resorts near Potipot Island. There are boats which takes tourists in the island which only takes for abou 5-10 minutes.

2. If you're driving a car, take NLEX exit at Dau. Drive towards SCTEX exit at Tipo going to Subic Base exit at Subic town. You'll pass by several towns in Zambales, just follow the signage going to Masinloc and Candelaria. Travel time is 4-5 hours.

Coron Island 2

On my last day in Coron, I got up early to view the sunrise on Mt. Tapyas. They say your trip in Coron wouldn't be complete without going to Mt. Tapyas and witness the spectacular view of Coron Islands. From the town proper you would see the big cross prominently standing on top of the mountain, you must endure the 700 steps going to the peak which sounds very challenging for me. Mt. Tapyas is 210 meters above sea level and the second highest mountain in Coron and it would only take less than an hour before you reach the summit.

I started trekking at around 5 am and I have to be quick before the sun rises! The concrete stairs is steep but you wouldn't get exhausted for there are benches alongside so tourists can have time to breath and restore more energy.

The sun is about to rise and I have few more steps to reach the summit! I climbed as fast as I could before the sun beats me...and as I stepped on the landing I hurriedly ran because the sun was already peaking!

Behind the silhouettes of the mountain range, a golden sun arises a sign for another beautiful day ahead bringing cheers to all who would like to wander and enjoy the beauty of the island!

From the top you would witness the overlapping view of the Calamianes group of islands as it was beamed by the soft rays of the sun, I didn't waste a moment and took continuous shots of this view for it would take time before I could see this event again. There are huts in the mountain and from there you would see the breathtaking view of Coron and you'll be stunned!

This was the overlooking view of the islands on the other side of the mountain, the trail on this picture is the dirt road going to the summit, but it is longer than the usual paved stairways so if I were to choose I would prefer to hike on the stairs because it is safer, but if you're that adventurous go ahead and just enjoy the moment!

From another vista, the port of Coron is visible. You know, I consider myself very lucky for I have been to Mt. Tapyas before it was devastated by typhoon "Yolanda" in year 2013. "Tapyas" when translated in english is "trimmed", and I have questions in my mind until now why it is called Mt. Tapyas. And now that the huge cross on its peak was blown away and destroyed by this ruinous typhoon, I guess I know why or was it just a coincidence of fate? But I know someday this huge cross will stand up and be lighted again, and will serve as an emblem that Coron has recovered its beauty and strength and forever shall not be beaten by any force of nature.

It is very easy to go to Mt. Tapyas, from the municipal office just walk going to the direction of national road and you'll find a signage going to the mountain. Thank you for reading. 

The Baroque Churches Of The Philippines

The Philippines is the third largest Catholic country in the world and one of the two Asian nations with the most number of Catholic population. The Spaniards played a major role in the propagation of Catholicism in the Philippines when they colonized the country for three centuries. Mass baptisms, the dissemination of Catholic beliefs by the Spanish missionaries and the construction of churches in the localities were the leading factors to the conversion of most Filipinos to Roman Catholics. Despite the resistance of the Filipinos during those times, churches, as the iconic symbol of the faith were prevalently built in most regions in the Philippines. These churches were built in different architectural designs and with accordance to the geographical location and physical conditions in the archipelago.  At present, there are just about 6,000 Catholic churches in the Philippines and four among them, bears the inscription of UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is their architectural ensemble, well-maintained authentic features and its religious significance to the society attributed to its recognition in the  World Heritage List.

The four Baroque Churches in the Philippines were built in the 16^th century and are located in separate areas in the Philippines. Baroque is an architectural design popular during the 16^th  to 18^th century which is characterized by elaborate ornamentation and extravagant decorations which is apparently represented by these four churches. Two of them are situated in the Ilocos region, one is in the capital city of the Philippines and the other is in island of Visaya.

The Church of Nuestra Señora dela Asuncion in Sta. Maria, Ilocos Sur, was built in 1765 on a hill. The brick church was built in a simple but elegant manner which corresponds to the way of life of the locals.  A leaning octagonal bell tower was built a distance away from the main church which is reinforced by  thick buttresses attached to the walls as protection from possible earthquake damages. Although there’s an easy access to the church by driving through the narrow pavement at the back of the church leading to the parking area, it is more interesting to ascend on its wide 83-steps piedra china staircase on foot. Legend tells, that before the church was erected on its present site, the statue of the Virgin Mary usually disappears from its place of enthronement, only to be found near a  guava tree which grew on the hill and where the present church stands, the story of the Virgin Mary standing beside the tree was sculpted in one of the buttresses of the church.

Just an hour and half drive away from Ilocos Sur is the town of Paoay in Ilocos Norte, where the Church of San Agustin is found. Completed in 1710, the Paoay church is a perfect example of “Earthquake Baroque”, represented by its fourteen flying buttresses decorated with spiral carving that adds gracefulness to the structure. Its detached bell tower made from coral stones stands proudly beside the church that withstands several strong earthquakes  that hit the town. The beautiful church in the middle of the town plaza, creates a nostalgic atmosphere especially on twilight hours when it becomes more inviting to wander around the place.

The other Baroque church  in the island of Luzon is the Church of San Augustin which is located in the historical walled city of Intramuros, Manila. Built in 1589 and originally known as “Inglesia de San Pablo” is the oldest stone church in the Philippines.  The bell towers of the church are attached to the main structure but unfortunately; the left tower was removed due to a huge crack caused by a strong earthquake that struck Manila. Unlike the other Baroque churches, its buttresses do not extend outward from its walls but they are made into a series of splendid chapels on both sides of the church.  The tomb of Miguel Lopez de Legaspi (founder of the city of Manila) is a tourist attraction and can be found in one of its chapels. Aside from being one of the most popular church  for wedding rites, it also holds a collection of ecclesiastical artworks and rare books which can be found in the church museum. The San Agustin church was declared by UNESCO as World Heritage Site in 1993.

The Church of Santo Tomas de Villanueva in Miag-ao, Iloilo was completed in 1797, it is erected on the highest  point of Miag-ao and the towers were built as post from Muslim raids. The façade and the color of the church  is full of vigor and high spirits with its extravagant carvings which describes the abundance of life as portrayed by St. Christopher dressed as a Filipino farmer. The coconut tree which is easily recognized on the façade and where St. Christopher clings to, tells a legend about a loving mother giving the tree to her children as the only bequest in order to sustain them for life. It is amazing to see and think about how the story line of life during those times was expressed on the façade of Miag-ao church. Can you imagine?

The Baroque Churches in the Philippines including the hundreds of beautiful churches in different parts of the archipelago built during the Spanish regime could be an emblem to the Spanish hierarchy that we were once under their power. But for the Filipinos it is a great symbol of courage, patience and perseverance and knowing that within those walls, buttresses and façade were taken from God’s creation, it has a spirit and faith as sturdy as these structures that no men could take away again the freedom we Filipinos are enjoying at present.

Coron Island 1

It is the season to bring out all your summer kits again and plan for your trip this summer! And whenever I asked friends what tourist destination would they like to go? CORON! Sure? SURE! Well this place is always on the top 5 of their list and I highly recommend it. I was lucky enough to be invited by a friend who owns an island in Coron for I have been dreaming of going there for a long time and I finally did so I'm sharing my experiences of my Coron trip. 

The municipality of Coron and other nearby islands covers part of Busuanga Islands, the main industries are fishing and tourism being a popular diving location. Its landscape and seascapes and all kinds of scapes are so amazing that you could just stay there forever.  It was Don Nicolas Manlave Y Ledesma, a native of Cuyo who gave Coron its name, derived from a bay which looked like an earthen pot. Coron is a Cuyunon word for "pot", which gave the answer to my curiosity of that big pot in the town plaza.

 

 
I walked around its unembellished alleys to familiarize myself and Coron has still maintained its charm of rural life. There were few modern commercial structures as compared to a number of old structures and thatched huts in the town proper. Huge acacia trees are lined on its streets that gives shades to everyone,  they have a simple municipal hall which stands just right in front of their town plaza where locals often spend their lazy afternoons.

On my first day in Coron and after a walk around the town, we went to Maquinit Hot Spring, it is a large pool warmed by the geothermal water spring in the area. The temperature on that day was so hot and I thought that taking a dip in the hot spring wouldn't be favourable. The water is hot, very very hot! I tried to immerse my toes for a while and I just can't stand it even if they say it is good for the body...still a NO! I spent my time in Maquinit taking pictures all around since the view of the ocean from where I am standing was fantastic! Later on, I was informed that the best time to go to the hot spring is during sunset when the temperature is cooler or after a day of island hopping and diving and you just want to unwind...it would be perfect!

The next day we prepared ourselves for the island hopping, and I was so excited! The sky was blue and the cotton clouds went passing by, as seen on its reflections on the ocean. The Market Pier were packed with tourists, the boats were all lined up on the shore, and waited for my friend's boat which will take us to his island. The Malapinya Island, is not a tourist destination, it is a limestone island, the kind of limestone we often see in tile factories manufactured for flooring and other purposes...how lucky that guys is. We had our lunch and spent some time swimming and trekking around the island and later on moved to our next destination...Kayangan Lake.

Coron has the freshest seafood sold in the market, they have a variety of seafood from crustaceans, to tuna and even meat products. We bought some for our island hopping adventure and it is really delicious, from these food served on the table, I don't know what to choose and eat first. Really delectable!

Our next destination is behind those series of limestone cliffs which stands like a barrier to a secluded sanctuary that needs to be protected. The closer I get to these enormous natural walls the more I get determined to pass across them, eager to see what they are hiding.

The boat passed through a small passage in between limestone and there I saw numerous boats docked and tourists climbing on a narrow wooden stairs. I followed and went up and learned that they are all going to Kayangan Lake and I wondered how could a lake be up there somewhere? Anyway, before arriving to the lake, I took a photo of one of the most photographed view in Coron and that view is so incomparable to all the landscapes that I saw...it is stunning!

Coron Island has also come to be known for Kayangan Lake, tagged as the cleanest lake in the Philippines and and for an entrance fee of 200 pesos (2013 rate) you're good to go! You swim and snorkel and watch the rock formations underneath its pure and pristine water. Just do not forget to bring goggles, fins and snorkel, to see the rock formations under and I'm telling you it's magnificent!

Well, time to go and hop to another island which I don't know the name, but it is a little island surrounded by limestone, with fine white sands and small huts where we ate snacks and swam for a while. It is probably one of Coron's numerous islands perfect for snorkeling and deep sea fishing. And the time we spent in this island is quite relaxing.

It is already late in the afternoon the sun begins to set, the color of the blue skies starts turning yellow and I must catch the sunset. Waiting for the sun to set in the middle of the ocean is really exciting and I can't help but keep an eye from time to time if it is about to go down, and before we get to the docking area, the golden reflections of the sun on the ocean looks so wonderful! I have to take a photo of sunset in Coron because this would be my first and last time to capture it.

Well it was getting dark, it was a long day and I needed to freshen up and rest and prepare for the following day of adventure. The blog is getting longer and I have more to write about Coron, there are so many things to show and describe Coron, I am running out of words now. So until my next blog!!

By the way, we stayed at Coron Ecolodge, it is located along Calle Real, just walking distance from the Municipal Office. The room is clean and air-conditioned, for more information please click the link:  Coron Ecolodge .