Charming San Fabian
By Arleah C. BainganPhoto by Jose Mari dela Cruz
If you decide to go beach hopping in Pangasinan, you wouldn’t have a hard time choosing which places to visit next because the waters of Lingayen Gulf covers a long stretch of fine beaches, even reaching parts of its neighboring province of La Union.
If you’re coming from the Lingayen town proper (which was the starting point of our itinerary), you can try going eastwards and explore the beaches of San Fabian, a mere one-hour drive away, just after the town of Binmaley and Dagupan City.
Binmaley being a coastal town boasts of vast fishponds and tagak birds to the landscape. Yes, photo opportunities see you through a nice nature trip here. This town has also a flourishing wood furniture-making industry. Along the highway, I spotted a long line of stores displaying their latest styles. A Cleopatra living room set with intricate carving (usually takes a month to finish) goes for a bargain price of P35,000. While a dresser with equally ornate design is up for sale at P12,000.
The next stop is Pangasinan’s most progressive city, Dagupan. The lifestyle here is typical of any urban community—fast-paced, busy, center of trade.
This is in contrast with what is in San Fabian—calm and quiet but nonetheless charming with its simple design—town hall, schools, old church.
Since I’ve been here before and enjoyed the experience, knowing what to expect made me anticipate my coming back.
Tracing my roots in the eastern side of Panga-sinan, the San Fabian Beach is the nearest I can point to friends who ask for a nice swimming and fun place beyond the pool resorts near our area.
Every time the topic about beaches comes up, we would talk about our experiences in the place—its fine charcoal gray sands; the warm, clear waters that sparkle under the summer sun; the gentle depth of the waters that are most enjoyable when you frolic with friends and family—all good memories. And of course, the familial comfort pervading the place.
When Joyce Bernal. Officer-in-charge of the San Fabian PTA Beach Resort (SFPTABR) gave a tour of the resort, all the good memories I had of the place were reinforced. Now, there are more and more reasons for me to explore it.
The SFPTABR is located at barangay Bolasi. It has been one of the favorite resorts of both local and tourists for years. Recently, recounts Ms. Bernal, a foreigner guest had nothing to say but good things about its waters and ambiance.
Although the beach is its main attraction especially during summer, there are other reasons why you would want to spend time at the resort.
For one, it has historical value. Formerly known as “The Presidential Resthouse,” it was established during the time of former President Ferdinand Marcos, and served as a place for the First Family to unwind whenever they are within the area. Judging from the native theme that was used for the main building (where the reception is found); it pretty much captured the feel of living in a bahay kubo with added amenities of course.
The veranda for instance is a big, open space that also serves as the dining area. Here, you can dine al fresco, courtesy of the sea air that comes from the nearby beach area. The main building houses the room fit for a President. On the left side is a two-story suite that accommodates four to twelve people. If you want to try a “Presidential” lifestyle even just for a weekend, then this is the one for you. Imagine the relaxing high-ceiling architecture, spacious bedrooms and bathtub in the luxe toilet and bath. The second floor is just as enchanting with a front door opening to a huge veranda that overlooks the San Fabian beach.
The resort also has a conference hall, swimming pools, videoke station and picnic sheds.
Now, if these do not charm you enough, I don’t know what will.
Bolinao Beckoning
By Arleah C. BainganPhoto by Jose Mari dela Cruz
Bolinao… China Sea borders it on the northern and western sides, Lingayen Gulf on the eastern portion and rolling hills and plateaus on the southern area. Known as Pangasinan’s “Gateway to the World,” it prides itself with the quiet charm of its white sands beaches and sprawling resort strip. Going to Bolinao used to be a private adventure wherein you have to rent a private house so you can stay a night or two. But now, it’s a progressive tourism spot, though not commercialized. It has maintained its modest attractiveness up to this time. If it’s any testament to its natural beauty, its beaches were used as location for such local movies like “Ang Pinakamagandang Hayop” starring Ruffa Gutierrez, a former Miss World Second Princess; and “Dyesebel” with Charlene Gonzalez as lead, a former Bb. Pilipinas-Universe titleholder. Both lead stars being both beauty queens may be incidental but one thing certain is that Bolinao’s beaches are a raving beauty and can compete with the best. From Manila, it is a seven-hour trip by land up north. With the laidback scenery during the trip, the traveler is primed for a day or two of relaxation and commune with nature. Roads leading to the place give numerous opportunities for side trips. It is located on the northernmost tip anyway, so you can get a glimpse of Pangasinan’s western portion, characterized by bustling, coastal communities. Noting that the province is not bereft of historical significance, old churches are aplenty along the way and so do old houses, each town’s fresh produce, farmlands and trees typical of rural northern areas. During the summer months, you can see mango trees with its flowers in full bloom. The riverbanks and seashores on the other hand boast of colorful bancas, thriving fishponds and little talipapas (mini wet markets) with the day’s fresh catch. Photo opportunities here are those of typical rural landscapes. Including the people, which I assure are warm and hospitable, the trip is worth it. Fast-tracking to the destination doesn’t at all shortchange the traveler. Bolinao is abundant with caves, another main attraction of the town. Be sure to include in your itinerary the three caves that you wouldn’t miss anyway: Enchanted Cave, Wonderful Cave and Cindy’s Cave. Like most other caves, the ones here are just as awesome. If you fancy lighthouses, there are two that can be found here, The Cape Bolinao Lighthouse in barangay Patar and Port Bolinao Lighthouse in Guiguiwanen, barangay Luciente 1. But since you’re staying within the beach area anyway, the former is most accessible as it is just nearby. The Cape Bolinao Lighthouse is a historical site. It was constructed by Americans, British and Filipinos in 1905 and has an elevation of 250 feet according to Bureau of Geodetic Survey. Its tower’s height reaches 101 feet from base. The view from the top was awesome. There’s a view deck provided for curious tourists but the best place to be is at the top of the tower. Here you can see Bolinao’s spectacular shoreline and the vastness of the China Sea. A few minutes away from the Cape Bolinao Lighthouse is the Patar White Beach, it is but one of the numerous beach resorts found in the area. This particular place is run by the people of barangay Patar themselves. It is inevitable to frolic on the white sands and swim to your heart’s content on its serene, clear and clean waters. It is an ideal swimming escape since the waters are shallow even during high tide. There are other things to do here. Since Filipinos love to sing, there is a videoke station where you can show off your vocal prowess. Native huts abound. Parking fee is also cheap and definitely not a problem. Other resorts along the strip offer other conveniences. Treasures of Bolinao used to be a private rest house but is now open to the public and is enjoying full bookings because of its scenic view of the beach. From the view deck of the Cape Bolinao Lighthouse, this resort is the one with long white bridge where you can just enjoy the sea breeze. During low tide, there is a portion here within the rocks that look like an oasis. It is like a natural swimming pool. And because it is more like a shallow crater, ideal for children. There’s a mini-chapel inside the resort so that makes the place a good wedding venue. For world-class amenities and convenience, Puerto del Sol is fast becoming the byword when you talk about vacationing in Bolinao. It is a thoroughly modern resort/hotel with theme rooms (Mediterranean and Filipino) and contemporary landscape. They offer a guided tour. They have a swimming pool, chapel, and souvenir shop among other facilities. Its beach front is a sight to behold. High tide means gradual water depth and floating native huts adorning the place. There are other lodging houses still to choose from. If you choose to have a picnic by the beach, there are fish stalls that sell fresh catch such as papakol and tulyasan. If you’re lucky enough you can go fishing and actually catch these staples since they are native to Bolinao waters. And don’t forget to sample the plump and succulent Bolinao bangus. Simply delicioso. Indeed, this place is a haven for those who seek to enjoy nature’s gifts.
Caramoan Islands: Cam Sur's Hidden Paradise
By Arleah C. Baingan
It's located in the sleepy Camarines Sur but the crushed coral sands and serene sea are worth the trip.
For those who are looking for a different kind of thrill and adventure, then this is the place to explore. The travel starts with a 30-minute plane ride from Manila. From the Naga airport, there are shuttle services that will take you to the port. An hour of ferry will take you then to the lodging houses that will serve as your base for better times ahead.