[ENGLISH] 10 Amazing Places in the island of Luzon to Visit after Quarantine 🌴

Even this pandemic stopped our normal lives, it wouldn't stop summer season here in the Philippines! Thinking of best places to visit after this quarantine? Well, here's a list of 10 mesmerizing places in the island of Luzon to appreciate and indulge the wonders of nature!

1. Saud Beach (Pagudpud, Ilocos)

Photo by Marieclaire04 for her review in tripadvisor.com.ph

Known as the jewel crown of Pagudpud, Saud Beach was also one of the best beaches in Asia because of its fine white sand, crystal clear waters, spectacular scenery and reserved attraction. Aside from all those reasons why you should visit this beach is that there is no too much people who are visiting this attraction making it not to be a commercialized place. You would love it more because there is no too much noise and pollution.

How to get there?

• By Land: There are certain bus stations that are bound to Ilocos province located in Cubao and Manila. The common bus companies for these routes are Florida Bus and Partas. You must ride buses that will be going to Vigan or Laoag. But it is advisable that you ride bus that is bound directly to Laoag. If you took bus going to Vigan, you’ll need to board again another bus bound for Laoag when you get there. Once arrived at the terminal of Laoag, take a tricycle to another bus station bound for Pagudpud. Alight at the Municipal Hall - several tricycles are waiting on that location for tourists to take them to their preferred resorts in Saud Beach. (Estimated total fare: P1,050.00 - P1,100.00)
• By Air: Either Philippine Airlines or Cebu Pacific Air have regular flights from Manila to Laoag International Airport. If you will be checking in at your booked hotel upon arrival or from the city proper, there are several tricycles waiting for tourists to take you on your preferred resort in Saud Beach.

2. Lahos Island (Caramoan, Camarines Sur)

Photo by jblaza for his review in tripadvisor.com.ph

Lahos island is a part of the famous Caramoan Island/ Caramoan National Park located at Camarines Sur. It's name came from the Visayan word "lahus" which means you can pass through and through because you can easily transfer on each side of the island easily. It is also considered as a small yet a stunning island due to its splendid super fine white sand, stunning rock formations and magnificent clear waters.

How to get there?

• By Air: You can have your flight either of the following airlines that are bound to Naga Airport or Virac Airport: PAL express, Air Asia or Cebu Pacific. It would take 45 minutes for you to arrive at the terminal.
• By Land: These are the bus companies that will bring you to the province of Naga: PhilTranco, Isarog Bus Co. and Peñafrancia Bus Lines.
• From Naga Central Terminal take a jeepney or a van bound to Sabang Port / Talisay Port in San Jose (1.5 to 2 hours travel time). From Sabang / Talisay Port catch a passenger boat bound to Guijalo Port in Caramoan (2 hours travel time). Public boats are only available from 7:00AM to 11:00AM. From Guijalo Port, ride a tricycle or motorbike to Bikal Port or wherever your accommodation is located.

3. Dicasalarin Cove (Baler, Aurora)

Photo by J.P. Leo Castillo for his upload in flickr.com

This beautiful getaway attraction is located at Baler, Aurora. It is known to be owned by the famous political family of Angara. This is open to all who wants to explore the cove but you should pay P300.00 for the entrance fee. The cove is your nearest gateway to the amazing Baler lighthouse. When you reach the lighthouse, it will give you a 360-degree view of the coast of Baler. Not only the lighthouse, but also of the unique features such as  white sand beach, amazing sanctuary of nature and blue clear waters of the cove that will make you to love it.

How to get there?

• By Land: Take a bus from Genesis Transport bound to Baler. It may take an approximate of 7-8hrs travel time for you to arrive at the province. Upon reaching the terminal, tricycle is the common mode of transportation. You can tell them to bring you at Costa Pacifica Resort. It is not necessary for you to stay at the said resort, you will just pay the entrance fee to enter Dicasalarin Cove.
• Secure a pass from Costa Pacifica Resort’s reception counter and they will also give you a map. Tricycle driver needs you to transfer to a motorbike going up. You can also hire a motorbike from Sabang beach straight to Dicasalarin cove so that you don’t need to transfer.

4. Tappiyah Falls (Batad, Ifugao)

Photo from www.cordilleranow.com

To reach the majestic hidden Tappiyah Falls, a challenging trekking is on your way. Tappiyah Falls is one of the wonders of Ifugao that the residents is really proud of. This 70-meter waterfalls will give you a relaxing feeling after climbing the world-renowned, amphitheater-like Batad Rice Terraces. The term "Tappiyah" is a local term that mean "splash". Get ready to have a tiring yet fulfilling journey on your way to Tappiyah Falls.

How to get there?

• By Land: Be prepared with the 8 to 9-hour travel from Manila to Banaue. You must take bus from Ohayami Transit, that is located in the corner of Lacson Street and Lacson Avenue in Sampaloc Manila. You can also ride buses of Dangwa Transit that is operated by Florida Lines. Upon arriving in Banaue, you can ride a tricycle going to Batad.

5. Valugan Beach/Valugan Boulder Beach (Basco, Batanes)

Photo by www.ttnotes.com

Valugan Beach is one of the hidden treasures of Batanes province. The 3-kilometer beach does not had the white sand that you wanted instead, numerous boulders fill the entire scenery. Swimming is prohibited and impossible because of the strong waves. What you will enjoy is the magnificent view and the amazing sunrise. You can also explore the whole beach by walking through the boulders. Loud whistling of the wind and splash of waves will make you feel overwhelmed and appreciate God's creation.

How to get there?

• By Air: You can book your flight from Philippine Airlines or Skyjet Airlines going directly to Batanes Airport. Coming from the airport or your preferred accommodation, you can reach Valugan Beach by riding a tricycle. You can hire a tricycle to be your service back and forth.

6. Minalungao National Park (General Tinio, Nueva Ecija)

Photo by www.tripadvisor.com

Considered as one of the few natural environments in Metro North, Minalungao National Park is a 2,108-hectare park that is included in the protected areas of the Philippines. This unique attraction is located in the center of Peñaranda River bordered on both sides by high limestone walls in the foot of Sierra Madre mountains. The park offers a scenery of breath-taking green pristine river and unique rock formations.

How to get there?

• By Land: Ride a bus from Cubao or Pasay that is bound to Gapan/Cabanatuan. Ask the conductor to drop you at Gapan. Upon arriving, ride a jeepney that is going to General Tinio and rent a tricycle going to Minalungao National Park.

7. Batlag Falls (Tanay, Rizal)

Photo by HendraXu for his review at tripadvisor.com

Finally, an attraction and getaway that is few hours away from Manila. Batlag Falls is situated in the same area of Daranak Falls (Tanay, Rizal), it will be just a 10-minute hike for you to be able to reach it. If you want to explore more falls located in the area, this one can be your destination. The hike might be a tiring one but upon reaching Batlag Falls, a very cool and refreshing water will wash away your weariness.

How to get there?

• By Land: You can ride either a jeepney or a van going to Tanay, Rizal. Those transportation can be accessed in Cubao and Mandaluyong (Shaw Boulevard). Once arrived in Tanay, you can hire a tricycle and take you to Daranak Falls.

8. Mt. Caglago (Caramoan, Camarines Sur)

Photo by Nikky C in her review in tripadvisor.com

Aside from Our Lady of Most Holy Rosary Grotto that is located in this mountain, there is a hidden treasure below and that is the unspoiled white sand beach in Mt. Caglago. After taking the 350-step staircase going to the top, take a splash in the clear, cool water of the beach.

How to get there?

• By Air: You can have your flight either of the following airlines that are bound to Naga Airport or Virac Airport: PAL express, Air Asia or Cebu Pacific. It would take 45 minutes for you to arrive at the terminal.
• By Land: These are the bus companies that will bring you to the province of Naga: PhilTranco, Isarog Bus Co. and Peñafrancia Bus Lines.
• From Naga Central Terminal take a jeepney or a van bound to Sabang Port / Talisay Port in San Jose (1.5 to 2 hours travel time). From Sabang / Talisay Port catch a passenger boat bound to Guijalo Port in Caramoan (2 hours travel time). Public boats are only available from 7:00AM to 11:00AM.

9. Hoyop-Hoyopon Cave (Camalig, Albay)

Photo by CraigM172 for his review in tripavisor.com

Hoyop-Hoyopon cave is one of the attraction that Bicol province is proud of because of its dirrefent unique rock formations. This is where our beloved ancestors found their safety during the Japanese occupation. It served as a refugee camp, hospital and orphanage. The cave is about 16 kilometers from the famous Cagsawa Ruins and can be reached within 20-30 minutes from the town proper.The term "Hoyop" in Bicolano means "blowing air in the wind". The cave was named after that because the fresh air inside it passes freely through the different openings.

How to get there?

• By Land: Ride a bus going to Legazpi or Tabaco - these bus companies are located in Cubao and Pasay. Tell the conductor to drop you off at Camalig. From the town proper, you may ride a jeepney bound to Barangay Cotmon and tell the driver to drop you off at the entrance of Hoyop-Hoyopan Cave. You may also hire a tricycle to take you there and back but it will be more expensive.

10. Tondol Beach (Anda, Pangasinan)

Photo by www.explora.ph

Tondol beach is considered as one of the hidden gem in the Philippines that is located in Anda, Pangasinan. The beach was described as having a "clear, azure waters" with "fine-cream white sand". During low tide, numerous sand bars appear in different areas of the beach, that will make other island/s easier to reach. Tondol beach is one of the perfect place where you can find peace, relaxation and refreshment.

How to get there?

• By Land: Ride a bus going to Anda, Pangasinan. If there is no available bus that is bound to Anda, you can still choose to ride the one that is going to Alaminos. From there, you can again ride a bus to Anda. After that, ride a tricycle going to Tondol.

Can't wait to visit all those places until this quarantine ends? Well, patience is a virtue 😂. Make your quarantine days productive. Plan ahead and make your itinerary, list all the things that you need to bring and don't forget to create your budget. Prepare your sunglasses and swimsuits because soon this crisis will end and you can freely visit all those amazing places!

[ENGLISH] There is still HOPE in the midst of this DARKNESS 💓

Are you feeling stressed and depressed because of the things that are currently happening now? And are you thinking that it seems that this kind of misery has no end?

You need not to worry on what you are feeling in the current situation because, as some psychologists say, all those emotions are normal. Numerous people might also feel what you are feeling right now. On the other other hand, they also advice that we should not dwell much ourselves in thinking that there is no hope in the middle of this darkness - because, believe it or not - there is still HOPE and we should not give up.

Panic buying of people, no work no pay policies, long lines for shops and ATMs because of social distancing, incomplete items of grocery stores, checkpoints on every corner, strict curfew hours, complete lock-down for a certain area - all these things are brought to us by the ongoing pandemic that is worldwide known as NCovid -19. It has been, I think, more than a month (March 11, 2020 to be exact) that the virus was declared as a pandemic by World Health Organization (WHO). As of the moment, there were cases of affected humans of more than a million. 

Let's summarize the virus with some details below:

"Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a new virus. The disease causes respiratory illness (like the flu) with symptoms such as a cough, fever, and in more severe cases, difficulty breathing. You can protect yourself by washing your hands frequently, avoiding touching your face, and avoiding close contact (1 meter or 3 feet) with people who are unwell." 
- www.wikipedia.com

Here in the Philippines, it was almost a month that the President Rodrigo Duterte declared an Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) for the whole island of Luzon. Later pronounced that it has been extended until the 30th of April. No public transportation, closed malls, closed stand-alone establishments, work from home arrangements, distribution of relief goods, shortened operating hours of shops for necessities and essential goods - these are the things that were included on the ECQ. Things that might added to your fear of what will be the future you'll be reaching to.

Given that Luzon was under ECQ, there were only certain people that were allowed to go to work and permitted to travel anywhere/where they should be going. These are the people that are now called "Modern-Day Heroes". These were the health workers for both public and private hospitals and health related establishments, staff of groceries and stores that are selling essential goods, police and soldiers, and media personnel that needs to broadcast news and updates in relation to NCovid-19. All of them are our brave front liners who were fighting for this battle since day one that the whole country is facing. Yet, they don't loose hope and still have the spirit of courage to beat our enemy that we cannot practically see through our naked eyes.

However, economy's growth has been dramatically decreasing because of this pandemic.  And worst, recession may follow throughout. Not only for our country, but for the countries all over the world that were affected. And you may now be thinking what will happen for tomorrow. Funds from the government is not unlimited and will be running out soon. Even the President seemed to be desperate on his last speech addressed for the people of the Philippines. And some experts said that economy will get stable after two years of fighting for this war. Most chief operating officers were now making big decisions for the stability of their companies.

We are all getting bored, stuck up on our own houses as of the moment. But we can't still deny that we have our fears in relation with our future - what will this war lead us to the months and years. Will still our dreams and goals be fulfilled on our expected time? This pandemic seemed to wash away our normal lives and gave unexpected events that we didn't thought they would happen.

Yet, there is still a light of HOPE that gives every people's fear to brighten up - hope that washes away the pandemic effect's on every human's lives. Have you saw the smiling faces of our front liners that are fighting everyday for this war? Those faces must be our motivation and light that this war will end soon. Soon enough that you have already the courage to stand and reach again your dreams that you needed to fulfill. This war might be the war the you will never forget. Hence, there were many lessons that were embodied into your life because of this crisis. Lessons that will be passed onto different generations.

Positively thinking, even if this crisis gave numerous negative effects, it gave us the time to bond with our families, the time that you didn't expect that we can have. You are now open with them and got to know more on each of our family members. You also got to be grateful that you have your family beside you during this kind of situation. And you can't deny that you unlock different household skills including how to cook and how to wash dishes. 😁 Kidding aside, this fight also taught us the value of frugality and being thrifty. It disciplined us to be frugal in most ways and save enough resources until the end of lock down. As all you can notice, generosity became a common thing for everyone. People who have been blessed with that much wealth, now giving back and helping to those who are in need. During these trying times, all people who are doing good deeds must be given appreciation and not judgement. What the nation needs now is the cooperation of every constituents - all must obey and exemplify humility.

After this crisis, let us learn to stand up and be proud. Be proud that we didn't gave up. Be proud that we followed all the necessary policies for us not to be infected and make the responsibilities for our front liners easier. God is with us in this fight. He never leave us. What He wanted us to do is to continue to pray, have faith and religiously hope that this virus will be soon vanished. All hardships and trials in our lives have all endings - either good or bad, you must be thankful and continue to believe in Him. Because as the famous line of song said - "There's a RAINBOW always after the RAIN." 💓

Photo courtesy of Bible Study Tools

For NCovid-19 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), you can visit http://www.covid19.gov.ph/.

Let us all beat NCovid-19, watch the video below: