Puraran beach in Catanduanes is featured on SIP: The First Filipino Cafe Lifestyle Magazine, April issue. You can grab your copy at any Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf branch in the Philippines. Check out the nearest branch.
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Puraran Beach - Take a glimpse of the surroundings of Puraran.
As you read this, you only have four days to plan a vacation. The Lenten retreat weekend arrives next week – the time of the year when a mass of urbanites escape the metropolis and the summer heat that leave EDSA and the malls surprisingly empty. And if you’ve entirely forgotten about planning any activity, you can drive to the usual pools in Laguna or Batangas or you can drive farther to Subic or the perennial favorite destination – Baguio. But I’m warning you – those destinations are sure to be packed with people that there’s a big possibility that you may see a colleague at a restaurant or be booked in the same hotel as your boss! How’s that for a vacation?
This year, I challenge you to awaken the “adventurous kid” inside you. No, this doesn’t mean that you have to try out an extreme sport or eat some exotic food. This is just a long drive that requires you to just have a reliable vehicle, a few thousand pesos, an updated road map, and of course, a great company – whether they are your family, relatives, officemates or friends.
Where to? One of the most scenic and easy long drives to take is a trip to Bicolandia. For those who will take this trip for the first time, Mayon Volcano is not the only attraction in the Bicol Region. There are beautiful churches, exotic resorts, refreshing nature sites – and more! Pasalubong shopping ain’t bad either. Most of all, it’s easy on the pocket and can be done from Thursday to Easter Sunday.
In this region, there are boundless adventures waiting to be explored. And if you don’t have any vehicle with you, Bicol is highly accessible via public transport.
For this trip, I recommend the region’s most popular destinations: Daet in Camarines Norte, Naga City, and Legazpi City in Albay. For this four-day journey, it’s easy to come up with a “functioning” itinerary to see and experience the most of the region.
An early departure from Manila is advisable for motorists, since the first stop, Daet, is around eight hours away by land. For those taking the bus, take the night trip, which will bring you to Daet by sunrise the following morning. For those bringing a vehicle, leave early morning, and make sure to assign at least two drivers who can alternate during the eight-hour drive.
Various bus companies offer transport to the region, among them Cagsawa Tours, Penafrancia, and Superlines. There is a terminal at the back of Ali Mall Cubao which offers bus trips to various locations including spots around Bicol. It is always advisable to reserve for your seats in advance – especially next week when the trips almost always get fully booked.
A day in Daet
Daet is a charming small town. Once there, you can take a tricycle along Bagasbas Road and get a breath of fresh air. If you have your vehicle, park somewhere along the Bagasbas shoreline. The seemingly endless beach stretch is popular among townsfolk and even visitors because of the powder-fine silvery sands and the strong waves that encourage watersports like surfing.
You and your companions can spend the rest of the day on the beach or you can do a rolling tour of Daet and the neighboring towns. Explore the town's old churches, parks, and other interesting spots. Daet's next-door neighbor, the town of Vinzons, is home to the ancestral house of Wenceslao Q. Vinzons – a brave hero who led the resistance against the Japanese during World War II.
For the history buff, Daet is the location of the first Rizal monument – an irregularly-shaped obelisk painted in white, with the name of Rizal highlighted in black. The monument was built in Dec. 1898, fashioned from mortars and boulders collected from the old Spanish jail in Daet which was later demolished. The monument, located at the foot of a bridge, can be found across the old Daet municipal hall.
Around Naga
About three hours away from Daet is Naga City. If you’re done with the tour of Daet, drive on and you will be guided by road signs to reach Naga. Or take the next bus with the “Naga” signboard and ride off to this city which is bustling with activity.
There are various hotels and resorts to choose from. Check the Internet now for your hotel of choice and book in advance. If you arrive in Naga by nightfall, you can check in to your hotel then go out again for dinner. There are a lot of restaurants to choose from. Also try the local delicacies in native-themed restaurants and be surprised by the legendary spicy Bicolano cuisine.
The following morning can be set for a rolling tour of the city’s famous churches, and there are many of them. Take time to reflect at the Metropolitan Church (the largest in Bicol), Penafrancia Basilica Minore, and the Our Lady of Penafrancia Church which is popular stop for pilgrims.
Naga City is also known as the gateway to CamSur’s Caramoan – the latest tourist hub in the Bicol Region. Be more adventuros and have some photo ops at the Camarines Sur Watersports Complex (CWC) in the town of Pili which offers wakeboarding facilities.
Caramoan has gained fame among Europeans as the site of the French version of Survivor called “Kohlanta” which was filmed in the islands. There are at least two boat trips to take before you can reach Caramoan, but upon arrival, you will be amazed to discover a world-class resort called Gota Village which is the jump-off point to an island hopping tour in this part of Bicol.
Legazpi leg
On your third day, drive to Legazpi City in Albay. This is the place where the famous Mayon Volcano and Cagsawa Ruins in Daraga are located.
Don’t forget your cameras. This is a perfect place to take lots of photos since the Mayon Volcano offers a perfect backdrop. It is also a convenient jump-off point to other tourist destinations in the region such as the Cagsawa Ruins, the upscale resort of Misibis, Donsol – the site of one of the world's largest annual migration of whale sharks and the white sand beaches of Sorsogon and Catanduanes (if you have more time).
There are a lot of places to visit around Legazpi. You can drop by the Albay Park and Wildlife, the Liberty Bell, the Magayon Art Gallery – found at the lobby of the Albay Provincial Capitol; Legazpi City Museum and the Albay Park and Wildlife, one of the best places to view Mayon Volcano and Legazpi City.
Since this itinerary is very flexible, you also have the option of switching the spots per day. You can first proceed to Legazpi and from there work your way through Naga and Daet as the days pass. Just make sure to check the bus schedules and book your hotels in advance. If you’re driving back to Manila, expect a back-breaking trip. But with great company, the long drive will feel short since you have lots of things – and new memories – to talk about!
Located at Igang, Virac Catanduanes. Barely 15 minutes drive from Virac Domestic airport and around 30 minutes drive from Virac seaport. The resort can be viewed while on board the ferry boat.
Resort offers the comforts and luxury of modern day living amid the verdant surroundings. The last time I went to visit this resort was several years ago.
Took the morning flight from Manila to Virac and spend sometime here swimming and headed home later in the afternoon.
Twin Rock is apparently the most advertised and photographed resort in the island.
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The Road Going to North - Sights that can be seen while on the way to northern part of Catanduanes.
Visiting Pandan - Sights and beaches in the northernmost town of Pandan.
Lorong Point Lighthouse in Panay Island - Sunrise pictures taken at the picturesque Lorong lighthouse in Panay in the site of the former Catanduanes resort.
Probably the most popular tourist destination in the island is Puraran in Baras Catanduanes. It is the home of the well-known “Majestic” waves with its awesome long-barrel-type surf. Offshore waves are in their utmost shape during the months of August to September.
The area around Puraran also shows marvelous view of mountains and bays. Photo enthusiasts could also get a great view of the sunrise in this area.
For holiday seekers, this place is for total relaxation, be in touch with nature, bird watch, camp and simply stargaze at night.
Puraran is accessible both by public and private vehicles. An hour and 45 minutes ride from the capital town of Virac, that passes through the old Bato Church and the longest bridge in the island. At the approach of the bridge, you can view the ruins of the old concrete bridge washed away by floods during one of the worst typhoon in this island's history.
Note that Catanduanes is considered to have the highest rainfall in the country. Best time to visit is April-June and worst is November-January.
This video highlights island's nature, people and places. It focuses on the unspoiled and awesome beauty of nature at its finest, photos were taken by several photo enthusiasts and tourists who visited this island paradise. Please watch the video entitled, Catanduanes Beauty.
A total of two million pesos has been earmarked by the Department of Tourism (DOT) regional office in Bicol for the construction of tourist facilities and acquisition of equipment that will further boost tourism ventures in the province of Catanduanes.
According to Tourism Promotions Officer Carmel Bonifacio-Garcia of the provincial government of Catanduanes, the fund will be used to implement four projects that will energize domestic and even foreign tourist patronage on the island. A Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) has already been issued to this effect, with the breakdown of expenditures already known.
Out of the allotted fund, P500,000 will be channeled to the construction of the Visitors’ Information Center at Puraran, Baras while another P500,000 will be used for the purchase of surfboards. On the other hand, P500,000 has been set aside for the establishment of Gayon Bicol Bath House at Virac Seaport, and P500,000 more for the construction of Gayon Bicol Travel Café at Virac Airport.
To serve as the registration area of all visitors of the world renowned surfing site, the Visitors’ Information Center at Puraran will have a briefing room and audio-visual facilities that will provide information and serve as spearhead of the promotion drive for the tourist spot. The surfboards will be used for bolstering surfing activities in the area and will be rented out to surfers, thereby generating revenues that will help in the maintenance and operation of the tourist center.
Meanwhile, the Gayon Bicol Bath House at Virac seaport is expected to serve as comfort room and provide amenities for tourists and travelers alike.
"My idea is to organize the group of vendors, porters and other small entrepreneurs in the area, give them the opportunity of maintaining the bathhouse and appropriately charge a just few pesos for those who will use the facility. In this way, they can generate income for their group," Garcia added.
Tthe Gayon Bicol Travel Café at Virac Airport will have a tourism information center, souvenir shop and a coffee bar. A free Wi-Fi internet service can also be provided at the café for the convenience of tourists and other visitors.
The DOT regional office will take charge of the construction of tourist facilities and the local government units concerned will assume the maintenance of these amenities. The construction of these tourist facilities is expected to start at the second quarter of this year.
In line with this, the Catanduanes Tourism and Promotions Office headed by Garcia has scheduled a series of meetings with Mayor Bong Teves of Baras and the managers of Philippine Ports Authority and Virac Airport for the identification of possible sites of the tourist facilities.
Garcia expressed her thanks and appreciation to DOT V Regional Director Maria ‘Nini" Ravanilla for the much needed fund support. She is also optimistic that the LGUs and concerned government agencies will give their full support to the project.
"The growth of tourism industry is largely a multi-sectoral effort hence this inter-agency collaboration is definitely on the right track," the province’s tourism promotion officer said.
"We already have our natural tourist attractions in the province. We are endowed with ecotourism attractions, plus a culture that is distinctively Catandunganon. These facilities, which we have been working on to be realized, will complement what we already have in Catanduanes. This will definitely invigorate our efforts to stir and strengthen tourism industry in the province," Garcia emphasized. - March 04, 2009
source: Catanduanes Tribune
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2008 Wishlist - Micro-finance, NGO, digital divide, GSIS, livelihood, typhoons
Geotourism is defined as tourism that sustains or enhances the geographical character of a place—its environment, culture, aesthetics, heritage, and the well-being of its residents.
Geotourism incorporates the concept of sustainable tourism—that destinations should remain unspoiled for future generations—while allowing for ways to protect a place's character. Geotourism also takes a principle from its ecotourism cousin,—that tourism revenue should promote conservation—and extends it to culture and history as well, that is, all distinctive assets of a place.
The Geotourism Charter: Governments and allied organizations that sign this statement of principles take a first step in adopting a geotourism strategy. Download the Geotourism Charter (PDF). After committing to a geotourism strategy, signatories then work with local communities to determine their geotourism goals.
What Is Sustainable Tourism?
Sustainable tourism, like a doctor's code of ethics, means "First, do no harm." It is the foundation for destination stewardship.
Sustainable tourism protects its product-the destination. It avoids the "loved to death" syndrome by anticipating development pressures and applying limits and management techniques that preserve natural habitats, heritage sites, scenic appeal, and local culture.
It conserves resources. Environmentally aware travelers patronize businesses that reduce pollution, waste, energy consumption, water usage, landscaping chemicals, and excessive nighttime lighting.
It respects local culture and tradition. Foreign visitors learn local etiquette, including at least a few courtesy words in the local language. Residents learn how to deal with foreign expectations that may differ from their own.
It aims for quality, not quantity. Destinations measure tourism success not just by numbers of visitors, but by length of stay, how they spend their money, and the quality of their experience.
What Is Geotourism?
Geotourism adds to sustainability principles by building on a destination's geographical character, its "sense of place," to emphasize the distinctiveness of its locale and benefit visitor and resident alike.
Geotourism is synergistic: All the elements of geographical character work together to create a tourist experience that is richer than the sum of its parts, appealing to visitors with diverse interests.
It involves the community. Local businesses and civic groups join to provide a distinctive, authentic visitor experience.
It informs both visitors and hosts. Residents discover their own heritage by learning that things they take for granted may be interesting to outsiders. As local people develop pride and skill in showing off their locale, tourists get more out of their visit.
It benefits residents economically. Travel businesses hire local workers, and use local services, products, and supplies. When community members understand the benefits of geotourism, they take responsibility for destination stewardship.
It supports integrity of place. Destination-savvy travelers seek out businesses that emphasize the character of the locale. In return, local stakeholders who receive economic benefits appreciate and protect the value of those assets.
It means great trips. Enthusiastic visitors bring home new knowledge. Their stories encourage friends and relatives to experience the same thing, which brings continuing business for the destination.
I only passed once at this former US Coast Guard facility on Panay island when I was a growing-up kid. At that time, the station was no longer operational, but for the locals who used to be civilian employees, for them is a continuing saga. They would tell me stories about seaplanes delivering food supplies and mails, abundant supply of corned beef, men unafraid of rough seas and radar.
In my later years, I never had a chance to see LORAN upclose, though had a chance to meet former civilian employees.
The last time I heard someone talk about it, was from a resident at Panay island. He said that the former station was completely vandalized and the new occupants now are water buffalo.
There should be an initiative to maintain the facility not only as a tourist destination but as well as a historical reminder for our province and also in memory for those who were once part of the station.
A description of the air operations at LORSTA Catanduanes:
The island of Catanduanes lies 230 miles east-southeast of Sangley Point. The hilly terrain was unsuitable for an aircraft runway. The LORSTA, known simply as Cat, was situated at the north end of the island with a bay immediately to the west that was adequate for UF/HU-16 water operations as long as the wind and sea conditions were favorable. The aircraft tied up at a buoy and supplies were unloaded by small boat and transported to the boat dock. The bay was semi-exposed to the sea and when the incoming swells made the bay dangerous, landings were made at the south end of the bay. This was separated from the main bay by an island and coral reefs. The aircraft, when using the south bay had to be unloaded at anchor and supplies transported to the LORSTA.
This year, I challenge you to awaken the “adventurous kid” inside you. No, this doesn’t mean that you have to try out an extreme sport or eat some exotic food. This is just a long drive that requires you to just have a reliable vehicle, a few thousand pesos, an updated road map, and of course, a great company – whether they are your family, relatives, officemates or friends.
Daet is a charming small town. Once there, you can take a tricycle along Bagasbas Road and get a breath of fresh air. If you have your vehicle, park somewhere along the Bagasbas shoreline. The seemingly endless beach stretch is popular among townsfolk and even visitors because of the powder-fine silvery sands and the strong waves that encourage watersports like surfing.
About three hours away from Daet is Naga City. If you’re done with the tour of Daet, drive on and you will be guided by road signs to reach Naga. Or take the next bus with the “Naga” signboard and ride off to this city which is bustling with activity.
On your third day, drive to Legazpi City in Albay. This is the place where the famous Mayon Volcano and Cagsawa Ruins in Daraga are located.
For holiday seekers, this place is for total relaxation, be in touch with nature, bird watch, camp and simply stargaze at night.
The last time I heard someone talk about it, was from a resident at Panay island. He said that the former station was completely vandalized and the new occupants now are water buffalo.