The Ruins of Fort de Dapitan on Ilihan Hill
24 February 2009
In 1762, about the same time Fort Pilar in Zamboanga City and Fort Triunfo in Ozamiz City, Misamis Occidental, both in Mindanano, were constructed, the Spaniards also built on a hill in Dapitan City a fortress overlooking Dapitan bay to protect against foreign invasion.
Ilihan Hill viewed from Dapitan City Plaza with Rizal Monument visible
Strategically located on high ground, the fort has wall fortifications on the slopes of the hill supported with cannons and accessible via a 209 step stairs (access near Lourdes Grotto) leading to the top of the hill.
part of the 209 steps leading to the top of Ilihan Hill Fort de Dapitan
Before reaching the top, you can see ruins of the old fortress but not other structures and cannons. Two of the cannons can be seen in front of Dapitan City Hall while hill now is planted with young mahogany trees and old mango trees besides other plants.
the only visible part of the old fortress are ruins of the old walls...no more cannons nor fortifications can be found
On top of the hill, you can get a sweeping view of Dapitan Bay, the city proper, fish ponds, Rizal Park, several bridges and a river around the place that you'll soon realize that Dapitan City poblacion is actually an island.
Note that when Tutubi inquired about the place at Dapitan City Tourism Office, the tourism staff remarked that it's been a long while somebody inquired about the place. Tutubi just replied that he's an explorer and not an ordinary tourist. :P
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remark:
It would've been better if the local government of Dapitan reconstruct the old Spanish fortress based on the original design of the cotta for tourism, historical and heritage showcase of their place to complement the Rizalian character of their city.
Ilihan Hill viewed from Dapitan City Plaza with Rizal Monument visibleStrategically located on high ground, the fort has wall fortifications on the slopes of the hill supported with cannons and accessible via a 209 step stairs (access near Lourdes Grotto) leading to the top of the hill.
part of the 209 steps leading to the top of Ilihan Hill Fort de DapitanBefore reaching the top, you can see ruins of the old fortress but not other structures and cannons. Two of the cannons can be seen in front of Dapitan City Hall while hill now is planted with young mahogany trees and old mango trees besides other plants.
the only visible part of the old fortress are ruins of the old walls...no more cannons nor fortifications can be foundOn top of the hill, you can get a sweeping view of Dapitan Bay, the city proper, fish ponds, Rizal Park, several bridges and a river around the place that you'll soon realize that Dapitan City poblacion is actually an island.
Note that when Tutubi inquired about the place at Dapitan City Tourism Office, the tourism staff remarked that it's been a long while somebody inquired about the place. Tutubi just replied that he's an explorer and not an ordinary tourist. :P
---
remark:
It would've been better if the local government of Dapitan reconstruct the old Spanish fortress based on the original design of the cotta for tourism, historical and heritage showcase of their place to complement the Rizalian character of their city.
Labels: Dapitan, Spanish Forts, Zamboanga, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga Peninsula
posted by GingGoy @ 9:01 PM,
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Dakak Beach Resort Dapitan, Zamboanga del Norte
19 February 2009
It was a long anticipated trip to Dapitan City, the home of Jose Rizal in exile for four years, via Dipolog City that made the trip to Dakak Park and Beach Resort possible for Tutubi. After a hard days work, Tutubi hied off to a gem of Zamboanga del Norte.
The road to Dakak was said to be unpaved and rocky, something unexpected for a tourism magnet, but this time, construction's in full blast of a long winding road leading to the resort with the road blocked by payloaders, dumptrucks and backhoes.
Tutubi checked in early, booked a twin-sharing room for PhP2800.00 (standard room rate) that was upgraded to a super-deluxe at no extra charge. He snoozed off his first 1.5 hours then later took pictures before sunset but never bothered to take a splash in the swimming pool nor the beach, something unusual for him.
Dakak's main lobby
Tutubi's room at Dakak Beach Resort
Dakak Restaurant sporting a Subanen architectural style evident in the roof design
part of Dakak's long white sand beach sans people as there were only few people at the resort when Tutubi checked in
Dakak Beach Resort lies on a cove with exclusive beach front of white sand beach about 800 meters long with coconut trees, talisay et al lining the beach front.
Chirping birds are usual sounds you hear while you can see butterflies freely flying around the resort complex, testament to the preserved environment surrounding the place.
Sunset at Dakak Park and Beach Resort
On the origin of the name dakak, when Tutubi inquired from the front desk personnel, dakak is an onomatopeia, it originated from the sound of local birds that thrive in the area, even up to now, that why locals call the place as such.
Dakak Beach Resort Review:
Facilities are generally clean: about 800 meters of fine white sand beach, two swimming pools (one with a man-made waterfalls), basketball court, two souvenir shops, a bar shaped like a sinking ship and a main building showcasing Subanen architecture.
Dakak's one of two swimming pools has a man-made waterfalls
Looking for things to do in Dakak? Activities: swimming, beach volleyball, jet skii, kayaking, snorkeling, island-hopping to Aliguay Island, gambling, scuba diving, drinking, eating, sleeping :P
Rooms have Filipino ambiance all over the place with native huts (bahay kubo) and interior walls made of banig (native sleeping mats) and sawali ceilings. Even the bathroom, dresser and refrigerator are made to look native with rattan fittings. A glass wall divides the toilet from the shower room, no bath tub, but with 24/7 hot water available.
Service was ok with courteous staff very accommodating and helpful. Waiters would fill your glass promptly, without you asking for it, with natural mineral water sourced from the nearby mountain spring.
Food takes quite a while to be served since it's not a fast-food restaurant. Generally ok, nothing outstanding though, only bulalo was the disappointment after is was served not too piping hot and tasted more like nilagang baka.
Dakak restaurant menu sample consists of usual Filipino cuisine where food prices are comparable to ordinary Manila restaurant food prices. A typical meal costs PhP300.00/person up and breakfast breakfast of cornsilog/tapsilog/chicksilog cost around PhP130.00. For budgetary purposes, allocate PhP1000/day/person stay at Dakak, not cheap for the peso-pinching Tutubi but it's ok since his companion's company paid for it-- it's free!
There's a cultural show every night, around 7:30pm, at the restaurant but instead of showcasing local Filipino culture, performers danced to the beat of Hawaiian, Tahitian, Maori and Samoan beats. Dakak management ought to stop this and instead focus on Filipino culture starting with the local Subanon (Subanen) the indigenous, river-dwelling tribe of Zamboanga Peninsula.
For cheap Dakak packages, recommend you get in touch with the organizers of Buklod Dapitan that includes a 3D/2N accommodations at Dakak Beach resort plus tours to Dapitan and Rizal Shrine. Requires minimum of 10 persons though for a package.
Overall, Dakak Park and Beach Resort is not your typical backpacker haven, it's expensive and suited more for family vacations to while away time. Its exclusivity is a big plus though in addition to the presence of Dakak casino for gamblers to spend time-- and burn money!
Dakak Park and Beach Resort Information for bookings, reservations and inquiries:
Ortigas Office (Metro Manila):
Suite 701 State Finance Center BLDG.
Ortigas Avenue, Mandaluyong City
Telephone Number: +63.2.721.1461
Telefax No.: +63.2.721.2726
Taguilon, Dapitan City
Mobile Number: +63.919.795.9416
+63.915.318.5238
Contact Number: +63.65.213.6813
email: mailto:dakak28@yahoo.com
Dakak Beach Resort Official Website: wwu.dakakdapitan.com
How to get to Dakak Beach Resort:
To get to Dakak, you either fly in to Dipolog City (or alternately take a ferry to Dapitan or Dipolog) where resort personnel will fetch you if you're a reserved check-in guest.
There are no public transportation to the resort but there are habal-habal (motorcycle taxis) available said to cost PhP50.00/head or higher depending on your negotiating skills. Walk-in guests or day tours of Dakak Beach Resort costs PhP200.00/person inclusive of welcome refreshment.
UPDATED: April 2013
The road to Dakak was said to be unpaved and rocky, something unexpected for a tourism magnet, but this time, construction's in full blast of a long winding road leading to the resort with the road blocked by payloaders, dumptrucks and backhoes.Tutubi checked in early, booked a twin-sharing room for PhP2800.00 (standard room rate) that was upgraded to a super-deluxe at no extra charge. He snoozed off his first 1.5 hours then later took pictures before sunset but never bothered to take a splash in the swimming pool nor the beach, something unusual for him.
Dakak's main lobby
Tutubi's room at Dakak Beach Resort
Dakak Restaurant sporting a Subanen architectural style evident in the roof design
part of Dakak's long white sand beach sans people as there were only few people at the resort when Tutubi checked inDakak Beach Resort lies on a cove with exclusive beach front of white sand beach about 800 meters long with coconut trees, talisay et al lining the beach front.
Chirping birds are usual sounds you hear while you can see butterflies freely flying around the resort complex, testament to the preserved environment surrounding the place.
Sunset at Dakak Park and Beach ResortOn the origin of the name dakak, when Tutubi inquired from the front desk personnel, dakak is an onomatopeia, it originated from the sound of local birds that thrive in the area, even up to now, that why locals call the place as such.
Dakak Beach Resort Review:
Facilities are generally clean: about 800 meters of fine white sand beach, two swimming pools (one with a man-made waterfalls), basketball court, two souvenir shops, a bar shaped like a sinking ship and a main building showcasing Subanen architecture.
Dakak's one of two swimming pools has a man-made waterfallsLooking for things to do in Dakak? Activities: swimming, beach volleyball, jet skii, kayaking, snorkeling, island-hopping to Aliguay Island, gambling, scuba diving, drinking, eating, sleeping :P
Rooms have Filipino ambiance all over the place with native huts (bahay kubo) and interior walls made of banig (native sleeping mats) and sawali ceilings. Even the bathroom, dresser and refrigerator are made to look native with rattan fittings. A glass wall divides the toilet from the shower room, no bath tub, but with 24/7 hot water available.
Service was ok with courteous staff very accommodating and helpful. Waiters would fill your glass promptly, without you asking for it, with natural mineral water sourced from the nearby mountain spring.
Food takes quite a while to be served since it's not a fast-food restaurant. Generally ok, nothing outstanding though, only bulalo was the disappointment after is was served not too piping hot and tasted more like nilagang baka.
Dakak restaurant menu sample consists of usual Filipino cuisine where food prices are comparable to ordinary Manila restaurant food prices. A typical meal costs PhP300.00/person up and breakfast breakfast of cornsilog/tapsilog/chicksilog cost around PhP130.00. For budgetary purposes, allocate PhP1000/day/person stay at Dakak, not cheap for the peso-pinching Tutubi but it's ok since his companion's company paid for it-- it's free!
There's a cultural show every night, around 7:30pm, at the restaurant but instead of showcasing local Filipino culture, performers danced to the beat of Hawaiian, Tahitian, Maori and Samoan beats. Dakak management ought to stop this and instead focus on Filipino culture starting with the local Subanon (Subanen) the indigenous, river-dwelling tribe of Zamboanga Peninsula.
For cheap Dakak packages, recommend you get in touch with the organizers of Buklod Dapitan that includes a 3D/2N accommodations at Dakak Beach resort plus tours to Dapitan and Rizal Shrine. Requires minimum of 10 persons though for a package.
Overall, Dakak Park and Beach Resort is not your typical backpacker haven, it's expensive and suited more for family vacations to while away time. Its exclusivity is a big plus though in addition to the presence of Dakak casino for gamblers to spend time-- and burn money!
Dakak Park and Beach Resort Information for bookings, reservations and inquiries:
Ortigas Office (Metro Manila):
Suite 701 State Finance Center BLDG.
Ortigas Avenue, Mandaluyong City
Telephone Number: +63.2.721.1461
Telefax No.: +63.2.721.2726
Taguilon, Dapitan City
Mobile Number: +63.919.795.9416
+63.915.318.5238
Contact Number: +63.65.213.6813
email: mailto:dakak28@yahoo.com
Dakak Beach Resort Official Website: wwu.dakakdapitan.com
How to get to Dakak Beach Resort:
To get to Dakak, you either fly in to Dipolog City (or alternately take a ferry to Dapitan or Dipolog) where resort personnel will fetch you if you're a reserved check-in guest.
There are no public transportation to the resort but there are habal-habal (motorcycle taxis) available said to cost PhP50.00/head or higher depending on your negotiating skills. Walk-in guests or day tours of Dakak Beach Resort costs PhP200.00/person inclusive of welcome refreshment.
UPDATED: April 2013
Labels: Beaches, Dapitan, Hotels and Resorts, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga Peninsula
posted by GingGoy @ 9:37 PM,
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Zabala's Tikoy Especial in Lucena, Quezon
15 February 2009
With everything done for the day in Lucena with a sidetrip to Silangang Nayon in Pgbilao, Tutubi didn't eat again at Panciteria Granja for chami nor at nearby Buddy's for their Pancit Lucban. He had another pasalubong and local delicacy in mind to search in Lucena City.
As a child, he used to eat tikoy in Paete as well as those made in nearby towns of Laguna and Quezon. Zabala's tikoy was one of his favorites due to it's no-cooking required tikoy recipe, unlike Chinese tikoy during Chinese New Year that require dipping in egg batter and deep-fried, Zabala's Tikoy can be eaten out of the packaging.
the sign in front of Zabala's with their address and contact numbers
Zabala's tikoy recipe is tasty and not too sweet, with slightly yellow color and sticky so you sometimes need an oil-dipped knife to cut it. All ingredients, mostly glutinous rice, mixed in a bowl and then steamed on trays stacked on one another. Too bad, all tikoy for the day were already cooked and Tutubi wasn't able to take pictures of tikoy being made for "documentation purposes."
Although business is brisk during the Christmas season for decades, the business has seen the best of days due to competition and changing people's habits.
half-tray of tikoy about an inch thick. these are sliced to the desired sizes then wrapped in colored plastic wrappers similar to those used for sweet yema.
Origin and history of Tikoy:
A chinese friend of Tutubi mentioned to him once that tikoy came from the Chinese word for sweet cake but Filipinos misheard the Chinese name and now calls the sweet pudding tikoy.
Tutubi was able to find Zabala's tikoy in Lucena through the help of his sister who used to live there as guest of the transient house, also at Zabala's tikoy factory.
Tip: looking for cheap accommodations in Lucena? Zabala's, besides having catering services and tikoy, also have rooms rented out to transients for just P150.00/night/person (that's about $3.30/day)
Zabala's Tikoy Especial
Zabala St., Marktown Subdivision
Red V, Lucena City
Tel. No.: +63.42.710.2402
How to get to Zabala's Tikoy Lucena City, Quezon:
Zabala's is inside Mark Town Subdivision and just a few meters from the highway where SM City Lucena is located. From SM Lucena, drive towards Lucena city center, look for a huge store with Quality Ceramics sign about 500 meters from SM and turn there. Zabala's Tikoy Especial is about 100 meters from the corner. If you're commuting, a tricycle ride from SM will do.
As a child, he used to eat tikoy in Paete as well as those made in nearby towns of Laguna and Quezon. Zabala's tikoy was one of his favorites due to it's no-cooking required tikoy recipe, unlike Chinese tikoy during Chinese New Year that require dipping in egg batter and deep-fried, Zabala's Tikoy can be eaten out of the packaging.
the sign in front of Zabala's with their address and contact numbers
Zabala's tikoy recipe is tasty and not too sweet, with slightly yellow color and sticky so you sometimes need an oil-dipped knife to cut it. All ingredients, mostly glutinous rice, mixed in a bowl and then steamed on trays stacked on one another. Too bad, all tikoy for the day were already cooked and Tutubi wasn't able to take pictures of tikoy being made for "documentation purposes."Although business is brisk during the Christmas season for decades, the business has seen the best of days due to competition and changing people's habits.
half-tray of tikoy about an inch thick. these are sliced to the desired sizes then wrapped in colored plastic wrappers similar to those used for sweet yema.Origin and history of Tikoy:
A chinese friend of Tutubi mentioned to him once that tikoy came from the Chinese word for sweet cake but Filipinos misheard the Chinese name and now calls the sweet pudding tikoy.Tutubi was able to find Zabala's tikoy in Lucena through the help of his sister who used to live there as guest of the transient house, also at Zabala's tikoy factory.
Tip: looking for cheap accommodations in Lucena? Zabala's, besides having catering services and tikoy, also have rooms rented out to transients for just P150.00/night/person (that's about $3.30/day)
Zabala's Tikoy Especial
Zabala St., Marktown Subdivision
Red V, Lucena City
Tel. No.: +63.42.710.2402
How to get to Zabala's Tikoy Lucena City, Quezon:
Zabala's is inside Mark Town Subdivision and just a few meters from the highway where SM City Lucena is located. From SM Lucena, drive towards Lucena city center, look for a huge store with Quality Ceramics sign about 500 meters from SM and turn there. Zabala's Tikoy Especial is about 100 meters from the corner. If you're commuting, a tricycle ride from SM will do.
Labels: Calabarzon, Delicacies, Lucena City, Pasalubong, Quezon, Southern Tagalog
posted by GingGoy @ 9:00 PM,
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Pueblo Por La Playa Resort Pagbilao Quezon: Entrance Fee/Day Tour
09 February 2009
Right after leaving the grounds of Silangang Nayon Park and Restaurant, Tutubi requested his driver to turn left towards the end of the road going to the private resort with membership that saw from a distance with jet skiis and people frolicking on the water.
Owing to limited time, Tutubi was only able to take drive and shoot pictures of Pueblo Por La Playa Resort taken inside Tutubi's cruising van, instead of alighting and entering the resort and pretend to be walk-in clients on occular inspection of the place for a possible company outing, something he does so well to gain access to places he pass by :P
banners leading to the exclusive membership-required resort
the Pueblo Por La Playa sign on the main entrance gate
no, this ain't a panning shot, it's taken inside a cruising vehicle so it appeared as such. Tutubi wanted to take pictures of the evident infinity pool inside the resort facility
a guest accommodation of the resort. Note that the others are painted in a different color making the whole resort quite colorful. Too bad, trees obstruct the view from passers-by, good for privacy though.
This resort seems fine for family vacations where you can bum on the infinity pool, for company outings and team-building venue, but not for the peso-pinching Tutubi who's always on the move :P
Pueblo Por La Playa Day Tour Rate/Entrance Fee: PhP350.00/person (requires presence of a member as it's an exclusive membership resort)
Update:
Please dial Pueblo Por La Playa's Contact number at +63.42.716.0072 for your inquiries. This resort was featured on Kapuso Mo Jessica Soho's Summer Special episode on April 4, 2009.
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How to get to Pueblo Por La Playa Resort, Pagbilao Quezon:
If you're looking for driving directions to Pueble Por La Playa, it's just about a kilometer from Silangang Nayon Park and Restaurant, click the link for the details.
Please visit Pueblo Por La Playa's official website or call telephone number for details, inquiries, entrance fee, day tour rates and room rates, promo packages and other information.
Owing to limited time, Tutubi was only able to take drive and shoot pictures of Pueblo Por La Playa Resort taken inside Tutubi's cruising van, instead of alighting and entering the resort and pretend to be walk-in clients on occular inspection of the place for a possible company outing, something he does so well to gain access to places he pass by :P
banners leading to the exclusive membership-required resort
the Pueblo Por La Playa sign on the main entrance gate
no, this ain't a panning shot, it's taken inside a cruising vehicle so it appeared as such. Tutubi wanted to take pictures of the evident infinity pool inside the resort facility
a guest accommodation of the resort. Note that the others are painted in a different color making the whole resort quite colorful. Too bad, trees obstruct the view from passers-by, good for privacy though.This resort seems fine for family vacations where you can bum on the infinity pool, for company outings and team-building venue, but not for the peso-pinching Tutubi who's always on the move :P
Pueblo Por La Playa Day Tour Rate/Entrance Fee: PhP350.00/person (requires presence of a member as it's an exclusive membership resort)
Update:
Please dial Pueblo Por La Playa's Contact number at +63.42.716.0072 for your inquiries. This resort was featured on Kapuso Mo Jessica Soho's Summer Special episode on April 4, 2009.
---
How to get to Pueblo Por La Playa Resort, Pagbilao Quezon:
If you're looking for driving directions to Pueble Por La Playa, it's just about a kilometer from Silangang Nayon Park and Restaurant, click the link for the details.
Please visit Pueblo Por La Playa's official website or call telephone number for details, inquiries, entrance fee, day tour rates and room rates, promo packages and other information.
Labels: Calabarzon, Hotels and Resorts, Quezon, Southern Tagalog
posted by GingGoy @ 9:06 PM,
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Silangang Nayon in Pagbilao, Quezon
03 February 2009
A day out for Tutubi is not complete sans the usual sidetrip to a new place, to explore interesting sights and visit refreshing spots to refresh his spirit. After a trip to a bank in Lucena City, just opposite Panciteria Granja and near Buddy's Restaurant, he went out to a place mentioned by his new acquaintance as a nice place jutting out of Pagbilao bay.
Hurrying to the place due to excite since it was still early in the afternoon, his effort to get there turned out alright with the sun-bathed sand near a beach though not really fit for swimming but just lounging at the huts on stilts.
first look at the restaurant houses on stilts with a long foot bridge
the foot bridge looks daunting from afar but actually sturdy when you get there
your order will be delivered using an "airplane" suspended on a cable, sort of a zipline delivery
below the huts on stilts are oysters grown by the restaurant for their own consumption making them the freshest there is for the customers
the largest hut is shaped like a ship ready to sail out to Pagbilao Bay, Tayabas Bay and beyond
you can admire the place from above the cliff with a view of Pagbilao bay, Pagbilao Power PLant, Pagbilao Grande Island and Patayan Island with visible white sand beaches from afar
A bottle of San Mig Lite (low calorie pale pilsen) costs P45.00 each, quite cheap for the ambiance of the place jutting out of Pagbilao
steamed capiz in oyster sauce complemented the cold san mig light. Cost is P165.00 good enough for the three of them
How would Tutubi review Silangang Nayon? It's Tutubi's first and only visit there and he ordered just a round of beer and the steamed capiz. The orders came fast, probably because there were only two groups of visitors there. Prices are ok, quite cheap actually for a place with nice ambiance. Tutubi intends to return to the place someday.
Silangang Nayon has hotel rooms available for overnight accomodations, something Tutubi intends to try someday since the place is really relaxing and probably use as a base to explore other interesting places in Pagbilao.
---
Silangang Nayon Park & Restaurant
Pagbilao, Quezon
For inquiries and reservations, you may call Telephone number +63.42.716.0077
How to get to Pagbilao, Quezon:
Commute to Pagbilao, Quezon: Board buses to Lucena City either via Lucena Lines, Jam Transit or Jac Liner (it's better to board one with Dalahican signboard for it passes by SM City Lucena). In Lucena, transfer to jeepneys going to Pagbilao.
Buses from Bicol (Daet, Naga and Legaspi, Albay, even Ro-ro buses to Leyte and Samar) all pass by Pagbilao town before Lucena)
Driving Directions to Pagbilao, Quezon:
From Makati, drive towards NLEX then exit at Batangas Exit to Maharlika Highway passing by Turbina, First Philippine Industrial Park (FPIP), Star Toll. In Sto. Tomas, after passing Rose and Grace Restaurant (beside Jollibee) and Sto. Tomas Public Market, you'll encounter a fork on the road where you turn left going to San Pablo, Lucena and Bicol. Follow the highway that will lead you to Alaminos (Laguna), San Pablo City, then the Quezon towns of Tiaong, Cadelaria, Sariaya, then Lucena City. In Lucena, you need to choose left road when you see a fork (a right will lead you to Lucena City proper, even SM Lucena, but will lead you right back to the highway. After Lucena is the town of Pagbilao.
Silangang Nayon is on the road near 135 Kilometer marker with signs of Silangang Nayon and Pueblo Por La Playa on the roadside after a small bridge. It's about 6 kilometers from the highway.
Hurrying to the place due to excite since it was still early in the afternoon, his effort to get there turned out alright with the sun-bathed sand near a beach though not really fit for swimming but just lounging at the huts on stilts.
first look at the restaurant houses on stilts with a long foot bridge
the foot bridge looks daunting from afar but actually sturdy when you get there
your order will be delivered using an "airplane" suspended on a cable, sort of a zipline delivery
below the huts on stilts are oysters grown by the restaurant for their own consumption making them the freshest there is for the customers
the largest hut is shaped like a ship ready to sail out to Pagbilao Bay, Tayabas Bay and beyond
you can admire the place from above the cliff with a view of Pagbilao bay, Pagbilao Power PLant, Pagbilao Grande Island and Patayan Island with visible white sand beaches from afar
A bottle of San Mig Lite (low calorie pale pilsen) costs P45.00 each, quite cheap for the ambiance of the place jutting out of Pagbilao
steamed capiz in oyster sauce complemented the cold san mig light. Cost is P165.00 good enough for the three of them
How would Tutubi review Silangang Nayon? It's Tutubi's first and only visit there and he ordered just a round of beer and the steamed capiz. The orders came fast, probably because there were only two groups of visitors there. Prices are ok, quite cheap actually for a place with nice ambiance. Tutubi intends to return to the place someday.
Silangang Nayon has hotel rooms available for overnight accomodations, something Tutubi intends to try someday since the place is really relaxing and probably use as a base to explore other interesting places in Pagbilao.
---
Silangang Nayon Park & Restaurant
Pagbilao, Quezon
For inquiries and reservations, you may call Telephone number +63.42.716.0077
How to get to Pagbilao, Quezon:
Commute to Pagbilao, Quezon: Board buses to Lucena City either via Lucena Lines, Jam Transit or Jac Liner (it's better to board one with Dalahican signboard for it passes by SM City Lucena). In Lucena, transfer to jeepneys going to Pagbilao.
Buses from Bicol (Daet, Naga and Legaspi, Albay, even Ro-ro buses to Leyte and Samar) all pass by Pagbilao town before Lucena)
Driving Directions to Pagbilao, Quezon:
From Makati, drive towards NLEX then exit at Batangas Exit to Maharlika Highway passing by Turbina, First Philippine Industrial Park (FPIP), Star Toll. In Sto. Tomas, after passing Rose and Grace Restaurant (beside Jollibee) and Sto. Tomas Public Market, you'll encounter a fork on the road where you turn left going to San Pablo, Lucena and Bicol. Follow the highway that will lead you to Alaminos (Laguna), San Pablo City, then the Quezon towns of Tiaong, Cadelaria, Sariaya, then Lucena City. In Lucena, you need to choose left road when you see a fork (a right will lead you to Lucena City proper, even SM Lucena, but will lead you right back to the highway. After Lucena is the town of Pagbilao.
Silangang Nayon is on the road near 135 Kilometer marker with signs of Silangang Nayon and Pueblo Por La Playa on the roadside after a small bridge. It's about 6 kilometers from the highway.
Labels: Calabarzon, Quezon, Quezon Restaurants, Southern Tagalog
posted by GingGoy @ 8:18 PM,
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Laguna: Mabitac Church on a Hilltop (Nuestra Señora de Candelaria)
01 February 2009
Mabitac, a town said to named after a legend about the town that's full of traps, called bitag in Filipino, and is the border town of Laguna province with Rizal's Pililla town. It's bounded by the towns of Siniloan and Famy, favorite getaways of newbie mountaineers wishing to trek the slopes of Mt. Romelo and it's various waterfalls.
Mabitac is a small town but it prides itself with the church on top of hill accessible via a 120+ steps: Nuestra Señora de Candelaria (Our Lady of the Candles)
Due to earthquakes, only the belltower of the old church remains and no attempt at restoring the old church was made.
Mabitac Church bell tower with a sacristan beside the old church bells
Mabitac Church, as mentioned above, is located on a hill top that visitors will be treated to a refreshing view of the surrounding green sceneries like the one of Mabitac town proper below.
Near Mabitac Church is the National Historical Marker commemorating the Battle of Mabitac, previously known as the Battle of Hinukay, that occurred during the Philippine-American War where the Americans faced defeat at the hands of the ragtag army of Filipinos mainly due to superior positioning.
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How to get to Mabitac, Laguna:
Commute: Board a HM Transport bus, with terminal on EDSA, Cubao near Victory Liner, going to Sta. Cruz/Calamba or Green Star Express with terminal on Taft Avenue near corner Gil Puyat (Buendia) and LRT Gil Puyat station then drop off at the terminal in Pagsanjan. Board a jeepney bound for Siniloan. At Siniloan Public Market, transfer to a tricycle to take you to Mabitac town.
An alternative and easier bus to Mabitac is Raymond Transportation with terminals in Cubao (near Victory Liner) or Legarda St in Manila near Nagtahan. Buses going to Infanta and Real towns in Quezon pass by Mabitac Junction where you only need to take a tricycle going to the town proper.
Driving Directions from Makati: from SLEX take Calamba exit then head straight to Calamba. turn right at Calamba junction and follow this road and highway where you pass by Los Banos, Bay, Victoria, Pila, Sta Cruz, Pagsanjan, Lumban, Kalayaan, Paete, Pakil, Pangil, Siniloan then Mabitac.
Directions by car from Quezon City, it's faster to take the Rizal route by going to Marcos Highway, turn right at the junction Masinag Wet and Dry Market, on reaching Antipolo intersection turn left going to Baras (straight ahead leads to Antipolo Church while a right turn leads to Hinulugang Taktak) where you'll pass by Teresa, Morong, Baras, Tanay, and Pililla towns of Rizal province before reaching the Laguna town of Mabitac.
From Lucena and Lucban, Quezon: there are jeepneys plying the route Lucena to Sta. Cruz that pass by Pagsanjan, Cavinti and Luisina. In Pagsanjan, Transfer to jeepneys going to Siniloan then transfer again to a tricycyle to take you to Mabitac.
Commuting from Cavite: board the Pagsanjan or Sta. Cruz vans at Pala-pala terminal in Dasmarinas, Cavite (near Robinsons Dasmarinas and SM). Board a jeep to Siniloan then a tricycle to Mabitac.
Related Posts:
Pagsanjan Falls
Laguna Visita Iglesia
Waterfalls of Famy and Siniloan
Mabitac is a small town but it prides itself with the church on top of hill accessible via a 120+ steps: Nuestra Señora de Candelaria (Our Lady of the Candles)
Due to earthquakes, only the belltower of the old church remains and no attempt at restoring the old church was made.
Mabitac Church bell tower with a sacristan beside the old church bellsMabitac Church, as mentioned above, is located on a hill top that visitors will be treated to a refreshing view of the surrounding green sceneries like the one of Mabitac town proper below.
Near Mabitac Church is the National Historical Marker commemorating the Battle of Mabitac, previously known as the Battle of Hinukay, that occurred during the Philippine-American War where the Americans faced defeat at the hands of the ragtag army of Filipinos mainly due to superior positioning.
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How to get to Mabitac, Laguna:
Commute: Board a HM Transport bus, with terminal on EDSA, Cubao near Victory Liner, going to Sta. Cruz/Calamba or Green Star Express with terminal on Taft Avenue near corner Gil Puyat (Buendia) and LRT Gil Puyat station then drop off at the terminal in Pagsanjan. Board a jeepney bound for Siniloan. At Siniloan Public Market, transfer to a tricycle to take you to Mabitac town.
An alternative and easier bus to Mabitac is Raymond Transportation with terminals in Cubao (near Victory Liner) or Legarda St in Manila near Nagtahan. Buses going to Infanta and Real towns in Quezon pass by Mabitac Junction where you only need to take a tricycle going to the town proper.
Driving Directions from Makati: from SLEX take Calamba exit then head straight to Calamba. turn right at Calamba junction and follow this road and highway where you pass by Los Banos, Bay, Victoria, Pila, Sta Cruz, Pagsanjan, Lumban, Kalayaan, Paete, Pakil, Pangil, Siniloan then Mabitac.
Directions by car from Quezon City, it's faster to take the Rizal route by going to Marcos Highway, turn right at the junction Masinag Wet and Dry Market, on reaching Antipolo intersection turn left going to Baras (straight ahead leads to Antipolo Church while a right turn leads to Hinulugang Taktak) where you'll pass by Teresa, Morong, Baras, Tanay, and Pililla towns of Rizal province before reaching the Laguna town of Mabitac.
From Lucena and Lucban, Quezon: there are jeepneys plying the route Lucena to Sta. Cruz that pass by Pagsanjan, Cavinti and Luisina. In Pagsanjan, Transfer to jeepneys going to Siniloan then transfer again to a tricycyle to take you to Mabitac.
Commuting from Cavite: board the Pagsanjan or Sta. Cruz vans at Pala-pala terminal in Dasmarinas, Cavite (near Robinsons Dasmarinas and SM). Board a jeep to Siniloan then a tricycle to Mabitac.
Related Posts:
Pagsanjan Falls
Laguna Visita Iglesia
Waterfalls of Famy and Siniloan
Labels: Calabarzon, Churches, Laguna, Visita Iglesia
posted by GingGoy @ 8:20 PM,
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