Category Archives: Beaches

Mactan Newtown (Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu)

Posted on by — Leave a reply
Mactan Newtown

The 28.8-hectare (74-acre) Mactan Newtown, a mixed-use, master-planned central business district, is the first integrated township development built by Megaworld Corporation outside of Metro Manila and the country’s first “Live-Work-Play-Learn” lifestyle township.  It caters to facilities and establishments such as condominiums, hotels, business process outsourcing office towers, a convention facility (Mactan Expo Center), a lifestyle mall, schools (Newtown School of Excellence, Global Leaders International School, etc.), groceries (Robinson’s Easymart, Bkue Mart), a bank branch (Unionbank) and a 75-m. wide white sand beachfront (Mactan Newton Beach).

Fountain at entrance

Plaza Magellan, a Megaworld Lifestyle Mall that will face the historical Mactan Shrine, brings to life the “Play” aspect of Mactan Newtown. Aside from housing the finest shopping, dining and entertainment choices, this three-level retail and commercial hub features a Spanish galleon flanked by Spanish steps and arches – reminiscent of the Spanish era in the Philippines.

Plaza Magellan Tower 1

The Newtown School of Excellence features two buildings with a total of 16 classrooms that can accommodate up to 35 students each; a modern library, school clinic, General Science laboratory, computer laboratory, TLE (Technology and Livelihood Education) classroom, playground and a multipurpose gymnasium. It offers programs from Nursery up to Grade 9 levels and boasts facilities that complement children’s academic and extracurricular pursuits.

Newtown School of Excellence
Global Leaders International School

Global Leaders International School (GLIS) is an accredited Cambridge International School, at Tower 1, Plaza Magellan, offering International curriculum for ages PK–12 that delivers quality education using a progressive teaching approach.

Mactan Expo Center

The Mactan Expo Center, a P1.5 billion standalone convention facility developed by Megaworld, has nearly 10,000 square meters of event space and a main hall that can accommodate about 2,500 people, in theater style, or 1,600 guests for banquets.  The hall can also be divide into three smaller venues for simultaneous events.

Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown

The area features two major, large-scale properties and various private condotels. The 18-storey, 547-room Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown, highly favored by business travelers and a certified Muslim-friendly establishment, is the largest on Mactan Island. It features an outdoor pool, a gym, and access to nearby beach frolics.

Check out “Hotel and Inn Review: Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown”

Mercure Mactan Cebu

The 550-room Mercure Mactan Cebu, formerly Belmont Hotel Mactan, is the latest addition to the township. It offers premium meeting facilities, a large pool with cabanas, and a beach bar.

La Victoria Global Residences

The Mactan Newtown caters to multiple residential developments.  It offers a mix of completed and pre-selling condominium developments catering to investors, retirees, and locals.  They include:

  • 8 Newtown Boulevard – a Japanese-inspired residential cluster that includes four 18-stories high towers featuring lush garden decks, an infinity pool, and sky gardens.
  • The three-tower One Manchester Place – located near the Cyberpark and Newtown Beach, this residential complex features executive studios up to three-bedroom units.
  • One Pacific Residence – located right at the center of the township, it features resort-style amenities, including a lap pool, in-pool lounge, and fitness gym.
  • The 20-storey The Pearl Global Residences – a tower inspired by the luxury of beachfront living, it offers studio to 3-bedroom configurations that will add 222 units from the Mactan Newtown’s 1,836 existing residential units from its inventory.
  • The 21-storey Positano Mactan – a residential tower capturing the vibrant Italian resort lifestyle, it features exclusive amenities like an aqua gym, pool deck, and fitness center.
  • The 20-storey La Victoria Global Residences – a Spanish-inspired condominium that will include 181 units, it blends modern living with the island’s rich historical heritage.
One Manchester Place
One Pacific Residence
Sales and Information Center

The Mactan Newtown also features a bustling food scene, highlighted by the Mactan Alfresco hawker center and the 8 Newtown Boulevard/Garden Walk retail strips. Dining options range from budget-friendly Filipino street food to casual international restobars. Foodies and diners will have their hands full choosing from some of Cebu’s finest dining establishments.  They include:

  • Choobi Choobi – famous for its “Shrimp in a Bag,” a one pound of fresh shrimp which comes with corn on the bob and sauce options like Butter Garlic, Cajun, Sauteed in Garlic and Spicy Gata. It also serves Filipino comfort food such as Choobi Pata, Lola Pepang’s Fried Manok and Fried Herbed Spring Duck (a free range duck fried with secret herbs and spices).
  • Chicken & Beer – a highly rated Korean-style restobar, it offers crispy fried chicken and great beers.
  • Gordon Ramsey Fish & Chips – located at the ground floor of Mercure Mactan Cebu, it offers traditional fish and chips using high-quality fillets (often Alaskan Pollock), shrimp, chicken combos, and fresh-squeezed lemonades.
  • Kogi-Q – located at 8 Newton Boulevard, it offers a yakiniku buffet experience.
  • Korea on the Plate – located at the ground floor of One Pacific Residence, it offers unlimited samgyeopsal for 550 pesos plus all Korean side dishes with unlimited refills.
  • Samurai & Geisha – located inside One Pacific Residence, this popular restobar features both Spanish cuisine and a shisha lounge.
  • Savoy Café – located inside Savoy Hotel, it serves a mix of Filipino and international à la carte dishes.
  • Starbucks – located at the ground floor of 8 Newtown Boulevard
  • Sugoi – Ramen Bar – located at Mangrove Place, it offers budget-friendly Japanese ramen.Zus Coffee
Chicken & Beer
Gordon Ramsey Fish & Chips

Mactan Alfresco, conveniently placed near the main entrance of Mactan Newtown, is a covered dining strip patterned after Singapore’s famed hawkers centers.  This 350-seater food strip is designed to showcase the best authentic Cebuano cooking and cuisine—from a delicious variety of sinugba to Filipino favorites like skewered chicken, fish, shrimp, Cebu’s famous chorizo and the freshest seafood. One of its unique features is the large communal outdoor grill or ihawan. 

Mactan Alfresco

A perfect way to cook Cebu’s bounty of land and sea, guests can choose from an array of freshly cooked food choices “turo-turo” style or choose fresh meat and seafood and have it cooked according to their preference. Each viand is partnered with puso (rice wrapped in triangular buri leaves) which one eats with their bare hands.  Diners here can also enjoy lechon, “the world’s best pig” (as the late Anthony Bourdain puts it) and Cebu’s culinary pride in the most delectable and freshest of ways with its six “lechon pits,” thrilling guests who can now experience lechon roasting on the premises while enjoying the freshest lechon.  Stalls include:

  • Anna’s Lechon – serves delicious lechon paksiw and dinuguan.
  • Cebu AyerLechon – Cebu’s No. 1 lechon-maker
  • Cebu’s Original Lechon Belly – try out their lechon belly, which comes in spicy and regular flavor.
  • Conching’s – a homegrown Cebuano brand, it is among the few places that offer a taste of native Cebu chicken or “Manok Bisaya,” which is best enjoyed grilled.
  • Hukad Cafe – offers irresistible varieties of sisig to delectable renditions of lechon and pansit.
  • Lolo Pinoy Grill
  • Mama Linda Inato BBQ Haus – serves a menu filled with delicious, sizzling grilled food and fresh seafood such as Sizzling Gambas, Beef, Pork, Squid, Seafood and even Chicken Feet. They also have Crab ala King in Chili Sauce, Garlic Shrimp and Garlic Crab, Sweet & Spicy Sugpo, Steamed Lapu-Lapu and Crispy Pata.
  • Manang Sayong – serves authentic Pinoy gastronomy such as pochero, sinuglaw (a delicious combination of grilled meat and ceviche), along with a variety of seafood, pork, beef and chicken dishes.
  • Mers Paluto – here you can pick fresh ingredients and have them cooked to order.
  • Meximama – offers Mexican favorites such as Taco Carnitas, the Costillas de Cerdo or Pork Ribs and for a sweet finish, their Churros con Chocolate.
  • Muvanz Pocherohan and Seafoods – aside from a great grilled seafood selection, it is known for their rich, savory beef pochero (beef marrow stew), their rich scallops (saltwater clam cooked with cream and butter) and sizzling squid.
  • Orange Brutus
  • Orange Karenderia – a Mandaue-based eatery that serves Cebuano favorites and equally delectable exotic dishes and is known for its bestsellers Betsy’s Garlic Chicken, their crispy Tuna Buntot or Pork Barbecue.
  • Oyster Bay Seafood Restaurant – one of Mandaue’s finest dining destinations known for its wide selection of live and fresh fish, crabs and lobster dishes, it offers dishes such as the Halaan Soup, Oysterbay Crab as well as Filipino and Chinese favorites such as lechon kawali, Bicol express, Patatim and other.

McDonald’s and Jollibee are also conveniently located across the highway just outside the main township gates.

Mactan World Museum

Soon to open is the Mactan World Museum, a P1.2-billion cultural landmark that will highlight the historical exchange between the Philippines and Spain, featuring five galleries detailing the arrival of Ferdinand Magellan, the Battle of Mactan, and the Manila Galleon trade.

Mactan Newtown Beach

Mactan Newtown Beach, formerly Portofino Beach Resort, was opened in 2020. With its magnificent view of the Hilutungan Strait, it offers a large, 1.5-m. (5-ft.) deep infinity swimming pool (with a covered wading area and a pool bar), private thatched-roof lounging cabanas and shaded lounge chairs situated along the poolside and the 75-m. wide, white sand beach, meticulously landscaped gardens, shops, and a state-of-the-art fitness station and a small, picturesque pier. A variety of water sports activities such as banana boat rides, jet skiing, and parasailing are available. The adjacent boardwalk also serves as a departure point for island-hopping trips to the nearby islands.

Infinity swimming pool and pool bar

Day-use packages typically range from ₱1,088 to ₱1,288, covering beach and pool access, use of cabanas, and a lunch buffet. Guests staying at the Mercure Hotel or Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown usually receive free beach and pool access. Open daily, from 6 AM to 10 PM, on weekends, and 6 AM to 8 PM on weekdays. Swimming is restricted during the later evening hours.

Ceremonial Garden

The oceanfront, 150-pax Ceremonial Garden, introduced in 2023, is a romantic outdoor event space facing the sea.  It is often used for destination beach weddings, vow renewals, and intimate gatherings and is frequently booked in conjunction with the the 150-pax capacity Grand Beach Tent and the 300-pax Glass Pavilion.

Glass Pavilion
Grand Beach Tent

Mactan Newtown has its own public terminal (Newtown Public Transport Terminal), located just outside the township, which caters to the Mactan Newton to Danao City, Danao City and IT Park routes and vice-versa.

Newtown Public Transport Terminal

Mactan Newtown: Newtown Blvd., Mactan Circumferential Rd., Lapu-Lapu City, 6015 Cebu.  Mobile numbers (sales and information): (0917) 634-2257or (0998) 312-6276.

Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown: Tel: +032 494-4000.  Mobile number: (0917) 868-6746 and (0917) 871-8007.  E-mail: reserve@savoymactan.com and info@savoymactan.com. Social Media Pages (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube): Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown | Facebook / @savoymactannewtown / Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown.

Mercure Mactan Cebu: Tel: +32 520-4100. Mobile number: (0917) 861-1019. E-mail: HC586@accor.com.  Website:Mercure Mactan Cebu ALL Accor.

Mactan Newtown Beach: Tel: (032) 316 2715. Mobile number: (0917) 704-4893.

Mantigue Island (Mahinog, Camiguin)

Posted on by — Leave a reply

Grace walking along the powdery, white sand beach of Mantigue Island

After lunch at J&A Fishpen at Taguines Lagoon, we again boarded our multicab for the short, 4.9-km. (10-min.) drive to the beach at Brgy. San Roque.

m

Here, we boarded a light, 4-pax pumpboat for the short, 20-min./3.5-km. (2.2 mi.) boat ride to the small (6.9-hectare) but captivating, mushroom-like and uninhabited Mantigue Island, located southeast of the main island of Camiguin. Though Jandy and I have visited Camiguin way back in 2001, this would be our first visit to the island.

Check out “Taguines Lagoon”

L-R: Jandy, Grace and the author

The island seen from our boat

Also called Magsaysay Island, this island is also accessible from Barangay Hubangon and Binaliwan (Binatubo) and about 12 nautical miles from Mantangale Alibuag Dive Resort (Balingoan, Misamis Oriental).

The “Camiguin Isle Be There” sign that welcomed us upon landing

L-R: Lourdes, Gelyn, Lorraine, Grace, the author and Jandy

It has a 4-hectare (9.9-acre) evergreen forest (providing plenty of shade) surrounded by a captivating and gleaming powdery, white coral sand beach, a sprawling fringing reef, with corals offshore, and crystal-clear waters.  Trails lead to scenic viewpoints with panoramic views of the surrounding sea and nearby islands.

Lorraine, Jandy and Loudes exploring the island

The north side of the island used to be home to a fishing village and a seaweed culture farm until the government prohibited any locals from residing therein and declared the island a protected area (Mantigue Island Natural Park) and marine sanctuary for sea turtles.

The now disused lighthouse on the island

The island is only open to the public during daytime only (until 5 PM) and people can stay in cottages (for rent) or swim in the sea. Overnight camping is not allowed.  The provincial government of Camiguin mandates the local government of Mahinog as the official caretaker of the island.

One side of the island has a mix of shallow reefs, ideal for snorkeling, and a deep drop-off ideal for  scuba diving (both beginners and experienced), with a rich variety of marine life such as sea turtles, jacks, barracudas, ribbon eels, trumpetfish, pufferfish and even rays and blacktip sharks.

Mantigue Island: Brgy. San Roque, Mahinog, Camiguin. Coordinates: 9°10′18″N 124°49′31″E.

Maydangeb White Beach and Blue Lagoon (Mahatao, Batanes)

Posted on by — Leave a reply

Maydangeb White Beach

On our way to Mahatao town proper, we made a short stopover at the scenic and secluded, beautiful white sand Maydangeb White Beach and, later, passed by the small but equally beautiful Blue Lagoon, both located just beside the national road. Both are also among the few places in Batanes where one can go for a relaxed and safe swim.

The rocky promontory on the right

The quite cozy Maydangeb White Beach, a popular spot for swimming and picture taking, is flanked by rocky promontories and fringed by coconut trees, providing natural shade for those who wish to relax under them, plus it is often not crowded, providing a quiet and relaxing environment for visitors.

The rocky promontory on the left

The 150 to 200-m. long beach is accessible during both high and low (though swimming may require walking a bit far from the shore) tides. For beachgoers, it a budget-friendly option as the beach is free to enter.

The latter, just around the corner, concealed by rocky cliffs, is more commonly known as Huhmurun by the locals.  During the Spanish era, it was called the Spanish Lagoon or Spaniard’s Lagoon because only Spaniards were allowed to swim in this natural pool.

L-R: the author, Grace and Jandy

Now open to both locals and tourists alike, it has crystal-clear waters that turn blue during the summer season.  Though accessible from the highway, you have to walk a few meters down a inconspicuous, steep and rocky trail.  Around the area are deep ravines and rock formations.

Blue Lagoon (Huhmurun)

Maydangeb White Beach: National Rd, Homoron, 5901 Mahatao, Batanes.

How to Get There: Mahatao is located 13.4 kms. (a 30-min. drive) south of Basco.

Provincial Heritage and Tourism Office (PHTO): Mobile number: (0929) 230-5934. Website: www.breathtakingbatanes.com.

Mutchong Viewpoint (Uyugan, Batanes)

Posted on by — Leave a reply
Mutchong Viewpoint

From the famous site of the Alapad rock formation, on your way to Brgy. Songsong in Uyugan, we made a stopover by the big sign saying “I ♡ UYUGAN,” a small boxlike community “bayanihan” (“Kamañidungan”) center and the Mutchong Viewpoint (also called Imnajbu Point) which is known for its breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes, including the rugged cliffs, rolling hills, vast ocean, and the picturesque rocky coastlines of Batanes.

Check out “Alapad Rock Formation“

The author, Grace and Jandy

Here we were greeted with a spectacular sight of beautiful hills and the distant sea, as well as a refreshing breeze. The viewpoint allowed us to get close to a cliff, so we can see where the land meets the waters of the West Philippine Sea below. 

The big “I ♡ UYUGAN” sign

From this stunning vantage point, we admired the lovely scenery and natural beauty of the place, the waves crashing the unique geological formations of the area below and enjoyed the breeze and the sound of the howling wind.

Mutchong Viewpoint: Brgy. Kayvaluganan, 3903 Uyugan.

How to Get There: Uyugan is located 22.2 kilometers (a 45-minute drive) from Basco and 11.9 kilometers (a 25-minute drive) from Ivana.

Provincial Heritage and Tourism Office (PHTO): Mobile number: (0929) 230-5934. Website: www.breathtakingbatanes.com.

Morong Beach and Ahaw Rock (Sabtang, Batanes)

Posted on by — Leave a reply
Morong Beach

Upon arrival at Sabtang Port, we all boarded our van for the short 1.8-km. drive to our first part of our day tour of Sabtang Island – the short, 300 m. long, pristine white sand Morong Beach(also called Nakabuang Beach orWhite Beach).

Arrival at Morong Beach
L-R: Jun, Lorraine, Lourdes, Gelyn, Grace and the author

Noted for its wild and natural beauty and unique rock formations, it is surrounded low, grass-covered hills on all sides and is probably the most well-known of all the beaches fringing the coast of the island. 

Despite the province’s usual rough weather, its less-ferocious, glass-like turquoise waters is peaceful and friendly enough for swimming, snorkeling and beachcombing. Giant sea turtles come here to lay their eggs and juvenile tiger sharks patrol its waters.

Ahaw Rock

In one area of the beach is a natural sandstone rock formation, called Ahaw Arch or Nakabuang Arch, where you can pass through.  It is iconic, not just for the island, but for Batanes as a whole. This rock formation is a favorite spot for picnickers.

Waves crashing on the rocky shore

The beach’s few amenities include bathroom facilities and shaded areas with picnic tables.  There are no cottages here. Along the beach is the Paypanapanayan Canteen which serves authentic Ivatan dishes.  Also nearby is the Sabtang Weavers Association Café.

A sea-sculpted cave

Morong Beach: Sitio Morong, Brgy. Malakdang, 3904 Sabtang.

How to Get There: Sabtang, on Sabtang Island, is located close to the port.  There are scheduled 30 to 45-minute early morning boat trips by falowa (round-bottomed boat) from Ivana’s Radiwan Port to Sabtang.

Sabtang Tourist Information Center: Brgy. Sinakan, 3904 Sabtang.  Mobile number: (0929) 226-8055.  E-mail: tourismsabtang@gmail.com.

Provincial Heritage and Tourism Office (PHTO): Mobile number: (0929) 230-5934. Website: www.breathtakingbatanes.com.

Valugan Boulder Beach (Basco, Batanes)

Posted on by — Leave a reply

Valugan Boulder Beach

After our tour of the Dipnaysuhuan Japanese Tunnel, we gain boarded our van for the 8.3-km. (20-min.) drive to the 3-km. long, scenic Valugan Boulder Beach.

Check out “Dipnaysuhuan Japanese Tunnel”

Known to the locals as Chanpan, this beach is located along the eastern (valugan means “east” in Ivatan) coast of Batan Island is, as its name suggests, made up of medium to big size boulders, of different colors, that help create an incredible landscape framed by almost vertical cliffs and rolling hills. Smaller pebbles and shingles litter the southern end.

The author (left) with Grace and Jandy

The boulders here were said to have been coughed out around the northern half of Batan during a series of volcanic explosions, from 325 B.C. and 286 to 505 A.D., of Mt. Iraya, a nearby active stratovolcano, which also contributed to the formation of the impressive cliffs and rolling hills framing the beach.

Mt. Iraya seen at the end of the beach

These rough andesite rocks were then slowly polished, over time, by the tides and the mighty wind (which also help shaped the striking basalt cliffs) pushing the restless waves of the Pacific Ocean to lap the rough rocks.

The different size boulders along the beach

From the beach, only the loud whistling of the wind and constant rumbling of the Pacific Ocean can be heard as the waves come slapping the shore. While it is a beach, swimming is not allowed here due to the area’s rough terrain and the strong and unpredictable waves. Bringing home any stones from the beach is also prohibited.

The concrete viewing deck with benches

On the rightmost area of the beach are small, intentionally segregated Zen stones piled on top of each other.  Surprisingly, this surreal and breathtaking landscape makes for a relaxing setting especially for photographers who come here to catch the sunrise.

Stairs leading down to the beach

The waters off the coast are considered as a sacred fishing area of Ivatan fishermen (especially those from Brgy. San Joaquin) and the faypatawen, a traditional fishing season, is observed from March to the end of May. 

Grotto of the Blessed Virgin Mary

A tataya (a small, traditional Ivatan fishing boat)

Valugan Boulder Beach: Contra Costa Rd., 3900 Basco. 

How to Get There: Located 3 kms. from Basco town proper, this beach is just a short tricycle ride away. You can hire a tricycle to take you around North Batan, which includes Valugan Boulder Beach.

Barnet Marine Park (Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada)

Posted on by — Leave a reply

Barnet Marine Park

On our fourth day in Vancouver, we drove 6.6 kms. to Barnet Marine Park, a small but beautiful and popular waterfront park, where we were to enjoy an afternoon outdoor picnic with family while sitting back taking and watching the action on the south shore of the spectacular, tanker-dotted Burrard Inlet (here’s a map of the picnic area).

A tanker at Burrard Inlet

As it was a sunny weekend, the main parking lot was already filled so we parked at the overflow parking above the highway right next to the Air Mountain Bike Park.

Located right along the north end base of Burnaby Mountain and across Burrard Inlet from Cates Park and Vancouver’s North Shore, on an important harvesting, gathering and processing site for the Coast Salish peoples, as well as the site of a century-old logging mill camp, this spectacular foreshore park, Burnaby’s only official saltwater beach, is perfect for a stroll and has ocean and mountain views. Although small in size, the park feels large as it is long and narrow, stretching for about 1.5 kms. along the waterfront.

 

Barnet was formerly a thriving logging community of the North Pacific Lumber Company (later the Barnet Lumber Company), one of the largest sawmills in the British Empire.  Established in 1889 (at the site of a new C.P.R. station), David MacLaren (the owner) named it “Barnet” after his wife’s family.

Foundation of Mill Wood Scrap Burner

Due to the Great Depression, the mill closed in 1931 and reopened in 1939 as the Kapoor Sawmills.  Destroyed by fire in 1946, plans to rebuild the mill to its former scale never materialized.  The community started to fade when the small replacement mill was finally dismantled in 1958.

Mill Wood Scrap Burner

Here, you can still see traces of the once prosperous mill such as the mill’s scrap burner as well as the concrete and brick foundations nearby.

Remains of Old Wharf

On the water are the remains of the old wharf (where processed timber bound for American and Asian ports was loaded), its pylons now nesting sites for birds.

Aside from the picnic (some in the shade) site, it has a designated dog off-leash area  allowing our dog Luffy to get some exercise. We had to keep your dog leashed everywhere else in the park (you also have to pick up after your dog and drop our waste bag in the designated bins). For sanitary reasons, they aren’t allowed on the beach. The sandier beach areas of the off-leash dog area are at the far west end of the park.

Sandy Beach

Rocky Beach

Along the shore are both rocky and nice sandy (at the far western end) beaches. The most popular beach is at the far eastern end as it’s closer to the parking lots and has both grassy and sandy areas.  Wildlife to be found here includes seals, crabs, geese and herons.

Geese

To enjoy a relaxing meal or a quick bite, there’s Park Cafe. Propane barbeques and charcoal and open-flame barbeques are also allowed at this park (you have to use the on-site ash pits to safely dispose of hot ashes).

Park Cafe

Accessible washrooms and changing rooms are located in the concession building, open year-round.  There are also outdoor showers for swimmers.

Concesson Building

Barnet Marine Park is an excellent spot to enjoy fishing from shore (just make sure you have a license). To explore the sheltered waters of Indian Arm or the Burrard Inlet, you can launch canoes, kayaks and sailing craft on the rocky or sandy beach.

Motorboat at Burrard Inlet

On the rocky beach, Cheska, Bryan and Kyle went paddleboarding but they had to carry everything down to the beach.

Bryan (with Kyle) and Cheska paddleboarding off the rocky beach

Trails here are either paved or crushed limestone, with benches available throughout. I traversed the length of Drummond’s Walk, a peaceful foreshore and upland walk named after former Mayor Douglas P. Drummond (1996-2002) in April 2006.

Start of Drummond’s Walk

Plaque

It was his favorite place to exercise. This flat and easy trail, suitable for all ages and fitness levels, runs 1,5 kms. from one end of the park to the other.

Drummond’s Walk

Along the path, I encountered grassy lawns and a large and impressive off-leash dog zone that includes multiple waterfront beaches. Here’s a map showing all the paths in the park.

Watching tankers go by at Drummond’s Walk

Barnet Marine Park: 8181 Barnet Rd, Burnaby, BC V5A 3G8, British Columbia. General inquiries: 604-294-7450. E-mail: parksrecandculture@burnaby.ca. Website: www.burnaby.ca/explore-outdoors/parks/barnet-marine-park. Open from 7 am and closes at dusk between April and October. During May to September, the closing time changes with the increase in daylight hours. Park Café is open Friday to Sunday on ‘good weather’ days in the summer, 11:30 AM -6:30 PM.  If the weather looks wet and cold, call 604-297-4888 to confirm if the café is open. Since January 1, 2022, smoking has been banned in all City parks and multi-use paths.

Parking: the main parking lot (download map) is located on the south side of the rail line. The north (beach) side of the rail line is pedestrian only. Don’t park on the rail line. There are 6 accessible parking stalls located east of the park entrance, closest to the beach. Additional accessible parking stalls and surface parking are available to the east and west of park entrance on a first come, first served basis.

Additional parking is available farther to the west of the park entrance and on the other side of Barnet Rd where the Mountain Air Bike Skills Course (an incredible bike skills park located just across the Barnet Highway, it features an outdoor wood pump track for beginners to advanced mountain bikers that’s free to the public) is located. Accessible parking stalls at beach levelare available Monday to Friday, 9 AM-7 PM until September 1, 2023 (excluding statutory holidays). To check availability and obtain access, call park staff at 604-319-7083. Due to safety and operational concerns when the park is very busy, all beach-level parking (including accessible parking) are not available on weekends and statutory holidays.

How to Get There: The park is about 10 kms. (a 30-min. drive) from downtown Vancouver, and a 10-min. drive from Port Moody. Travel east on Hastings Street. Keep left on Inlet Dr/Barnet Rd and turn left onto the park at Takeda Drive. Get directions.

Murong Burongan Island Resort (Matnog, Sorsogon)

Posted on by — Leave a reply

Murong Burongan Island Resort

Part of Sorsogon Countryside Tour

After our short visit to Subic Dako Beach on Calintaan Island, we gain boarded our respective boats for the short trip to Murong Burongan Island Resort on the arrowhead-shaped Murong Burongan Island.

Check out “Subic Pink Sand Beach”

Murong Burongan Island

This beautiful, one-of-a-kind island has a long white sand beach ideal for swimming and snorkeling, a large lagoon and a historical, American-era lighthouse at Murong-Buorongan Point.

Making landfall

A guiding beacon for sailors the latter was constructed on top of a sand bar with coral stones and rock corals making it a perfect spot for snorkeling and diving, with different varieties of soft and hard corals that give you an idea how beautiful the underwater world is.

Alfresco lunch

Upon making landfall on the island, we were welcomed by a feast, at their open-air restaurant/dining area, of seafood (crabs, fish and shrimps) and barbecued delights, plus pako salad, salted eggs and turmeric rice.

After this filling lunch, some of the ladies did some line dancing to burn some of the calories they gained.

Native-style cottages

The resort also features modern, comfortable native-style beachfront cottages with wooden accents, airconditioning, lofts, private bathrooms and mini refrigerators.

Cottage interior (photo: Ms. Sheila Silvestre)

Bedroom loft (photo: Ms. Sheila Silvestre)

Along the beach are cabanas and hammocks where one can relax and appreciate the crystal-clear waters and beautiful ocean view. Free-roaming geese and turkeys also had the run of the place.  The resort can be rented for your own exclusive use.

A pair of free-roaming turkeys

Murong Burongan Island Resort: Murong Burongan Island, Matnog, Sorsogon.  Mobile number: (0966) 951-1954.

How to Get There: Matnog is located 575.9 kms. (a 13.25–hr. drive) from Manila and 61.2 kms. (a 1–hr. drive) from Sorsogon City, both via the Pan-Philippine Highway/AH26..

Sorsogon Provincial Tourism Culture and Arts Office: Ground Floor, Capitol Building, 4700 Sorsogon City. Mobile number: (0968) 624-6279. E-mail: tourism@sorsogon.gov.ph.  Facebook: www.facebook.com/sorsogonprovincialtourismoffice.

Matnog Tourism, Culture andArts Office: Brgy. Camcaman, Matnog 4708, Sorsogon. Mobile number: (097) 231-8168. Facebook: www.facebook.com/Matnog Tourism.  Fees: Environmental Fee: Php20/pax and Php16 (senior citizens). Registration Fee: Php320 (foreigners), Php70 (locals) and Php40 (senior citizens).

Ur Place Travel & Tours: OLV Pangpang, Sorsogon City, Sorsogon.  Mobile number (Viber): (0927) 950-3927 (Ms. Annie Gueb).  Facebook: www.facebook.com/urplacetravel.

Subic Pink Sand Beach (Matnog, Sorsogon)

Posted on by — Leave a reply

Subic Pink Sand Beach

Part of Sorsogon Countryside Tour

After our enjoyable tour of Juag Lagoon Fish Sanctuary on Juag Island, we again boarded or boat for the short 20-min. ride to Calintaan Island. On this island is pristine Subic Beach (locally called “La Playa Rosa”), one of two places in Sorsogon (the other is Tikling Island) with sand that has a pinkish hue. This is due to a combination of creamy white sand with crushed organ pipe coral (Tubipora musica).

Check out “Juag Lagoon Fish Santuary“

Calintaan Island

There are actually two adjacent Subic beaches – the quieter and less developed Subic Liit (Little Subic) and a longer stretch called Subic Laki or Subic Dako (Big Subic), both separated by a short stretch of land.

Landfall at Subic Dako Beach

We landed at the latter, the more popular of the two due to the presence of basic amenities that allow visitors to rent native-style nipa huts with anahaw roofing for day use (Php400), pitch tents and cook their own food.There are also sari-sari stores and grilling stations.   Potable water is also available. 

There are also two or three resorts (the best is Holy Trinity Beach Resort which has airconditioned rooms and a swimming pool) for overnight stays, .   Calintaan Island  has electricity thanks to a wired connection with Matnog town in the mainland.

We stayed at this so-called “Boracay of Matnog” for about 45 mins., swimming its calm and crystal-clear waters or just taking pictures as we enjoyed its beauty. You can also snorkel here (bring your own snorkeling gear).

Picnic huts

Too bad we didn’t have time to explore the hidden lagoon at the back of the beach and the old lighthouse (parola).  Despite recent developments on this beach, it still retains its pristine charm and it is my hope that it would remain that way in the future.  Truly, it was a picture-perfect example of a tropical island paradise.

Rustic accommodations

More modern, airconditioned accommodations

Back at our boats, we proceeded to Murong Burongan Island where we were to have lunch.  About 10 mins. into our trip, we passed by Calintaan Cave, a small cave opening into a one-of-a-kind cove, amidst cliffs at the southeastern end of the island, with green vegetation and a flat, grassy terrain with coconut trees.  A great site for snorkeling, under ideal conditions you can enter the cave.

Check out “Murong Burongan Island Resort”

Calintaan Cave

Subic Beach, Calintaan Island, Brgy. Calintaan, Matnog 4708, Sorsogon.

How to Get There: Matnog is located 575.9 kms. (a 13.25–hr. drive) from Manila and 61.2 kms. (a 1–hr. drive) from Sorsogon City, both via the Pan-Philippine Highway/AH26..

Sorsogon Provincial Tourism Culture and Arts Office: Ground Floor, Capitol Building, 4700 Sorsogon City. Mobile number: (0968) 624-6279. E-mail: tourism@sorsogon.gov.ph.  Facebook: www.facebook.com/sorsogonprovincialtourismoffice

Matnog Tourism, Culture and Arts Office: Brgy. Camcaman, Matnog 4708, Sorsogon. Mobile number: (097) 231-8168. Facebook: www.facebook.com/Matnog Tourism.  Fees: Environmental Fee: Php20/pax and Php16 (senior citizens). Registration Fee: Php320 (foreigners), Php70 (locals) and Php40 (senior citizens).

Ur Place Travel & Tours: OLV Pangpang, Sorsogon City, Sorsogon.  Mobile number (Viber): (0927) 950-3927 (Ms. Annie Gueb).  Facebook: www.facebook.com/urplacetravel.

Isola di Francesco (Panglao, Bohol)

Posted on by — Leave a reply

Isola de Francesco

Part of the Panglao Bluewater Resort-sponsored CountrysideTour

After our Dolphin Watching Tour, we proceeded to the nearby Isola di Francesco (“Island of St. Francis”) on Pungtud (or Pontod) Island.

In the past, I have seen this island only from afar, from the vantage point at nearby Virgin Island.

Check out “Virgin Island“

The island is owned by the Philippine Centre of St. Pio of Pietrelcina and Mr. Ramon Rodriguez, a devotee of Italian Capuchin monk St. Pio (Francesco Forgione) of Pietrelcina, who was said to have been once blind. He was said to have prayed to St, Pio and his eyesight was restored.

A mere 10-min. boat ride from Panglao town proper, Isola di Francesco is a destination for meditation, silent prayer and reflection in harmony with the lapping of the waves and the chirping of the island’s resident birds.

Upon arrival on the island, we were greeted by the welcoming arms of a huge statue of St. Pio of Pietrelcina.

The author with the huge statue of St. Pio of Pietrelcina

This solemn and peaceful island has a chapel (opened in 2016), a visitor’s center, a mini museum, clean restrooms, water tanks, changing rooms and guest houses.

Tableau of the Crucifixion

There are also several religious sculptures (some in the middle of the sea) of Jesus Christ, the saints, angels, cherubs, and the Holy Family.

Life-size statues of Jesus and the Apostles on a fishing boat

Just off the waters of the beach are  quite unique, life-size statues of Jesus and the apostles. Most of the cost to develop this place was donated.

Cherubs hanging from trees

The interesting Isola di Francesco’s Nature’s Art Museum, filled with photos of the Franciscan friars as well as artwork that speak of the grandeur of God and His Creation, was opened last March 2017. A 10 AM holy mass is said every 23rd day of the month in the chapel.

Nature’s Art Museum

This serene island, maintained by the faithful as religious shrine, is not your usual tourist trap and is not often included in the island hopping packages, an exact opposite of the much crowded and touristy island and beach destinations of Panglao. You only need an hour or so to explore the island.

Young mangroves shoots found offshore

This beautiful sandbar is open to the public and there is free boat shuttle service, at Poblacion Panglao, near the church, going to and from the island for those who wish to offer prayers for healing, pay tribute or simply just want to visit the place.

The tourist trap called Virgin Island seen from Isola di Francesco

Visitors can stay as long as you want. Even the use of the kayaks, snacks (bottled water, soft drinks, etc.)  and birds’ food to feed pigeons are free (however, donations are welcome). There’s a souvenir shop selling religious items.

Visitors Center

The beautiful island has white sand all over, with plenty of seaweed, some mangroves and big and small starfish but no fish. The waters around the sandbar are pristine and clean and very good for swimming.

The doves and pigeons of Isola de Francesco

The island is a dove and pigeon sanctuary and you can see eggs and babies in nests in the central garden area.

The author hand feeding some of the doves and pigeons

You can feed the doves and pigeons by donating any amount in the store for a plastic of bird feed. Even when there’s a sign to not scare them, some people scare the doves away to get a beautiful picture of it with them.

Statue of St. Michael the Archangel

However, here are rules to be followed.  You cannot bring any food or drinks on the island.

The chapel

At the chapel, you cannot enter if you are wearing shorts, short skirts, sleeveless, etc. (however, they can lend you a sarong to cover yourself).

Rosaries hanging from trees

As this is a shrine, peace and soft talk is very much appreciated and public displays of affection and ogling is frowned upon here. 

Statue of St. Augustine of Hippo, the patron saint of Panglao

Bohol Tourism Office: Governor’s Mansion Compound, C.P.G. Ave. North, Tagbilaran City, 6300 Bohol.  Tel: +63 38 501-9186.  E-mail: inquire@boholtourismph.com. 

Panglao Bluewater Resort: Bluewater Rd., Sitio Daurong, Brgy. Danao, Panglao, 6340 Bohol.  Tel: (038) 416-0702 and (038) 416-0695 to 96. Fax: (038) 416-0697.  Email: panglao@bluewater.com.ph. Website: www.bluewaterpanglao.com.ph.  Manila sales office: Rm. 704, Cityland Herrera Tower, Rufino cor. Valera Sts., Salcedo Village, 1227 Makati City, Metro Manila.  Tel: (632) 817-5751 and (632) 887-1348.  Fax: (632) 893-5391.