Focus Weekly: Sightsee

Showing posts with label Sightsee. Show all posts

Wednesday, March 4, 2015

The Hidden Paradise of Burgos: Cabongaoan Beach

Philippines is faithfully blessed with nature’s wonders, making it one of the most favorite tourist destinations in Asia. Yet, there are still countless striking places that remain undiscovered; one of which is the Cabongaoan Beach of Burgos, Pangasinan.

Burgos is a small town located west of Pangasinan. Travellers and tourists pass the town when going to the famous white sand beaches of Dasol without knowing that the town is a home for some of natural wonders and vibrant environment where land, sea, and air meet – thrilling white sand beaches and zipping falls that is unquestionably worth-visiting.

Located in Sitio Cabongaoan, Brgy. Ilio-Ilio, Cabongaoan Beach is a perfect family-friendly beach because of its calm waves and wide shores suited for picnics.

Walking to the powdery sand and very clean and clear water of the beach while witnessing the dramatic sunset with the warm fresh air give a sense of serenity. The very calm atmosphere of the environment and the mesmerizing view on the shore will give every visitor a peace of mind. After swimming, one can always relax and take a nap on the shade of trees.

Cabongaoan isn’t only for family bonding and relaxation as it also offers adventure sites. For adventure seekers, the clustered rocks on the beach are best for rock climbing. If you really want to challenge yourself, locals suggest to start climbing from the beach not on the shore as it requires stamina because of the waves hitting the rocks.

One can also try snorkeling, bodyboarding, and sea kayaking on the clear water of Cabongaoan. (April Dela Rosa/Reginald Agsalon/Photos by Iking_joy) FOCUS

The employees of the provincial government of Pangasinan volunteer in removing marine debris swept ashore by Typhoons Luis and Mario at the Capitol Beachfront in Lingayen in celebration of the International Coastal Clean-up Day. The province, under the leadership of Gov. Amado T. Espino, Jr., is a hall of fame awardee as Most Outstanding Coastal Resource Management Implementer (2008, 2009 and 2010) and Likas Yaman Award (2010, 2011 and 2012) conferred by the regional office of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. /MVS

BAGUIO CITY - “Fashion Models” from Rizal Elementary School pose before Mayor Mauricio Domogan after the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement for the joint operation of the Cluster “A” (Lualhati, Pacdal Mines View and Gibraltar) Barangays Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) at Lualhati Barangay during simple turn-over ceremonies September 26 to help the city’s garbage waste management program. (Caption and photo by Bong Cayabyab)

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Monday, October 27, 2014

Appreciating arts and culture Baguio as a flourishing ethos, and #Espasyo is just the beginning

BAGUIO CITY - Elevating one’s lifestyle is a goal shared by many Filipinos. For some, this means being able to afford a life of leisure. For others, it’s simply about stepping out and stepping up. And where else to get that proposition than in Baguio?

Baguio, lodged in the middle of a highland and integrated into natural landscape, is an aesthetically unique place; a haven for artists that spurs creativity and inspiration; and a mecca of diversity where people are unbound of expressing themselves through art, music, and collected works.

It is true that to be able to know how rich a culture is, and how manifold a community is, one needs to experience its facets, meet its locals, and just embrace its oral history.

Baguio has always been that place I visualized to be settling in one day. It provides more than a patch of green. Consistently back and forth, I consider the place my second home. Just picturing the heap of opportunities ready to chance puts me in rapture. Even if I decide to put down roots and build a house, I won’t shed things–to put it flatteringly. In fact, the surroundings tell much of my personal histories–the clutter, an inventory of freedom travels and food eaten (whether in its strawberry shortcake or Pinikpikan reiteration).

The point is this–Baguio is spectacular in photos and to experience it is exponentially better.

Cultural identity & advocacy for change

#Espasyo envisions Baguio as a city of flourishing cultures depicted in all art forms. A network of community volunteers, visual artists, musicians, and performers coming from all walks of life drawn together by sincere aspiration, rediscovering Baguio has been a quest.

They believe that it is imperative to revisit and celebrate Baguio not only as a tourist destination, but also as a forerunner of the creative industry in the country which translates to added economic benefits to the city in the long run.

On September 7, Rose Garden was filled with arts and people who’re passionate about it, and who’re disposed to its importance towards the city’s cultural identity empowerment. With the help of the Baguio community and some organizations, the event was a success.

Espasyo’s Communications person Calypso Alaia said that providing value to the city’s local talents and the creativity they can bring is important.

“Artists in Baguio, using different art forms can redeem Baguio. When people create, they get inspired, and inspiration can defeat negativity; it creates a stronger and better community”, she added.

Dance performances, instrumental humming, poem delivery, cosplay, and fashion showcase are some of the activities on the event.

The moment my taxi ride pulled over, skim past the shanty ukay stores, the scene hit me with exhilaration –how lucky I was to witness an ingenious idea happen before my eyes.

You may shiver through an image of these youth in Benguet native costumes gamboling in an Igorot descant accompanied by cheerful observers. Tailing them are performances from independent, and University student groups. Watching them makes Baguio an exciting prospect for a journey, both eye-opening and entertaining.

Being in the middle of a flamboyant crowd can sometimes become too lively (a euphemism for noisy), so wandering around the area helped me found my inner peace and a grateful heart (thus the ‘cryptic’ Feels like home, song title). I also get to take photos of dogs in costumes and cosplayers channeling their character heroes.

The organized chaos of chalk art near the dancing floor fountain was a prolific treat to anyone. I instantly became Picasso that day, as I hastily draft my attempt to do an abstract piece, but failed. Getting your hands dirty in calling for art is always a seal of satisfaction.

By providing support to our local artists who play significant roles in propagating culture, Baguio could become one of the most character-driven city in the country, if not the most. So, give Baguio the chance in spite all the cheesy stereotypes it may or may not deserve.

If you want to learn more about humanity, Baguio is the best place to watch it unravel. (Louie dela Vega/FOCUS)

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Dragon fruit farm in the foot of Mount Balungao

Known as the goat capital of Pangasinan province, and recently crowned for having the longest zipline in Southeast Asia, Balungao’s tourism industry continues to blossom.

And to further raise the Municipality's treasure, the 2.5-hectare dragon fruit farm in Mt. Balungao is seen to attract visitors.

Dragon fruit or Pitaya prefers free draining soil with sandy to clay loam types or sandy soils like the land that can be found in Balungao.

Dragon fruit farming is widely popular in Central and South America. But thru research, it has reached different countries in Asia including the Philippines.

The Mt. Balungao Dragon Fruit farm is located in Napudot Road. The farm was developed in 2010 but the hefty harvest started just 2 years ago. According to Johnny Espe, owner of the farm, an expansion is planned due to the higher demand.

Espe is a nurse in profession but when he learned about the different benefits of dragon fruit, he started growing a few in their ancestral land in Balungao. Her sister who's in California has helped him research on ways how to grow dragon fruit. And now, the whole family helps in the business.

"From June to November po ang fruiting season. Hindi mahirap itanim basta't gamay mo siya. Kapag mainit ang klima, mas maganda ang tubo. Kaya swak na itanim dito sa Pilipinas kasi tropical country tayo", he explains.

The potential of dragon fruit is very much brighter because it commands a very high price in the local market. It costs around P120 - 150 per kilo. Espe said three-year old dragon fruit can produce 5 - 6 tons per hectare amounting to P720,000 in the local market alone. It is no wonder that dragon fruit is now dubbed as the new money crop–truly, a high revenue earner.

"Marami kaming mga standing orders sa Manila. May mga kumukuha dito para ibenta sa market. Sa ngayon, P120 ang bentahan namin at nagbibigay kami ng discount kapag bulk order ang kukunin", says Espe.

The Espe family plants different varieties of dragon fruit including red, white, and yellow variety. The red varieties are used to combat anemia. While the yellow is sweeter in taste and contains the heart tonic called ‘captine’.

The Mt. Balungao DF Farm is open for public where sightseers are free to pick their own fruits, and then pay afterwards.

"Enjoy ‘yung farm tour pati ‘yung fruit picking. Feeling ko, sa amin ‘yung farm. Pati mga bata, nag-enjoy. Syempre, aside dun sa experience, ‘yung benefit na makukuha mo sa dragon fruit, maganda kaya kumakain kami nito", says Nathaniel Gancenia when he visited the farm.

The deep pink almost bright red scaly skin of the dragon fruit may be weird for some and looks like just a cactus, but the benefits are numerous. Some say that dragon fruits are called "priceless treasure". It can be taken as fruit, flower, vegetable, health product or medicine.

Named the cleansing fruit for the whole body system, the dragon fruit is rich in vitamins and minerals and the fruit, including its flowers and peelings, are edible as well. It is also effective for weight loss, and it helps reduce risks of cancer. (Jing Vallejos/Focus)

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Sunday, August 31, 2014

La Union, revisiting its past grandeur

Aside from the most famous surfing sites and mesmerizing white sand beaches of La Union, the province also boasts its historical landmarks. These landmarks showcase the history of the province since the Spanish era. They played important role on how and what the province is in the present

PINDANGAN RUINS

About 500 meters from the National Highway at Brgy. San Vicente, San Fernando City lies the ruins of a church which serve as evangelization area to the locals. But due to its location, near the sea,which is prone to attacks by the Japanese and Chinese Moro Pirates, the Frayles decided to transfer the Church to Brgy. Tangui then to Brgy. Cabaroan and afterwards to its present site in front of city auditorium.

Today, the ruins’ buttresses and walls are still standing. An old well which supplied the area with cool water through the centuries, can still be found at the side of the church. Made of corals and bricks, the enchanting well is still in good condition. The Carmelite Sisters, whose monastery stands behind the ruins, are the caretakers of the glorious landmark.

They called the structure Pindangan ruins, derived from San Fernando City’s old name. An Ilocano dialect for a place where meat is sun dried and salted to preserve.

THE CENTENNIAL TUNNEL

Built in 1913 during the American regime this 40.4 kilometers long tunnel was really intended for Philippine National Railways (PNR) bound for Baguio. Because of the threat of the Second World War the structure was abandoned by the Commonwealth Government. The tunnel was also used as the headquarters of Japanese Imperial Army because of its durability to bombings. Although according to locals, the tunnel already exists during the Spanish era and was developed in the American occupation.

There are also speculations that there are treasures buried in the tunnel.Similar structures could also be found in Tuba, Benguet which were supposed to be part of the ambitious railway system.

BALUARTE WATCH TOWER

Located at the pebble beaches of Luna La Union, Baluarte Watch tower was built by the Spaniards to monitor threats and danger in the sea from the Japanese and Chinese Moro Pirates.

Because of its towering height it serve as a shield for the locals. Also, Guardia Civils can warn the residents in advance in case of forthcoming danger from pirates and colonists. Also to prepare to defend the locality. This historical structure has successfully defended the people in the past for countless times.

Today, Baluarte stands in disarray, vertically cut in two because of eroded base and foundation, its two halves stand through concrete post supports on its sides.

Indeed, La Union is not only blessed with beautiful sceneries but also, with historical pieces that showcase the rich culture and history of the province. Reginald Agsalon (FOCUS) Source: www.launion.gov.ph

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Thursday, August 21, 2014

A NATURE’S MASTERPIECE: AGNO’S UMBRELLA ROCK FORMATIONS

Pangasinan is undeniably hallowed by nature’s wonders.

From the mesmerizing view of Mapita Trail of Aguilar and Mt. Zion of Bugallon, to the beautiful Hundred Islands of the City of Alaminos, the caves of Bani, and the pristine white sand beaches and diving sites of Dasol and Bolinao, Pangasinan is a province worth a thousand words of admiration.

Gifted with a vast fishing ground of milkfish or “bangus,” and big fish like tuna and blue marlin, the rustic town of Agno is one of the places should you not miss when visiting Pangasinan. The name Agno was derived from swamp tree called “Agno Casto” that grow abundantly in the locality and is being used to relieve pain and illness. It is characterized by beautiful rolling terrains and rice fields productive in rice, mangoes, vegetables, and root crops and abundant in bamboos and coconuts, all of which you could see on the way to the town proper.

As you near the Poblacion, the town plaza, the road passes along the beautiful Mabini River, which in turn meets with the South China Sea further west. Some of the famous beaches in Agno are Abagatanen beach, a white sand beach, and Baruan beach. And of course, the nearest beach in town, the Sabangan Beach where the Umbrella Rock Formations are situated.

Amazingly carved by nature at the shore of Sabangan beach, they were called the Umbrella Rocks because along the shore, there are big rock formations that resemble gigantic umbrellas where you can rest from the rays of the sun. This picturesque view of the umbrella rocks beside the beach and mountain is the reason why the place is loved by nature lovers and photographers.

Aside from the famous Umbrella Rocks, Sabangan beach also has an old lighthouse wherein you can see the panoramic view of beach and its fern-decorated boulders that appear to be umbrellas. It will take less than hundred steps to the old light house.

How to get there

Public Transport - Take a bus ride from Manila to Bani, Pangasinan, then take a tricycle or jeepney ride to Agno, Pangasinan or direct bus ride from Manila to Agno, Pangasinan (limited trips only for Five Star Bus/Dagupan Bus Co.) Travel time is about 5 to 6 hours.

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Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Zipping through the Philippines

Cables running over jungle canopies once ferried buckets of goods to roads where trucks could take them to market. Then one day about 40 years ago, the story goes, a guy in South America realized he could ride down with the bucket. It saved hours of bushwhacking.

Today, the Philippines, a jungle-covered archipelago in Southeast Asia, is building an economy on tourism—and finding that foreign backpackers want more adventure than a cocktail on the beach.

Their answer? Strapping people to pulleys along the steel cables—called zip lines—at beaches, alpine resorts and even the top of a hotel-shopping complex in the city of Cebu. When pushed off platforms at up to 15,000 feet above sea level, gravity sends riders flying as fast as 50 feet per second.

The Philippines claims the world's highest zip line and the first on the roof of a building.

"It's not only for adventure but also for people who want the clean environment and the fresh air," says Elisa Millama, a duty officer at the high-mountain Dahilayan Adventure Park zip line, the self-proclaimed longest in Asia at 2,700 feet.

It's hard to get any fresher than whizzing through the air, belly down, with nothing to do but breathe and check out the jungles and peaks.

"The canopy ones, the slower ones are like trekking through the treetops," says Richard Cole, owner of Association of Zip Line Technology, a company in the Philippines that builds lines and does consulting to the government.

With 22 years of experience, Cole sometimes zips upside down or does back flips off the platform. "Now it's all about longer, higher, faster," he says of today's competition among zip operators.

The Sabang X Zip Line sends riders hurtling toward the South China Sea, off Palawan Island, on a 2,600-foot journey to a rocky outcropping. The line at the Crown Regency hotel complex in central Cebu runs people 250 feet, from the roof of one building to another. It costs 600 pesos, about twice what rural peers charge, and draws from 100 to 300 people per day.

About 20 zip lines have registered in the Philippines over the past five years, with an unknown number of others operating informally throughout the archipelago of 7,107 islands.

"The sentiment seems that since the lines have been constructed on a private basis that they are not that trusted," says Matthias Hanika, a developer on the small central Philippine island Mindoro where lines are starting to appear. Licensed zip lines may cost another million pesos to build, discouraging small operators. Two local governments are exploring safety laws.

But for now, the central government's Department of Tourism's seven tips for a "fun and safe" zip focus on the fun: Wear comfortable clothes, sneakers (some people go barefoot) and bring a camera, it recommends. "Loosen up, enjoy the view and have fun while it lasts," it adds. (Source: Ralph Jennings/Ozy.com)

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Tuesday, May 27, 2014

Exciting new destination in Alaminos City

WHO WOULD not yet know about the home of 100 islands?

Indeed! That is what Alaminos City is famous for. Explore the wonders of nature. Go island hopping as much as you want. But still, Alaminos City wouldn’t cease to amaze the tourists. Especially now that there are numerous new things to discover in this place.

For one, enjoy the newest adventure on Governor’s island, which gives you a chance to walk on the ocean floor! Take a pleasure at the abundance of tropical fish, corals, and giant clams. Helmet diving will surely entice tourists who love to discover creatures from underwater. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to experience helmet diving in Boracay, as this water activity is now part of the eco-tourism package of Hundred Islands National Park.

A new place to dine in

Your Hundred Islands escapade wouldn’t be complete without visiting the city’s newest hangout of food lovers.

Presenting Papa Tok’s Kitchen, an eat-all-you-can restaurant where seafoods and pasta are served best. They also offer traditional Kapampangan-Pangasinan cuisine.

Owned by couple Michael and Marge Santiago, Papa Tok’s has now been the favorite eating place in Alaminos.

Both actually wanted to have a unique name for their restaurant but it should be something that could easily be remembered. Papatok entered their minds. It is a Tagalog word which means ‘a hit’. This happened to be the couple’s goal when they started this kind of business.

“We love food. Tapos yung misis ko pa Kapampangan; kaya may alam talaga sa pagluluto. Alam naman natin kapag lutong Kapampangan masarap tsaka malasa kaya hindi nabibigo yung mga pumupunta dito at kumakain. Pero hindi rin nawawala yung Pangasinan style kaya makikita mo madaming seafoods tsaka gulay na siniserve kami.” says Michael Santiago.

A must try here is their specialty which is the chili crab. Cooked with pepper, ginger, chili oil, onion, garlic and carrots, this recipe will spice up your appetite.

Papa Tok’s best sellers include pork and tofu, seafood pasta, sisig, chicken roll, sinigang na bangus and tempura.

The eat-all-you-can serving is at P250 per person. Enjoy the unlimited buffet.

The place is spacious, the staff elements are friendly and foods are perfectly affordable.

Definitely, Papa Toks is one place worth going to.
Why not do it now?

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Monday, May 5, 2014

Ilocos Sur makes raves in world tourism after Vigan’s Wonder City tag

The Heritage City of Vigan made waves in the global tourism and historical scene after it earned a spot in the search for the New Seven Wonder-Cities of the world.

It was one of the 28 semi-finalists and the only city in the Philippines that qualified in that round. Initially, Cebu and Iloilo were part of the 77 cities around the world until it was narrowed down.

Vigan is not merely banking on its rich heritage, but on the collective effort of its people whose cooperation is behind the city’s vast achievements.

Vigan City Mayor Eva Marie Singson Medina has appealed to the Filipinos all over the world to vote for Vigan as one of the New 7 Wonders-Cities of the World. Votes may be cast online at the New Seven Wonders site. The result of the voting in this level shall be known in July 2014. The entries are trimmed down to 14 finalists and by December 2014, the New 7 Wonder Cities will be declared.

The wonder-cities search is the third global vote organized by the New 7 Wonders and follows the successful New 7 Wonders of the World and New 7 Wonders of Nature campaigns. The search is a forum wherein discussions from urban planning to metropolitan governance, tourism to architecture are held. It also recognizes places that best represent the achievements and aspirations of global urban civilization. It encourages debates about how cities should respond to the challenges of the present and the future.

Vigan is the best-preserved example of a planned Spanish colonial town in Asia.

Its architecture reflects the coming together of cultural elements from elsewhere in the Philippines, from China and from Europe, resulting in a culture and townscape that have no parallel anywhere in East and South-East Asia. For this, Vigan was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site on December 2, 1999.

Vigan was also UNESCO’s “Best Practice in World Heritage Site Management” during the 40th World Heritage Convention in Kyoto, Japan, on November 6-8, 2012.It bested 27 other entries from 23 world heritage sites. Vigan was recognized for successful and sustainable management achieved with relatively limited resources.

The other cities include Athens, Greece; Bangkok, Thailand; Barcelona, Spain; Beirut, Lebanon; Casablanca, Morocco; Chicago, USA; Doha, Qatar; Durban, South Africa; Havana, Cuba; Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; Istanbul, Turkey; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Kyoto, Japan; La Paz, Bolivia; London, United Kingdom; Mendoza, Argentina; Mexico City, Mexico; Mumbai, India; Perth, Australia; Phnom Penh, Cambodia; Prague, Czech Republic; Quito, Ecuador; Reykjavik, Iceland; St. Petersburg, Russia; Seoul, South Korea; Shenzhen, China; and Vancouver, Canada.

Vigan city is also a Hall of Fame awardee as Cleanest, Greenest, and Safest City in Region 1, Best Performing Local Government Unit, Most Child-Friendly Component City in the Philippines; and the National Champion—Gawad Pamana ng Lahi in the Cities Category.

Ilocos Sur also made headlines after national authorities trained their attention on rampant illegal black sand mining in two towns. Criminal charges were filed against 31 Chinese nationals caught by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) engaged in illegal black sand mining.

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said the Chinese nationals were arrested in separate raids in the provinces of Cagayan and Ilocos Sur on August 1 and 3 last year. They face charges for violating the Philippine Mining Act of 1995. During the August 1 raid, authorities arrested a total of 18 Chinese nationals working for Hua Xia Mining and Trading Corp in the barangays of Doddan and Paddaya in Aparri, Cagayan. Half of the arrested individuals were caught illegally operating a mineral processing plant for magnetite, the most magnetic of all the naturally occurring Earth minerals, and which is commonly found in large quantities of black sand. The other half were said to be engaged in burrowing for the same mineral within a prohibited zone and without an MGB permit.

In the August 3 raid, 13 Chinese nationals working for Hongze Mining Corp were likewise arrested in two separate sites in Ilocos Sur: in Barangay Caparacadan in Caoayan town, and Barangay Nagtupacan in San Vicente town. De Lima said that aside from the arrests, 120,000 metric tons of black sand, which can fill up 6,000 dump trucks, was also seized.

De Lima stressed that black sand mining was illegal in "no-go zones" – a 200-meter strip of shore area that is closed to mining activities. MGB geohazard mapping had shown that coastal areas were vulnerable to wind and water erosion which makes sand mining in those areas a prohibited activity.

The World Wildlife Fund Philippines said that black sand mining will have harmful effects on the marine biodiversity in the Babuyan Channel, particularly to humpback whales. (Source: PIA1-Ilocos Sur) FOCUS

Surfing is more fun in San Juan

When you wish to escape the heat and just want to relax and enjoy this summer, you'll definitely have to try and visit the surf capital of the North-- San Juan, La Union.

Brgy. Urbiztondo is the most popular surfing area in San Juan. This place is ideal for first timers. Here you can find a long coastline, one of the longest in the country. The waves are perfect yet safe for beginners. There are surf schools and tutorials here in San Juan. Town surfers organized a club and you can hire them including the surfboard for about P400 in an hour.

Mang Always, as what his colleagues call him, has been teaching surfing since 2003. According to him, surfing is easy. The most important thing you need to learn is to find the perfect balance. The key to doing this well is being calm, or trying to be still. The less movement that you make, the easier you will find it.

There are tips you have to remember for you to be able to stand on the board. When you come up, remember to keep low because if you stand straight you will fall. Your hands should be higher than your waist and just in view of your vision. And always look up! If you look at your feet, you will fall down.

According to Mang Always "wala sa timbang ng tao yan. Kahit sino pwedeng mag-try. Payat, mataba, bata, matanda pwede. Basta pursigido ka tsaka marunong makinig."

The best time to surf is from July to October, and November to March where there are larger waves and the water quite deeper.

"Kung kelan medyo malakas ang hangin, dun mas maraming nagsu-surf. Yung malaking alon ang inaabangan nila kasi mas exciting", he adds

Carlos Marasigan, an aspiring surfer, travelled all the way from Manila to experience another thrilling adventure here in San Juan. Surfing for him is an extreme sport where you can challenge yourself to do something that you fear of.

“Takot ako dati sa dagat kasi malalakas yung alon. But when I learned about surfing and tried it, na-overcome ko yung fear. Ang sarap ng nasa ibabaw ng tubig at nakikipaglaro sa mga waves", he said.

It was said that surfing in La Union was established in the late 70′s by a Japanese surfer named Aki Naga. He introduced this kind of sport to the local residents and trained them. From then on, they make it their own way of living which eventually paved to the establishment of resorts and similar businesses. Since then, the beach has become a famous surfing destination welcoming both aspiring and professional surfers from all over. But if you really don’t have the guts to surf, there are still many ways to plunge into the waters and enjoy the waves! There are plenty of beach resorts you can choose from and simply enjoy swimming. Reaching San Juan is easy. From Manila, it would take more than 7 hours with bus stops included. Take any bus going to San Fernando, La Union. Take a jeep that will lead you shortly to Brgy. Urbiztondo. If you have your own car, you can take NLEX and TPLEX and exit at Carmen. Take the McArthur Road going north.

Don’t miss the fun! Enjoy the sun and surf at San Juan! (Jing Vallejos) ~~FOCUS~~

A day in the sea: Reminiscing a first time experience

As part of the modernization program of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the government acquired two warships for the Philippine Navy from the US Coast Guard—BRP Gregorio del Pilar and BRP Ramon Alcaraz.

During last year's celebration of Pistay Dayat, PF15 or BRP Gregorio del Pilar docked on Lingayen Gulf with the Philippine Navy opening the ship to Pangasinenses from April 28 to May 2. Their curiosity and excitement could be felt as they waited for their turn on the motorboat that would take them to the ship's location anchored at three nautical miles from the shore. Now that the province is celebrating the sea festival once again, it really feels great to reminisce the day that I was in the ship, admiring every corner of it. That was the day I felt the Philippine’s strong stance in protecting our seas and promoting our rights to sovereignty. That was the day I saw the Philippine Navy’s dedication to their job even if it meant being away from their family for a long time and putting half of their life out there despite the impending uncertainties that might be dangerous. That was the day I saw the country’s warship standing in all its glory. As my team and I queued in, my adventurous side entered the scene and I found myself feeling excited about this first time experience. On the eighth episode of Talk TV Global's Traveldotcom, I featured the visit which I cannot forget even after a year has already passed.

Getting introduced

When it was our team's turn in riding on the motorboat, the excitement grew so intense I could hardly wait to set foot on the ship, a former US Coast Guard Cutter Hamilton. As we were approaching, the ship's enormity greeted us. I could imagine it smiling and inviting us to enter and see its glory. The ship is 378 feet in length and 42 feet in width measured on the widest part. The draft is 15 feet seven inches and displacement is 3,390 tons.

Exploring every corner

Our first stop was the wardroom where I interviewed the commanding officer, Commodore Joe Orbe. The wardroom serves as their meeting room for strategic planning and for other matters that need to be discussed in a closed door scenario.

Several steps from the wardroom is the commanding officer's quarters where he rests and sometimes calls for meetings with other officers of the ship. Everything he needs is within reach. For instance, just outside his quarters is his own kitchen. His room, unfortunately, is restricted to the public, so I only had a glimpse of it from outside. The gun deck is where the ship's huge armaments can be found. The biggest weapon of the ship is the 76 mm Oto Melara gun that can fire up to 80 rounds of ammunition per minute.

Still at home

Spending most of their time on the sea, the officers can still enjoy the comforts of home. We also went to the kitchen and the mess hall where they dine, the gym where figure-conscious men can lift weights, the clinic for emergencies and the lounge where they can stay when off duty. Here, they can watch a film or two, or read books and magazines. A library and entertainment room rolled into one.

The engine room is several levels down. But, it was also restricted to the public, so we had not got the chance to take a peek inside. Located in the back portion of the ship are the helipad and the ship's hangar. On display on this part were several types of guns.

We spent our last few minutes inside on admiring and staring around the ship, finding ourselves caught in awe. Sure, it is not brand new, but BRP Gregorio del Pilar is something nobody will ever want to miss given the chance of a tour inside. After all, it is every Filipino's ship. (EJ Dangla) FOCUS

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The Hidden Paradise of Burgos: Cabongaoan Beach

Appreciating arts and culture Baguio as a flourishing ethos, and #Espasyo is just the beginning

Dragon fruit farm in the foot of Mount Balungao

La Union, revisiting its past grandeur

A NATURE’S MASTERPIECE: AGNO’S UMBRELLA ROCK FORMATIONS

Zipping through the Philippines

Exciting new destination in Alaminos City

Ilocos Sur makes raves in world tourism after Vigan’s Wonder City tag

Surfing is more fun in San Juan

A day in the sea: Reminiscing a first time experience