Good Vibes for Today (From Yahoo): This baby does not like avocado.

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Basilica Minore of Our Lady of Piat: Piat, Cagayan Philippines

Our Lady of piat now formally known as Nuestra Señora de Piat is a 16th century Roman Catholic icon of the Blessed Virgin Mary. In the province of Cagayan, Philippines the central figure at the altar of her shrine can be found in the municipality of Piat. It is locally known as the patroness of the town. The Mother of Cagayan is what she is referred to and is one of the most adored Marian images of Mary in the Republic of the Philippines. One of the most honored and loved image among Catholics is the image of Our Lady of Piat. A line of devotees are flocking everyday to the shrine just to touch the image’s feet seeking for her interventions. Among Her devotees includes the rich and powerful in offering the Blessed Virgin’s shrine with donations and gifts.

She was originally termed by the Dominican friars as Nuestra Señora del Santissimo Rosario or the Our Lady of the Rosary. Several miracles including an end to a drought that threatened famine in the Itawes region has been has been attributed to the lady. With thousands of devotees and tourists who come here to pay tribute and respect, Piat is now entitled as the “Pilgrimage Center of Cagayan Valley”. For many Catholics in the region, the lady continues to be the source of inspiration and object of devotion.

Its color being brown or “muy morena”, the lady is also specified as the “Black Virgin Mary” and was referred to as the appealing characteristics of the Blessed Virgin.

One of the oldest marian images in the Philippines is the Our Lady of Piat. She was designated as the “Queen of Heaven and Earth” on June 20, 1954 in a ceremony led by papal delegate Egidio Vagnozzi. “Yena Tam Ngamin” (Mother of Us All) is how Ibanags call her and she is acknowledged as “Apo Baket” (Grand Matriarch) to the natives of Piat.

On June 22, 1999, the sanctuary was lifted us Basilica Minore (Minor Basilica) and was recognized from Rome. It was the first basilica minore in the region and the fourth in the Philippines. The rites was officiated by the Vatican's representative, Antonio Maria Cardinal Javierre Ortas.  A santacruzan was also sponsored by Department of Tourism in celebration of the Basilica. A weeklong special prayers and services was also held in 29 parishes in the province, a Marian choral contest at the St. Paul University in Tuguegarao, medical mission, grand procession of all the images of patron saints and the Our Lady and a cultural show on the documented miracles of the Virgin of Piat.

The Basilica of Our Lady of Piat is located in the town of Piat, 30 minutes away by land from Tuguegarao City or 41 kilometers northwest of Tuguegarao City. This pilgrimage site attracts a large number of devotees especially on July 1 and 2 when the feast of Nuestra Señora de Piat or the Sambali Festival is celebrated.

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Nangaramoan Beach : Sta. Ana, Cagayan Philippines

An exciting getaway experience with the guarantee of modern conveniences within reach is what Sta. Ana in the Cagayan Valley Province offers to visiting tourists. The 2nd Class Municipality resting on the edge of Northeastern Luzon region (636.5km from Manila) is home to the Cagayan Special Economic Zone; that being said, one will expect to see grand casinos and other gaming facilities and high-end hotels and restaurants but the other face of Sta. Ana is a simpler, scenic, historical and captivating way of life you’ll experience by the shoreline and in the mainland.

A place to relax and to escape the pressures of the city life while re-connecting with the natural wonders of nature then, Nangaramoan Beach’s crystal blue water, white coral and rock formations and lush green forest is highly recommended for travelers who have a taste for the sun, sand and the beach.

Staying in Nangaramoan Beach is simply breathtaking although the place is not considered to be developed as you will expect from other touristy and leisurely beaches in the Philippines like the Boracay Island in the western Visayan Municipality of Malay, Aklan Province. But on top of it all, Nangaramoan has its advantage because few people visits there which is an ideal way to enjoy a stress-free getaway that too many people and beach activities bring.

During high tide the beach can be enjoyed swimming but be mindful only of the rocks however when low tide comes it is best to say to just enjoy the large white coral rocks appearing on the beach front. You may also try to stroll along the coastline taking pictures, collecting sea shells for a souvenir or just sitting or lying on the sand somewhat like meditating.

Accommodations are simple but comfortable; the sleeping cabins are just the right size for a one bed to fit, spacy floor area for extra mattress, air-conditioned and a private toilet and bathroom. There’s no television, internet and cellular networks. Sleeping quarters vary from other resorts in the area.

It is advisable that you bring extra foods or snacks when staying in Nangaramoan because convenient stores are far located in the town proper. Some fishermen are selling their fresh catch of fish for a cheap price and you may even request to have it cooked for you. The place is abundant in marine life that is why a taste of seafood is a must try.

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Palaui Island : Sta. Ana, Cagayan Philippines

Palaui Island Travel Guide

At the northeastern tip of the province of Cagayan in Luzon lies Sta. Ana – a Special Economic Zone bustling with some modern industrial establishments, casinos and other urban gaming facilities. Blessed with a beautiful coastline, this small town bears the rural and laid-back lifestyle amidst some urban features. What makes this small quiet town is the island off its shore offering long stretches of white sandy beaches and coves, a century old lighthouse, concealed waterfalls and a scenic ragged terrain embraced by howling winds and huge waves. This is Palaui Island.

Palaui Island is made up of volcanic debris, lying between the South China Sea and the Pacific Ocean. It is a protected area having been declared as National Marine Reserve in 1994, abundant in wildlife, marine life and timber. With only a small community living in the island, it is largely uninhabited. It is politically under the jurisdiction of Sta. Ana and it is home to a small fishing community. Palaui Island has no electricity, nor commercial accommodation. Its main attraction aside from the gorgeous beaches is the 18th century lighthouse built by the Spaniards called Farol de Cabo Engaño or Cape Engaño Lighthouse. From this lighthouse, the best view of Palaui Island is offered.

How to Get There

Visitors can get to Palaui Island by:

• Plane. AirPhil Express’ and Cebu Pacific’s flight to Tugeugarao from Manila. Travel time by airplane is about one hour.
• Bus. From Manila to Tuguegarao with daily trips every hour. Travel time by land is about 11 – 12 hours.
• Jeepneys. From Tabuk, jeepneys will take you to Tuguegarao.
• Bus from Ilocos and Abra to Tuguegarao.
• Bus from Manila direct to Sta. Ana.

From Tuguegarao, a bus or van ride will take you to Sta. Ana in approximately two hours. Barangay San Vicente in Sta. Ana town is the jump off point to Palaui Island. Fishing boats can be chartered for a short half-an hour ride to the island from San Vicente port.

THINGS TO DO:

1. Conquer the Picturesque Cape Engano Lighthouse Palaui Island
2. Beach Bumming at the Pristine White Sand Beach of Anguib
3. Meet the Locals or Trek to the Lighthouse  via Punta Verde in Palui Island
4. Explore Crocodile Island

Places to Stay in Santa Ana Cagayan:

Jotay Resort
Telephone +63 (0) 78 372 0560 (PLDT)
Reservations +63 (0) 906 478 1270
Email – jotayresort@hotmail.com
Website : http://www.jotayresort.com/index.htm

Avalon Beach Club
Website : http://www.avalon-beach-club.com/

Jerolinda White Beach
Mobile Nos.: 09341195897, 09068648227

Balai Cagayano
Mobile No.: 09175922138

Lordwins Beach Resort
Mobile Nos.: 09197010036, 09283904518

Palaui Travel Tips:

·         Visit the island during summer (February to May) to avoid rough sailing and to enjoy trekking activities.

·         If you are visiting the island on a day tour, you need to arrive at the San Vicente Port early in the morning to maximize your time.

·         Organize a group of at least 6 to minimize the cost of boat rental etc.

·         Register at the tourism office located at the San Vicente Port for security purposes.

·         If you are planning to stay overnight in the island, you need to bring camping gears and you have to inform the tourism office.

·         Bring enough trail food, drinking water, flashlight, garbage bag, first aid kit, mosquito repellant and waterproof cases to secure your electronics and valuables.

·         Help the community by hiring a travel guide, its also for your own safety.

·         (June 1, 2013 till August 2013) The island is reportedly closed for tourists due to the filming of Survivor USA Series Season 27

You should include Palaui Island in your bucket list. Visiting the island is recommended during the summer season because the waves can be treacherous during the rainy season.

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Callao Caves : Penablanca, Cagayan Philippines

Callao Cave: The Ultimate Pride of Cagayan Valley

Similarly, Cagayan Province proudly boosts herself with a mesmerizing tourist attraction which has beautifully captivated the fancy and illusory imaginations of tourists, all over the world.  Interested to know what it is?  This is no other than but, Cagayan Valley’s very own, Callao Cave.The said tourist spot was beautifully and naturally accentuated with glimmering limestones and rock formations,  which are timeless and   believed to be centuries-old. Historically, the cave of Callao was named after a Kalaw bird, because it richly inhabits this area of splendor and magnificence.  However, they are swiftly declining due to the unstoppable hunting activities by those people who do not dearly appreciate the gifts of Mother Nature.

The Callao Cave is composed of 187 steps which tourists should painstakingly climb, for them to reach the cave’s main archway. But, wait. If you are worrisome about losing your way into the cave’s crevice, forget it. There is a bubbly and dynamic male tour guide who will gladly show you the ins and outs of this  mystical cave.  In addition, this tour guiding job is the main source of livelihood of most youngsters in Cagayan Valley.  It is an economically- generating endeavor which is conceptualized and sponsored by the local government of Penablanca Going back to the cave of Callao, the cave has the following awesome and unbelievable features that tourists will never dare to forget for the rest of their lifetime.

Features of Callao CaveThe Callao Cave has seven  aesthetic chambers, which naturally  are ornamented with stalactites which are  presumed by many as inherently present for almost centuries now. Furthermore, the widely  -renowned cave in Cagayan Valley has a lot of dazzling features;  which are really worth-seeing. Among these are as follows:

• The Aviary- The Aviary is the initial chamber of the cave. According to tourists’ guides, it is considered to be as the safest and  tremendously most  joyful haven of some of the most extraordinary species of birds. If you will personally see this part of the cave in the coming years or weeks, you will hear the sweet chirping of the birds which is truly relaxing, amiable and so endearing to your ears.  However, during nighttime, this section of the cave is caged by archeologists from the University of the Philippines, upon their mysterious discovery of tools in the Neolithic Age; together with the  unknown remains of humans. Going through the Aviary with your family and friends  is truly enjoyable and worth remembering; but then again, you must be extra careful because of its dark and slippery atmosphere Therefore, your group must bring flashlights to ensure your utmost safety;  while you are dazzled by this nature wonder in the Philippines

• Dark Room Chamber- As the word implies, the dark room chamber of Callao Cave is really dark in the strictest sense of the word. So, you have to walk slowly like a child  while watching your little steps to roam and explore,  around this particular chamber of Callao Cave. Descriptively, the whole chamber itself is too dark with no little amount of light to see you through.

• Cream Room Chamber- Beginning from the Dark Room Chamber, you only need to walk a few more steps to be able to reach the fifth of the seven-chambered  cave of Callao. The etymology of this section of the cave of Callao,  was derived from a big boulder formation that is quite a resemblance of  three delicious scoops of your favorite ice cream. On the other hand, tourists will be astonished even more  if they would look at the upper part of the Cream Room. “Why?”  Some of the rocks there,  form the head of a miraculous saint, Saint Joseph and the beautiful,  pearly white wings of an angel

• Sun Room Chamber- Based on the chronicle of the tourists who had already gone to this finest and most remarkable tourist attraction, this the best part ever of Callao Cave. From the external part of the cave, the radiant and colorful rays of the sun can peek through a wall opening; which beautifully allows tourists and other first time visitors to have a heavenly and panoramic view of the other wonderful sights outside the cave of Callao. Meanwhile, the best time to see this enormous and out of this world natural creation is between 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. only.

Within the vicinity is the Pinacanauan River, conducive for river rafting or boating, kayaking, fishing and swimming.  It is said that at dusk, travelers can be able to view the circadian of bats.

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Anguib Beach Resort : Sta. Ana, Cagayan Philippines

Every beach location in the Philippines never fails to make a reference to the famous and renowned Boracay Island.  Beaches may be tagged as the Boracay of the North, of the South, of the East, of the West, and whatever directions of all sort.

One of the finest beaches in the northeastern part of the Philippine Map, particularly  that at Sta. Ana, Province of Cagayan is no exemption, being marked as the Boracay of the North for some beach lovers.  However, the same is incomparable and should be known as it marks its own name.

This is Anguib Beach. A clear and pristine turquoise waters with powdery and fine white sand enclaved in a lush and verdant mountains which make up for the paradise that it is.

Under a perfect weather, we docked at the Anguib Beach on board an outrigger canoe after thirty minutes of travel time from our resort (which is near the San Vicente Port).  As I set foot on the beach, it was priceless, I was at awe on this paradise at Sta. Ana, Cagayan. No commercial establishments were set up and there were even no guests on the island except our group.  It was perfect.

Getting There

It was a thirty-minute ride on board the outrigger canoe (motorized pump boat)  from our resort to Anguib Beach.  The water was calm then so we smoothly sailed towards this paradise.

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