WikiPilipinas: Hanging around Patapat Bridge

Painted blue sky seems a road to heaven

After our lunch, I requested to visit Patapat Viaduct before we proceed to Laoag City. From Pagudpud, its about 16 km zigzag road before you reach the famous bridge going to Isabela.

Upon reaching Patapat, we have seen lineup of vehicles parked on sideways and for a brief right turn, the 1.2 kilometers long Patapat bridge that I saw in my friends photos was finally witnessed by my naked eyes. This elevated bridge can be found at the foot of the cliff of the North Cordillera Mountain Ranges. Residence here and some tourist often referred this as the “French Riviera of the North”.

The Patapat road from our car's windshield

I have seen tourist like us who are also very busy taking group pictures and the picturesque view that encompass the whole scenery. Just like them, we also have our photo-op without noticing those vehicles who passed by our location. Motorist were already familiar with this particular scene so they manage to drive for about 40 kph.

group pix again...

After a brief photo shoot, we decided to go back. When we reached the end of the bridge, behold, we have found out the Mabugabog Falls. It is said that it serves as a source of power for the mini hydroelectric plant. Residence there said that, it's only during the rainy days when you can see its splendor with its water dropping rhythmically to precipice on the rocky shore of the sea facing north bay.

While standing at the middle of the bridge, me and George watch the amazing view of the sea and the luxuriant mountains that is 200 meters above sea level. The bridge itself is a superb craft of men and the fabulous scenery that surrounds it makes it really a breathtaking to behold. According to Jerry, who once passed by this area during his heydays of deliveries said that they use the old road that is 20 feet above us. Drivers who passed here use to sing to enliven them while passing this very tricky and hazardous roads that is compared to the roads going to Sagada.

The exit-entrance point of the old road of Patatapat

This viaduct was constructed to solve the problem of landslides in the area which have caused so many vehicular accidents in the past. Footed on the rocky seashore just several meters from the mountain side it gives motorists a spectacular view of Pasaleng Bay.

Next..Bantay Abot cave

WikiPilipinas: Pagudpud Treat

Warm turquoise water of Pagudpud

WikiPilipinas and FilNet Team was treated by Gus Vibal, executive director of Vibal Foundation to the northernmost tip of the Philippines. It is a yearly adventure trip he gave to his staff as his token gift after the hurdles of projects he initiated for the foundation which he tagged as "knowledge sharing initiative".

PinoyExplorer was there and a witness to their merry making and island adventure in the comparatively perfect charms of Ilocandia. Gus who lived in New York for 25 years was amazed by the luxuriant hills, mountains and the very productive valleys when we're on Pagudpud. For your information, this marvelous tip of Ilocandia lies 45 miles north of Laoag City, its provincial capital and about 350 miles north of Manila -- about the equal distance between Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area.

Cinematic sunrise of Pagudpud

From the Laoag International Airport, we drove one and a half hour last night. Immediately, after our dinner we have some sort of recreation and treating his staffs with bottomless beers and delicious pulutan while some of them have befriended other visitors and treated the night with hip-hop music.

Gus with FilNet/Wiki team

The following morning (our hut is by the beach) we are treated by the powdery-like white sand, the tranquil blue water and the beautiful sunrise landscape of blue sky-tinted with warm pinkish color. After a toast of coffee, Gus and George proceeded to the beach and hang-up with the early fisherman's catch. They curiously tickle those big fishes that I can't recall its name.

Hoping to get more clues on what's on the other side of the island, I decided to walk by the shore lines with my Canon DSLR and took some photos. Facing the northwest, I saw the famous Bangui Wind Mills aligned like aliens patrolling the beach. The scene is very unique if compared to Boracay. Along its coastline you can see the coral rock formation over a turquoise water. The scene is very dramatic that if I am a cinematographer, this particular spot would be perfect for a romantic love scene :)

Another cinematic view in Pagudpud. Perfect for relaxation.

When I came back, the staff decided to walk the southern part of the island and to take a peek of other fine beaches of Pagudpud. From there, the staff and Gus who joined us for a walk goes swimming while George and myself decided to hire a boat to take us to the other side of the island. The boatman told us about the blue lagoon which excite us. So, we fetch the team from their 2 kilometer walk and we proceeded to our next destination. The water gets rough so we decided to drop by in a nearby beach shore and and coral garden mesmerize our eyes with its clear water and live seaweeds.

A walk in the beach :)

We return to our quarters around 12 noon and eat our lunch. Serve with their house specialty- pinakbet with bagnet plus other native Ilocano foods, our stomach can no longer find its way to digest our crave. After a while, we pack our things and we headed for Laoag.

lunch time with native Ilocano foods

Pagudpud is still unspoiled and tourist like me are treating it as a place for complete relaxation. It has a wide shore lines, the place is peaceful and not yet invaded by commercial establishments. Unlike Boracay, the beach is not overcrowded and you can really enjoy the water. Its powdery-like sands are its main attraction. The water are calm even during high tides.This is my second time to reach Pagudpud and if permitted, I will be coming back here for a more extended vacation. This time, I hope, with my own family.

Next...Patapat Viaduct

Related Post

* WikiPilipinas: The Road to Ilocadia
* WikiPilipinas:Summer Getaway

WikiPilipinas: The Road to Ilocandia

Everyone was excited to this year's summer adventure and before we left, Team WikiPilipinas were in a hurry finishing their chores to prepare for their week long vacation. And as planned, the first group already left by 7:30 pm while my group stays a night at Gus' residence, planned our tour, a bit of WikiPilipinas projects assessments and a decision to wake up early in the morning.

Gus will be taking the plane in the afternoon with George while Christine, Cris and myself will have a long drive from Manila and meet with them in Laoag International Airport. His personal driver, Jerry would be our pilot with his jet-powered Fortuner :) Since, we recessed the night at 2 am, we woke up late and left by 9 am already. Jerry promised us that we will be on time and he had already estimated the travel time.

Late breakfast...late lunch

The 9 am drive to the north is easy and there's no traffic in EDSA. Rush hour seems to start by 7 am going to Makati and glad that we are on the opposite lane. Realizing that we have not have eaten our breakfast yet, we decided for a stop-over at Shell station along NLEX where every motorist drop by for an early breakfast. I have noticed group of teens and for sure they are also going to the beach. I'm not sure in which part of the north but probably they would prefer beaches of the nearby Subic and Zambales.

Soon after we finished our Jollibee breakfast meal, we drove again and passed by Pampanga, Zambales, Tarlac and Pangasinan. It's amazing to see the lush green surrounding , fresh air, unique designs and color of tricycles and the fiestas we passed by in different towns.

Lunch in San Fernando, La Union. (L-R) Tin, Butch, Me,Jerry and Christian

After 5 hours, we reach San Fernando, La Union. I remember a former colleague who leave on the place and decided to give him a ring. Surprisingly, he never change his number and we've able to talk and managed to join us for a lunch. He's happy now as teacher in a public school in La Union and at present is on a training when we fetch him at Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University. The foods are great and we have tasted seafoods cooked in traditional La Union way.

Sidetrip Surfing at San Juan

While on the way, I have seen beaches on our left flank. Jerry told us that if we want, we can have a 20 min stop over in San Juan, La Union to see the surfing and buri capital of the north. And of course, who doesn't want to see the action. San Juan became famous because of its waves that can be at par with the other surfing destinations abroad. This place became one of the venue for an international surfing event next to Siargao. This place is also a favorite hangout of actor Jericho Rosales who loves surfboarding and consider the place as his next home.

May be the waves was ashamed when we reach the beach and it was not so perfect. Trainors there told me that summer is not perfect for surfing exhibition and waves are very minimal during summer but perfect for new comers. You have to wait the months of July to September where monsoon winds push up waves for surfer's fantacy. I have taken few shots then we go.

Touchdown Laoag International Airport

Around 7:20 pm we were in Laoag International Airport to fetch Gus and George. They will be with us on the way to Pagudpud where we will stay for a night. This is my first time to reach this airport but I have no idea what's inside it 'coz it was already dark. The vicinity has no ample light to illuminate the entire airport that's why I can't appreciate the place.

Anyway, the way to Pagudpud according to Jerry could be reach in one and a half hour. We drove around 8:25 pm and we passed by the well-lit entrance bridge of Padsan River in Laoag City- the first class city in the province of IlocosNorte . While we traverse the city and its nearby barangays, I can see the foothill of Cordillera mountain range to my left while the South China Sea on my right.

by 10 pm, our dinner are ready, welcome drinks were served and for sure Vista del Mar resort of Saud beach can provide us a night to remember.

Next..Pagudpud experience

WikiPilipinas: The Summer Getaway 2008

Summer 2008 is here and the Philippine beaches for sure is the perfect destination to most Filipinos. This year, PinoyExplorer goes on the road for a Northern Adventure this summer, this time not with my fellow photogs, not with my family and friends but with the WikiPilipinas Team. You're right WikiPilipinas goes north for their summer getaway.

This blog will be a series of posts (hopefully :) ). This will give you a day to day updates of WikiPilipinas itinerary as it simulates the Philippine Tour Guide of the North. As a refresher, WikiPilipinas- the Philippine encyclopedia has a Philippine Tourist Guide inside its pages. Check it out so you can have a glimpse of your favorite destinations. And if you think you have something to add on, start writing.

As part of the itinerary, WikiPilipinas hopefully be visiting Tarlac, Pangasinan, la Union, Vigan and finally the white beach of Pagudpud. As you have known, the month of May is not just for fiestas but also a cultural heritage month. So, historical and cultural sites is for sure will be the highlights of the tour. WikiPilipinas gives importance on this and it adheres to the need of the Filipinos to know more about their local histories, be written and be told.

PinoyExplorer also believes that we really need those stories. Usually, we visit places but we fail to tell their stories. When we go to places like Pampanga or Vigan, we always look at it as a place for good pasalubong. WikiPilipinas sister site Filipiniana.net's LAHI and PinoyExplorer believes that we can offer more than just pasalubong. We can give them a "pasalubong" that can last long to their memories and can be shared to others. I am talking about stories, these are unique in every place and are still undocumented. As Wikiboy and Gus had said "In order for our history to be told, its should be written."

So, to those who love to write and has knowledge on their local history, its about time for them to be told. WikiPilipinas is the Philippine repository of everything about Pinoy and we should took advantage of it.

And lastly, to those volunteers who live in the area of WikiPilipinas Tour, you can catch them on the road, historical areas or in resto may be and you can come to have a personal chat with the founder and its team. They will be glad to see you and enjoy the summer worth while.

Palawan: Host of Palarong Pambansa 2008

April 23, 008

Given the scarcity of time while in a conference session, I manage to sneak few moments of my time to visit the Palarong Pambansa being held here in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan.

As per the tricycle driver who acted as my guide, the venue of the events are in various places and giving him my choice of sport would be easy for him to bring me to the exact destination point. Instead, I have requested him to bring me to the nearest event venue regardless of sports.

The Palawan Coliseum is my first stop though its been late already still, what I can do is to have my occular visit and see the facility at the same time. The venue is for gymnastics and for the championship event for basketball. Gymnastics participants are practicing and Its on my advantage 'coz I will given a close encounter with the athletes while being trained by their respective coaches. It was amazing to see participants as young as 7 years old. I have seen them in their acrobatic moves that can be at par with their grown-up counter part doing triple loop in mid-air.


The following day after our lunch, I sneak again and proceeded to the main venue- The Ramon Mitra, Jr. Sports Complex and seen the basketball and volleyball event. The venue is just 15 minutes drive from our host in Brgy. San Jose. Tricycles there are mostly rented since more people are going to the sports complex.

The venue is huge with a standard Olympic size oval complete with figure statue of our favorite international sports superstar. I just don't know the relevance of these foreign sports figures to the current event. We are presenting our own common games and I can be pleased if I see Pacquiao's life-size figure.




Anyway, the local government of Puerto Princesa is really prepared for the event. They even spent less than P20 million to resurface their oval. Medical terminals are also being constructed in all competition venues to assure that athletes and officials will be taken care of during the tournament. Large billboards can also be seen to spell-out the highlight of the event.

The following are the list of the event.

• April 11, 2008 - Start of Screening of Athletes
  Venue: Billeting Quarters of the Regional Delegations
• April 16, 2008 -Arrival of the Technical Management & Administration
  Venue: Palawan State University
• April 17-19, 2008 - Search for Mr. & Miss Palaro 2008
  Venue: Puerto Princesa City Coliseum
• April 17-18, 2008 - Refresher Course for Technical Officials
  Venue: Palawan State University
• April 19, 2008 - Solidarity Meeting
  Venue: Puerto Princesa Coliseum
• April 20, 2008 - Opening Ceremonies of the 2008 Palarong Pambansa
  Venue: Puerto Princesa
• April 21-26, 2008 - Competition Proper of the 2008 Palarong Pambansa
  Venue: Different Playing Venues
• April 23, 2008 - Special Games
  Venue: Puerto Princesa Sports Complex
• April 26, 2008 - Closing Ceremonies of the 2008 Palarong Pambansa
  Venue: Puerto Princesa
• April 27, 2008 - Homeward bound safe and sound
  Venue: City Sports Complex
  

The Department of Education, which is organizing the Palaro with technical support from the Philippine Sports Commission, has allotted P60 million for the national tournament for athletes 18 years and below.

next.. city of palawan

Palawan: My Adventure series

April 22, 2008

This summer, its work with pleasure :) and its nice to be given this rare opportunity to visit the last frontier of the south- Palawan.

I will be spending my 4 days here and hope to share with you something memorable experience that any adventure traveler like me would like to know. This week Puerto Princesa City is hosting the 2008 Palarong Pambansa at the Ramon V. Mitra Jr. Sports Complex from April 20-26 and for sure this would be my first stop to get a glimpse of the 10,000 strong contingents of the said sporting event.

Wes and I aboard the plane via Air Philippines bound for Puerto Princesa by 9:15 am and its my first time to travel by plane in day time. I'm glad that I got an advantage corner (beside a window) and got a wonderful shot of fractus culumus cloud formation while flying in 25000 ft above sea level. The sight is really breathtaking and its feels like your at the middle of a giant cotton white candy less the white angels that sings alleluyah... alleluyah.. :).

The bird's eye view of Palawan islands is also magnificent, as you can see in these photos, its very clear that the government of Palawan under the leadership of Mayor Edward Hagedorn, had done so much to preserve its natural beauty and protected its marine ecosystem.




When we land 55 minutes later, we were greeted by a military band. The tarmac is small but its clean and surrounded by lush green forest. Puerta Princesa is really booming as a tourist haven. Welcome banners promoting their rich natural wonders scattered all over the airport, its main thoroughfare and not to mention the banners welcoming the delegates of the Palarong Pambansa.

I'm not here for the sports but rather for a Librarian event where our projects WikiPilipinas and Filipiniana.net will be presented over 200 delegates for the Philippine Association of Academic and Research Librarian (PAARL) Summer Conference tackling the theme: Finding the Library's Place in the 2.0 Environment: Providing for interactive, collaborative and web-based technologies, resources and services.

We have no "sundo" that's why we have rented a 100 peso tricycle ride going to "St. Ezekiel Moreno Spirituality and Development Center" a sort of a retreat house. Hotel's are fully booked maybe because of the occasion that prompted the organizers to held its venue here. Anyway, the place is cool and really have to relax for a while.

More for tomorrow...