Unknown to many, the province of Pangasinan is actually a place where you can celebrate nature’s blessings. Waterfalls, caves, mountains, rivers, springs and valleys — all these may easily be found in the province. A nature-rich sanctuary, the province has also started to carve out a name for itself in the international market for its export-quality bangus (milkfish) and bagoong (fish paste), the Hundred Islands, and of course, its ultra-friendly people!
This, we found, after attending a media familiarization trip sponsored by Victory Liner, the bus company that has been plying the northern route for over 62 years now, which sought to feature some of Pangasinan’s major tourism sites. The second in a series of trips that the bus company is undertaking this year, the tour actually forms part of Victory Liner’s Northern Exposure advocacy campaign which seeks to help shore up local tourism up north.
Our journey began with an engaging bus ride to Lingayen, the home base of our tour. Along the way, we dropped by a local bagoong factory (JE’s Bagoong) and witnessed first-hand how this delicacy is made. We also made a quick stopover in Dagupan, a city known for its delicious boneless bangus.
An idyllic paradise, by a hundred
What was easily the most exciting part of our trip is the island-hopping tour of the Hundred Islands in Alaminos. James Ventayen of Geli-Viva Tours, the local tour guide, informed us that there are actually over a hundred islands (123 to be exact!) but during high tide, the other islands go down so only 98 are left. Of this number, however, only three islands (Quezon, Governor’s, and Children’s) have been fully developed.
We set sail for the Hundred Islands on board a motorized banca — every inch feeling like Christopher Columbus, ready to take on the quest of discovering new worlds (or islands). Along the way, we passed by “still-to-be-developed islands” like the Century, Camantiles, Monkey, Sulpot and Abad Santos islands. Even then, the experience was already truly awesome!
First stop was Governor’s Island, easily the most photographed place among the islands as it houses the PBB (Pinoy Big Brother) house. There, we trekked a long flight of seemingly endless trail to the top and was rewarded with a majestic view of the other islands. From there, we could see Marcos Island and neighboring islands like the Imelda cave, which is said to have been used as hiding place by a Japanese Kamikaze pilot during World War II.
Next stop was Children’s Island, so-named because it is the only island deemed fit for kids. The water level here is just deep enough for kids to practice swimming or wade through the water with glee. Caution, however, is advised as there are no lifeguards on call 24/7. Keep a bottle of water handy as well as the trek can also be very tiring.
Our final stop was Quezon Island, named after former President Manuel L. Quezon, which offered grill stations as well as chairs and tables. We had our picnic lunch of grilled yellow-fin tuna, pork and green mangoes with bagoong. While waiting for the fish to cook, some of us went out to swim and do some snorkeling. Others tried the kayak, while two other companions searched for the nestling place of giant clams.
Prior to the boat ride, we also met with Nani Braganza, the mayor of Alaminos. He shared that the national government had recently given his office the green light to develop the islands further. Part of the plan, he said, is to offer ferry boat services that will take visitors from the Hundred Islands to nearby towns like Bolinao and San Fabian and Dagupan City, and even as far as La Union!
‘I (we) shall return!’
Other than the Hundred Islands, we also checked out a number of other interesting sites. We saw a beautiful sunset at Cape Bolinao lighthouse in Punta Piedra Point, the second tallest lighthouse in the country. There’s also the Enchanted Cave and the beautiful beaches of Tababang/Patar in Bolinao, as well as the nature-rich spa and beach resort in Lingayen called El Puerto Marina.
Near the provincial capitol, we also saw the vastness of the Lingayen Gulf, which comes alive during Pista’y Dayat (Festival of the Sea) when people of every age and nationality flock to swim and bathe. For trivia fanatics, did you know that the Lingayen beach is actually where Gen. Douglas McArthur first uttered his famous “I shall return” vow? A museum commemorating this fateful day is now ensconced at the provincial capitol grounds where real-life machine guns, planes and other World War II memorabilia are on display.
More than the beach scenery and its storied past, however, what are perhaps the most endearing qualities of Pangasinan are its friendly people and delectable cuisine. That’s why after this trip, we’ve made a promise to ourselves, just like McArthur, to return — and discover more what this wonderful province has to offer.
Convenient travel up north
Today, thanks to major road improvements, road trips up north have been made so much safer and convenient, especially on board Victory Liner buses. The company, in fact, has launched a campaign that guarantees just that, thus giving you a relaxing, hassle-free trip to Pangasinan and other unique attractions up north.
For those who’d still like to travel in style, check out Victory Liner’s latest deluxe bus trips that come complete with snacks, a friendly bus stewardess and a clean restroom — so you can reach your destination without stops. These buses also feature comfortable seats with ample legroom. Victory Liner also offers one-month advanced booking and chartered buses for company or family outings.
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For Victory Liner’s bus schedules, log on to www.victoryliner.com. Or call or text 0906-4377418 for tour guide assistance in Lingayen.
