LOOK: Saud Beach in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte

Found in the northern tip of Ilocos Norte, within the Municipality of Pagudpud, is the SAUD BEACH. It is a long stretch of White Sand Beach facing the Bay of Bangui. Across the Beach, one can see the Bangui Wind Farm where the popular Bangui Windmills are located. 

SAUD BEACH is ideal for people who are looking for a quiet and relaxing place to stay. The solitude offered by the place is something that I, personally, would not want to exchange for some luxurious; noisy; and crowded getaways.

IN PHOTOS: Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Parish Church in Rodriguez (Montalban), Rizal

Earlier today, we went to Rodriguez (formerly Montalban) in the province of Rizal to witness our friend's civil wedding ceremony which was held in the municipality's gymnasium. Right across the gymnasium was the historical and beautiful Church of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary. 

According to the official website of the Rizal Province, the Church was "founded in 1871 by a certain Fr. Eustaquio, a native of Pasig." Thus, making it one of the oldest Catholic Churches in the whole Province of Rizal. 

The Church, by the way, is under the jurisdiction of the Diocese of Antipolo.

Falling in love with Ilocos Norte's Kabigan Falls

Located in the municipality of Pagudpud in Ilocos Norte, Kabigan Falls is one of the must-see tourist destination in the place. 

Guided by some local tour guides, going to the falls require an approximate 20-minute hike passing several hills, rice fields and water streams. Everywhere you look, during the hike, is green and beautiful. It is so refreshing! And adding to the refreshing effect is the aromatic smell of plants and trees. Since the hills are steep and the rice fields are muddy, one must take an extra caution in taking each steps.

The long and, to some extent, dangerous hike are all worth it. The beauty of Kabigan Falls is just captivating!

PRAYER FOR A SAFE TRAVEL

Lord, be our guide and our protector on the journey we are about to take.  Watch over us.  Protect us from accidents. Save us from danger.  Keep us free from harm to body and soul.

Lord, support us with your grace when we are tired.  Help us be patient in any trouble which may come our way. 

I pray that I will safely reach my destination, and that returning safe and sound, I will find my family in good health.

Keep us always mindful of your presence and love.  Blessed are you, Lord our God, you who hear our prayers. Amen.

Author: Anonymous

Remembering Paradise, remembering Puerto Princesa

RLF: Five years ago, I, and my High School friends, went to Palawan; specifically, in the beautiful City of Puerto Princesa. We stayed there for 3 nights and 4 days exploring the different wonderful destinations, natural and man-made, alike. 

That time, we were blessed enough to avail of two packages; one for the airplane tickets (PAL), and another for the travel itself (accommodation and tour). Individually, we only spent Six (6) Thousand Pesos for the whole duration of our vacation. That amount, of course, is non-inclusive of souvenirs and pasalubongs. By the way, our group is consisted of 9 people. 

The Misibis Bay Experience

We stayed in Misibis Bay for 3 nights and 4 days, yet it seems too short to completely explore the beauty and wonders of the place. We were, somehow, regretful that we did not pursue our plan of staying there for 5 days.   But, nevertheless, we still enjoyed the whole duration of our stay; and much more, and I think the most important of all, we created fond memories to treasure for the rest of our lives.

Joseph B. Wirthlin got it perfectly when he said, "Some memories are unforgettable, remaining ever vivid and heartwarming!" 

PSALMS 121: "The Traveler's Psalm"

1 A song of ascents.

I raise my eyes toward the mountains.

From whence shall come my help?

2 My help comes from the LORD,

the maker of heaven and earth.

3 He will not allow your foot to slip;

or your guardian to sleep.

4 Behold, the guardian of Israel

never slumbers nor sleeps.

5 The LORD is your guardian;

the LORD is your shade

at your right hand.

A Romantic Afternoon Cruise along the Albay Gulf and Sula Channel

Included in our Misibis Bay package was a cruise in the Albay Gulf and Sula Channel. Our cruise was scheduled in the afternoon for two valid reasons, (1) to avoid the scorching heat of the sun, and (2) to experience the breath-taking view of the setting Sun with the Mayon Volcano as its background. Unfortunately, the latter was a fail; because a cloudy weather during our cruise, abruptly, set in. Good thing, we did not allow our disappointments on the cloudy weather to rule over our excitements. Instead, we placed our focus on things presently at sight; that is, landscapes and waterscapes. 

IN PHOTOS: The STELLA MARIS Chapel in Cagraray Island

"STELLA MARIS" is a Latin word which means STAR OF THE SEA. In the Catholic-Christian tradition, it is a title commonly attributed to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The Stella Maris Chapel in Cagraray Island is located within the vicinity of the Eco-Energy Park, which is a popular tourist destination for those who are staying in the nearby Misibis Bay. True to its name, the Chapel served as "STAR OF THE SEA" because it is situated in a hilltop overlooking the beautiful Gulf of Albay.  Its architectural design is very contemporary.

IN REVIEW: Misibis Bay's Garden View Accomodation

Every time we prepare to travel, we always make it a point to look for resorts or hotels which offer exquisite rooms with big comfortable beds; and clean bathrooms complete with amenities of sorts. And how do we do this? We always read latest travel reviews about our prospective resort or hotel before booking and paying. In addition, we also ask friends who already had an experience staying in such place. This routine started since February 2013 when we stayed in a hotel in Boracay and find our room totally different from the one being advertised in their website. It was, really, a lesson learned.

The Cagsawa Church Ruins: A place of inspiration and heartbreak

The ruins of Cagsawa Church and Convent, with the panoramic Mayon Volcano as its backdrop, has become the trademark photo representing the Bicol region, particularly the province of Albay. And why not?! The place is, truly, a sight to behold. Going there will only take a few minutes from Legazpi Airport. 

A Prayer for a Good and Meaningful Vacation

Heavenly Father, You have mercifully allowed human beings to have periods of rest and recuperation on our long journey through life.
 
This is my extended period of rest this year--- my vacation from the usual cares of everyday life and my time to be renewed--- physically, mentally, and spiritually.

IN PHOTOS: The Historical and Beautiful Church of Daraga

One of the most significant place to visit when you are in Albay is the historical and beautiful DARAGA Church. It is otherwise known as the Nuestra Señora de la Porteria (Our Lady of the Gate) Parish Church and is under the jurisdiction of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Legazpi. It was built on top of a hill in 1773 by Franciscan Missionaries.

Ligñon Hill Nature Park: A great location to view the Mayon Volcano

If you are in Legazpi City and is trying to look for location where you can have a great view of the iconic Mayon Volcano, I suggest that you go to Ligñon Hill Nature Park. It is located approximately 3 kilometers from Legazpi Airport and can be reached, without heavy traffic, using a vehicle in a minimum time of 8 minutes. This is also where the Third Mayon Volcano Observatory is stationed. 

Aside from the Mayon Volcano, you can also see from here the beautiful City of Legazpi, Daraga and Albay Gulf. 

UNDER THE SEA: Chronicle of a first-time SCUBA diver

"How can we not PRAISE YOU, O GOD, for all these spectacular creations?!"

This is the exact expression I told myself upon the seeing the diversity of living organisms under the ocean of Cagraray Island in Bacacay, Albay, Philippines.