My Palaui Island, Cagayan Adventure (April 9, 2016)

After almost 14 hours of road trip from Manila to Sta. Ana and with just a
quick breakfast in Jotay resort, I finally experienced the most adventurous
moment in my life - our trip to Palaui Island in the tip of the northeastern
part of Luzon - San Vicente, in the municipality of Sta. Ana, Cagayan
province.

After the reality game show the Survivor revealed this one beautiful paradise,
this has been raved about and became one of the coveted tourist spots in Luzon.
I was really blessed to have seen this place.

In our 1.5 hours boat ride, all I saw was the vastness of the ocean. Seemed so
endless but I managed to be calm despite of so many things playing in my mind -
if I could still go back to Manila and see my family. We braved the high waves
and the strong splash of the water.

When I set foot on the Cape Engano beach, all my worries and fears disappeared.
We trekked to Cape Engano Lighthouse not noticing if I reached the top in 237
steps as they told.  From the lighthouse, you can get a great view of the Dos
Hermanas and Babuyan islands. It offers a majestic panoramic view of the green
hills and cliffs surrounded by the blue ocean.

We had our lunch at Anguib cove and had a quick dip on its blue crystal
water. 

We trekked to Buratubut falls where the cool water cascades through the huge
rocks which refreshed us from quite a long walk going to the falls.

Lastly, we passed by the Manidad island or popularly known as Crocodile island
because of its shape for photo-op. 

The view on the way up to Cape Engano...

At the Anguib Cove...

At the foot of the Buratubut falls...

At the Crocodile island...

At around 4:30PM we traveled back to our resort in Sta. Ana. 

Callao Cave, Cagayan (April 10, 2016)

Another late post from our Cagayan province weekend escapade - Callao Cave
last April 10, 2016. 

Callao Cave is a premier attraction situated in Penablanca, Cagayan.  It is one
of the limestone caves in the area which made more beautiful with the
presence of white limestone rocks.

Being the most accessible cave,  this can be reached by climbing the 184
concrete steps.  It has seven chambers and some with a small opening at
the top for the sunlight to pass through to give light to the cave.

And finally, got to see the Callao Cave cathedral where the movie
"The Mistress" of John Lloyd and Bea was shot. A dream came true!!!

Have known from the locals there that this has been turned into a chapel.
The rock formation in front serves as the altar. 

Basilica of Our Lady of Piat, Cagayan (April 10, 2016)

Another late post... Blessed to have visited this place - Basilica or Our Lady
of Piat, Cagayan last April 10, 2016.

The Basilica Minore of Our Lady of Piat is one of the twelve Minor Basilicas
in the Philippines. Known to be the Pilgrimage Center of the North and a
home to the Black Virgin Mary. 
 
Its structure is made of red bricks which most of the churches in Cagayan
Valley were made of complimenting its beautifully curved wooden ceiling. 

Calvary Hills Iguig, Cagayan (April 10, 2016)

Late post...Was very lucky to see  this beautiful place in the far north -
Calvary Hills, Iguig, Cagayan last April 10, 2016. 

This features life-size statues representing the stations of the cross situated
in a sloping hill.  Got to talk with the locals there and told me that this has
been one of the must-go pilgrimage destination in the North.

The beautiful architecture of Iguig Church which was made from bricks
and stones, welcomes everyone into the vast Calvary Hills.