CALAGUAS ISLAND

There are hardly any places on earth that could really give you the feeling of being in commune in nature. With modernization taking over every corner of the world, it is always good to know that there are still paradises left for many people to visit and admire. And Philippines is no exception to this for it is still home to many wonders of nature that many tourists can’t get enough of.

With almost postcard perfect sceneries and a culture that is undeniably a trademark of those with Filipino blood running in their veins, Camarines Norte can make every tourist fall in love under its spell.

MAJESTIC VIEWS ON THE WAY TO THE BEACH

Mahabang Buhangin, Calaguas Island
Photo Credits to Allen DC

Before you get to Mahabang Buhangin in Calaguas Islands, you will first have to ride a boat. But for those who are sea sick, fear not for there are many views that will make the trip less stressful. Rock formations, hills on the horizon, and even fishes that can be easily seen in the clear water are just some of the things that one must look forward to on the way to Mahabang Buhangin.
For those whose interest is seeing landscapes, these views will surely amaze them. Don’t forget to take snapshots of these views on your way to the beach!

ONE OF THE BEST

When it comes to world-class beaches, the country boasts of beaches with clear waters and grains of sand that can be likened to powder, the Mahabang Buhangin in Calaguas Islands located in Camarines Norte is truly and undoubtedly one of the best.

The name “Mahabang Buhagin” actually consists of two Filipino words, “mababa”, meaning “long”, and “buhangin”, which is the Filipino term for “sand”. The beach indeed has a long stretch of grains of sand, thus the name.

HIDDEN PARADISE

Mahabang Buhangin, Calaguas Island
Photo Credits to Jap Salem

The good thing about the Mahabang Buhangin beach is that it is still left untouched by commercialization, thus, its beauty is still preserved. You are assured nature at its best when you visit the said place and witness for your very eyes the wonderful spectacle of the turquoise beach and the rich, dense forest which serves as a home to many species of birds.

PERFECT CAMPSITE

Mahabang Buhangin, Calaguas Island
Photo Credits to TsinelasChronicles

Camping at night at Mahabang Buhagin is a good idea for those who want to experience what it’s like camping at the beach. The splashing of the waves and the humming of crickets and birds will put you to sleep and you will wake up with a perfect sunrise with your loved ones and friends. After you had cooked your breakfast, you’ll enjoy another day frolicking at the beach.

Everyone is welcomed in this secluded paradise that offers utter relaxation with its beautiful beach and rich forest home to many Philippine birds. Truly it is every nature lover’s ideal definition of paradise.

Many tourists have already fallen in love with what the Philippines has to offer that they still continue to search hidden paradises like that of Mahabang Buhangin that will make them feel in touch with nature.

HISTORY OF CAMARINES NORTE

FAÇADE of historical church of Lobo

A walk in and around Daet, capital of Camarines Norte, is a stroll through history, a heritage mini-tour. There are historical churches, museums, landmarks and monuments to the past.

In Paracale, a town that sits on gold (said to be stolen by a former president), is the Church of Our Lady of Candelaria, which is celebrating its 400th anniversary. The parish has huge adobe blocks and strong shafts of hardwood cut from the forests during Spanish times.

The story is that Our Lady fought off invading Moros and her finger was cut off. A gold finger (shades of James Bond) was placed on her hand but this always fell off.

Our Lady would not receive the substitute gold finger, and the paint would always peel off. And so the icon was left minus one finger.

What is in the retablo (altar backdrop) today, however, is a replica.

MEMORIAL to 1898 martyrs

Another cultural treasure is the Baroque Church of Labo. Its belfry has a “wedding cake” motif similar to the famous church tower in Tumauini, Isabela.

Labo also has an interesting museum.

The people of Camarines Norte, especially Daeteños, are particularly proud of the first monument to Rizal in the Philippines, which is in town plaza. A 1961 plaque of the Philippine Historical Committee notes that the monument was built through voluntary donations of the people, as solicited by Lt. Col. Ildefonso Alegre and Lt. Col. Antonio Sanz of the revolutionary army.

RUFINO Pabico ancestral house, a cultural treasure

The simple, stately and whitewashed landmark, with a golden star, is dedicated to the National Hero in Spanish: “A José Rizal.” At the base is the year the novel “Noli Me Tangere” was published: 1891. The monument was unveiled on Dec. 30, 1898.

Another shrine in the plaza honors the martyrs who fought the Spaniards and died in 1898, when the revolution against Spain resumed following the arrival of the Americans. The marker notes that the heroes defeated the Spaniards at first, but “freedom was short-lived.” Fifty names are etched on the shrine.

Cut to World War II, where the Lamitan Battle Memorial pays tribute to the gallant stand of the guerillas against the Japanese invaders in December 1941, in one of the first battles of WWII.

Nearby in the imposing provincial capitol, is the Museo Bulawan, the community museum of Camarines Norte where many activities and exhibits have taken place. What attracted the visitor from Manila was the Amorsolo Corner, a tribute to our first National Artist, Fernando Amorsolo, who grew up in Daet.

PARACALE altar and retablo

On display are 1920s magazines that published the drawings, sketches, nudes and carnival posters of the master.

Tour climax

OUR LADY of the Candles Church in Paracale

For me, the climax of the tour was a visit (actually a revisit) to the lived-in, well-preserved and grand Rufino Pabico ancestral house, with its period fountain, capiz-shell windows, Art Nouveau designs, ventanillas, tertulia piano, old paintings, azotea and other reminders of a vanished era.

The owner, Francisco Timoner, 76, welcomed us again. His maternal grandfather Rufino Pabico had built the house in 1917 and he (Timoner) had inherited it from his mother.

I had been to this house 10 years ago, accompanied by cultural-travel PR Bernard Supetran. My article  (with photo) was published in the Inquirer’s Travel Section, then edited by Rosario A. Garcellano.

Now, to my pleasant surprise, I found that Timoner had framed and laminated that article and photo, on display in the living room. “After 10 years, you must write about my house again,” said Timoner, beaming.

I promised him I would do just that.