Enjoying the Outdoors in Bolinao
Withdrawing from the hustle and bustle of city life can be a luxury. Maybe not in terms of the cost but in the time and effort involved. This shouldn't be the case. Exposure to nature, in all its many forms, is actually a necessity. It is a stress-reliever and helps you clear your head especially when you're about to make a major decision. It has healing properties for your physical and mental health. Also, it gives you time away from your screens so that you get to be empathetic and altruistic with the people around you, realizing that there are some people who may not be materially as blessed as you.
That said, there is a place called Bolinao in Pangasinan, where you can enjoy the outdoors without so much time and effort demanded from you. When in Bolinao, the first thing you may want to do is kick back and relax at Patar White Beach. It is a public beach so the beach itself is free but the amenities are not. However, they are still affordable. Just a short distance away from this beach is Cape Bolinao Lighthouse. People are barred from entering or ascending its 140-step staircase, but just looking at it inspires awe as it has guided ships along the West Philippine Sea.
Aside from the remnant of American occupation in the Philippines signified by the lighthouse, another historical building built during the time of the Spaniards is the St. James the Great Parish Church. It was built in the early part of the 17th century by the Augustinian friars. Among the several markers fronting the church is that of Blessed Fr. Odorico of Pordenone, Italy. It claims that after braving stormy weather, Fr. Odorico sought refuge in Bolinao and celebrated a thanksgiving Mass there in 1324 (more than a century before Ferdinand Magellan tried circumnavigating the world and landed in Homonhon and said a Mass in Limasawa). Fr. Odorico "also indoctrinated and baptized many of the Malay immigrants" there; this, according to the marker.
That said, there is a place called Bolinao in Pangasinan, where you can enjoy the outdoors without so much time and effort demanded from you. When in Bolinao, the first thing you may want to do is kick back and relax at Patar White Beach. It is a public beach so the beach itself is free but the amenities are not. However, they are still affordable. Just a short distance away from this beach is Cape Bolinao Lighthouse. People are barred from entering or ascending its 140-step staircase, but just looking at it inspires awe as it has guided ships along the West Philippine Sea.
Aside from the remnant of American occupation in the Philippines signified by the lighthouse, another historical building built during the time of the Spaniards is the St. James the Great Parish Church. It was built in the early part of the 17th century by the Augustinian friars. Among the several markers fronting the church is that of Blessed Fr. Odorico of Pordenone, Italy. It claims that after braving stormy weather, Fr. Odorico sought refuge in Bolinao and celebrated a thanksgiving Mass there in 1324 (more than a century before Ferdinand Magellan tried circumnavigating the world and landed in Homonhon and said a Mass in Limasawa). Fr. Odorico "also indoctrinated and baptized many of the Malay immigrants" there; this, according to the marker.
However, contrary to this claim, American historian, William Henry Scott -- in his book, "Prehispanic Source Materials for the Study of Philippine History" -- says this claim is likely untrue. He made this conclusion after examining Fr. Odorico's writings.
Scott is also the same historian who belied the fabricated story of Datu Kalantiaw; the story is part of his dissertation for his doctorate at the University of Santo Tomas.
Having spent several years in the Philippines, particularly in Sagada, Mountain Province, he observed that the Igorots have preserved much of their precolonial culture. He also noted the Igorots' resistance to foreign rule and believed that Igorots are no different to other Filipinos. This view echoed with Ferdinand Marcos' opposition, thus, identifying him as a subversive.
Scott is also the same historian who belied the fabricated story of Datu Kalantiaw; the story is part of his dissertation for his doctorate at the University of Santo Tomas.
Having spent several years in the Philippines, particularly in Sagada, Mountain Province, he observed that the Igorots have preserved much of their precolonial culture. He also noted the Igorots' resistance to foreign rule and believed that Igorots are no different to other Filipinos. This view echoed with Ferdinand Marcos' opposition, thus, identifying him as a subversive.
As for Bolinao's natural environment, popular draws include the Bolinao Falls 1 and 2 and Tara falls. Bolinao Falls 1 is ideal for cliff jumpers with its deep catch basin, Bolinao Falls 2 is perfect for kids and families with its shallow areas, while Tara Falls can be good for all kinds of waterfall enthusiasts.
Of course, one couldn't witness those magnificent cascades if it isn't fed by a river -- in this case, the Balingasay River. Because Pangasinan prides itself in being an eco-tourism site, tourists -- whether local or international -- can choose to cruise one of the Philippines' cleanest river aboard a floating kubo/hut. You can avail of Pangasinan's cuisine, plus a massage and music aboard this floating kubo. While cruising, you are treated to the sight of mangroves, nipa palms, wildlife and possibly some migratory birds.
Of course, one couldn't witness those magnificent cascades if it isn't fed by a river -- in this case, the Balingasay River. Because Pangasinan prides itself in being an eco-tourism site, tourists -- whether local or international -- can choose to cruise one of the Philippines' cleanest river aboard a floating kubo/hut. You can avail of Pangasinan's cuisine, plus a massage and music aboard this floating kubo. While cruising, you are treated to the sight of mangroves, nipa palms, wildlife and possibly some migratory birds.
Bolinao, Pangasinan also has caves. One of them is Enchanted Cave. It enables you to wade or swim through a pool with crystal clear waters. The other is Wonderful Cave. Just getting to the cave itself treats you to vegetation that is a prelude to a cool swim in the cave's waters. Then, there's Cindy's cave. Like the others, there is a pool within. And there are fruit trees outside it. All three caves are easily accessible because there are pathways and steps leading to mother nature's hidden chambers.
If you have the time and energy, you can head to Santiago Island in the northeast coast of Bolinao. Located off the coast of the island is the Fourteen Mile Reef which cradles corals, fish and shellfish and makes it a fabulous playground for scuba divers and snorkelers. Santiago Island itself houses a giant clam ocean nursery and marine protected area. Giant clams are the focus of conservation in this area given that giant clams -- or "taklobo" as they are locally called -- are important in forming the reef's structure, as well as cleaning the waters and providing food and shelter for fish and corals.
If you have the time and energy, you can head to Santiago Island in the northeast coast of Bolinao. Located off the coast of the island is the Fourteen Mile Reef which cradles corals, fish and shellfish and makes it a fabulous playground for scuba divers and snorkelers. Santiago Island itself houses a giant clam ocean nursery and marine protected area. Giant clams are the focus of conservation in this area given that giant clams -- or "taklobo" as they are locally called -- are important in forming the reef's structure, as well as cleaning the waters and providing food and shelter for fish and corals.