I thought this vacation was a no-go, but the weather was just too good to pass up.
So I went to the airport with the whole vacation idea not sinking in, caught my surprisingly on time air bus flight - I was expecting a delayed flight on a turbo prop - and I'm off to Tuguegarao, Cagayan Valley!
1st Day-Tuguegarao Airport
We arrived via Cebu Pacific in less than an hour. We were able to buy our ticket for 1,292.48Php for 2 pax round trip. A steal.
Ivory Hotel and Suites' free shuttle service was waiting for us when we got there. (All arrangements are done via email - ivoryhotelsuites@yahoo.com)
Ivory Hotel and Suites is a bit far from the city proper, but you'll end up going around the city in a tricycle for the same amount anyway. They have good wifi, centralized hot water, good food, and the room was clean with freshly changed shower curtains in the comfort room . 900Php for their deluxe room. Another bargain considering their amenities.
Going to Iguig Calvary Hills
Our first stop was the Iguig Calvary hills. After a quick rest, we rode a tricycle from Ivory going to Don Domingo (40Php) where we were able to catch the UV Express van going to Alcala. Just inform the driver to drop you off at Calvary Hills. (25Php/pax). Travel time is approximately 20-30 minutes, then a short walk from the drop off point.
The place boasts of the 14 stations of the cross in bigger than life-size depictions across rolling hills overlooking the Cagayan River. It reminded me of Batanes.
Note: Gate closes at 6pm
Going back, you can catch the passing UV express vans en route back to Tugegarao on the same drop off point. (25Php/Pax).
Sts. Peter and Paul Metropolitan Cathedral
Arriving back in Tugegarao,we walked from Don Domingo to Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral.
Pansit Batil Patung
We were hungry after much commuting and walking and since I've heard much about the famed pansit of Tuguegarao, it's on the top of my crave list. They said it's best in Jomars. So we walked from the Cathedral to the nearby Jomar's branch. I was surprised to find that it's actually a beer place.
We ordered their super special pansit
on the go because the place was packed with men enjoying their pansit with freshly cut onions and Red Horse as an early dinner. The 70Php-good- for- 2-3- persons pansit lived up to it's promise. It tasted of Lomi minus the soup. It was good.
We were back at the hotel before 7pm.
Day 2: Callao Caves + Lady of Piat
We woke up early, planning to catch the jeepney going to Penablanca to visit the Callao Caves.
One of Ivory's Breakfast Set-Tuguegarao's Longganisa.
It was tasty, similar in taste to Calumpit's Longganiza.
After breakfast, we took a tricycle to Don Domingo (40Php). We got there just in time to see the 'packed to the roof' jeepney going to Penablanca. We were dropped off instead on the tricycle terminal servicing the Penablanca route and it doesn't look like we much choice, so tricycle it is. It was a long drive, so for it to be worth the driver's gas, the tricycles have to be filled. It can fit up to 7 passengers, 4 inside the side car and 3 on the driver's back. It can take a while, so you may opt to pay for the vacant seats if you're pressed for time, plus you'll be thankful for the additional space once you're halfway through the more or less 1 hour drive passing through rough roads.
Going back to Tugegarao is more tricky. You have to wait for another tricycle to drop off another batch of Callao goers, or catch the passing jeepney going back to Tuguegarao. A constant reminder from the locals-never go to Callao late in the afternon if you don't have your own vehicle. So if you are planning to tour and swim in the river while waiting for the circadian of bats around 6pm, rent a vehicle. (900-1000Php-Tricycle Rental). Our only itinerary was Callao cave, so our tricycle agreed to wait given we would be paying for all seats. (40*6=240Php).
In Callao, a boat would take you across the river going to the cave (20Php/Pax/way). An entrance fee of 20Php/pax would be collected. The famed English speaking kids are ready to guide you through your 285 steps up to the cave and into its 7 chambers (the last 2 chambers are inaccessible). There's no set guide fee, so it's up to you to give them a 'tip'.
Noon is the time to go if you're looking for the 'sun rays inside the cave' postcard shot.
It's 100Php more if you are to go to the area where you can swim and 500Php more if you proceed to watch the circadian of bats at dusk. (Amount is per boat)
The View Deck
The Cave
Heading Back
After getting our fill of the view, we headed back to the hotel for lunch before we were off again to Piat.
Our Lunch-Ampalaya with Beef (99Php)
Fish with Tausi (99Php)
The terminal is near Ivory Suites, beside Shell along Buntun. We walked to the terminal and took the UV Express Van to Piat. There are jeepneys available for the same fare. (60Php/pax). Travel time is approximately 45 minutes.
We passed the Buntun bridge on our way, the second longest river bridge in the country crossing the country's largest and longest river, the Cagayan River with Sierra Madre in the background. It's a pituresque drive.
Basilica Minore De Nuestra Senora De Piat
The drop off point is at the van terminal which is walking distance from the Church. Our van dropped off some locals residing near the church, so we were able to alight at the church's back gate.
Religious artifact vendors are abundant outside the church gates.
You need an advance group reservation to enter the church museum.
Whether your 'souvenir' artifact is brought from the church store or outside the gates, the local Priest will be more than happy to bless it for you.
Outside the church
Tobacco Vendors
Piat's delicacy, Pawa (25php/pack)
Rice cakes with peanut butter in the center.
At around 4pm, we walked back to the terminal where the UV Express vans enroute back to Tugegarao are waiting.
Going back to Manila
The Ivory Suites shuttle service dropped us off in Victory Liner's terminal as early as 5:30AM(Free).Our flight was originally scheduled for Tuesday. But we had to head back Monday. We chose Vistory liner's deluxe bus for 750Php with the promise of 1 stop and 10-11hours drive. However, the bus stopped every chance it got, picking up passengers along the way. It has 4 stop overs (Santiago, Nueva Viscaya, La Paz Tarlac and Dau.) Back in the city, the bus got towed because it stopped in the middle of Edsa due to a mechanical problem. We had to transfer to a regular bus. When we tried to get a refund for the difference of their regular and deluxe bus fare because their
Deluxe bus was not able to deliver, the Pasay Branch shift supervisor/station manager couldn't be less emphatic claiming that the bus was not from Pasay but from Kamuning.... Victory Liner is the best Bus if you're going to Baguio, but sadly, not for any other route. Florida is way better for long haul drives (took this one for our Banaue-Sagada trip). Better yet, just fly back to Manila, it's worth every penny! :)
