Tuguegarao-Sta. Ana, Cagayan | Day 1. A Long Journey's End Leads to the Sun

“Mula Aparri hanggang Jolo, Saan ka man halina kayo…”, One can’t help but hum these lines from the popular noon time show “Eat Bulaga” when the sign “Aparri” first shows up on one of the many UV Express Vans shuttling passengers from Tuguegarao to other points of destination within Cagayan. Just seeing this sign board immediately creates that feeling of being so far away from the Manila or anywhere in the central or southern parts of the country.

Cagayan is the northeastern most province in Luzon facing the Philippine Sea. There hasn’t been much buzz about this province since until the reality TV show ‘Survivor’ started filming a few of its seasons in a few of its outlying islands. In fact, this claim to fame is the primary reason the Stokedtraveler was convinced that the trip to this far off place is worth the time.

Mahabang Buhangin, Calaguas Islands, Camarines Norte | Bicol Region’s Not-so-hidden Paradise

Calaguas is a group of 17 islands in the province of Camarines Norte. Tinaga Island is where the famous long beach called Mahabang Buhangin Beach (locally known as “Halabang Baybay”) is located. The secret to its beauty is probably its ability to protect itself from man-made destruction. Being one of the provinces in the Bicol region, Camarines Norte in general is one of the most storm beaten provinces in Luzon.

This photo doesn't give justice to the actual beauty of the island

A shot of paradise. The water is sooo clear and blue!!

What to expect:

• Turquoise clear waters and powdery white sand partnered with green hills and lush landscapes.
• Long and tiring travel by land and sea. (Sea travel can be death defying depending on the season)
• Sumptuous seafood cooked fresh. Ask your bangkero or tour operator in advance.
• Not-so-comfortable tent accommodations.
• If you plan to travel DIY style, bring everything you need (i.e. wet bag for gadgets, gallons of water, light, food, mosquito repellent, tents, umbrella, safety kits etc)
• Cellphone signal is almost negligible. There are claims that there is cell signal on the island. There may be but it is so weak that it will just drain your device’s battery trying to connect to it. Just keep your devices turned off or in airplane mode when not in use.
• There are claims of a market on the island (must be verified on next trip)
• Get sunburned! You know you can’t resist swimming on those waters for hours!

Camayan Beach Resort-Ocean Adventure , Subic Bay | Creature venture, sea creatures galore!

One benefit of taking a lot of pictures from your trips is having the chance to late-post your blog entries.

It was back in the month of January when the stokedtraveler went back with his family to Camayan Beach Resort in Subic Bay, Zambales. Lucky for them it was within the nesting season of the sea turtles. Nesting season usually starts around early October and may extend all the way to January.

Subic Bay like many other nearby beaches serve as nesting grounds for various species of sea turtles. Camayan Beach Resort is no exception. All around the resort you will see many of these enclosures with details of the type of sea turtle, nesting date and expected hatching schedule.



While the stokedtraveler failed to see live hatchlings being released to the wild during the Pawikan Festival in Morong, Bataan, they were fortunate enough to have a close encounter with one Olive Ridley turtle.

Olive Ridley sea turtle encounter in the wild

It was already dark and the ocean view has already faded into pitch black. Only distant lights drew the line of the horizon. On the other side of the beach, the resort guests were already settled in and ready to call it a night. It was probably the mixture of these elements falling into play when the stokedtraveler was gifted a sighting of one of nature's most graceful creatures. He rushed back to their room to call in the rest of his family to the occasion with.