Months before the holy week, I was already decided to join a week-long adventure of Sheng in Mindanao. Everything was settled. We have already booked a round trip to and from Cagayan De Oro. A weekend was also allotted in Laguna, to finalize the estimated expenses and conceptual itinerary of our tour. I was truly excited back then. It is my goal to explore the 82 provinces of the Philippines, particularly those in Mindanao, which is a haven of natural and man-made wonders. Unfortunately, 3 weeks before the date, something has occurred, which prevented me from joining the tour. In the end, I was persuaded by Dave to join their holy week trip. As I opened my eyes in the morning of Holy Wednesday, we were already heading to Cagayan, at the northern part of the country.
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| Ride via Victory Liner Bus |
We passed through the provinces of Bulacan, Nueva Vizcaya, and Isabela. On our way, we've noticed that farming is a major source of living in Cagayan. On every roadside, there are vast fields of corn, rice, and pineapple. After 12 hours of travel, finally, we have arrived at Tuguegarao City. There at the bus station, Niño, a relative of Eric, was already waiting for us. He was with us in our 5 days tour in Cagayan and Ilocos Norte.
It's more fun to travel on a full stomach. Before the tour, Niño brought us in a noodle house. There, we have tasted a pride of Cagayan in food - Their Pancit Batil-Patong
Inside this kitchen, they showed us the process in making the noodles. We’ve learned that there are 2 kinds of noodles in Cagayan, and the other one is called Pancit Cabagan.
A variety of ingredients were placed atop: mixed vegetables, ground meat, chicharon, karahay, liver, and a chicken egg.
After a while, brunch is served! The Pancit Batil-Patong of Cagayan. Filled with flavors and very delightful! With so many servings, some of us didn't finish their meals.
Burp! Here we go! 2k18 Holy Week Tour begins! - The HIMD Family and The House of Dave (HOD)
Iguig Calvary Hills and San Antonio De Galicia Parish
Niño suggested that we visit the church and calvary hill of Iguig. These were not included in our plan, but due to proximity, we decided to explore the place as well. Eric said that the church of Iguig is one of the oldest in Cagayan. Inside the Calvary hill, there are 14 stations of the cross and a beautiful view of Cagayan River.
Some Photos Taken
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| The Calvary Hills of Iguig |
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| Group picture at the 12th station: Jesus died on the cross |
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| She at the 13th station: Jesus is taken down from the cross |
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| A pilgrimage site every holy week |
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| It seems that someone is already missing the life inside a holy ground. Will he soon pursue priesthood? |
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| Rolling Hills |
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| Iguig Church (Church of San Antonio De Galicia) |
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| Church inside |
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| The Church Ceiling |
We didn't stay for too long. After we've captured moments of laughter, wondering(Aries), and probably, growing love (oh yeah!), Eric said that we should already proceed to our main destination.
Callao Caving and Boating
We traveled for almost an hour in going to Peñablanca. Located above 184 steps, is one of the prominent tourist spots in Cagayan - The Callao Cave. The cave consists of 7 chambers. At the first part, there's a stone chapel where everyone can reflect, or just simply rest. Sun Rays that passes through the holes, brightened the cave. Different rock formations can be seen inside. I was able to form several things within my imagination. In all of us, Aries was the only one who had reached the 7th chamber. Eric mentioned that Callao Cave has dramatically changed. Before, there was no established trail, which makes the way up very muddy. He also added that several snakes can be spotted inside. Oh well, gone are the days?
Some Photos Taken
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| 184 steps to enlightenment |
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| Group picture at the cave entrance |
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| The Stone Chapel |
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| A reading from the holy gospel according to Jake... |
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| The cave inside |
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| Rock formation |
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| Rays from heaven |
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| At the 4th chamber |
While inside the cave, our minds were filled up of taking pictures. No one has noticed that our guide, who was a kid, had already left us. Yes! Free of Charge! As we went out, we've tried the boating at Pinacanauan River. The cold and clear water is inhabited by aquatic animals. In fact, we saw some locals setting up nets for fishing. The ambiance is truly relaxing. It is surrounded by ranges of limestone formations. There are also bat caves, and picnic sites for a stopover. Too bad! We didn't bring anything... Time to go!
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| Riding the boat |
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| Bat cave within a limestone formation, and the emerald water of Pinacanauan River |
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| A boatman on the moves |
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| Crossing a shallow portion of the river |
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| Picnic Sites |
We had a hard time in finding good place to dine. Most of the famous establishments which Niño knows were closed. Fortunately, we found one after hours of searching.
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| We ended the day in this place. It should be a day of fasting; but, food is love! We savored the crispiness of irresistible lechong kawali, and the great taste of their signature Bulalo. |
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