Summer Destinations: The Palaui Island, Sta.Ana, Cagayan

'The raw beauty of Palaui Island'

The first thing in mind when we hear the word SUMMER is outdoor. We have different preferences of places to fully enjoy this time of the year. We Filipinos as a part of our tradition would like to spend our summer vacation partying on the beach. Some of us are like going to private resorts and have an intimate time with people close to us, family, special love ones, and friends. But most of the people like adventures and sightseeing of the most beautiful hidden places here in our own mother soil. And when we talk about adventure it means the place was not yet spoiled by heavy commercialization. So for those who want an adventure this summer, consider your tour going to Santa Ana, Cagayan to visit the "Love on Top" island, the Palaui Island.

Palaui Island a not so known summer destination in the Philippines is truly one overlooked paradise located off the northeastern tip of Luzon, specifically Sta, Ana Cagayan. The island was declared a National Marine Reserve in 1994 making it a safe haven for different species of plants and birds. There are no hotels nor resorts on the island and camping or home stay for a known relative there are the only options. The island is 10 kilometers long and approximately 5 kilometers wide, offers travelers breathtaking scenery of tides coming from the Pacific, highlands and undisturbed rich forests. If you truly want to escape far away from the city and experience the relaxing and raw beauty of nature, Palaui Island is definitely a must-visit.

                Major Lazer - Cold Water (feat. Justin Bieber & MØ) 

Palaui Island: 'Raw beauty' in Cagayan

'Cape Engano Lighthouse'

The northern part of the island is called Cape Engano this is the summit of the hill where lies the ruin of Cape Engano Lighthouse. Supplies for the station were previously landed on a small cove southwest of the lighthouse. A trail and 229 steps with a concrete stairway from the cove leads the travelers to the lighthouse.

''Cape Engano'

'Slice of paradise for you!'

  The Chainsmokers - Roses (Lyric Video) ft. ROZES

'Palaui Island, Philippines'

Aside from the beauty of the lighthouse, travelers said that there are three trails in Palaui. Lagunzad trail is the longest. It was named after the late Dan Lagunzad, an ecologist who took part in discovering the flora and fauna of the island in 2007. The other trail is called Leonardo's trail, which was named after the late botanist Leonardo Co, is a forest trail that is suitable for more serious hikers. Lastly, the Siwangag Trail the shortest and passes through the primary forest. It starts at Punta Verde and ends at Siwangag Cove on the west side of the island.

'Siwangag trail little falls'

'Palaui Island beach'

'Lagunzad Trail'

'Leonardo's Trail'

How to get to Palaui Island in Cagayan from Manila

By plane: 🛬

If you're  taking a plane to Tuguegarao, you can just walk outside the airport, a few meters away is the highway leading to Sta.Ana. Across the street and wait for vans or bus en route to Sta.Ana, Cagayan.

By bus: 🚎

You can get to Palaui Island from Manila by taking a Victory Liner bus bound for Tuguegarao (fare is Php 600) from Kamias, Sampaloc, and Caloocan. At Tuguegarao City, proceed to the van terminal and ride a van to Sta.Ana, Cagayan.

From Sta.Ana Cagayan to San Vicente port:

The bus/van will stop at the Sta.Ana Commercial Center where you can buy food and water. Take a tricycle to San Vicente port. A P50 fee is required to pay before going to the island at the Tourism Visitor's Office and need to sign in the log book.

At San Vicente port, you can hire boats to Palaui Island. If the sea is calm, the boat can take you directly to Cape Engano lighthouse, no trekking required.

Palaui Island reviews via tripadvisor.com.ph

"Little Batanes"

"Ready your butt for long travel, 18hours I guess, from Manila to Sta.Ana, Cagayan, but it's all worth it. Breath taking view ✔ Clear sea water ✔ Clean environment ✔ Accommodating Boatmen ✔ 100% Perfect getaway!! Other places to visit: Anguib (extremely beautiful) Cape Engano (little Batanes) Crocodile Island Punta Verde." - Ana Andrea (Pasig)

"Fantasy Island"

"Off northeastern tip of Luzon Island, this virgin island boasts of once being the host of Survivor Philippines. My trip is actually a revisit after six years of this place and it never failed to strike that awe -- bordering on reverence -- in the presence of Some Greater Being." - Edmar (Cagayan)

"Secret Paradise"

"I have been wanting to go to Santa Ana, Cagayan Valley since last year because I have a friend who hails from Cagayan Valley and I saw one of my churchmate's photo when they visited Santa Ana couple of years ago. Earlier this year, 2016, I started planning and WE all agreed that we would go during Holy Week." - Enitsirk (Manitoba, Canada)

"Wonderful Creation"

"Going to Palaui is not a short travel. Especially if you are from Manila. But... it is worth to travel. Different attractions await. Rent a boat for the whole trip and you can actually tell them to stop somewhere that you want to swim with fewer people. Safe as the boat provides safety float in case". - Hjiana 

"Survivor Palau"

"One of the best beaches in the Phils! This is where Survivor USA shot their Survivor Palaui season. But it was such a pain to get here. Took us almost 22 hours of loooong drive, then 45 mins boat ride. Whew! There are no resorts here and camping is the only way to go." - Bugbabe (Manila)

"Worth the Long Travel"

"Forget about Boracay and its white sand; this one is trumps them all for its sheer purity. The long, dangerous boatride showcases picturesque mountains of the islands, lush greenery of the rolling hills reminiscent of New Zealand or United Kingdom. And then one lands on its various white beaches ranging from islands with crude corals and seashells (Crocodile Island) to smooth coastlines with powdery white sand (Angib beach). It is the site of one of the "Survivor" Seasons and the ruins of the camps can still be found at the foot of Cape Engaño, the famous lighthouse." - Trittle L (Quezon City)

"The view from the top of the island will take your breath away"

"Going to this island is not easy! You will go through one of the most challenging waters. But after the bumpy ride, you will definitely enjoy the scenic view from the top. It's really worth your time to visit this wonderful island on the north. =) Definitely the next best IG posts to Batanes!" - Meg (Manila)

"Untouched, unspoiled island"

"The island is beautiful. True, it is quite a pain to get there, but it's all worth it. The island itself is very close to the mainland, but if you want to go to the northern tip of the island, which is where Cape Engaño is, the boat ride would take around 45 minutes. And it's the Pacific Ocean so get ready to be wet. The waves are big, but the boat men looked like they knew what they were doing so we weren't worried at all. There is no reception so don't bother trying to text while you're there. Just relax and enjoy the view." - Marielle (Quezon City)

"Best part of our road trip"

"I didnt expect that we would really go to this place. Akala ko rsearch rsearch lng ako. Sobrang gnda ng place! Ang babait ng mga tao. Ang virgin ng place na to. Walang resorts whatsoever. In touch ka talaga sa nature. Kahit cell reception mahirap! Ang simple ng buhay dun. Solar powered lang electricity nila. We spent the night here with my partner. We hiked for 3 hrs going to Cape Engaño lighthouse. Ang ganda ganda!!!!!! Kahit na hingal na hingal kami. May guide naman, tapos very articulate sila. The views at the lighthouse were breath-taking. Ayaw ko na bumaba. Ang hangin. Kahit san ka tumingin, laging wow. Ang ganda ng phils. Nung pababa na, 2 hrs na lng hike. Ung trail talagang forest na forest ang dating. Moist. I recommend wearing long sleeved shirts, cap, and shoes with a good grip. Ilang beses akong nadulas. Hahahaha bring a liter of water too. And some snacks. Hirap mghike ng gutom! Take lots of pictures. When hiking, pause for a while and savor the moment." - Kaye (Dagupan)

"Breathtaking!!!"

"When I set foot on this island, I can't even believe if what I am seeing is real. The landscape is very surreal and beautiful. The water is so clear (blue) and it is very ideal for snorkeling. We traveled by land and it took us almost 18 hours to reach this enchanted island. Worth the travel time. Will definitely go back! The place is isolated and not yet commercialized. No electricity in the house where we slept. Bring power bank. Bring insect repellent as there are mosquitos when you will stay outside the tent. The STARS are very visible on the island since there was no source of electricity. I love nights in this place. Stargazing at its finest." - Mariel (Baliuag, Bulacan)

"Instagram-worthy island"

"There are many beautiful islands in the Philippines and Palaui Island of Sta. Ana, Cagayan is definitely one of them. The highlight of the island is the Cape Engaño Lighthouse. We arrive at the beach and do a short trekking to the Lighthouse. Going up to the lighthouse is not that easy despite its short distance as the heat of Cagayan sun is very different from what I've used to in Manila. It is very dehydrating. Make sure to bring lots of water." - Sandy

"The Quiet Unspoiled Hideaway on the North!"

"The unspoiled hideaway on the north! We went there March 2015. Please, please visit this place. This island a variety of experience. Also, while being there, take the time to savor the moment and the enjoy richness of the place. There are many things to see, but all in all, prepare to be in awe and amazed. This is one of the places that took my breath away. I'd recommend the Cape Engano Lighthouse because it was built during the Spanish era 1887. Also, the location of the lighthouse would allow you to get a 360 view of the islands that surrounds it. It's the location took my breath away so I'd recommend you not to skip it. " - Hael (San Pedro, Laguna)

"Palaui, a heritage island"

"An unspoiled island home to a few hundred locals including some Dumaguete nomads. It includes the remains of a Spanish lighthouse from the late 19th century offering fabulous views of the area." - J Vanhoorn (Victoria, Canada)

"Breath taking view, unspoiled beaches"

"For me, this is the best thing Cagayan can have - its unspoiled beaches, particularly in the Palaui Island. It has a feeling of Batanes but not much. The view is great. Trekking up Cape Engano made the trip more thrilling." - LakbayLoyd (Cavite City)

From Baguio to Dangwa with Love

'Flowers are the sweetest things God ever made and forgot a soul to put into'

Flower farmers and farm owners are among the luckiest people in the world! How do I say that? Imagine waking up to beauty and colors. Most of the flowers at Dangwa are from Baguio (these pretty flower colors like the cold weather) and usually lasts for a week. Flowers in Dangwa are extremely affordable. A dozen of roses for 80.00 pesos - that's one dozen for less than a hundred pesos! So what are you waiting for mga ka-tsong? Maybe flowers from Dangwa can save your naghihingalong pag-ibig.

There lies a sea of colors and explosion in your eyes of all imaginable hues - red, green, lime green, dark green, pink, soft pink, fuschia, light yellow, orange, white, purple, lavender, lilac and all of these are so overwhelmingly beautiful. This is a place where your boyfriends will rejoice because flowers sold here are stunningly alluring for cheap prices, where brides will swoon and rush over the romantic colors of red and pink and white and lavender, where sons and daughters gushed out and buy special flowers for their parents for the month of May and June where we celebrate our Mom and Dad's day of saying "Thank you" for all the guidance, love and care and those golden lessons they teach us to become a better man/woman like what we are today.

God made the flowers, trees, and plants on the third day:

“And God said, “Let the water under the sky be gathered to one place, and let dry ground appear.” And it was so. God called the dry ground “land,” and the gathered waters he called “seas.” And God saw that it was good. Then God said, “Let the land produce vegetation: seed-bearing plants and trees on the land that bear fruit with seed in it, according to their various kinds.” And it was so.  The land produced vegetation: plants bearing seed according to their kinds and trees bearing fruit with seed in it according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good.  And there was evening, and there was morning—the third day.”  

- Genesis 1: 9-13

                                  BØRNS - Electric Love (Acoustic) ft. Zella Day

I think God chooses Aphrodite, Hera, Venus, Gaia, Andromeda, and Helen the task, to name the flowers of God's acres on Earth. They came out dainty, sweet and feminine. 

God made the flowers as a symbol of love and friendship. They really have no practical purpose for life and we can't eat them. But it seems they were created simply for us to enjoy!

'Rows and rows of roses'

'Sweet and heavenly'

'Fall in love'

'So romantic and pure'

'Color is one but form is another'

Bida ang Sawi: Perks of being a Third Wheel (Usapang Valentine)

:' (

Kamakailan lamang binigyan tayo ni Jollibee ng mga napakasakit na trahedya ng buhay pag-ibig. Mga kwentong nagpaluha, mga istoryang kinapulutan mo ng mga mapapait na alaala dahil ito rin mismo ay nangyari sa buhay mo. Pero bakit nga ba ganun? kahit nasasaktan na tayo ay pilit pa rin nating inienjoy at paulit ulit pa nga nating pinanonood.Wala na tayong pinagkaiba sa mga masokista kung saan mas greater pain ang ipinapadama mas yun ang gusto nating damhin habang nakangiting lumuluha. Ang weird noh? Ganun nga siguro talaga ang pag-ibig napakaweirdo. Love is weird!

Dito sa Ubas na may Cyanide itutuloy tuloy na natin ang torture na m ay halong pangkiliti. Dahil wala ka din namang ka-date bukas sa Valentines, (sa mabigat na kadahilanang wala namang nagmamahal at nagpapahalaga sa isang katulad mong kaibig-ibig) bakit hindi mo muna ialay ang isang katulad mo na maging dakilang third wheel ng walang pag-iimbot at buong katapatan.

Coldplay - Clocks

Yun nga lang hindi ganun  kaganda sa tenga pakinggan kapag 'third'. Nariyan yung mga salitang Third place, Third party, Third choice?, Third stage cancer, Third runner up. 

So, Third wheel! Kumbaga sa larong basketball ikaw yung sixth man na papasok sa isang basketball game kapag ang isa sa limang manlalaro sa hard court ay minamalas o di kaya na fouled out na. Ikaw yung maasahan na makakapagbigay ng puntos para magwagi ang iyong koponan. Minsan din kase kapag third wheel ka parang gustong gusto mong dumulog sa Department of Public Works and Highways para mag rekwes ng road-widening para sa dadaanan ng kaibigan mong magjowa para hindi ka naiiwanan sa likod. Andun kasi yung pakiramdam na parang option ka lang at pwede ka namang maging narrator na lamang sa kanilang istorya. Minsan parang ikaw yung lumalabas na antagonist sa dalawa. At ang mas masakit, yung kahit sa sarili mo nang kwento hindi pa din ikaw yung bida. Isa ka lang dakilang extrangherong hinihintay na maglaho sa eksena. Yung they lived happily ever after na, nagkaanak na sila't lahat pero ikaw you're staring into the void pa rin. And yet ramdam mo yung lamig ng hanging sasambulat sa katawan mo at ipinapaalala ng lamig ng hangin ang iyong pag iisa.

Pero naman, when you look on the other side, may perks din naman ang pagiging third wheel. Ienjoy mo lang yung mga benefits ng pagka third wheel mo. At kung sakaling totoo man ang Reincarnation masasabi mo sa soul mo na "pag nareincarnate ako, third wheel ulet please!, pero Lord sana sa mayamang mag-jowa!"

*Parati kang busog. Eh ano pa nga ba, dahil lagi mo silang kasama, always kang libre kapag may date sila. Bahala silang magsubuan at magpahiran ng mga dumi sa muka nila basta libre. Huwag nang choosy. Food over feelings muna F / F.

*Pagkakataon mo nang maging instant Papa Jack pagdating sa mga relationship advices, dahil everytime yan mayroong hindi magandang pagkakaintindihan sa'yo sila hihingi ng payo dahil alam mo ang istorya ng magkabilang panig. 

*Hindi ka nag aral ng marketing strategies pero magagamit mo ito kapag nagpapicture kang kasama sila. Eh ano pa nga ba kapag magjowa marami yang mga friendships at kapag pinost sa Facebook magkakaroon yan ng maraming likes. At kapag nalaman ng ibang friends nila na single ka pa pala, malay mo maraming mag attempt na lumandi sayo.

Plumb - Stranded

*Hindi man ikaw ang Pambansang Bae, ikaw ang Pambansang Bes.Dalawa agad matik ang BFF's mo.

*Magiging feeling Professional Photographer ka tsong. Professiona in a way na kapag sinabi mong "smile!", ikaw 'tong pumipilit ngumiti sa sarili mo kasi deep inside mangilid-ngilid na yung luha mo sa inggit.

*You will learn to be happy for someone else's happiness. For future reference magagamit mo yan.

*Habang nakikita mo sila lalo kang maeexcite sa sarili mo. At iisipin mong one day, mararanasan mo yung nararansan nila. 

*Although nasa coaching stage ka nila sa kanilang relasyon pero lahat ng matututunan mo ay gamitin mo ito patungo sa iyong susunod na relationship. For short, nangunguha ka lang ng tips.

Kung ikaw  yung pangatlong gulong, sa tingin mo ba aandar ang pedicab kapag wala ka? Nilagay ang third wheel dahil mas mahirap balansehin ang  takbo kapag dalawa lang.

Sa kasalukuyan, enjoyin mo lang muna kung nasaan ka. Darating din ang panahon na mangyayari din sa iyo yung mga bagay na sa ngayon ay hanggang tanaw ka na l ang muna. Mangyayari yan sa tamang panahon at sa tamang taong nakalaan para sa'yo. At kapag nangyari yun, silang dalawa ang kauna-unahang magiging masaya para sa'yo. At masasagot mo na rin ang mga katanungan ng mga relatives mo sa tuwing meron kayong family gatherings.......

Ang mga katanungang.....

"Iho ano na, may gerlprend ka na ba?, May asawa ka na ba? Tuli ka na ba?"

At sa kauna-unahang pagkakataon ay masasagot mo sila ng: 

"Tita, Tito, Meron na po!" <3 font="">

Valentine Phenomenon Part 2

'Alone again naturally...'

Ngayon pa lamang ay gusto ko nang malaman ang weather forecast pagdating ng labing-apat na araw simula ngayon. Umulan man o umaraw sa ika-labing apat ay ayos lang. Magkaroon man ng napakalakas na bagyo, bahain man ng luha ng mga pusong naninibugho sa atensiyon at pagmamahal ay nakahanda ako o matunaw man ang araw at ulanin ng sun flares ang mundo wala akong pakialam dahil nakapaghukay na rin naman ako ng pagtataguan sa ilalim ng aking kuwarto mangyari man ang ganitong klaseng phenomenon.

Kung sabihin man ng PAG-ASA na magsasabay sabay na ang pagpasok ng bagyo sa araw na iyon, di ako maniniwala dahil nakilala kita sa panahong pwede ako. Pwede ako sa mga bagay na bubuhay ng aking dugong natulog sa tatlumpu't anim na taon. Puwede ako sa pagkakataong mabuhayan ng ugat ang pusong tinalupan ng nagbabagang lamig ng yelo sa loob ng napakahabang panahon.

Malaya.(single)Maluwang na Tali.(unattached).Birhen.(virgin)Sakit ng Pana ni Kupido(brokenhearted).

Hindi mo kailangan ng maaliwalas na panahon kung ang tanging gagawin mo lamang maghapon ay maglike, magscrolldown sa mga Facebook newsfeed at pumuso sa wall post ng mga pinakamasasayang kumag sa araw na ito. Nakangiti nga ang haring-araw pero napapaligiran ka naman ng magkakaparehas na nilalang na magkaholding hands. Kahit yung magkaparehang love birds niyo sa bahay pinagbubulungan/pinagtsitsismisan ka na wala kang kapareha.

Ngunit kung sakaling darating ka. Hinihiling ko kay Bathalang kahit bigyan na lamang ako ng kulog o kidlat. Kumportable pa rin ako sapagkat andyan ka.

Habang ako'y nasa ex-tasi ng aking imahinasyon, aking aasahan na rin na sana sa pagdating mo matapos na ang tagtuyot sa malamig na gabing Daiso from Japan pillows lang aking kayakap. Kasabay na  rin ng pakikipag usap ko sa mga insekto, gagambang bahay at agiw na halos isang dekada ko nang kakwentuhan ng aking mga pagdaramdam, mga napagtagumpayan at kalungkutan. Sanay ang huli ay siya nang huling pagtirik ko ng kandila sa aking yumaong pag-ibig. Isang libo at isang katanungan kada araw...Handa na nga ba akong itayang muli ang aking kakisigan?

Gilbert Sullivan - Alone again Naturally

Pero baka masyado na akong natutuwa sa imahinasyong ito. Tama na. Ititigil ko muna ang pagtagay sa sarili. Hanapin ang tansan ng pulang kabayong itong nakakapagpaligaya sa akin.Tatakpan ko muna ang mga espiritung nang-aaliw sa aking imahinasyon sa sarili kong mundo. Preno muna at baka mali ang forecast natin sa ating nararamdaman. Mahirap sumugal kung ang paiiralin natin ay hanging nagmumula sa ating dibdib, mas mahirap din kung sa puwet. Lahat tayo nangangailangan ng warmth. Ngunit nababahala ako na baka ito maging cold front. Magkaiba ang inog ng mundo natin at pag nagkataon disaster ang dala nito sa buong sanlibutan.

At sa harap ng bintanang pupog ng tubig ulan na animo'y mga patak ng luha akoy naghihintay sa iyong pagdating. At sa puntong ito hayaan mo na lang na damhin kita mula sa malayo. Ituring mo akong bahaghari na magpapakita pagkatapos ng kalat-kalat at malawakang  mga pag-ulan at pagkidlat-pagkulog na maaaring magdulot ng mga pagbaha at pagguho ng mga lupa.

At hanggat wala ka pa. Didistansiya na ako at hindi na mauulit muli ang mga panahong ako ay nagpadarang. Ititgil ko na ang mga mapanlinlang at malalaswang pahina mula Internet, ihihinto ko na ang panonood ng Girls Jumping on Trampoline at ng kung anu-ano pang panoorin na nakapagpapakiliti ng aking tralala. Manonood na lamang ako ng Disney channel para sa iyong pagdating at ikaw ay aking makikilala ay masaya ang ambiance.

Pero paano ko kikimkimin ang isang mala habagat na pakiramdam ng pagiisa?

Sana nga'y dumating ka na at makilala ka sa panahong pwede ako. Patuloy na umaasa sa aking mga sana. Alam kong nasa malayo ka pa at nandito lang ako.

Single. Unattached. Virgin. Patiently waiting.

Huwag mo sana akong kalilimutan. Habang hinihintay kita bago muling palibutan ng maiitim na ulap ang nararamdaman kong ito.