LakbayLoyd Lighthouse Series 04 : FARO DE CABO ENGANO, Palaui Island, Sta. Ana, Cagayan

Faro de Cabo Engano, or Cape Engano, was built in 1892. This historic landmark stands in the extreme northeastern end of Luzon and situated on the highest point in Palaui Island, Sta. Ana, Cagayan.

Recently, Palaui Island was featured as a location for the reality show "Survivor" which earned the island's popularity among local and foreign tourists. Aside from the white sand beaches, the lighthouse is frequently visited because of the scenic view it can offer.

Cape Engano was part of the masterplan by the Spaniards to illuminate the whole Philippine archipelago (also part of the plan is the Cape Bojeador). But, just like most of the lighthouses built during the Spanish era, Cape Engano was unkept and left in ruins at the turn of the 20th century. Now, the octagonal stone tower and keeper's house are still standing but somehow the structures were dilapidated and cracked.

Hoping to preserve its historical and cultural significance, Cape Engano was declared as National Cultural Heritage site by the National Historical Commission.

To get there : Take the bus to Tuguegarao City from Manila (10 hours). From Tuguegarao, take a van going to Sta, Ana (2.5  hours). Take a tricycle to get you to San Vicente Port. Register at the Tourism Office, pay the banca ride (good for 5) for the entire day going to and from Palaui Island.

LakbayLoyd Lighthouse Series 03 : FARO DE CABO BOJEADOR, Burgos, Ilocos Norte

Ilocos Norte is one of my favorite provinces in the Philippines and also one of my frequently visited places. And one of best part of my travel activity in Ilocos is to hike up on Vigia de Nagparitan Hill where the Faro De Cabo Bojeador, or commonly known as Cape Bojeador or Burgos Lighthouse, is located.

This magnificent structure was built in 1890 and still functions as a welcoming beacon to international vessels entering the Philippines from the north. From top of the hill or top of the light tower, the spectacular view of the West Philippine Sea and the awesome Ilocos seascape can be seen.

As one of the few remaining active lighthouses built by the Spaniards, Cape Bojeador was declared as a National Cultural Treasure in 2005 by the National Museum. Currently, it is the most visited lighthouses in the country because of its iconic design and accessibility. The paved road leading to the lighthouse is well maintained and convenient for any type of transportation. Even hiking up the hill is pleasurable.

LakbayLoyd Lighthouse Series 02 : FARO DE ISLA CORREGIDOR, Corregidor Island, Cavite

My experience with this lighthouse is that, I never knew that this is a lighthouse. All I know is that it's one of the a war monuments in Corregidor Island, with a view deck for tourists to get a glimpse of  the bay surrounding the island, a museum and souvenir shops for visitors. I also thought of it as a church's bell tower because of its cross-shaped windows, and that's it!

Until I read about it in one of the fellow blogger's site, I finally realized that it is a working lighthouse, to my surprise haha!

Yes, this lighthouse is historically relevant. It was built n 1835 to guide ships entering the Manila Bay. It was damaged, though, during the World War II and was rebuilt using some of its original components from ruins (good job!). Probably the most unique in terms of design, the lighthouse's main octagonal tower stood right in the center of the 12-sided base.

The Corregidor tour costs around 2,000 pesos inclusive of buffet lunch. The tickets can be bought online from Sun Cruises Tours or directly from their ticketing office at the CCP Complex.

This is my first visit in Corregidor Island as an adult and never knew what this structure's significance to the history was. Maybe the tour operators might need to include explaining the importance on this Spanish historical landmark - aside from the American ruins and Japanese invasion orientation for that whole day duration of the packaged tour.

LakbayLoyd Lighthouse Series 01 : BASCO LIGHTHOUSE, Batanes

One of the highlights of visiting Batanes is the Basco Lighthouse.

Located in Naidi Hills, Batan Island, the lighthouse was completed in 2003 and was built not only for sea navigation purposes but also as a major tourist attraction in the island. It has a viewing deck with a view of the whole Batan Island.

LIGHTHOUSES IN THE PHILIPPINES

Lighthouses (parola in Tagalog, faro or farola in Spanish) are significant structures found in almost all the islands in the Philippines. A number of these lighthouses were originally built during the Spanish era and served important roles in the maritime industry during that period.

As time goes by, only some of the original Spanish lighthouses survived and many of them were ruined during the Japanese War, or natural calamities like earthquakes and tropical climate. Some were either rebuilt to their original design, but mostly were replaced and/or left decaying.

Of all the lighthouses in the Philippine history, the oldest documented structure is the Pasig River Light, with an old name Faro Y Luces de Rio Pasig, dated back in 1642. It has been rebuilt several times, and on this present day, with a more modern design which they say, has lost its original grandeur.

The original Faro Y Luces de Rio Pasig.

Old and new existing lighthouses in the country may come in different forms and structures. Settled on top of a hill or along a visible shoreline, these lighthouses are witnesses to rage and calm of the sea. Others say lighthouses signify melancholy, but not for me. I think they are fascinating for the nostalgia they bring, and romantic for its proud isolation constantly looking after every sunrise and sunsets.

Follow me as I walk, hike, climb and set foot on these historically important must-visited lighthouses in the country.

MATI CITY’s Hidden Wonders

Mati City, the capital of the province of Davao Oriental, has been receiving good reviews from tourists and nature lovers alike. Having read several comments about this simple, quiet and somehow laidback remote city located down under, I decided to discover the hidden wonders of this city myself.

To get there, one can take either an air-conditioned bus or van from Davao City and the trip usually takes three hours to Mati City transport terminal. Tricycles and habal-habals are the most common mode of transportation to get you to any destination around the city. There are no taxis.

First stop – Dahican Beach.

A 30-minute ride either by habal-habal or tricycle will take you to Dahican Beach. Little by little, this long stretch of undisturbed white sand beach facing the Pacific Ocean has been getting surfers’ attention. In fact, Dahican is now tagged as the next surfers’ paradise after Siargao . There are no commercial establishments, not even a nice restaurant along the beach. However, surfing equipment are always available for rent.

Second stop – Cinco Masao Beach Resort and Waniban Island

There are a lot of beach resorts in Mati City to choose from but I found Cinco Masao as the best in terms of location and facilities. Accommodation is cheap with a magnificent panoramic view of Pujada Bay and the nearby Waniban and Pujada Islands. Visiting Waniban Island or Pujada Island should never be missed. Rent a motorized banca for P1,200 for the entire day to take you to these islands. Spend the rest of the day swimming or snorkeling or scuba diving, or simply relax and get mesmerized by the beauty of the islands surrounded by undisturbed white sand beaches.