Archives: Places

St. Vincent Ferrer Parish Church

The St. Vincent Ferrer Parish Church in Bayambang, Pangasinan has stood for more than 400 years, having been established by Dominican missionaries in 1619. It also houses the saint’s holy relic, enshrined and protected at the foot of his statue at the main retablo. The church is also known for its accompanying prayer park wherein pilgrims and visitors can see the colossal bamboo structure in the image of St. Vincent Ferrer himself. Aside from being a Guinness World Record holder for being the tallest bamboo structure ever made, it is a figure of the townspeople’s utmost love and loyalty to both their patron saint and hometown. 

Teraoka Agri-Tourism and Training Center Inc.

The Teraoka Agri-Tourism and Training Center Inc. is one of the most visited farms in Pangasinan. The farm produces organic products and is known to be a supplier for various restaurants across the Philippines. It is also famously known as an institution accredited by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) that offers technical and vocational education and training courses.

Pacalat River

The Pacalat River is a local favorite hotspot in Mangatarem. There are kubos within the vicinity where visitors can leave their things before splashing into the cool and refreshing water of the river. A long hanging bridge hovers over the river which some locals use as a shortcut to go to the other side. The water is usually shallow but some parts, especially down the river, become deep due to fast currents.

Daang Kalikasan

Known for its spectacular view of Mangatarem’s surrounding lush nature, the Daang Kalikasan is one of Pangasinan’s must-see destinations. Similar to the Daang Katutubo in the town of Aguilar, the Daang Kalikasan is distinguishable for its paved and winding road, giving visitors a variety of angles to appreciate nature. View decks are strategically placed in the higher portions of the road so that visitors can witness how close the sky appears along treetops and hilltops.

Lingayen Gulf Beach

 

A stone’s throw away from the Capitol Complex in Pangasinan’s capital town is the Lingayen Gulf Beach. The huge expanse of beach area accommodates various kinds of activities such as concerts, sports events and, of course, the ever colorful and upbeat Mother of All Festivals in Pangasinan – the Pistay Dayat. In the center of the vicinity stretches the bay walk where dozens (and even more!) health and exercise buffs, locals and vacationers are free to run laps, go cycling and lounge around until they get a glimpse of Pangasinan’s famous sunset.

Casa Real

The Casa Real was built in the middle of the 19th century during the Spanish colonial period and served as the first Provincial Capitol of Pangasinan. It was declared as a national historical landmark by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) in 2002 due to its historical and cultural significance as a unique example of civic architecture from the Spanish and American colonial periods. However, due to its age and various environmental calamities such as earthquakes and typhoons throughout the years, the Casa Real sustained numerous damages and was eventually set to undergo a three-phase restoration project that started in 2015. 

The project was made possible by the cooperation and contributions of the Provincial Government of Pangasinan, then congressman and now Lingayen mayor Leopoldo Bataoil, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the Tourism Infrastructure and Economic Zone Authority (TIEZA), the Pangasinan Historical and Cultural Commission (PHCC), the Pangasinan Heritage Society, Inc., and the NHCP. After its restoration, the Casa Real is envisioned to become the Museo na Pangasinan. 

Sabangan Island

Located in Barangay Nayom in the town of Infanta, Sabangan Island is a quiet space surrounded by many trees as well as mangroves. Visitors are free to lounge around the sand or play beach volleyball. There are areas where cooking is allowed, too, so visitors can bring food without having to worry about a corkage fee. 

Cabongaoan Beach

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Perhaps the most well-known beach in Burgos, Cabongaoan Beach is pleasantly sandy, with little to no rocks prickling visitors’ feet as they pad about. The beach is also known to have tidal pools both shallow and deep, and a viewpoint where visitors can enjoy the scenery of the coast. The sunsets in Burgos are especially and notably beautiful. 

Daang Katutubo

The Daang Katutubo in the town Aguilar is said to be one of the most scenic roads in the Philippines. The road trails across the rolling hills of Pangasinan, giving visitors seemingly endless picturesque stretches of land and greenery. The estimated 24.22km road also leads to another known destination in Aguilar—the Mapita View Deck. The construction of the Daang Katutubo is also said to help indigenous communities reach the town proper faster, easier and safely. 

Maranum Falls

Maranum Falls is one of the most well-known waterfalls in the province of Pangasinan. In Ilokano, “maranum” means “many waters” which describes the waterfalls perfectly, as it never dries out even during the dry season.

The trail is rather steep and depending on your pace, the trek will take around 45 minutes or more. There are handrails and safety measures installed along the trail to help visitors in their adventure.

Upon reaching the waterfalls, visitors will first notice the huge boulders peppered along the stream. There is ample space underneath the waterfalls as well, where adventurous guests can venture into and watch the picturesque nature scene unfold before them.

St. Catherine of Alexandria Parish Church

The St. Catherine of Alexandria Parish Church was constructed in 1834 and is one of the oldest churches in Pangasinan. It is adorned with an image of St. Catherine of Alexandria in the middle of its outer façade and houses a two-tiered retablo as well as stained glasses with art depicting the life of Jesus Christ. A convent constructed in 1845 also stands adjacent to the church.  

Baba’s Eco Farm

Baba’s Eco Farm is an eco-friendly farm attraction filled with gardens, dining spaces, and art pieces installed for anyone’s leisure and viewing pleasure. Located at Brgy. Inamotan, Manaoag, Pangasinan, Baba’s Eco Farm is owned and managed by gardening advocates Ms. Maxie Ordan and Mr. Aylwin Mariano.

More than its ‘instagrammable’ field of flowers, Baba’s Eco Farm also hold art exhibits featuring “junk art”, i.e., artworks made from reclaimed materials, by local artists. In line with its green initiative, Baba’s Eco Farm encourages and promotes recycling and the alternative use of left-behind materials to reduce waste material while simultaneously supporting the local creative industry.

Baba’s Eco Farm is a recommended experience for gardening lovers, art connoisseurs, green advocates, and even to the general public just interested in encountering a new quiet landscape to relax in and take pictures of.