Unexplored Labnig Beach of Paracale, Camarines Norte

Camarines Norte became popular to tourists, locals and foreigners alike, because of Calaguas Island with its powdery sand that offers peace and serenity to visitors. But unknown to many, including myself, there is another unexplored paradise nearby...a hidden cove called Labnig Beach. From Paracale, it can be reached using a motorized boat in about 5 minutes

Labnig is one of the barangays which are in the outlying area of Municipality of Paracale. Paracale with a population of about 46,856 and its 27 barangays belong to the partly urban areas in the Philippines. While some of the barangays developed modern urban structures, some others, especially those which are seated in the outlying areas, remained rural.

I’ve heard of Labnig since I was small from my maternal grandmother, Lola Nunang…but I’ve never been there. Then last year, Inay mentioned that Tio Simon, his brother who was a stroke-patient, chose to stay at their house in Labnig Beach to recuperate. She said that the place is very beautiful and tranquil and that my brother is interested in owning a small land there. 

Last August 18, a day before the 40^th day of Inay’s death, with some of our relatives, we traveled to Labnig. The main purpose is to visit Tio Simon, who was not able to attend Inay’s funeral due to his condition and also to discuss some family matters.

I do not know what to expect. The last time I saw Tio Simon, he was a big, huggable uncle with a twinkling eyes when he smile. And when I saw him, the smile and the twinkling eyes are still the same except that this time there are tears in those eyes…tears of happiness because he saw us. I can hug him still and he hugged me in return…but with just his left able hand. Only his body has changed, but his mind and his spirit is still the same…the proud, spiritual man that I remember him to be. He temporarily forgot my name but after a while I heard him call me Cita, in his loud but soft voice I remember so well…his heart remember my name.

After the initial greetings, “how-are-you” and “how-have-you-been”, they get down to serious family talk. And while they are busy, I decided to explore the area and take some pictures…

And then…I do not know what happen. But I found myself tasting the fish sinigang in tomatoes and saying a little sour is better and requesting calamansi to add to the taste. Then, I was grilling the fish. And it’s time for lunch…

After lunch, I was at the beach again taking shot, after shot, after shot of pictures…of sky, and sea and sand.

It was a wonderful day. Seeing the happiness in Tio Simon’s face is just an awesome feeling coupled it with seeing the Labnig beach for the first time…I had a blast.

We will definitely come back with Daniz, our “mermaid” daughter, who took to water even before she can walk…who can swim from six in the morning until ten in the evening with just the mealtime as her rest in between.

Labnig Beach…we will be back!!! And we will enjoy everything beautiful about you…

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Road Trip to Baguio...A Celebration for Bev

Ate Bev, the birthday celebrant, and Daniz

Bev is our “angel at home”…we fondly called her Ate or Ate Bev. She makes our life easier by doing house chores, taking care of the dogs and keeping an eye on Daniz.

Last January 11, she celebrated her 19^th birthday. It was a Saturday, and during breakfast we asked Daniz what food to prepare for Ate’s birthday…and as expected, she answered “spaghetti” and “let us buy a cake for Ate”. And so it was set. But then another idea popped out of nowhere...maybe it’s the early morning chill…because for the past few days cold temperature was being recorded in the country and we felt it even in Pampanga. I said,

“Let’s go to Baguio. Let’s celebrate Ate’s birthday there.”

Even before breakfast is over…it’s already set. Baguio here we come…to Ate’s delight, because she’s never been there. And just like our usual routine for every unplanned trip, we rely on Mr... Google…and for this trip, information on accommodation is the only thing we need, since we’ve been to Baguio a few times.

At 11:00 am, we were on our way, with Froggy, our ever reliable green car. It’s a road trip alright, as it’s the first time we travel by car…our previous trips to Baguio were by bus. We used SCTEX (Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway) South and were so surprised that it’s already connected to TPLEX (Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway) though until Gerona, Tarlac only, but constructions are on-going.

We stopped at Villasis, Pangasinan for lunch. There is one “turo-turo” or “karinderia” inside Villasis Public Market and Bagsakan Center that serves good food at a very reasonable price. I was not able to get the name but it’s the one right across the comfort room…the corner stall facing the “tupig” vendors. All of the foods below plus six cups of rice and four soft drinks…we spent Php 270.00 only.

• Jonjie loved their “Papaitan”, a popular Ilocano bitter and spicy stew consisting of beef or goat innards such as liver, heart, tripe and the bitter bile (apdo) and an additional order of Chicken Adobo
• Daniz ordered “Dinuguan”, or pork blood stew, a savory stew of blood and meat cooked in a rich, spicy gravy of pig blood, garlic, chili, and vinegar
• Ate had Chicken Curry
• And for me, it’s their Pork Sinigang with vegetables and rich sour soup.

Villasis Public Market and Bagsakan Center located near Municipal Hall

We had another first, when we accidentally found ourselves on the toll gate of Kennon Road. Our hesitation was noticed by “Kuya” manning the toll gate, and he simply told us that it’s only 30 minutes more to Baguio…going back to Marcos Highway would take us another two hours. The road with its uphill and sharp curves were already a challenge, coupled it with the “first time”…then it’s a dual challenge. But Jonjie is Jonjie, and never back-out of a challenge as long as it is doable…and so we braved the Kennon Road.

We arrived at 3:25 pm…a little more than three hours of travel. Woohoo…woot…woot..Jonjie and Froggie conquered Kennon Road in thirty minutes. The “Kuya” in the toll gate was so right…

Upon our arrival we immediately check-in at the Summer Place Hotel…chosen because of their promo rates. The place is still fine but needs a make-over. The room assigned to us has three single beds. Upon entering, Daniz and Ate already chose theirs.which means that Jonjie and I have to be in one bed. By the looks of it, the bed sheets, comforters and towels have already served many guests...but its clean.

Aha...the daughter took picture of the father behind my back

Taken by Daniz

              

Ate Bev...the birthday girl

Below are the views from the deck…

Itineraries of the day and the following day:

• Lourdes Grotto
• Burnham Park
• Baguio Public Market
• Baguio Cathedral
• Good Shepherd Convent
• Mines View Park
• Cordillera World At Mines View Park
• Wright Park
• The Mansion
• 50’s Diner
• La Trinidad Strawberry Fields

Related Posts:

• Baguio Road Trip: 252 Steps to Lourdes Grotto
• 11 Places to Visit in Baguio in 1½ Days

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