Exploring Cagayan Province

Northeast of the island of Luzon lies the Cagayan province in region 2. This Ilokano-speaking province, usually the hottest place during the summer period, has a big land size and has various attractions waiting to be explored.

Cagayan has inviting clear beaches and long rivers, tall  mountains,  interesting caves and old churches, all waiting to be discovered. My several visits to Cagayan were mostly business trips, specifically to the capital city, Tuguegarao, but combining leisure with these trips became instant vacations.

ITINERARIES : TUGUEGARAO CITY, CALLAO CAVE, PIAT, AND APARRI

TUGUEGARAO CITY

Tuguegarao city is a 12-hour bus ride from Manila. Where to go, what to do and what to eat - the city has its answers. Tuguegarao city has its own authentic tourism that should not be overlooked. It also served as starting point for visiting the other tourist destinations in Cagayan.

Old Churhes

At the center of Tuguegarao is its 18th-century cathedral (Tuguegarao Cathedral) where I attended several masses throughout my visits. The Ermita de San Jacinto just across the gate of St Paul University Philippines, a very short tricycle ride from anywhere in the city, also celebrates must-attended masses. Of course, the very chapel inside the St. Paul University Philippines campus was my favorite worship place!

Pansit Batil Patung

I never thought pancit or noodles will be cooked with so much ingredients and toppings just like how the people of Cagayan do it. Almost all restaurants and panciteria in the province offer their special Pansit Batil Patung.

We stopped at Cagayan Breeze harbor in Lal-loc and tried their Pansit Batil Patung and Halo-Halo. A view of the Cagayan river, and the afternoon breeze by the river provided a relaxing ambience.

CALLAO CAVE, PENABLANCA

One of the most popular tourists destination in Cagayan is the Callao Cave. Climbing the almost 200 steps from the entrance will get you to the this silent and enchanting cave. The spectacular lime formation, the chapel, and the sunlight passing through the caves ceilings are all camera-perfect. The place has also been used as setting for several local movies.

We got several stops before reaching the top, but the sight of the green plains and valleys from the top  at each stop gave us a calming and relaxing feeling.

The boat riding experience at the Pinacanauan river added thrillls to our callao cave adventure.

BASILICA MINORE OF OUR LADY OF PIAT

One of Cagayan's famous pilgrims site is Our Lady of Piat Shrine, an almost one-hour drive from Tuguegarao city. This small, old basilica in Piat is a favorite sidetrip of tourists staying in Tuguegarao and locals from different municipalities of the province. Known to be granting wishes, a personal visit to the church is already a life-changing experience for the believers of Catholic faith.

BUNTUN BRIDGE
Forget not to pass the longest river bridge of Cagayan - the Buntun bridge.

APARRI
I became interested in Aparri when I heard it from the Eat Bulaga Theme Song "Mula Aparri Hanggang Jolo" which refer to the places at the top and bottom of the Philippine map. Setting foot to Aparri is a realization of a childhood dream - to reach that town at the far north of the map .

It was July when when I accepted a 3-day training at Cagayan State University in the Aparri campus. Right after the day training, we would go out to explore the town, dine in their local restaurants and check on some souvenirs and local items.

This first class municipality in the province of Cagayan is a small old town which famous attractions are its  clear beaches and beautiful susnsets. My stay was just short so I was able to explore only the places near the town proper.

Being near the ocean, I loved the calming and relaxing surrounding of Aparri.



Cagayan is one of the biggest land size provinces in the country. All the municipalities of Cagayan offer their own unique local tourism to any adventurous soul who wants to step on their soil. So what are you waiting for? Tara na sa Cagayan!