Binungay - Bolinao's Famous Delicacy

As part of my trip I want to taste authentic delicacy of the place I've been to. At the front of Saint James The Great Parish Church where vendors of binungay sold here. I bought one piece to Manang Jovy to try what is in it. Meanwhile, it tasted like our delicious "suman" the ingredients are rice mixed with coconut cream and filled a little salt and sugar as well. The bamboo must have added a special favor to it which is wrapped in either banana or coconut leaves. This is only in Bolinao, Pangasinan! Unique and very yummy. 

So If you want to have a taste of it or buy lots for pasalubong to your family, rather buy only in the morning. Oh well, here's my pricing tips for you Php 25-35 per piece depending on the diameter. The Php 35 per piece can be bought for Php 100 for 3 pieces.

Old Church of St James The Great Parish Church

It is also known as Bolinao Church, before going to Dagupan City I decided to visit the church and took photos and buy "binungay" famous delicacies of Bolinao. Located at the town center and one of the picturesque spot along the highway. The architectural design and old Spanish facade of the church makes it unique and amazed me. At the very right of the church, you will see the face of Jesus Christ. It became a new story before and the locals call it miraculous and it will depends on how you see it but I think it's kind of cool and unique as well. 

Did you known that the church tower of Bolinao measuring seventy five ( 75) feet was then the tallest in the whole Pangasinan if not in the entire Northern Luzon. However , an earthquake in 1788 toppled about half of it. then in 1819 the Church Convent was also accidentally burned but the church now is looks great and fascinating rock sculpture.

How to Get to Patar White Beach in Bolinao, Pangasinan

Going to Patar White Beach Resort in Bolinao:

I choose Five Star Bus -Pasay City on this trip but there are a lot of buses across Metro Manila like Victory Liner, Dagupan Bus and Other ordinary bus from Pangasinan. I took first trip at 10:00pm and 5-6 hours travel period and this bus runs almost hourly and stops in Dau, Tarlac and Alaminos. Fare is Php 450 (one-way trip) and make sure you bring some snacks during your trip.

Once you arrive in Bolinao (end station) call a tricycle and  ask him to bring you to the famous golden-white beach resort of Patar. From there proceed to their cottages along the beach front and pay for the cottage fee between Php 100 to 500 pesos depending on the number of person.  Note: There's no entrance fee in the beach premisses because this area is operated by the local government of Bolinao, Pangasinan

Five Star Bus Terminal located at #222 Tramo Street, Pasay City beside Winston Hotel. 

Five Star Bus Pasay Contact Number: (02) 851-6613, 833-4772, 851-6614 and make sure you have a reserve seat or book in advance to avoid hassle during your trip. Happy Trip Everyone - From Bisayang Manlalakbay around the Philippines. 

Where to Buy Pasalubong & Souvenirs in Bolinao Pangasinan

Make sure that you buy pasalubong to your love ones and family. One of my favorite pasalubong/souvenir and collection as well is the "I Love Shirt" in different provinces and city which I could really use it during my-day-to-day activities. It will cost you from Php 100 to 200 pesos.  This is located along entrance beach area of Patar Beach Resort. There are a lot of stores, items to choose from and different variety of local made in Pangasinan. I know that there are a lot of tourist attraction in Bolinao and I had a great time spending my weekend there.

Golden White Sand of Patar Beach in Bolinao, Pangasinan

From the Cape Bolinao Lighthouse, I asked manong tricycle driver to drop me off at the famous golden white sand beach of Patar. One of the best beach attraction in Pangasinan with the pristine fine golden-like sand and this is open free public without the amenities of a private resort, it become a favorite tourist destination of both locals and foreign tourist. You can also rented an open cottage for your food, drinks, things and enjoy the rest of the day. The water current here can sometimes be very strong. Waves are ideal for surfing. I really like the place because it does not have any of the developed resorts except for one. Some part of the beach is mostly limestone rock formations. 

Perfect for your weekend getaway because you can do everything here like swimming, sun-bathing, snorkeling, picnic with family or friends, ride a banca for island hopping, photo shoot, meditate away from people on the shore, or simply strolling around the beach front and not as expensive as of some high end hotels here. There are a lots of thing to enjoy in Bolinao. Happy Trip Everyone and check out my next related blog post. 

Fascinating View of Cape Bolinao Lighthouse in Pangasinan

Cape Bolinao Lighthouse is a scenic view for photo ops or a romantic sunset views. it is good that there is a concrete road going into the facility.  Due to numerous storm it endured the past years this lighthouse is not fully-functional anymore. But take note there is no entrance fee in the area. There's also a set of solar panels used by the locals before and also a deck portion that offers a view of the ocean. Truly fascinating view and spectacular dramatic effect against the blue sky light with the overlooking view of the white beach sand of Patar and other hotels. The tower overlooks the turquoise waters of Patar and the place is so serene. Did you known that Cape Bolinao is the 2nd tallest light house in Luzon, this is next to the light house in Ilocos Norte.

However, the whole area is not beer properly maintain and improved with some of paints peeled off. Vandal is everywhere which is very sad to state. Climbing the stairs going on top of the lighthouse is no longer open for visitors. This is for the visitor's safety according to the vendors living beside the area. Overall, your Bolinao trip was ever complete without seeing the famed Cape Bolinao Lighthouse. Next post is the golden-white sand beach of Patar. Happy Trip Everyone!