Around Ticao Island in San Jacinto, Masbate

It's my first time here in San Jacinto, Masbate Province and this was part of my solo backpacking trip for Masbate-Sorsogon-Albay routes. Located between Ticao pass & Masbate pass, I was able to catch up the first trip via big outrigger banca from Bulan, Sorsogon port to San Jacinto, Masbate port. Travel time is about 1 & half hours. It offers great view of the island, hospitality of the people & unspoiled beaches around San Jacinto. Before heading to the resort, I went to their mini- plaza, view deck, mangroves area & municipal hall. The place is a real gem, clean surroundings and it is so peaceful where people try to communicate well. San Jacinto in Masbate is one of the best place to visit during summer for a solo traveling like me. The place is safe & great place to relax and it is the nearest place to visit if your going from Sorsogon or Albay. Some locals and children in the village will probably find them smiling, friendly and you'll enchanted with them. The municipality of San Jacinto is one of the good place for diving, trekking and exploring too.

Roaming Around the Town of Bangued in Abra Province

Roaming Around the Town of Bangued in Abra Province is more fun traveling with tricycle. The town is nestled in a valley between the fascinating mountains of Abra & Ilocos Sur.  I opted a tricycle on a half day tour around the town. Cost about Php 100 for a solo traveler like me. The people in Abra is very kind, hospitable, friendly,  God fearing, adventurer and fun loving. A familiar fast food restaurant like Jollibee is always thought that the presence of a positive sign of progress in the Province or a places I've been through. The center proper of Bangued is packed with different establishments, restaurants, lodges, hotels , money changer, restaurants, clinic, drug stores, internet cafes, grocery stores and other business can be found here. I enjoyed the whole trip and I want to go back here soon to explore other tourist attraction in other towns and municipality of Abra Province.

 

 

Abra Province | Bangued Municipal Hall

Passing through the Bangued Municipal Hall in Abra Province (Home of the People of Bangued). This building is located at the center of the main proper of the town and near the Abra Provincial Capitol. Every town in the province boast a great architectural design of the "municipio" were locally known to its name. You can also find the heritage Spanish Colonial Era design of this establishment. I still hear some comments or negative stories about the place but as long as you are kind to the people and you don't do any mistakes to local people here, you were safe here. I don't see anyone carrying guns or military around Bangued during the time of my visit. Make your travels more adventure and safe.

 

 

Old Heritage Church of San Lorenzo Ruiz Shrine in Abra Province

Another place to visit in Abra Province. From the town proper, It took about 5-10 minutes travel to see this heritage old church of San Lorenzo Ruiz Shrine in Abra Province. The church is both a historical and religious attraction in this place. It is also made of clay bricks and two bell tower at the side located at Barangay Camposanto in Bangued, Abra Province on the western part of the town. The rains pour down I wasn't able to go inside the church to take a pictures. I just took photos at their church façade during a rainy afternoon. This church hails you as you enter  the nearby cemetery in its vicinity of the shrine.  A very nice architecture Spanish design and It just one of the unnoticed places in the country.

 

 

St James The Elder Cathedral or Bangued Cathedral Church in Abra

Next stop, St James The Elder Cathedral or Bangued Cathedral Church in Abra Province. I love the architecture design of the church façade were painted with off-white color. This was built in 1807 during the Spanish colonial era which is used as military hospital. Located at Main Road,  Zone 5 Taft Avenue, Bangued, Province of Abra, A nice place to stay for visiting the province. The Holy Spirit Academy School is located at the side of the church.  I wasn't able to go inside because the door is already closed, so I took a lot of photos and get back to the proper to buy pasalubong & I Love Abra shirt for a souvenirs collection.  I enjoyed traveling around Bangued were made me easier to transport to one place to another by riding the tricycle that rule the town's streets. Cost is Php 100 for the half day tour. A trip in Abra will never be complete without a visit in their old heritage churches. Please check out my next post about - Old Heritage Church of San Lorenzo Ruiz Shrine.

 

 

Rainy Morning at Bangued Town Plaza in Abra Province

It was a rainy morning when I finally set my foot on the ground of Bangued in Abra. The weather is cold & bumpy road trip from Vigan City (approximately 1 hour travel from Ilocos Sur via public transport). Located in front of Abra Provincial Capitol & Saint James The Elder Cathedral Church, this area is use for school affairs, fiestas and other provincial gatherings. I just took a quick rest before heading to other tourist attractions of the province. They also have a covered court area with a stage and a lot of tall trees surrounding the whole town plaza. One of the best thing to do at the public plaza is to try their ihaw ihaw in front of the church and just sitting down at the grass area. The road side of the plaza is a busy street where you can find a lot of tricycles passing towards the market, vendors walking around and kids playing at the center of town plaza.