Isle of Wight Snippets: The Needles and Alum Bay

Posted on by torogi gene

Isle of Wight is a well-known local tourist destination in England. Of the popular places to go, The Needles in Alum Bay is among the most searched online as a testament of its beauty.

The place is very family friendly. You can also bring your dogs on lead.

There are a lot of activities in the area aside from visiting the tip of the island where the Needles are located. Among them are 4D Cinema, a chairlift to the sea side, glass demonstration, games, and a small jurassic adventure golf in Alum Bay. You can also walk to Tennyson Down, a very scenic foothpath, which leads to Freshwater Bay.

You can easily reach this destination with the public bus operating in the Island. You can visit the Northern Vectis website for updated information of bus schedule and fees. The place also has a good-sized car park if you want to travel in your own wheels. The Island’s official webpage for The Needles and Alum Bay is also a good place to start especially for guide fees and activities.

The following are images I took on my multiple visits to The Needles in Alum Bay.

The wooden stairs leading to the dirt road going to the seaside in Alum Bay
This footpath leads to the sea side and the platform where the chairlift ends. From this vantage, you can see the Needles.
One side of Alum Bay seen from the stairs connecting to the stairs.
The Needles as seen from Alum Bay.
Closer look of The Needles on the other side.
The other side of The Needles.

In conclusion, the The Needles and Alum Bay is still a good place for family relaxation. It is best enjoyed though during late Spring, all throughout Summer, and early Autumn.

Advertisement

Kapurpurawan Rock Formation: Your DIY Guide

Posted on by Loneprowler

The Kapurpurawan Rock Formation is just a small portion of a major sedimentary basin in the country. This small portion had been mostly carved by winds and wave for centuries. This process revealed and smoothed the ivory part of the limestone boulder.

Contents

Disclaimer: The content of this article is based on personal experience as well as references to the date of publication. Changes may occur on contact details, transportation, fees, etc. With this, please do comment at the end of the article any updates as well as corrections on the content, anything amiss, or any information that you think is crucial to the readers. Thank you!

Location

Address: Burgos, Ilocos Norte, Philippines

Coordinates: 18.53865764475781, 120.65346890147609

Map:

BACK TO CONTENTS

Business Hours
  • Daytime business hours. Curfew may be imposed at some point and circumstance.

BACK TO CONTENTS

Fees
  • Entrance Fee: None

BACK TO CONTENTS

Contact Person/Group/Website/Page

BACK TO CONTENTS

Kapurpurawan Rock Formation

Ilocos Norte is known to be a tourism magnet for its natural and man-made wonders. Aside from pristine beaches, the province also boasts some rock formations. Within the last decade, the Kapurpurawan Rock Formation became viral on social media.

The Kapurpurawan Rock Formation is located in the rocky coast of Burgos, around a kilometer and a half from Laoag, Ilocos Norte. In fact, it is only around a ten-minute drive from the historical Cape Bojeador Lighthouse and within the Burgos Wind Farm grid. Going further north along the coastline, the famous Bangui Bay and its Windmills can also be seen. The fifth class municipality is on the northwestern tip of Luzon.

The Kapurpurawan Rock Formation is just a small portion of a major sedimentary basin in the country. This small portion had been mostly carved by winds and wave for centuries. This process revealed and smoothed the ivory part of the limestone boulder. The bared color of the limestone hence gave birth to its name Kapurpurawan from the local term “puraw”, meaning white.

A study on 2017 also suggested that this rock formation is a part of Burgos Formation, a sedimentary basin that is formed even earlier than its nearby counterparts like Laoag Formation and Pasuquin Limestone [1]. They arrived at this conclusion by dating the calcarenites in the area.

When you plan to visit the area, make sure to bring sun and eye protection as the ivory limestone is very bright under the sun. Also, make sure to bring a bottle of water.

From the Pan-Philippine Highway, follow the Kapurpurawan Rock Formation access road. At some point, you will pass by a cluster of solar panels to the left of the road and wind turbines strategically scattered. At the end of the access road, there is a parking space and some food and trinket shops. Follow the cemented path going down to the coastal area. A portion of this path is canopied by some local foliage.
Once you are out under the foliaged pathway, you will be greeted by a clearing on the coast with horses grazing on the grasses.
I find the contrasting dark limestone, green grasses, horses, and the blue West Philippine Sea more worth the trip than the rock formation itself.
On the way to the rock formation, this piece of art catches your attention in the center of a small marsh area.
Kapurpurawan Rock Formation is actually just a small portion of the Burgos Formation.
The limestone has been carved mostly by wind and waves, giving the dazzling ivory color.
The norther side of the formation is also a delight to the eyes.

In conclusion, Kapurpurawan Rock Formation is a good place to include in your Ilocos Norte itinerary. This gives break to the history-laden list of places in this province.

BACK TO CONTENTS

How to Get To Kapurpurawan Rock Formation

By land. Take any bus heading to Laoag City.

  • Manila buses bound to Laoag City are Partas, Dominion Bus, Aniceto Bus, Viron Transit, Florida Bus Line, Fariñas Trans, Maria De Leon Bus Lines, RCJ Bus Lines and F. Franco Transit. Make sure it is bound to Laoag, though most of these buses also have Vigan to Laoag trips. There are tricycles and vans for hire which usually covers a group of tourist destinations in the province.
  • From Baguio City, you can take a Partas bus near SM City Baguio or the ordinary mini-buses in Bayanihan. Make sure it is bound to Laoag, though most of these buses also have Vigan to Laoag trips. There are tricycles and vans for hire which usually covers a group of tourist destinations in the province.
  • GMW Liner and Florida Liner have buses plying a vice versa Abra and Tuguegarao with a stop in Laoag City route. There are tricycles and vans for hire which usually covers a group of tourist destinations in the province.

By air. Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines flies from Manila to Laoag International Airport.

BACK TO CONTENTS

Helpful Local Phrases
  • Good morning: Naimbag a bigat; Good afternoon: Naimbag a malem; Good day: Naimbag nga aldaw; Good evening: Naimbag a rabii
  • How are you?: Kumusta
  • Thank you: Agyamanak
  • What is your name?: Ania ti nagan mo?
  • I don’t understand: Diak maawatan
  • How do I get to…?: Kasantnu ak a makapan sadiay…?
  • One: maysa, two: duwa, three: tallo, four: uppat, five: lima, six: ennem, seven: pito, eight: walo, nine: siyam, ten: sangapulo
  • How much is this?: Sagmamano daytoy?
  • Help!: Arayat!
  • Sorry: Pakawanennak

BACK TO CONTENTS

Other Notable Nearby Places

BACK TO CONTENTS

References

[1] Callejo, G., Fernando, A. G., & Silva, L. 2017. New Age Assignment of the Kapurpurawan Rock Formation Calcarenite in Burgos Ilocos Norte Based on Planktonic Foraminiferal Assemblage [online]. Journal of Geological Society of the Philippines, pp. 27-41. Available at <https://www.researchgate.net/publication/322976452_New_Age_Assignment_of_the_Kapurpurawan_Rock_Formation_Calcarenite_in_Burgos_Ilocos_Norte_Based_on_Planktonic_Foraminiferal_Assemblage&gt; [Accessed 22 March 2021].

BACK TO CONTENTS

Baluarte: A Zoo and Museum in Vigan City

Posted on by Loneprowler
baluarte

Vigan City in Ilocos Norte is a place for tourists who loves nature and history. Around 15 minutes away from the Spanish-like town, a zoo, taxidermy museum, and safari hotel can be easily accessed. Baluarte Zoo and Museum offers a different view of the city.

Contents

Disclaimer: The content of this article is based on personal experience as well as references to the date of publication. Changes may occur on contact details, transportation, fees, etc. With this, please do comment at the end of the article any updates as well as corrections on the content, anything amiss, or any information that you think is crucial to the readers. Thank you!

Location

Address: Quirino Boulevard, Tamag, Vigan City, Ilocos Sur, Philippines

Coordinates: 17.5513° N, 120.3772° E

Map:

BACK TO CONTENTS

Business Hours
  • 0700AM-0600PM

BACK TO CONTENTS

Fees
  • Entrance Fee: Free admission
  • Guided tour: Php50.00 (optional)

BACK TO CONTENTS

Baluarte Zoo and Museum

Vigan City in Ilocos Norte is a place for tourists who loves nature and history. Around 15 minutes away from the Spanish-like town, a zoo, taxidermy museum, and safari hotel can be easily accessed. Baluarte Zoo and Museum offers a different view of the city.

This mini-zoo cum-taxiderm museum is owned by the local politician Chavit Singson. The complex lies in hectares of land that stretches from the rolling plain towards the hills, where the former governor’s multi-storey house sits with a grand view of Vigan and the South China Sea [1].

Baluarte Zoo

In my one-day Vigan City tour, I made it in Baluarte during dusk. That made me have limited time to enjoy the zoo. Notwithstanding, I was able to see what the zoo has to offer but in a hurried way as I was trying to take it all in while there is enough natural light.

The zoo offers animals native in our country as well as imported ones, among others. A butterfly farm as well as horse riding track is situated within the complex. Along the paths, roads, and cages, tourists can have a glimpse of lions, Bengal tigers, camels, monkeys, peacocks, civet cats, iguanas, pythons and other reptiles, birds, and animals.

Included in the native animals in Chavit’s collection is a Philippine cloud rat endemic in the Codillera [2]. On the other hand he also has non-endemic animals in his mini-zoo. “I waited for almost five years and finally, they have arrived,” he said, noting that he needed to rent a whole cargo plane to accommodate 27 giraffes and about 900 antelopes as added attractions to his 120-hectare zoo [3].

Among the non-native animals in the mini-zoo are tigers, lions, camel, and others.
This green snake is but one of the many reptiles found in the mini-zoo.
Colorful birds, both endemic and non-native ones, are part of Chavit Singson’s collections found in this zoom-museum complex.
Baluarte Museum (Safari Gallery)

The 120-hectare expanse of Singson’s lot also houses a taxidermy museum. This is located on the top of the hill overlooking the zoo and parts of Vigan City. Preserved animals hunted by Singson in foreign countries are on display.

All in all, the Baluarte Zoo and Museum is a free-entrance complex near the Vigan City center. It offers a mini-zoo, a safari hotel, as well as a taxidermy museum. It is a highly recommended place to visit in Ilocos Norte, if you are not against captive animal as well as taxidermy.

BACK TO CONTENTS

How to Get There

By land. Take any bus heading to Vigan City or Laoag City.

  • Manila buses bound to Vigan City are Partas, Dominion Bus, Aniceto Bus, Viron Transit, Florida Bus Line, Fariñas Trans, Maria De Leon Bus Lines, RCJ Bus Lines and F. Franco Transit. Anywhere from Vigan City, hail a tricycle or kalesa [two-wheeled horse-drawn carriage] and tell the driver to drop you at the Baluarte.
  • From Baguio City, you can take a Partas bus near SM City Baguio or the ordinary mini-buses in Bayanihan. Anywhere from Vigan City, hail a tricycle or kalesa [two-wheeled horse-drawn carriage] and tell the driver to drop you at the Baluarte.
  • GMW Liner and Florida Liner have buses plying a vice versa Abra and Tuguegarao with a stop in Vigan City route. Anywhere from Vigan City, hail a tricycle or kalesa [two-wheeled horse-drawn carriage] and tell the driver to drop you at the Baluarte.

By air. Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines flies from Manila to Laoag International Airport. Take any bus bound to Vigan City. Anywhere from Vigan City, hail a tricycle or kalesa [two-wheeled horse-drawn carriage] and tell the driver to drop you at the Baluarte.

BACK TO CONTENTS

Helpful Local Phrases
  • Good morning: Naimbag a bigat; Good afternoon: Naimbag a malem; Good day: Naimbag nga aldaw; Good evening: Naimbag a rabii
  • How are you?: Kumusta
  • Thank you: Agyamanak
  • What is your name?: Ania ti nagan mo?
  • I don’t understand: Diak maawatan
  • How do I get to…?: Kasantnu ak a makapan sadiay…?
  • One: maysa, two: duwa, three: tallo, four: uppat, five: lima, six: ennem, seven: pito, eight: walo, nine: siyam, ten: sangapulo
  • How much is this?: Sagmamano daytoy?
  • Help!: Arayat!
  • Sorry: Pakawanennak

BACK TO CONTENTS

Other Notable Nearby Places

BACK TO CONTENTS

References

[1] Vigan.ph. n.d. Baluarte Vigan — The Fortress Of Vigan | Vigan.Ph. [online] Available at: <https://www.vigan.ph/attractions/baluarte-vigan-fortress-of-vigan.html&gt; [Accessed 20 April 2020].

[2] Espinosa-Aritao, G., 2018. Chavit Singson: Keeper Of The Sanctuary. [online] ABS-CBN News. Available at: <https://news.abs-cbn.com/ancx/culture/spotlight/11/16/18/chavit-singson&gt; [Accessed 20 April 2020].

[3] Adriano, L., 2019. Vigan Zoo Visitors To Soon See New Animals From S. Africa. [online] Pna.gov.ph. Available at: <https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1064985&gt; [Accessed 20 April 2020].

BACK TO CONTENTS

The Hidden Garden: An Ilocano Food Restaurant cum Garden in Vigan City

Posted on by Loneprowler

Vigan is home to a lot of wondrous places and activities. A day would be easily filled with going to historical houses, churches, museums, etc. With all the activities that you can do, make sure to get a good meal at the end of the day. This could be answered by a lot of food stalls and restaurants in the city. However, one of the food establishments offers authentic Ilocano foods IN A garden.

Contents

Disclaimer: The content of this article is based on personal experience as well as references to the date of publication. Changes may occur on contact details, transportation, fees, etc. With this, please do comment at the end of the article any updates as well as corrections on the content, anything amiss, or any information that you think is crucial to the readers. Thank you!

Location

Address: #56 Bulala Centro, Vigan City, Ilocos Sur, Philippines

Coordinates: 17.5595° N, 120.3645° E

Map:

BACK TO CONTENTS

Business Hours

Usual business hours starts as early as 06:00AM and closes at 05:30PM. Better yet, don’t go too early or too late. Peak hours at around 11:00AM to 04:00PM.

BACK TO CONTENTS

Contact Details

BACK TO CONTENTS

The Hidden Garden

Vigan is home to a lot of wondrous places and activities. A day would be easily filled with going to historical houses, churches, museums, etc. With all the activities that you can do, make sure to get a good meal at the end of the day. This could be answered by a lot of food stalls and restaurants in the city. However, one of the food establishments offers authentic Ilocano foods IN A garden.

The Restaurant…

The popularity of this native food establishment cum garden is a big contrast to its name–it is not hidden, rather, it is widely-known. Probably it is hidden because you cannot believe that the modest entrance hides a great place. The place is also adorned with some local house ornaments and implements.

A rattan hammock is used as part of the myriad of native adornment in the Lilong and Lilang Restaurant. A water buffalo skull with intact horn is also seen in the above image.
Just after the entrance, you will be greeted with banderitas and some local fishing (?) implements.

The restaurant is officially known as Hidden Garden Lilong and Lilang Restaurant. It offers native Ilocano dishes such as bagnet, longganisa, sinanglaw, poqui-poqui, dinengdeng, pinakbet, etc. The following images are pages from their menu.

The Hidden Garden…

The ‘hidden’ garden has an interesting history. Six years ago, Francis Flores, the owner of Hidden Garden of Vigan suffered from three heart attacks and had half of his body paralyzed [1]. Also, this made him realize to change his life, start a garden, and became a landscape architect. It later became a business and an restaurant even popped inside it.

There are direction signs along the pathways in the Hidden Garden; you’ll not get lost.

Before [or after] partaking a sumptuous Ilocano meal, you can have a walk on the maze of its garden. It offers some good displays of plants. These plants are also for sale, such as herbs, bonsais, flowers, ornamental plants, etc. The walk would be a treat to plant lovers. They might even grab some plants home.

Hanging plant display. These are for sale.
This is the bonsai garden, one of the sections of the entire garden.

Thus, if you want to try some native delicacies and you are also a plant lover, this could be the best venue for you to eat.

BACK TO CONTENTS

How to Get There

By land. Take any bus heading to Vigan City or Laoag City.

  • Manila buses bound to Vigan City are Partas, Dominion Bus, Aniceto Bus, Viron Transit, Florida Bus Line, Fariñas Trans, Maria De Leon Bus Lines, RCJ Bus Lines and F. Franco Transit. Anywhere from Vigan City, hail a tricycle or kalesa [two-wheeled horse-drawn carriage] and tell the driver to drop you at the Hidden Garden.
  • From Baguio City, you can take a Partas bus near SM City Baguio or the ordinary mini-buses in Bayanihan. Anywhere from Vigan City, hail a tricycle or kalesa [two-wheeled horse-drawn carriage] and tell the driver to drop you at the Hidden Garden.
  • GMW Liner and Florida Liner have buses plying a vice versa Abra and Tuguegarao with a stop in Vigan City route. Anywhere from Vigan City, hail a tricycle or kalesa [two-wheeled horse-drawn carriage] and tell the driver to drop you at the Hidden Garden.

By air. Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines flies from Manila to Laoag International Airport. Take any bus bound to Vigan City. Anywhere from Vigan City, hail a tricycle or kalesa [two-wheeled horse-drawn carriage] and tell the driver to drop you at the Hidden Garden.

BACK TO CONTENTS

Helpful Local Phrases
  • Good morning: Naimbag a bigat; Good afternoon: Naimbag a malem; Good day: Naimbag nga aldaw; Good evening: Naimbag a rabii
  • How are you?: Kumusta
  • Thank you: Agyamanak
  • What is your name?: Ania ti nagan mo?
  • I don’t understand: Diak maawatan
  • How do I get to…?: Kasantnu ak a makapan sadiay…?
  • One: maysa, two: duwa, three: tallo, four: uppat, five: lima, six: ennem, seven: pito, eight: walo, nine: siyam, ten: sangapulo
  • How much is this?: Sagmamano daytoy?
  • Help!: Arayat!
  • Sorry: Pakawanennak

BACK TO CONTENTS

Other Notable Nearby Places

BACK TO CONTENTS

References

[1] Facebook.com. n.d. About: LILONG AND LILANG RESTAURANT. [online] Available at: <https://www.facebook.com/pg/hiddengardenvigan/about/?ref=page_internal&gt; [Accessed 26 March 2020].

BACK TO CONTENTS

MARYKNOLL ECOLOGICAL SANCTUARY

Posted on by Loneprowler
MARYKNOLL ECOLOGICAL SANCTUARY

Last updated:

03 August 2016

Location:
25 North Santo Tomas Road, Campo Sioco, Baguio City, Philippines.
Contact Details:
Website: http://www.maryknollecosanctuary.org/index.php
Email: mesbaguio@gmail.com;
Tel. No.: +63 74 424 5745;
CP No.: +63 915 655 5745
Registration Fee:
Php50.00.
Business Hours:
8:30AM to 4:30PM (Cosmic Journey closed on Mondays)
How to Get There:
·         Take a Campo Sioco jeep at the Igorot Park
·         Take a taxi.
·         For private car, drive to Marcos Highway, then take a right turn to North Santo Tomas Road


Description

Revisiting the Maryknoll Ecological Sanctuary had been a nostalgic moment to me as it had been a venue to several self-awareness activities with my students when I was working as a clinical nurse instructor. The stonehenge, the native huts, and concrete benches had been mute witnesses to some of my students’ priceless smiles as they recounted their best life experiences as well as tearful accounting of their struggles and how they coped with it. It is basically the perfect place when you want to unwind, find the inner peace in yourself, or  discover the balance in your stressful life.
The Maryknoll Ecological Sanctuary, a green museum, is located in the City of Pines just a few minute drive away from the hustle and bustle of the central business district. The green museum offers a two-hour Cosmic Journey among its several programs. The Cosmic Journey walks you to 14 stations depicting natural history along its easy trail.
Following the trail gives you a serene feeling that “challenges us to reassess our role and relationship with the Universe, and to refashion our way of life in conformity with nature” (Cosmic Journey, n.d.). This had been the biggest factor why this venue is good for self-awareness activities.
Reminders:

  • Follow the trail as indicated by the map given by the security guard.
  •  Do not pick flowers.
  • Do not vandalize any of the art forms along the trail.
  • Be guided by the Leave No Trace mantra.
Gallery
After securing a ticket, the security guard will direct you to the start of the journey.
Follow the stairs going up to the right, the left merges with the end of the journey.
You will not be lost as you will be guided by arrows, rails, and caricatures along the trail.
One of the ruins during the 1990s earthquake.
A good place to sit, relax, or even meditate. However, there are even better places along the trail.
Obviously, another building ruin.
The Hermitage near the ruins.
The first station.
“The universe came into being 13.7 billion years ago.”
Near the first station is a bell inscribed with “We are the Earth, the people, plants and animals, breath of the forest and flow of the sea.”
“I pledge allegiance to the Earth and to the flora, fauna and human life that it supports, one planet, indivisible, safe air, water and soil, economic justice equal rights and peace for all.”
Unfortunately, the concrete chairs arranged in a circular manner is located near a private building. I remember sitting and talking with my students before on those concrete chairs. I just cannot reconcile with my memory if the building was there before.
Another station.
“Planet Earth emerges 5 billion years ago.”
A depiction of the Stonehenge is the center of the second station.
One of the stonehenges. Don’t climb it just to have a selfie.
This is also located in the Stonehenge area serving as a gate or entry way.
Another place for chitchat though could only accommodate a few.
Another station.
“The oceans are the birthplace for life 3 ½ years ago. “
Adorned with shells, the min-pool at the center gives connection to the station. I remember burning papers inscribed with my students’ bitter memories here, a symbolic act of letting the bitterness of those memories go as we go on in our life.
The sanctuary is a haven covered with pine trees and Chinese bamboo. During my revisit, the bamboos and grasses are abundant awaiting for pruning and mowing.
The side rails guides you to the next station. You might as well enjoy the plants along the way.
Another station.
“Dinosaurs on the scene 235 million years ago.”
Unfortunately, the art depiction on this station is on maintenance during my revisit. Anyway, it shows dinosaur eggs and a hatchling.
Another station.
“The mammals arrive 220 million years ago.”
Well, though we are mammals humans are not yet here, I think.
Another station.
“The birds take flight 150 years ago.”
A nest made out of pine needles.
Another station.
“Flowers spread on the earth 130 million years ago.”
A flower at the center of the circular stone bench depicting the station.
Another station.
Here we are!
“The primates come forth 65 million years ago.”
Charles Darwin versus the Bible, huh?
Another station.
“Early humans lives in caves 50,000 years ago.”
Depiction of the Tabon cave.
A note inside the “cave.”
Yeah, yeah, that is the exit from the cave. Don’t worry, you don’t need to crawl or slide like in real caves.
Lo, the bridge! I have seen a few of my extraordinarily brave students cower in this bridge.
From this vantage, you cannot see the full stretch of the bridge because of its upward curve.
Another station.
“The village period 10,000 years ago.”
A traditional Cordilleran village had been used to depict the flourishing of villages.
A closer look at one of the depiction of the native huts.
It’s not typical in a native hut but it’s an artwork I must say.
The campsite is near the traditional village.
The campsite as seen from a high vantage point.
A path leading to the next station. There is a comfort room to the left of the path (not shown in photo).
Another station.
“The earth gives sweet water.”
A well depicting the station’s theme.
Another station
“The emergence of the Earth’s religious traditions.”
A bulol depicting the station’s theme.
At this point, there are still few remaining station and artworks depicting each station’s theme. However, I was already engaged in a conversation with visitors like me in the sanctuary, thus I was not able to take images. This, I guess, is a cue that you need to visit the sanctuary to see the remaining artworks, the gallery [no images shown], take a coffee at Mollies Café, or you might try the other programs being offered.
REFERENCES:
Cosmic Journey. (n.d.). Retrieved July 28, 2016 from http://www.maryknollecosanctuary.org/index.php/2014-09-24-08-23-02/2014-08-22-10-55-13

LA UNION CENTENNIAL TREE (ALSO KNOWN AS CARCARMAY ACACIA TREE; VICTOR ORTEGA TREE)

Posted on by Loneprowler
LA UNION CENTENNIAL TREE (ALSO KNOWN AS CARCARMAY ACACIA TREE; VICTOR ORTEGA TREE)
Location: Carcarmay, Bacnotan, La Union, Philippines
Major Jump-Off Areas: Poblacion, Bacnotan, La Union and Bitalag Junction, Bitalag, Bacnotan, La Union.
How to Get There:
·         From Poblacion, Bacnotan, La Union. There are three options:
ü  Hire a tricycle directly to Carcarmay Elementary School. Tricycle hire is Php80-100; or
ü  Ballogo route: take a PUJ bound for Paraoir or Darigayos. Drop at Ballogo Junction. Take a tricycle to Carcarmay Elementary School; or
ü  Bitalag route: take a north-bound mini-bus (Vigan, Laoag, or Abra). Drop at Bitalag Junction and take a tricycle to Carcarmay Elementary School.
·         From San Fernando City, La Union. There are two options:
ü  Take a north-bound minibus or PUJ bound to Bacnotan or Luna. Drop at Bitalag Junction and take tricycle to Carcarmay Elementary School; or
ü  Take a PUJ bound for Paraoir or Darigayos. Drop at Ballogo Junction. Take a tricycle to Carcarmay Elementary School.
·         Bus from Manila or Baguio City bound to Laoag, Vigan, or Abra or vice versa.
ü  Drop at Poblacion, Bacnotan or San Fernando City Plaza and take any of the above schemes; or
ü  Drop at Bitalag Junction and take a tricycle to Carcarmay Elementary School.
Description
A silent witness of peace, war, and development, the La Union Centennial Tree in Barangay Carcarmay, Bacnotan, La Union is continually adding up years in its existence. With a trunk of about 8 meters, it easily gives shade to a very wide area of the Carcarmay Elementary School where it has rooted.
The tree’s age’s traceability and its mute part in the locality’s history is highly notable. In 1896, the late Innocencio Mendioro, a Grade 3 pupil of the then nipa hut primary school, planted this acacia tree (Rudio, 2014a). Interestingly, this is the age of Dr. Jose Rizal’s execution. During the World War II, the shade of the Centennial Tree had been a sanctuary of the Japanese soldiers and their Filipino friends from the heat of the day. In time of peace decades later, one of these Japanese soldiers even used this as a marker in locating their former base (Rudio, 2014b). Rudio also cited that locals even have belief that treasures could be buried beneath its ground. In 2013, the caring and protection of the La Union Centennial Tree was officially transferred to Carcarmay Elementary School.
The La Union Centennial Tree was proclaimed as one of the 13 other Philippine Centennial Tree under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Administrative Order No. 98-25 on 03 June 1998. This AO also proclaims these centennial trees as Protected Trees. This also mandates a multi-sectoral effort in protecting these trees and the provision of corresponding penalties and for damage or injury to the tree (Rudio, 2014a).
Reminders:
·         The school where it is located is open for tourists even during weekends and holidays. It highly advisable though to go there outside class hours to avoid disturbance and to ask permission from the locals or school teachers.
·         As the tree serves as shade to the program and activity ground of the school, please maintain cleanliness and moving any equipment, furniture or things within the premises is highly discouraged.
·         Do not climb the tree.
Gallery
You need to go through the entrance of the Carcarmay Elementary School. It highly advisable though to go there outside class hours to avoid disturbance and to ask permission from the locals or school teachers.
The marker is also pursuant to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Administrative Order No. 98-25 dated 03 June 1998.
This tree served as a shade under the sun by pupils, soldiers, and community locals alike in parts of the Spanish colonization, Japanese and American invasion.
The circumference of the trunk is about 8 meters.
Branches branching out! Well, this is how it covers more than a quarter of the school premises.
REFERENCE LIST:
Rudio, O. O. (2014a). News Item: MINDA Park Blessing & Turnover Ceremonies Held. Retrieved on March 15, 2016 from Probinsial Gobierno ti La Union Opisyal nga Website: http://www.launion.gov.ph/iloko/print.php?newsnews.416.
Rudio, O. O. (2014b). La Union Centennial Tree. Retrieved on March 15, 2016 from Provincial Government of La Union Official Website: http://www.launion.gov.ph/page.php?165.