Wawa Dam and the Legendary Montalban Gorge

According to a local legend, a folk hero named Bernardo Carpio have separated the two mountains namely: Mt. Binacayan and Mt Pamitinan by his brute force in an act of self-liberation, creating Montalban Gorge, Wawa river, and the rock formations.

Wawa Dam is being fed up by the Wawa river that slithers across the gorge. The Dam was  built in 1909 during the American colonial era to provide the water supply for Manila. It ceased operation in the 1960’s when the Ipo-La Mesa-Angat watershed was established. 

Now it serves as a destination for sight seers and photographers seeking a taste of nature without going far from the city. A dam creates a dramatic cascade similar to that of a waterfalls where some people swim. Small make-shift cottages and rafts are also available for rent. 

How to Get There:

1.) From Cubao, you can ride UV Express bound to Montalbon. Once in Montalbon you can flagged trikes to Brgy Wawa (jump off of Pamitinan)

2.) I joined an organized hiking event headed by Sir. Jed Marcos (09424936007) together with the Akyat Tuklas Mountaineers.

Umbrella Rocks of Agno

The town of Agno is located on the Western portion of Pangasinan, which is characterized by rolling terrains and ricefields on the way to the town proper. It is the home of Sabangan Beach, it may not have white sand, yet it offers a different attraction popularly known as the Umbrella Rocks. These massive rocks has a diverse marine eco-system showcasing beautiful corals, different sea creatures and is surrounded by crystal clear water facing the West Philippine Sea. Even with the recent aftermath of typhoon "Lando" one could still see the picturesque view of the place.

The dazzling beauty of umbrella rocks is a work of the natural elements through a number of geological periods, some experts says that the rocks are actually corals and were formed by the incessant lapping of tidal waves against the shore through the centuries.

Aside from the famous Umbrella Rocks, Sabangan beach also has an old lighthouse wherein you can see the panoramic view of the beach. It will take less than hundred steps to the old light house.

How To Get There:

1.) Ride a bus bound to Alaminos City (Pangasinan)

2.) Once in Alaminos you can then ride a Jeep bound for Agno.

3.) Another option is to ride a bus bound for Agno (only Dagupan Bus) has direct trip to Agno and only 4 trips daily.

Patar Beach in Bolinao

Bolinao is located in the western portion of Pangasinan on the northernmost part of Luzon. Bolinao Beach, particularly on the coast of Patar boast of with it's white cream sand, clear water and huge tidal waves suitable for complete summer getaway ideal for surfing, snorkeling and swimming.

Bolinao is not only limited to great beach, there are also there different places of interest that you can visit among which are: caves, falls, rock formation and of course the icon of Bolinao - the Patar Light House that stood more than a century of existence.

How to Get There:

1.) Take a bus bound to Bolinao (FiveStar), they have terminals in Cubao and Pasay.

2.) Once in Bolinao, you can then ride a trike bound to Patar Beach.