We had the first rain of May last Friday that signaled the end of summer. It also reminds us of the few remaining weeks to enjoy the sun before the gloomy rainy season arrives. I’m scheduled to attend our town’s 100th anniversary celebration but cancelled it in the last minute to join my officemates on a trip to Pangasinan to attend the Pugo Barangay fiesta and enjoy Bolinao’s famous beaches.
Day 1 : Pugo 17th Barangay Fiesta 2010
We took a 3-hour bus ride from Manila to Brgy. Pugo Pangasinan last Friday after work. Barangay Pugo is geographically situated in the Southeastern side of the municipality of Bayambang, Pangasinan. It is bounded on the North by Barangay San Gabriel 1st, on the East by the Agno River, on the West by Barangay Wawa, and on the south again by the bank and stream of the Agno River.
[Killing time at the desert-like Agno River]
The first ever Pugo Barangay Fiesta was celebrated in May 20-22, 1994. However, due to the upsurge of rainfall during these dates, they adjusted the annual festivities on May 1st and 2nd every year. The festivities was very organized, complete with local peryahan, marching bands, orchestras, processions and ballroom nights, and of course – lots of foods in every house. Local residents are very hospitable and friendly especially our host, the Abagat family – thank you for accommodating noisy and makukulit guests like us. Salamat po!
Day 2: Bing’s Beach Resort at Brgy. Patar, Bolinao Pangasinan
We hired a local jeepney to take us to Bolinao which is another butt-aching 3-hour ride from Brgy. Pugo – this means that the place is a tiring 6-hour drive from Manila. Bolinao is a 7km stretch of not-so-white sand beach located in Barangay Patar, Bolinao, Pangasinan. What do I mean, “not-so-white?” Well, that’s the problem when you’ve been to other white sand beaches like Boracay and Tingloy – although each beach has their own unique features, you can’t help but compare those places.
The Resort
[Main Reception Building (with blue roof), family size cottages (left), the jeepney we rented and our cottages (right)]
We checked-in at Bing’s Beach Resort which is situated at the end part of Patar. It is far from public market and other restaurants so it’s better if you will bring your own food and water [and extra alcoholic drinks] during your whole stay, besides the resort doesn't charge corkages. The place is near the Cape Bolinao, where the majestic Bolinao lighthouse is located. Unfortunately, we didn’t have the time to visit that place. The resort is not like your usual 4-star resort but the rooms are clean, comfortable and air-conditioned. You can choose if you want nipa hut rooms or the beach-front rooms. They also have a big rest house for family reunions.
Although the waves are ok for surfing, the resort doesn't have surfing boards, goggles or any snorkeling paraphernalia for rent or for sale – you need to bring your own swimming gadgets.
You also have to entertain yourself because there’s no television, no bars to hang out, no girls in bikini, no activity centers or any sports facilities such billiards, kayak etc.
[emo shots]
All you can do there is admire the beach, stare at the waves if you are the sentimental type. You have no choice there but to enjoy the company of your friends - so don't forget to bring cowboy friends with sense of humor (and just leave behind those sosyalera-kuno types). We are lucky because with us are cool people from Pugo who join us in our crazy gigs, drinking sessions at the beach and the never-ending camwhoring.
The resort doesn’t have a website, so if you want to check it out here’s a quick resort info:
BING'S BEACH RESORT
Address: Brgy. Patar, Bolinao Pangasinan PhilippinesTel. No. (+63912) 856-1585 or (+63912) 691-0082Mobile No. 09282477501 or 09212807142Contact Person : Bing dePerio DodsonAccommodation:Beach-Front Rooms: P 3,000 per room good for 4-5 personNipa Hut Rooms P 2,500 per room good for 4-5 person
My tip, if you really want to enjoy Bolinao beaches, is that never satisfy yourself with a stay in only one resort. The most convenient thing to do is spend some time surveying other resort areas for amenities and services not present in the resort you have selected. I’m sure there are resorts there that offer kayak, scuba diving, and even indoor sporting facilities like pool table and table tennis.
Braving the Waves of Bolinao
The beach is notable for its clear water and cool waves -- beautiful against the blue sky and a great place to relax and unwind -- but unlike other white sand beaches, it’s not advisable for barefoot swimming.
[My random beach shots]
It is a low tide terrace beach type composed of fine to medium sand on the coast and have a moderately steep beach with shallow terrace and beds of seagrass and corals that is exposed at low tide.
When we tried to play with the waves, most of us got bruises and cuts on the feet and legs because of the sharp corals, shells and uneven rock formations. (Yeye even got "love bruises" at his back? LOL)
Eastgate Lakwatseros [joanna.bar.aldan.anjho.gara.yodz]
Camwhoring with Joanna's friends from Pugo
We got tired of the waves so we decided to just spend the day drinking vodka right there on the shallow beach while playing truth-or-dare.
[Our coolest idea: drinking "the Bar Vodka" right at the beach while waiting for the sunset]
[Breathtaking sunset of Bolinao]
It was truly a memorable one last summer escape. I'm now ready for the rainy season.
More pictures Click Here
Bolinao Trip - May 1-3, 2010
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