Showing posts with label San Vicente. Show all posts
Showing posts with label San Vicente. Show all posts

Wednesday, June 4, 2014

Pink Sand Beaches in the Philippines

The Philippines is blessed with a variety of sand colors 
ranging from white, brown, black, gray and pink. 
Yes, pink sand beach in the Philippines!

What causes the beach to turn into pink sand? 

The color of the sand comes from the pulverized red organ pipe coral from eons of surf erosion mixed with the white sand.

from Wowzamboangacity

The Organ pipe coral (Tubipora musica) is an alcyonarian coral native to the waters of the Indian Ocean and the central and western regions of the Pacific Ocean. It is the only known species of the genus Tubipora. This species is a soft coral but with a unique, hard skeleton of calcium carbonate that contains many organ pipe-like tubes. On each tube is a series of polyps which each have eight feather-like tentacles. These tentacles are usually extended during the day, but will swiftly withdraw with any sort of disturbance. The skeleton is a bright red color, but is typically obscured by the numerous polyps, which are green or gray in color. In size, colonies can reach up to a meter across, while the individual polyps are typically less than 3 mm wide and a few mm long. They are restricted to shallow waters and tend to live in sheltered areas. They eat plankton. They are close relatives to other soft coral and sea fans (from Wikepedia).

In the Philippines, we have some island destinations having pink sand beaches, namely:


1. Sta. Cruz Island, Zamboanga City



Related link:
http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2013/01/the-great-sta-cruz-island-zamboanga-city.html


2. Subic Beach, Matnog, Sorsogon



Related link: http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2013/05/subic-beach-matnog-sorsogon.html



3. Sila Island, San Vicente, Catarman, Northern Samar


from vigattintourism.com
So far, I have visited only, Sta. Cruz Island and Subic Beach and I am planning to explore the other pink sand beaches not only in Sila Island but also in the other nearby towns in Northern Samar.

There are other pink sand beaches in the Philippines. And as of now, there are still debates on their location. In fact, my friend told me that there is another one in Surigao Del Sur. And locating and exploring these pink sand beaches will surely be part of my next travel in the Philippines.

It's More Fun in the Philippines! =)


Related link: 
7 Pink Beaches in the World: http://realwonderoftheworld.com/7-pink-beaches-in-the-world/

Tuesday, September 3, 2013

Sto. Tomas, Batangas


The first town in Batangas using the South Super Highway is the town of Sto. Tomas. The next stop is my hometown, Tanauan City.

Batangas is known for a variety of tourist spots. The town of Sto. Tomas lives up to that reputation.

Here are the tourist spots in Sto. Tomas.

Gen. Miguel Malvar Shrine




According to history, Gen. Miguel Malvar was one of the first Filipinos to have joined the revolution against the Americans and the last General to have surrendered to the Americans on April 16, 1092.

The shrine is in the town itself and behind the shrine is the Municipal Hall of Sto. Tomas.







Talon Falls, San Vicente, Sto. Tomas



From the town of Sto. Tomas, it will take you only 5-10 minutes to reach Cabaong Bridge and then hire a tricycle ride to Talon Falls for P50.00. 

The river itself is good for swimming, picnics, and nature tripping.



From Talon Falls, take a 10-15 minute hike and you will reach - Lagaslasan.




A couple more steps and you will reach - Tag-araw Resort.


There are numerous river resorts or spots in Sto. Tomas but this resort offers one of the best places for swimming and relaxation.

Contact nos -
0930-275-6304
0939-237-4444








Padre Pio National Shrine (San Pedro, Sto Tomas)



From a small chapel, St. Padre Pio Church has grown into a shrine with the altar bearing a huge crucifix and a painting of San Pedro by Jun Torres.  

Every Holy Week, devotees flock to visit the shrine to reflect and pray at the Stations of the Cross.



 From the town of Sto. Tomas, it will take you only a 15 minute drive to reach the Shrine or if you are commuting, you can alight at San Pedro, Sto. Tomas, Batangas and then hire a tricycle for only P40.00.