TABACO CITY –Devastated by typhoon Trix in 1952, the once habitable land filled with houses and residents was completely vanished and sunk underwater. The place reappeared and formed into a beautiful hook-like surface that receives streams of freshwater from the mainland city. The island that can be glanced from Tabaco pier is called “Natunawan Cove.”
Today, no houses or buildings installed on the hundred-hectare ground due to its lower elevation. However, the stretch provides food and livelihood for Brgy. Bacolod and nearby places. It also offers reliable anchorage for fishermen’s boats. In addition, a variety of plant and animal species congregate here after more than 50 years.
Annually, the marvelous cove held two special occasions such as Peňafrancia festival mass every first Saturday of September, and celebration of Natunawan festival of Brgy. Pawa every third week of October.
This local yet sensational attraction also gives you several island and mountain range views, clear blue water, and tranquil ambiance. Individual or families can also enjoy the place through jogging, swimming, boating, picnicking or perhaps doing meditation.
Tabaqueňoes take pride of this impressive concave island, the Natunawan cove. This will be the new future haven of Tabaco city.
Best time to be there: Just before sunrise until 8am; and/or 4pm until before sunset. High- or low-tide may vary weekly.
Going there: Rent a small boat (pump boat or with paddles) from Tabaco international seaport. The rent price may range from P100-P400 for a two-way ride.
Things to bring: Sunscreen with high SPF, towel, umbrella, snacks and water.
Spiky’s Photos:
Not a subject of oblation but extending arms to embrace the hassle-free atmosphere.
We’re waiting for Mr. Edgar Bongalon, a fisherman-resident of Brgy. Bacolod, who would accompany us few hundred meters to our destination. From the coastal area of Bacolod, we have seen the swampy area of mangrove, the beautiful cove nestling in seawater, and ships docked in Tabaco pier.
Several terrific panoramic views can also be seen. (Clockwise from top left) Mayon volcano hiding behind the clouds; sunset at back of the slope of Mt. Masaraga and Mt. Malinao; ships cruising on a sparkling clear seawater in front of San Miguel Island; and gentle waves striking the cove’s shore.
Think of stress-free environment, think of health, think of fresh air. Natunawan is ideal for meditation and family picnic.
See the altar? Tabaqueňoes sail to attend mass for Peňafrancia festival held every first Saturday of September. And every third week of October, Barrio Pawa poses a joyous and colorful celebration for Natunawan festival.
Houses have already vanished. (Clockwise from the center) Remnants of 16th century Spanish building was caused by the 1952 typhoon Trix; Payag-payag (small shed) for resting and storing fishermen’s tools; and altar for Peňafrancia festival of Naga city. The background is the surface of San Miguel Island where you can find San Miguel Fishery Reserve, the second best managed reef in the country.
(From L-R inset) Field of grasses with a view of Mayon Volcano; and a dampalit than can be fed on pigs, and used as an alternative for fish ingredient of certain dish. The background image is one of the tallest pine trees. There are also short-term crops that can be reaped from the beautiful greenery like rice, corn, mongo and beans. Maribariw (eelgrass), lato (seaweed) and bakawan (mangroves) can also be found in vicinity.
Fishing is the basic livelihood of residents surrounding the islet. (Clockwise from top left) Kugita/pugita (octopus specie) clung into my thumb; bizarre-looking starfish; small squid plunging deeper into a clear water (notice my reflection); and silag (a small transparent fish) freshly caught by these fishermen. You can also grab other fishes for your table like bulinaw, halas-halas, hipaw, salay salay, banak, and sibobog. Also abundant in the area are the bivalve mollusks like tagati, punaw, takal, kodkod, and sisi. Also present underwater are crabs and ik-ik (peanut worms).
The hook-like islet near the Tabaco Pier is the Natunawan Cove.
See you again, Natunawan cove. Along with my neighbors and Mr. Bongalon, we’re happily paddling back to mainland Tabaco.
In Albay, Ligao City has also something to offer for the trekkers who appreciate the combination of beauties and tranquility of nature. Named after a kawa (frying pan) because of the peculiar shape naturally molded in its upper portion, the Kawakawa hill provides wide array of vegetation, inner and outer serenity for the souls, and spectacular panoramic views of the city and other mountainous places. The 236-meter-high hill has become the center of tourism of the city long before its official opening to the public in October of 2008. The wonder of nature can be reached through a land drive from Legazpi City for 30 minutes.
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The goal of the place is to promote agriculture and environment. It has a rich and beautiful greenery of Hawaiian pineapple, petsay, banana, dinorado rice, papaya, eggplant, and other crops. I can’t wait to see these fruits to ripe, seem dhu-lhe-see-yeahs.The captivating field of pineapples offers you a price of P40/fruit.
The golden Dinorado rice takes a huge role in the tradition in which Filipino ancestors had started practicing. The rice may give you a sweet, fragrant smell of jasmine when cooked. Since it is often a staple food for the Bicol’s wealthy families, Hon. Gonzalez opted to encourage farmers to spread use of Dinorado. Everyone is welcome here. No charges upon entering. Thanks to Hon. Fernando Gonzalez, an ex-governor of Albay, who owned and preserve the place for years.
The Way of the Cross in Kawakawa hill has been altered. You will bump into the Last Supper with life-size statues as its First Station. However, the Last Station would be the Resurrection. An uphill climb is such an arduous task that’s why nipa huts are scattered around Kawakawa for others to take a break. According to the people of Ligao, Gov. Gonzalez would be installing cable cars for the elders in the near future. Walking on a steep hill may be excruciating for the older ones. I could feel I was having a sense of security and an extra courage to face my own battle as I moved from station to another. The hill seems like both magical and an agony reliever. In a huge-bowl field, visitors who would want to play around the obstacle course can do it freely. They can also enjoy horseback riding (P15/ride for adults) with an assistance of a trainer from the BSP Eagle Scout Advancement Camp and Facilities. The wonderful hill has also many activities held every year including the Dinorado Harvest Festival, Thanksgiving Traditional Fireworks, and Holy Week ceremonies. The bird’s eye view from Kawakawa hill will let you see the land carpets in green and blue of the city and neighboring towns. West from the hill shows the stretch of Mt. Masaraga range, another wealth of Albay. Mountain climbers can never forget to include this range in their lists.
To the south from the hilltop, you can see the Malisson Spring Resort where one can dip into the water from thousands small channels after taking a rest from an energy-draining climb. The resort also provides with ample relaxation like fishing and videoke singing. Just in front of Kawakawa, there’s a resettlement site, “California Village,” for the victims of typhoons and flashfloods. Joggers and health-conscious individuals can follow this path, Kawa-kawa trek, encircling the amphitheater-like field. It is very clever to clasp and feel the cleanliness and freshness of air around the hill. Safety precautions are indicated in downhill and hilltop areas.
The left direction of the life-size nun statue has the Divine Mercy Monastery of the Carmelite Nuns of the Holy Trinity, Diocese of Legazpi and soon there’ll be a Devine Mercy Shrine as requested by the congregation. Related Post:
