Rough Groove

Cagayan Valley Churches, 1

Continued from my Nueva Vizcaya - Isabela trip…

Cagayan Valley has its own share of old Spanish era churches that were built by the Dominicans. What is noticeable, though, of these churches are that these are made of bricks usually baked near these sacred structures. I have visited around nine of these churches (except for one, which is newly built) starting with that of Bayombong followed by Dupax del Sur in Nueva Vizcaya. Alicia, Gamu, Echague, Tumauini, Ilagan and Cauayan City, all in Isabela. My reaction has been of amazement, awe, bewilderment, enthusiasm disappointment as I’ve comeface to face with these structures and the various condition and improvements that has been inflicted.

St. Dominic Cathedral

It was early morning, with a slight drizzle, that I arrived in Bayombong and when I entered the town, I was impressed with this cathedral, the first in Nueva Vizcaya, thinking that this is still the original only to find out that its not. The whole church was replaced and only the facade, razed twice, and the belfry destroyed by an earthquake in the 90’s, was rebuilt in the original design but its ancient charm is lost forever. However, very few remnants of the walls can still be found at its side.

San Vicente Ferrer Church

I’ve heard much and read much about this quaint old church in Dupax del Sur that I’ve really planned to visit this. Alighting from the tricycle I hired in Bambang, I was just struck with the simplicity of its facade. The front o the church has been painted over but the belfry, was such an imposing sight of bricks, towering at its side. Impressive! It was closed when I arrived but I knocked on the convent where I met a boy who’s a sacristan. He let me in and guided me around the church.

This church, built in the late 18th century and is one of 26 declared National Cultural Treasures (excluding the 4 recognized UNESCO World Heritage Sites) by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA). It is known for its baptistry and two columns finely carved stucco.

Trip up north, 3

Just at the side of the quaint old church of Dupax del Sur is purported to be the oldest and biggest acacia tree in North Luzon (okay, no one might have considered the dwindling but still centuries old trees in the deeper forests of the Sierra Madres).

Trip up north, 1

The 3^rd of March, 2200H and I was on my way to the Victory Liner bus terminal in Kamuning. Had a misunderstanding with my lalabs and I just want to clear my head and spend the weekend traveling. I was planning of going to Cagayan Valley and do photo documentation of the various churches there but the weather was not that good. I’m having second thoughts but I just want to go away, at least for the weekend.

Initially, my plan was to stop at Nueva Vizcaya for the old church in Dupax del Sur then wind my way up to Aparri. Because of the very tight schedule, I was only up to the province of Isabela and covered only about seven churches during this trip and because of the weather, I still have to return to some of them.

At the Victory Liner bus terminal in Kamuning, I took the 2330H bus to Tuguegarao for the almost 6 hours travel to Bayombong, my first stop.

While at San Jose in Nueva Ecija on a bus stop, found this man sleeping on one of the benches there. I really haven’t slept well, just like in my usual trips. The usual noise, headlights and stops just rouse me easily. That’s why when I ended my day, I was just too tired and slept early.

It was already drizzling when I arrived quite early in Bayombong. The cathedral there is new and rebuilt the facade. Not that impressive though. Took breakfast in one burger joint and rode this jeepney to Bambang to catch a ride to Dupax del Sur.

At Bambang, while waiting for this jeepney to depart, took a photo of this children. It was already 0800H and I was told that it might depart around past 9, just in time for other passengers to arrive. Sigh, with such a tight schedule, I hired a tricycle and paid eighty pesos for the trip.

After Dupax, I dropped by Alicia and planned to head to Ilagan to spend the night there. Well, it was just too far and I caught a glimpse of the Cauayan church which from the distance, looked impressive and really old. I alighted at the city’s transport terminal, booked a room at one of the new hotels there at a discounted rate (I asked for a company discount and showed my ID) then headed to the church.

Left, outside the church. Right, a tricycle driver smiling for the camera as I was brought to Jollibee for snacks.

The next day was equally hectic. Having had a good night’s sleep, I proceeded to Ilagan. Spent half an hour there and later proceeed to Tumauini. Went back to the hotel to check out, proceeded to Gamu and then to Echague before catching a bus back to Makati. I arrived around 0300H, Monday.

Related posts:
Trip up north, 2

Trip up north, 3

Cagayan Valley Churches, 1

Viet food in Solano

After withdrawing some cash from PNB (Metrobank was offline) at Aquino Ave, Solano, Nueva Vizcaya, was walking to look for merienda. Just a few steps from the bank and this Vietnamese food stall attracted my attention. Hmm, seems their food is delicious.

Run by a Vietnamese family, their beef noodle broth is quite hearty, delicious and filling. Another must try is the chicken and cucumber sandwich in a crusty french bread that reminds me of the same fare that you can get at the Viet village in Palawan.