By MARY LOUISE LIGUNAS

 

Biyahero Drew Arellano proved that adventures need not be far away when he went on a short but sweet trip to the municipalities of Real and Infanta in Quezon Province. With only a short travel time and trip duration, he was able to go on a quick getaway to the province named after President Manuel L. Quezon.

 

Biyahe Ni Drew compiled some activities to do and places to see when you visit these two municipalities in the sixth largest province in the country.

 

Biyahero tip #1: Go skim boarding

 

The Pacific Recreation Kamp or PaRK in Real Quezon offers various activities for the outdoors-y biyahero. Perfect for a weekend of recreation, the PaRK is a venue for the no-frills traveler as they can bring their tents, cookware, surfboards and kayaks. The Real tourist spot is most popular for surfing and skim boarding, especially during the ‘ber’ months of the year where waves reach an overhead level.

 

Skimboarding: Prices start at 100 PHP

 

Biyahero tip #2: Try different Kalabaw dishes

 

Infanta is in one of the farthest parts of Quezon so there are no major fast food chains. However, the locals frequent Iona’s, a restaurant that’s almost forty years old with recipes that have been passed on from past generations. Two of their specialties are Kara-beef Steak and Nilagang Kalabaw. According to the restaurant owner, this preference over cow’s meat is because of the relatively 'cheaper price.’

 

Carabao beef steak: 50 PHP for solo order; 400 PHP per kilo

 

Biyahero tip #3: Eat suman and drink tsokolate

 

Because making suman has been a source of livelihood by the Quezon locals since the 1970s, this Filipino kakanin is a staple in their households and are a must-bring to special occasions. Their suman, which has sugar and salt in it, can be eaten right away and is best paired with their locally made chocolate drink.

 

One suman bundle: 80 PHP

 

Biyahero tip #4: Go white water rafting

 

After a massive flood struck Brgy. Tanauan, Real in 2004, the locals switched from the malpractice of illegal logging to different eco-tourism activities to sustain their livelihood. Today, locals and tourists head to Pinlac and Malalago Falls, among others, to go white water rafting, marvel at picturesque views and to take a dip in the clear waters.

 

White water rafting: 300 PHP per head

 

Biyahero trip #5: Go soul-searching in the Pag-ibig Prayer Garden

 

To those who want to complete their trip with a soul-searching pit stop, the Pag-ibig Prayer Garden could be found in the heart of the municipality of Infanta. This meditation garden and park features several life-size religious statues and areas with a peaceful atmosphere for prayer.

 

For a quick break from the monotony, head over to Quezon province where a lot of different activities and delectable food choices are available. As professional traveler Drew's parting words went: “Tuwing makakaramdam ng kapaguran, laging tandaan: may mga malapit na paraiso na puwede niyong takbuhan.”