GMA Brandtalk
Tracking
Archives
Filtered By: Newstv
NewsTV
Chillin' in Cagayan: 4 things you can do in the hottest place in the Philippines
"Biyahe ni Drew" airs every Friday, 8:00 PM, on GMA News TV. For more information, follow the show on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. For updates on your favorite documentaries, follow also the official Facebook page of GMA Public Affairs.
Cagayan has no chill. In fact, it is where the highest temperature in the Philippines was recorded. In spite of this, the province is still an ideal place for spending a fun-filled summer vacation. In this itinerary, Drew Arellano will show you how to have a chill summer in the hottest place in the Philippines!
1. Swim, dive, snorkel
Cagayan is not just about hills and mountains. It has some of the best beaches in the Philippines too. Drew recommends going to Crocodile Island, named as such because of its shape. The sand here may not be fine and powdery but the beach is peaceful and clean. Sunbathe and bum to your heart's content! The island also has unique rock formations perfect for Biyaheros who love taking selfies. No entrance free required here!
There is also the crystal blue waters and fine sand of Anguib Island. It is not as popular as the islands in Palawan but it is just as beautiful.
Biyahero tip: Island hopping in Cagayan can cost from P500 to P1,800 per island. To save money, look for unlimited island hopping packages that could cover up to eight persons. Drew and the "Biyahe ni Drew" team got a tour package for only P3,500. That's just P437 per person. Sulit di ba?
For a more relaxed afternoon, rent a bangka and explore the Pinacanuan river at dusk. One of the highlights of the P600 Pinacanauan river cruise is seeing over a million bats flying and hunting for food. Now that is a view you don't get to see everyday!
2. Eat authentic Cagayan food
What sets Cagayan’s pancit batil patong apart from any other pancit dishes is how it is served. Instead of just noodles and the usual pancit toppings, pancit batil patong is topped with poached eggs or sunny side-ups and served with soup made from noodle stock and more eggs. To make it tastier, the locals usually eat it with vinegar, onions and calamansi dip.
Cagayan is also known for chicha-carabao or chicharon made of deep fried carabao skin. This snack looks and tastes almost the same as pork chicharon but it is considerably cheaper at P35 a pack. It comes in different flavors: garlic, onion and vinegar, and spicy.
"Kung hindi ko sasabihin na galing ito sa carabao, hindi mo malalaman ang difference," Drew says. "Nandun ang pagka-airy, at crunchy ng normal na chicharon."
For pasalubong, Drew recommends buko roll, which is stuffed with generous amounts of custard and coconut meat. You can also bring home carabao tapa, carabao longganisa, and carabao milk candy.
3. Relax and chill in Palaui
The heat in Cagayan does not stop locals and Biyaheros from relaxing and chilling. One of the favorite destinations in the area is Palaui, the island where a season of US reality TV show "Survivor" was filmed.
To have the best overlooking view of Palaui Island, Biyaheros usually take a 20 to 30-minute trek to the Cape Engaño lighthouse. You can hire trail guides to take you to the lighthouse for only P300.
"Para siyang mini Batanes," Drew says as soon as he got to the lighthouse. "Ang masasabi ko lang, kung nasaan kami ngayon ay isa sa pinakamagandang 360-degree view na nakita ko sa mga biyahe namin."
The Cape Engaño lighthouse has been in use since 1892 so Biyaheros are advised to observe silence as a sign of respect to the landmark's history and the spirits that are believed to reside in the place. Camping and littering are not allowed. If you want to have picnics in Palaui, bring your own food and make sure that your utensils are recyclable.
4. Embrace your inner caveman at Callao
Tired of sweating under the sun? Seek shelter in a chilly cave! Did you know that the "Cave Capital of the Philippines" is in Cagayan? Peñablanca, Cagayan has 378 caves. The most popular and most eco-tourism friendly out of all is the Biyahero-favorite Callao Cave.
For just P20, you can explore Callao's seven chambers, which have their own unique landscape and stalactite and stalagmite formations. Expect to see all kinds of bats too.
Biyaheros also love visiting Callao because of the friendly and dedicated locals who help people navigate through the area. Drew explored the cave with tour guide Andoy, who considers Callao as his second home. As a matter of fact, Andoy deliberately learned English so that he can be a better guide to foreign Biyaheros.
"Hindi ko naman maaalala 'yung mga tawag sa bats pero bilib ako sa pagsasabi [ni Andoy] with conviction and confidence," Drew comments. "Next time, isasama ko ang pamilya ko, [si Andoy] pa rin dapat ang guide."
Cagayan may be the hottest place in the Philippines but the heat of the province is evenly matched with the warmth of the locals and the natural beauty of the place. Have a chill summer, Biyaheros!---Lara Gonzales/BMS
Cagayan has no chill. In fact, it is where the highest temperature in the Philippines was recorded. In spite of this, the province is still an ideal place for spending a fun-filled summer vacation. In this itinerary, Drew Arellano will show you how to have a chill summer in the hottest place in the Philippines!
1. Swim, dive, snorkel
Cagayan is not just about hills and mountains. It has some of the best beaches in the Philippines too. Drew recommends going to Crocodile Island, named as such because of its shape. The sand here may not be fine and powdery but the beach is peaceful and clean. Sunbathe and bum to your heart's content! The island also has unique rock formations perfect for Biyaheros who love taking selfies. No entrance free required here!
There is also the crystal blue waters and fine sand of Anguib Island. It is not as popular as the islands in Palawan but it is just as beautiful.
Biyahero tip: Island hopping in Cagayan can cost from P500 to P1,800 per island. To save money, look for unlimited island hopping packages that could cover up to eight persons. Drew and the "Biyahe ni Drew" team got a tour package for only P3,500. That's just P437 per person. Sulit di ba?
For a more relaxed afternoon, rent a bangka and explore the Pinacanuan river at dusk. One of the highlights of the P600 Pinacanauan river cruise is seeing over a million bats flying and hunting for food. Now that is a view you don't get to see everyday!
2. Eat authentic Cagayan food
What sets Cagayan’s pancit batil patong apart from any other pancit dishes is how it is served. Instead of just noodles and the usual pancit toppings, pancit batil patong is topped with poached eggs or sunny side-ups and served with soup made from noodle stock and more eggs. To make it tastier, the locals usually eat it with vinegar, onions and calamansi dip.
Cagayan is also known for chicha-carabao or chicharon made of deep fried carabao skin. This snack looks and tastes almost the same as pork chicharon but it is considerably cheaper at P35 a pack. It comes in different flavors: garlic, onion and vinegar, and spicy.
"Kung hindi ko sasabihin na galing ito sa carabao, hindi mo malalaman ang difference," Drew says. "Nandun ang pagka-airy, at crunchy ng normal na chicharon."
For pasalubong, Drew recommends buko roll, which is stuffed with generous amounts of custard and coconut meat. You can also bring home carabao tapa, carabao longganisa, and carabao milk candy.
3. Relax and chill in Palaui
The heat in Cagayan does not stop locals and Biyaheros from relaxing and chilling. One of the favorite destinations in the area is Palaui, the island where a season of US reality TV show "Survivor" was filmed.
To have the best overlooking view of Palaui Island, Biyaheros usually take a 20 to 30-minute trek to the Cape Engaño lighthouse. You can hire trail guides to take you to the lighthouse for only P300.
"Para siyang mini Batanes," Drew says as soon as he got to the lighthouse. "Ang masasabi ko lang, kung nasaan kami ngayon ay isa sa pinakamagandang 360-degree view na nakita ko sa mga biyahe namin."
The Cape Engaño lighthouse has been in use since 1892 so Biyaheros are advised to observe silence as a sign of respect to the landmark's history and the spirits that are believed to reside in the place. Camping and littering are not allowed. If you want to have picnics in Palaui, bring your own food and make sure that your utensils are recyclable.
4. Embrace your inner caveman at Callao
Tired of sweating under the sun? Seek shelter in a chilly cave! Did you know that the "Cave Capital of the Philippines" is in Cagayan? Peñablanca, Cagayan has 378 caves. The most popular and most eco-tourism friendly out of all is the Biyahero-favorite Callao Cave.
For just P20, you can explore Callao's seven chambers, which have their own unique landscape and stalactite and stalagmite formations. Expect to see all kinds of bats too.
Biyaheros also love visiting Callao because of the friendly and dedicated locals who help people navigate through the area. Drew explored the cave with tour guide Andoy, who considers Callao as his second home. As a matter of fact, Andoy deliberately learned English so that he can be a better guide to foreign Biyaheros.
"Hindi ko naman maaalala 'yung mga tawag sa bats pero bilib ako sa pagsasabi [ni Andoy] with conviction and confidence," Drew comments. "Next time, isasama ko ang pamilya ko, [si Andoy] pa rin dapat ang guide."
Cagayan may be the hottest place in the Philippines but the heat of the province is evenly matched with the warmth of the locals and the natural beauty of the place. Have a chill summer, Biyaheros!---Lara Gonzales/BMS
