I have my happiness when I am traveling and explore gastronomy and learn every locals in a city. My dream is to travel the world but of course, I want to start and end in my own country Philippines, Mabuhay!
Going to Paracale is a must when you go to Camarines Norte because there are a lot of activities and things to discover, not only that the people are accommodating but they have a welcoming smile when we get to their city hall.
Macolabo Island, Paracale, Camarites Norte
Macolabo Island, Paracale, Camarites Norte
During the past travel blog event of others who had already come to CamSur I was expecting to see the Calaguas Island which is a very known island in Camarines Norte, but there was a change of plan instead we are head to Macolabo Island as to Sir Mark Zamudio, Tourism Officer of Paracale the island is a virgin one since we are the first to explore the pristine island and it is a private island since it is not yet a tourist destination you need to get a special arrangement for the boat ride, because they haven't totally got the structure of the island as of now they are still on the caves circumference due to its long process.
Macolabo Island, Paracale, Camarites Norte
Macolabo Island, Paracale, Camarites Norte
Macolabo Island, Paracale, Camarites Norte
We pass through Pulandaga Beach and ride a boat courtesy of Ms. Shie Andrade of Pulandaga Calaguas Adventures. Just around 30 to 45 minute boat ride from the town of Paracale.
Macolabo Island is a barangay in the municipality of Paracale, in the province of Camarines Norte and is a part of the Calaguas group of islands. With its fine, white sand and clear, turquoise to emerald green sea water, we are the lucky ones who got to swim and simply play on the sand in this must visit island in Paracale, Camarines Norte. But first let me share with you our boat ride experience 'coz it was like a roller coaster ride and we can't help but scream whenever it sways so hard even made us wet right away without reaching the island yet to swim.
Macolabo Island, Paracale, Camarites Norte
Macolabo Island, Paracale, Camarites Norte
Macolabo Island, Paracale, Camarites Norte
Macolabo Island, Paracale, Camarites Norte
Macolabo Island, Paracale, Camarites Norte
Macolabo Island, Paracale, Camarites Norte
Macolabo Island, Paracale, Camarites Norte
Macolabo Island is a barangay of the town of Paracale and is a part of the Calaguas group of islands The island serves as a major stop-over going to Tinaga Island where the famous long beach “Mahabang Buhangin” is located. The island is about four kilometers long.
Macolabo Island, Paracale, Camarites Norte
Macolabo Island, Paracale, Camarites Norte
Macolabo Island, Paracale, Camarites Norte
Macolabo Island, Paracale, Camarites Norte
Macolabo Island, Paracale, Camarites Norte
This island welcomes its visitors with fine, white, and clear sand. Just a little caution since the water in Macolabo is deep the sand sinking deeply I felt as though I slept through when I stepped in the beach the sand easily goes down just don't go too far.
Macolabo Island, Paracale, Camarites Norte
Macolabo Island, Paracale, Camarites Norte
Macolabo Island, Paracale, Camarites Norte
Macolabo Island's population as determined by the 2015 Census was 655. This represented 1.11% of the total population of Paracale. The island has a hidden treasure made popular by its active gold and copper mining industry, approximately 300 hectares in land area. Home to a fishing community, as we roam around the island I was surprised to find out that it has concrete structures, a basketball court, an elementary school, nipa huts, and cottages, barangay hall, sari-sari stores. At first, I thought it was just a normal regular island on which I seldom travel unto but Macolabo is indeed apart from other Island. MACOLABO ISLAND IS A MUST VISIT ISLAND IN PARACALE, CAMARINES NORTE. It is an Island of its own because they have their own community within the island.
Macolabo Island, Paracale, Camarites Norte
Macolabo Island, Paracale, Camarites Norte
Macolabo Island, Paracale, Camarites Norte
Macolabo Island, Paracale, Camarites Norte
Macolabo Island, Paracale, Camarites Norte
Macolabo Island, Paracale, Camarites Norte
Though we weren't been able to go up in the hill of the island due to limited time, the island has a hill that offers a perfect 360 degrees view of the place and the neighboring islands of Calaguas Group. The other side of the island is dotted by big rocks. The view of the island from that end is picturesque as we were told, maybe next time will get to climb up the hill.
We had such a sumptuous lunch on the island with Calaguas Villas Resortyou can contact Kap Alma Ramos of Macolabo island and call at 09129209848.
It's a must and or best to go first at Paracale Municipal Building located in front of Parroquia de Nuestra Senora de Candelaria Church and look for Paracale Tourism Officer Mr. Mark Adano Zamudio or you may contact him at 09384087859.
Paracale, Camarites Norte
Mr. Mark Adano Zamudio, Paracale, Camarines Norte Tourism Officer
I have more ISlands to discover and more cities to explore but Macolabo Island wasn't one of my bucket list of travels before I step foot off the island, it is now a MUST travel bucket lists for me and I know there are a lot more to explore in the Bicol Region, especially the Camarines Norte part. I can't wait to see more of what the Philippine Islands is known for having 7,101 islands which makes me proud as a Filipino. Pinoy Ako/Tayo!
With my co-bloggers with the organizer Sir Mike Zuniga of Katooga.ph and Sir Mark Adano Zamudio, Tourism Officer
Parroquia de Nuestra Senora de Candelaria is popularly known as the Our Lady of Candelaria Church. it is now 408 years old as of this year 2019 and established in the year 1611. The oldest and one of the first church within the Province of Paracale, Camarines Norte. It was built by the Franciscan Friars who arrived in Paracale 30 years earlier, in 1581. Consequently, Paracale was established as a town in the same year that this church was built.
Parroquia de Nuestra Senora de Candelaria - Paracale, Camarines Norte
The Virgin Mary of Candelaria is known as a patroness of the whole Bicol Region. She is worshipped as a miraculous healer. Natives of Paracale come to her care when asking to be healed from certain illnesses. The church features the miraculous image of Our Lady of Candelaria, it is noticeably seen right away in front of the church designated in the middle of the entrance of the church.
Parroquia de Nuestra Senora de Candelaria - Paracale, Camarines Norte
Parroquia de Nuestra Senora de Candelaria - Paracale, Camarines Norte
Parroquia de Nuestra Senora de Candelaria - Paracale, Camarines Norte
Sir Mark Adano Zamudio, Paracale's Tourism Officer who has been so welcoming and accommodating told us that Paracale is said to be a town of gold with the town name derived from para cale meaning canal digger.
Paracale, Camarines Norte
Mr. Mark Adano Zamudio, Paracale's Tourism Officer of Paracale, Camarines Norte
Paracale, Camarines Norte
During our visit to the church it is under renovation we weren't been able to fully roam around inside the church but was given a chance to go inside and see the altar itself as well as pray for a moment.
Parroquia de Nuestra Senora de Candelaria - Paracale, Camarines Norte
Parroquia de Nuestra Senora de Candelaria - Paracale, Camarines Norte
Parroquia de Nuestra Senora de Candelaria - Paracale, Camarines Norte
Parroquia de Nuestra Senora de Candelaria - Paracale, Camarines Norte
Nuestra Senora de Candelariais covered and dressed in gold embellishments, pure gold. From its rosary, sword, ornaments, even the crown is made of gold. However, the golds are kept in the bank it is not being worn by the patronage for security purpose.
Parroquia de Nuestra Senora de Candelaria - Paracale, Camarines Norte
Parroquia de Nuestra Senora de Candelaria - Paracale, Camarines Norte
The church structure is made of crushed shells of eggs but due to its oldness or being ancestral now it has holes that need to be filled. If you get to come closer to the wall of the church you will notice that it was built with a huge block of egg shells. As much as possible they wanted to maintain and retain the original structure of the church.
Parroquia de Nuestra Senora de Candelaria - Paracale, Camarines Norte
Upon visiting Paracale, being a usual stopover for those who will travel to Calaguas Group Islands, it's a must to pass by to the church and pray for guidance for a safe journey.
Parroquia de Nuestra Senora de Candelaria - Paracale, Camarines Norte
Parroquia de Nuestra Senora de Candelaria - Paracale, Camarines Norte
Parroquia de Nuestra Senora de Candelaria - Paracale, Camarines Norte
The Philippines proudly boasts to be the only Christian nation in Asia. It only proves that we Filipinos are naturally religious by nature.
Nuestra Senora De Candelaria, Paracale Camarines Norte.
Thank You to Mike Zuniga of Katoogafor having me witnessed this ancestral church. A Must Visit one!
