Mt. Ugo Traverse

Traversing Mt. Ugo is a bit long because it is one of the giants in Luzon. Our traverse was a two-day hiking itinerary from Brgy. Kayapa, Nueva Vizacaya to Itogon, Benguet. The terrain has a relaxing and cool ambiance, surrounded by stunning greens. Ugo, others call it Mt. Ugu, bears colorful ornaments spread on the trails and hanging on the trees. Of course, there are birds singing their lullabies. Definitely one of the must visit attractions and destinations in Benguet.

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Isang taon narin ang nakakaraan nung mapasama sana ako sa hike dito sa Mt. Ugo, kaso hindi natuloy,  kasi nga may pasok ako at medyo tagilid ang  out ko sa office departure time sana namin, kaya ayun may next time pa naman eeh, at ito na ang next time na iyun.

Meet up namin sa Victory Liner Kamias, dito ko rin na meet at nakasalamuha ang mga taong ngayon ko lang natagpuan sa buhay ko, syempre maliban sa matagal ko nang kakilala. Ayun, hindi malalawa ang Hi! Hello! sa kanila. 11 PM, Friday, nilisan na namin ang terminal at habang palayo nang palayo kami sa kamaynilaan, punong puno naman ng excitement habang nasa byahe. Ilang stop over din ang aming binabaan bago tuluyang bumaba sa CCQ, Aritao, Nueva Vizcaya. Pagkatapos bumaba, ilang minuto lang at sumakay naman kami sa nirentahang van patungong Brgy. Kayapa, Nueva Vizcaya. Namili, kumain, nag-pack, nagregister at nag-simulang mag trek, habang tirik na tirik ang - - - araw.

Nasa kabayanan palang kami, ramdam ko na malamig ang hangin, pero pawis na pawis kaming lahat dahil sa puro paangat ang trail. Tapos bonga ang init ng araw kapag bukas ang trail, kaya napabukas ako ng aking payong. Ramdam ko rin ang bigat ng aking pakiramdam dahil sobra akong busog. Pinipilit ko ngang mag-burp ngunit natatakot akong imbes na sa bibig dumaan, eh sa ibang butas maisipang dumaan, tapos baka may kasama pa, masama yun.

Sa wakas narating din namin ang napag-usapang waiting shed. Doon kami nag-pahinga, nag-antayan, at nag-tanghalian. Syempre mawawala nanaman ba ang kuda at isturya? Syempre hindi. Akala ko naman, medyo malapit na, pero hindi pa pala, nakikita nyo ba ang larawan sa itaas? Tatawirin pa namin yan, at halos ilang oras ding lakaran yan.

Palapit nang palapit na kami sa campsite, ilang metro nalang talaga eh, pero bakit ganun, hirap na hirap maglakad ng mga paa ko. Panu kasi, pa-assault nang pa-assault kasi, kaya ansakit sa binti at bewang. Bawat limang hakbang, pahinga mode muna, total abot tanaw narin namin eh. Kaya, ito bonga ng shot ko na ito. Thanks Te Bing sa shot!

5 PM na kami nakarating sa campsite, malamig ang hangin na wari'y nangungusap samin na mag-palit na ng suot at mag-jacket, kaya ilang minuto pahinga tapos nag-simula na kaming mag-pitch ng tent, at nag-palit ng costume. Magsisimula na sana kaming mag-luto, ngunit bawat bukas ng stove, nagsisimula ding tumulo ang ambon, kaya mas pinili naming wag munang mag-saing, at least hindi masyadong mababasa ang iba pa naming kasamang kasalukuyang nasa daan parin.

Ilang minuto pa'y nagsidatingan na sila, kaya ako'y nagising sa aking pagkakatulog, masakit kasi batok ko. Ilang minuto muna silang nagpahinga at nag-simulang mag-pitch ng kani-kanilang tents. Pagkatapos nag-prepare na kami ng aming hapunang. Tapos nag socials sila at ako'y natulog.

5:20 AM ako'y nagising. Ang umagang iyun ay napakalamig, subalit pag-labas ko ng tent, agad kong nasaksihan ang ganda ng 'sea of clouds.' Super ganda talaga, sayang mga digital camera at cellphone camera lang meron ako, pero kung may magandang lente lang ako, pak na pak sana ang eksenang yun. Kitang-kita ang mga ulap na nasa mababang lugar lang. Parang Mt. Pulag lang ang peg.

Buong shot ng campsite habang naitaboy namin ang mga baka pansamantala. Kanya-kanyang pose, kanya-kanya kuda at picturial. Habang ako'y ito, nag-iisang kumukuha ng pictures ng lugar at ramdam ang bawat hampas ng malamig na hangin sa aking batok.

Ito ang picture namin sa Summit, katabi ng mark ng lugar na nag-karoon ng plane crash. Nalungkot lang ako dahil sa vandalism na ginawa sa board. Sana yung mga taong may kasalanan nito ay kunin na ng kabundukan at nang hindi na pamarisan pa ng iba.

Ang trail pababa, pagkatapos ng summit, ay mahaba at medyo madali na, at ubod ng ganda dahil sa mga puno ng pine trees. Feeling ko nga nasa eksena ako ng Twilight dahil nga "ang ganda talaga, promiss." Nagkaroon tuloy ako ng pagkakataong mag pak pak mowdeling para sa ikauunlad ng ekonomiya ng Pilipinas. Makikita rin ang kilometer signs every after 500 meters, kaya medyo monitored namin kung ilang kilometers nalang natitira para sa susunod na pahingahan.

Isa pa sa mga nakakalugod tingnan sa trail ay ang mga hagdan-hagdang palayan. Napaka-berde at napaka linis ng kanilang lugar na halos wala akong nakitang plastic. Pero nung napatingin ako sa salamin, agad kong nakita ang plastic. Ansaya ding makita na ang pamumuhay ng mga residente ay napakapayak at talagang makikita mo ang pag-pupursiging umunlad sa malinis na paraan.

Ang huling bahagi ay ang pagtawid ng hanging bridge. Ito ang patunay na tapos na ang pagud sa trail. Ngunit sa hindi inaasahang pagkakataon, nagsimula na bumuhos ang ambon. Kunting kembot nalang at nasa may kalsada na kami at tuluyang bumuhos ang malakas na ulan. Nakakalungkot dahil tatlo palang kaming nakarating dito at ang karamihan ay nasa taas parin. Masyadong delikado ang trail kapag umuulan dahil sa dulas, loose soil at nasa gilid na ito ng bangin. Ilang minuto din kaming nagpahinga bago nagsimulang maglinis ng katawan. Mahgit isang oras din kaming nakapagpahinga bago magsimulang magsidatingan ang iba. Sa pagkakataong iyun nakahinga na kami ng maluwag. Ilang oras din kaming tumambay sa lugar na ito na puno ng kwento ng experience namin. Pagkatapos dumaan muna kaming Brgy. Hall para kunin ang aming certificates, tapos deretso Baguio kami. Hindi pa tumagal, bigla kaming nagkaaberya dahil lumuluwag ang gulong ng aming sinasakyan, kaya nagpakuha kami ng kapalit. At kami'y nakarating din sa Bus teminal ng Baguio City. Habang nag-aantay ng byahe, naghapunan muna kami sa GoodTaste. 1:30AM ang aming depature at arrival sa Victory Liner Cubao ay 8 AM. Dito nagtatapos ang aming isturya, hangang sa muli!

Ilagan Japanese Tunnel

The Ilagan Japanese Tunnel is a war tunnel that was used for defense, as a prison, garrison and a headquarter by the Japanese government and military officials. It's a man-made tunnel created by the locals through force labor. This tunnel is one of the tourist destinations situated in Ilagan City, Isabela. Aside from Ilagan Japanese Tunnel, the Giant Butaka is an attraction that welcomes everyone who passes by the highway.

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Callao Cave

In Tuguegarao City, we chartered a tricycle to Callao Cave jump off, one of the famous caves in the Philippines. Callao Cave is a seven-chamber cave in Peñablanca, Cagayan. Scientists and experts discovered 67,000-year-old fossilized remains of a Callao Man in 2007, a thousand years older than the Tabon Man in Palawan. This cave is situated on the Northern foothills of the Sierra Madre Mountains. Peñablanca, the name of the municipality, is a Spanish word that means white rocks because of the limestone present in the area.

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Anguib Beach

Less an hour boat travel from Palaui Island is a cove that hides a breathtaking beauty - they call it Anguib Cove. Anguib has a long-curvy-stretch of fine white sand landscaped with greens on the side. The sand has a mixture of colorful shells, pebbles in different shapes and living crustaceans running back and forth. From the quiant cottages by the beach, the crystal clear water and emerald seas are visible separated by the horizon from the blue sky. Its preserved tranquility can definitely make your day a lazy day.

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Palaui Island

Palaui Island is one of the virgin islands situated in the municipality of Sta. Ana, Cagayan province. It became prominent because it was the location where the two seasons of Survivor, a hit US TV reality show, was held. Palaui is a small island but has a lot to offer such as the historical Cape Engaño Lighthouse, artistic rock formation of Dos Hermanas Island, fine white sand of Mabolbol Shore and the flora and fauna along Siwangag and Lagunzad trails. Of course, the serenity and the breathtaking beauty is well preserved - less visitor due to its topographical location.

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Surfing and the stunning sunset in La Union.

Screen Cap on Aringay, La union website.

This event wasn't planned thoroughly, we talked about it in just a week time. Yung tipong naisipan lang, kaya ito, hindi man lang ako nakapagresearch, wala tuloy akong maishare na inyong kakaiba, maski history nga-ngers muna tayo huh, sa susunod babawi ako, pure history tayo sa susunod. Pero sa ngayon, ito lang pwede kong maishare sa inyo, medyo pribado kasi tong ginawa naming ito. Burned out and stressed out kami masyado sa karerang pinili namin, hindi ko alam kung bakit, kaya ito kailangang aliwin namin ang mga sarili namin.

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A lot of the attendees came from their shifts. So from 5AM, which was their log out time, they waited us up until 7AM somewhere in Cainta. Instead of commute, we prefer bringing vehicles to save time and money. Kaya medyo limited yung information kong maishare sa inyo in this journey, especially with regards to the itinerary and budget.  When the head counts were completed, we left the meeting place passed 7:30AM.

 Photo above by Lhany

Yosi break, nakalimutan ko kung san to, basta bago mag TPLex yan, dun sa gasoline station.

Syempre, likas na sa team namin ang pagiging balahura, bastos, maingay at kung anu-ano pang masasamang katangi-an; at yun ang nagpapaligaya sa aming lahat. Habang nasa sasakyan, nandyan ang tawanan, biruan, Alaskahan – kaya nga tinatawag kaming “Alaska Boy, Girl, Bakla at Tomboy” complete set up namin diba?

Word for the day: "Pagkatapos ng Agoo, Aringay na!" "Pagkatapos ng Agoo, Aringay na!" may napansin ba kayo?? Paulit-ulit diba? hahaha. Buong araw akong pinaligaya nyang statement na yan. Anu ba yan, wala na akong masabi. Okay! Travel time: more than 5 hours. Expenses: Diesel/Gas and the snacks.

Basilica of Our Lady of Charity - Agoo, La Union

While in the car, I easily recognized an old bell tower. It captured my heart and soul, because I truly love old churches, even I am not a Catholic by faith. According to wikipedia.org, this church as founded and completed 1578, by Franciscan friars Fray John Baptist Lucarelli and Fray Sebastian de San Francisco. The original church was destroyed by the 1892 earthquake and repaired in 1893. The present church was designed by Architect Ignacio Palma Bautista.

 After the long highway journey, we finally arrived in Aringay, La Union. Took a short break and proceeded to the river at the back of the house. Bonga! The sun was really hot but the wind was cool and fresh in that area, so relaxing, so refreshing and of course, so relaxing. hahaha. paulit-ulit nanaman ako. After that relaxing moment, time for our sumptuous lunch.

We chartered 3 tricycles going to ---- Resort. Travel Time: 15-20 mins. Trike Fare: 100 pesos. After getting off the trike, proceeded to the concierge and processed the entrance fee and cottage rental, while the others were preparing their swimming attire. Habang kami'y palakad-lakad, hindi ko talaga maiwasang sumilip sa swimming pool na kalapit lang nang reception area, tapos andaming naliligo. hahaha

Photo above: taken at Paradiso Resort

 As expected, the waves in this part of Northern Philippines is suitable for surfing. But still, who can stop those people who wants to enjoy the gorgeous sunset by the beach, right? Walang paki-alamanan kung nagmukha silang mga dugong na nagtatampisaw sa nagtataasang mga alon. Makita ko lang na masaya sila, masaya narin ako, napaka-motherly figure ako no? Sana lang wag nilang mabasa yung dugong, dahil kung nagkataon -> patay tayo dyan -> eh ganun talaga.

Photo above: taken at Paradiso Resort

Galing ng camera ko dito sa shot na to, ganda ng sunset! Mga hapon ko na nakuha ang shot na yan, kaya nga "sunset," magsunset tayo minsan sa umaga, para naman maiba. I love the shadows of the nipa hut, I love the orangey ambiance, I love the fresh air -> ramdam nyo ba sa picture na to yung fresh air na sinasabi ko?

(On the Right) Photo Courtesy: Teban. When we felt that the breeze was cold, it's survivor mode. The boys picked dried woods, leaves and others; pero nung mga panahong nag-papaapoy na sila, medyo nahirapan sila. May pabuhos-buhos pa ng alak, kasi daw alcohol, hahaha, hindi naman gumana, next time makinig kasi sa chemistry teacher. Kasi aapoy lang yan because of the vapors coming from the brandy and since brandy contains water, nabasa lang yung dried leaves.  Paglapit ko dun sa may sinisigaan, konting arte-arte lang, tapos ayun, umapoy na. hahaha. Yung ang nagpapatunay na I am really HOT.

Photo Above: by Lhany. Nung medyo madilim na, naghanda kami ng isang maliit na salo-salo ng kwentuhan habang may #boomfire. Walang pagkain, hanggang kwento nalang at tawanan ang kaya namin ihanda, at kahit papano, nabusog naman kami, sumakit pa nga tyan ko nung time na yun eh, kasi napuno ng hangin. Sadyang nakakamiss ang mga ganitong eksena sa buhay ko. First time kong sumama sa isang ganitong event kasama ang mga bagong katrabaho na wala pang dalawang buwan ko palang nakakasama. Iba talaga wave natin mga mam and sir no?

May mga horror topics, open forum, true or there at kung anu-ano pang aktibidades ang aming pinaggagawa habang nakatingin sa liwanag ng buwan. The wind was cool and so refreshing; it was a relaxing night that I ever experienced "by the beach." At around 8PM, we left the beach and went back to the private residence we stayed. Tidy Up. Then dinner time. The next part was the socials. Kwentuhan, tawanan, video streaming, kantahan, emote at kung anu-ano pa. At ako po ay . . . ayun . . . nagawa ko ang aking pangarap -> kung anu yun?? Sekreto! Kinaumagahan, ayun medyo umiikot ang mundo ko. Hindi nakapag-breakfast, hindi nakapag-lunch dahil sa kakaibang pakiramdam. Pabalik na nang Maynila, sa may TPLex bumalik ang tunay na pagkatao ko. Ang dahilan? Mga riders . . . Ang ibang impormasyon ay pribado, kaya medyo kulang ang diary ko. Till next time.

If you have business establishments like resorts, bars, stores and others in La Union; wants to be included in this post to reach more customers, please send an email here: mytravellingcup@gmail.com

Asik-Asik Falls

Hiding in the mountainous area of Upper Dado, Alamada, North Cotabato is a spectacular-curtain-like waterfalls called Asik-Asik Falls. Its unique landscape and breathtaking beauty spread online which captured the eyes of the world. Who says "no" to its majestic walls covered with lush green vegetation, such as moss and ferns, highlighted by the hardwood trees and the clear blue skies. And in between these hanging ornaments are cold and crystal clear rushing water naturally falling on a shallow rocky pool surrounded by artistic rocks and boulders. Such a perfect place to relax and distress.

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Kapurpurawan Rock Formations

This was our second destination in Ilocos Sur/Norte: 1,300KM, 10 Destinations within 57 Hours.

After the amazing experience at the century old Burgos Lighthouse, it's time for an amazing rock formation that mother earth created for us.  From the lighthouse to Kapurpurawan Rock Formation, was an  hour. 

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The road is on a mountainous area of Burgos, Ilocos Norte, so we were able to see the shapes and curves of the mountains.  Goats, cows and horses can be found along the road or even in the middle of the road, so the driver must be aware of it.

After getting off the van, the sea breeze was cold and fresh.  The sound of the waves hitting the boulders, by the shore were strong.  The waves in this area are like the waves in aurora, perfect for surfing.  We walked on a cemented pathway then passed through an arch made up of the live branches of the plants on each side of the pathway.  There are comfort rooms and trash bins in some areas.  Horse back riding is also one of the must try.

The area is surrounded by mountains made up of limestone's then covered with vines.  Each lime stones has its original size, shapes and appearance.  As the forces of the waves from the ocean hit the rocky shore in the area, it creates different shapes.  We are so sad that we weren't able to step or even touched the gorgeous white rock formation, because there was a blue rope that serves as the line for the tourists.  We were just on the view deck.  But, I appreciated it, because at least the management knows that stepping on the rock itself can erode its beauty and formation.  And I hope that the travelers or tourists will not damage its natural beauty.

Paoay Sand Dunes

This was our Seventh destination in Ilocos Sur/Norte: 1,300KM, 10 Destinations within 57 Hours.

After the century old Paoay Church, it's time for an amazing and extreme adventure in Paoay Sand Dunes. By the way, a friend of mine, who is now working in middle east, I thought, Sand Dunes can only be found in the dessert countries around the world, but it's not!

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Here in Ilocos Norte, Philippines, we have the same feature and adventure that the dessert safari have. Also, this place is always part of the Filipino movies, like the dessert scenes. Paoay Sand Dunes has extreme activities like 4 x 4 Ride, sand boarding and All Terrain Vehicle.

The strong wind is the one that creates the dunes and the wavy-like formation on the ground. The grayish sand of Ilocos is really fine and since it's light in weight, the wind can easily carry the sand everywhere. From afar, I saw an oasis (I think) near the shoreline. With trees and small lake (look at the picture above.)

 

After the sunny adventure, we got sweat and sticky skin, so time to go back in our van while the rest were still enjoying the wind and the sand. Our foot prints on the sand easily disappeared because the wind moves the grains of the sand fast. After that tiring activities plus our stomach were all starving, we decided to leave the site and proceeded to our next destination which is Vigan City for their Empanada.

Pinsal Falls

This was our tenth destination in Ilocos Sur/Norte: 1,300KM, 10 Destinations within 57 Hours.

After getting off the bed, took a bath and then the delicious breakfast, time for an escapade with nature. But before going to this gorgeous water fall, we first visited the 40-meter tunnel, Tangadan Tunnel which serves as the boundary between Ilocos Sur and the province of Abra.

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Then, while on the way to the water falls, we passed on the road beside the shore near Grotto. We also bought basi and other local products along the way. While inside the van, I saw how the farmers of this province cultures tobacco for their livelihood.

After two hours travel, we finally reached Pinsal Falls which is located in Sta. Maria, Ilocos Sur. It is believed that this water falls in the largest in the province. The 85-foot water falls has its unique beauty that captured the eyes of some film directors and producers, like the movies of Fernando Poe Jr., they were filmed here. As the water fell into the ground, because of the current, it creates an artistic formation on the rocks. Since it was summer when we went here, the water was less than compared to regular season.

The photos below were taken above the water falls.

The sun was really but but the cold water was refreshing. Since it's summer time, the water that fell into the ground is just one fourth of it's total water content every normal day. Every summer, the management are building cottages that everyone can rent for low price.

We spent more than two hours in this water falls, but as the time goes by and we were feeling that the sun was getting hotter and hotter. So we left the falls and drove back to Narvacan - it's just thirty minutes drive. When we reached the house, our lunch were all ready. Our trip to Ilocos was really amazing - it's the craziest road travel I ever had so far.

Marcos Ancestral House

This was our fifth destination in Ilocos Sur/Norte: 1,300KM, 10 Destinations within 57 Hours.

Since we were all clean and fresh, time to for a heritage site that was used by a powerful family of Ilocos and even the whole Philippines.  We traveled more than two hours from Blue Lagoon going to this must-visit site of the province.  The highway wasn't that crowded because that day was Sunday.

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We parked the van just beside the highway near the ancestral house.  Parking space was for free.  After getting off the van, we stretched our muscles and bought cold soda and water.  It was Sunday, so the ancestral was filled with tourists and locals trying to see what's inside the house. 

We paid 50 pesos per head and proceeded to the main lobby.  First thing that captured my eyes was: on the right side of the ground floor, the old wooden stair case can be found, covered with red carpet.  On the left side, the presidential table, with three arm chairs.  Then, the management provided mono-block chairs in front of the wide screen showing the history of the late President Ferdinand Marcos.  Then, the whole second floor is divided into different panels, please see the photos below.

This house served as the office of the late Don Mariano Marcos, the president's father when he was the congressman.  It was also used as an office of Imee Marcos, the president's daughter, when she was the Ilocos Norte Representative.  She even lived in this mansion within her term.  Bongbong Marcos, the presidential son, also moved into this house when he was the governor of Ilocos.

The three gorgeous dresses of my idol, Imelda Marcos, were displayed on the second floor.  I had a chance to touch and smell the fabrics of each dresses and they were so extravagant.  Those ternos are so imeldific, the cuts and styles are both extraordinary, the designs embroidered on the fabrics were perfectly done.  Look at the photo above - I am still looking forward to a chance to meet Imelda, Imee and Bongbong in person, I hope someday!

Another part of the house which I can't forget are plate numbers attached to the vertical column.  Each plates has a number 8 on it, which is the license plate number for Ferdinand E. Marcos in 1959.  

The medals awarded to the late president Marcos were also displayed on the second floor.  There were cut outs from old newspaper  and magazines showing the results of the bar exam in 1939.  There were large paintings, portraits and other memorabilia almost in every panel on the second floor.  The bullets and other ammunition were also displayed in an enclosed glass cabinets.

Adjacent to the mansion is the mausoleum (if you will check on the first photo on the upper left side of this post - that's' the way going to the entrance of the mausoleum.)  This mausoleum is the dwelling place of the remains of the late President Marcos.  Cameras can be brought inside the mausoleum, BUT picture taking is not allowed.  Inside the mausoleum has a pure black walls and ceiling.  The remains of the president is inside the glass casket (I don't know if it's refrigerated or not) and the white flowers were properly arranged in a rectangular position.  I am not so sure about this, but I think the floor is made up of stone-like ceramics forming a mosaic on the ground - this is where the tourists walk.  The mausoleum closes at 4PM.

Paoay Church

This was our sixth destination in Ilocos Sur/Norte: 1,300KM, 10 Destinations within 57 Hours.

Century old churches are always part of my post here and I've been to different places just to discover them. Paoay Church is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Philippines.  If we have Barasoain Church in Bulacan, we also have Paoay Church in Ilocos.

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The structure of this church is made up of baked bricks, coral rocks, tree sap and solid lumber.  The 24 buttresses were also placed on each side of the church for support and those are the reason why it is still standing after the quakes in 17th century up to this generation.

Here's part of the history: the Parish founded by Augustinian missionaries, 1593.  Cornerstone of church laid, 1704; of convent, 1707; or tower, 1793.  Used before completion and kept in repair by the people under the joint Auspices of the Church and the town officials.  Inauguration ceremonies, 28 February 1896.

Its bell tower was separated to the structure of the main building, so if in case that there will be a destructive earthquake and the main building will collapse, the bell tower will still stand.  This tower was used as the observation post by the Katipuneros in 1896 during the Philippine revolution.  The bell tower also served as a status symbol for the residents.  The bell would ring loudly and faster during the wedding of a prominent people which is contrary for the poor. 

On the left side of the church is the St. Agustine Garden where you you can find different flowers forming a beautiful landscape designed with fountain on the side.  From this area, if you're facing the left side of the church, it's like Angkor Wat in Cambodia and Borobudur Temple of Java in front view.