Discovering the Golden Paradise of Bicol - Day 2 Exploration

It's our 2nd Day here in Camarines Norte and this time we are going to the town that said to be rich in gold.

Paracale was founded as a mission post by Franciscan friars in 1581. It was established as a town in 1611. However, the mission was abandoned in 1634, reestablished by the Franciscans in 1638 but was abandoned again in 1662. In 1687, the Franciscan missionaries returned to their mission. It was later ceded to the secular clergy. In 1863, Paracale was then formally established as a town. Seventeen years later, the Franciscans returned to Paracale to take charge of the spiritual administration of the faithful. A large gold mine was discovered here in 1626 and Spaniards worked the gold-bearing gravel in its rivers and streams. The Americans set up huge dredges and mined primary lode deposits.

The town’s name was derived from para cale, meaning “canal digger.” Small gold mining operations persist in this old gold mining center and locals still pan for gold.

                                                                                                       for more info check this link below:                                                         source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paracale

It's a 1-hour travel via UV Express Van from Daet and you will reach the town of  Paracale. At first, we stop at the municipal office of Paracale where we meet the tourism officer Mr. Mark Gil A. Zamudio. He tells us some few stories about Paracale to give us some background and at the same time brief us for the scheduled activities for that day. 

Just in front of the Municipal office of Paracale is the oldest church of Nuestra Senora de Candelaria.

Established in the year 1611, The church was built by Franciscan friars and features the miraculous image of Our Lady of Candelaria which is the oldest and first church in the Province of Camarines Norte.

After our church visit, a 15 to 20-minute ride by tricycle we reach the PulangDaga Beach. We stay here for some time to rest and while waiting for the boat that will bring us to Macolabo, Beach. It's a 45 to 1-hour boat ride from PulangDaga beach and your time travel will depend on the waves of the sea like we experience on that day where we struggle because of huge waves that we encounter in the midst of our journey. It's a thrilling adventure but it's also frightening when you go up and down like a roller coaster. The next time you plan to visit this beautiful island make sure no one in your company has a heart problem or seasick but not all the time the scenario is the same, it's so happened during our time its a windy season.

Macolabo is an island of the Calaguas group of islands in Camarines Norte province of the Philippines. The island serves as a major stop-over going to Tinaga Island where the well-known long beach Mahabang Buhangin is located. The island is about four kilometers long. Locals reside on parts of the Island with farming and fishing as their main source of income. Although part of the Calaguas group, the island is under the jurisdiction of the municipality of Paracale, Camarines Norte.

Finally, we reach the alluring island of Macolabo which surrounds by white sand, aurora green clear water, and virgin forest. According to Sir Mark, this island is not yet fully available for public visit. We are just fortunate for this chance provided by the tourism department. By the way, If you're planning to visit this island you can coordinate Ms. Shie Andrade that provides as the boat for our trip. You can visit their facebook page @Pulandaga Calaguas Adventures of Miss Shie Andrade

We took our lunch in one of the cottages provided by Kap. Alma Ramos and food brought by Calaguas Villas Resort. Right after our lunch, we immediately dive to the water to experience the enticing freshness of the sea and to subdue the summer heat that we felt that time. Regrettably, we could not stay longer on this island, we have to say goodbye for the meantime and looking forward to coming back again in the near future.

Coming back to PulangDaga Beach our next adventure will begin. It's an All Terrain Vehicle Adventures provided by RRC ATV Motors.

This company is collaborating with resorts across the province to offer All-Terrain Vehicle experience. They are currently in town offering ATV rental that allows tourist to experience the amazing trail going up to the famous grotto that offers a scenic 360-degree view of Paracale. They are also doing ATV units dealership if you feel like having your own.

I've seen this kind of activity in some post on Facebook and even some tv shows but I never experience it until this opportunity came. I have completely no idea how to handle this vehicle and I'm quite nervous although I know how to drive a car, truck, and motorcycles.  How to maneuver this vehicle is so easy that even it's your first time you don't have to worry or be afraid to try it.

It's really fun and exhilarating ride passing on some rocky area in the mountains, climbing up to the top where the famous Grotto is located then a stunning overview of the whole town of Paracale. We stay here for a while an took our "merienda" while some are taking pictures and videos for their souvenirs.

It's 7:00 pm in the evening, we return to the municipal hall of Paracale which end our tour for that day.

This concludes our Day 2 trip to Camarines Norte and I hope you enjoy our adventures.


This trip is made possible by the Department of Tourism Camarines Norte and KatoogaPh organize by Sir Mike Zuniga. 

Special Thanks to the Following:

Mr. Mark Gil A. Zamudio
Municipal Tourism Officer

Ms. Shie Andrade 
Pulandaga Calaguas Adventures for our boat ride

Calaguas Villas Resort
 For our food

Captain Alma Ramos
Assisted us on Macolabo Beach

Mr. Christian Dennis M. Mancenido
RRC ATV

And to all staff and crew that helps us throughout our journey.