The Strawberry Fields of La Trinidad: A Refreshing Summer Break at the Farm

Baguio City, the gateway to the Cordilleras has almost become synonymous with strawberries. The appealing climate around the city and its neighboring municipalities favors the cultivation of this luscious fruit which became a source of livelihood to its people. About 30 minutes away from Baguio City is La Trinidad valley, where its strawberry farms are becoming a popular attraction to seasonal pickers.

 

Strawberries are simply irresistible. The sweet and juicy texture of the fruit is just heavenly to the taste buds of fruit lovers like me. While eating strawberries are truly a delicious treat, nothing can be more delightful and exciting than picking fresh strawberries straight from the field. Though I've been to the City of Pines a lot of times, strawberry picking has been a miss out summer activity that I always wanted to do.

 

It was the 1st week of March, just in time for the annual Strawberry Festival in La Trinidad. And it's also the season where visitors can have the opportunity  to gather fresh strawberries from the farm. Since I still have some extra time to spend after my nature trip in Sagada, I headed back to Baguio City and decided to have an overnight stay and visit the nearby strawberry fields of La Trinidad on the next morning.

A chilly Wednesday morning greeted me as I woke up and prepare for the exciting day. On my way to the strawberry fields, I saw this giant strawberry figure that seems to  welcome its lovely visitors. And a few walks away is the main entrance to the farm.
 

 

 

Just beside the entrance, you can see cheerful workers segregating  mounds of freshly pick strawberries ready for distribution and selling. Before I entered the premises, I was asked by one of the farmers If I'll just buy from the day's harvest or do the picking  by myself.  Of course, I don't want to miss the chance to "play" around the fields.

Visitors can have the option to pick all the berries they want and the caretakers will give them a box to put the all their harvest. In my case, a small  basket is all I need since I just wanted to enjoy the picking. The price of the gathered berries will then be computed according to its total weight.

 

 

Alright, so it’s picking time! But before getting started, I was given some reminders by the farmers and taught me the proper way of picking strawberries. The ripe berries which is bright red in color are the ones that I should look for and leave the unripe ones. No other tools needed coz I can  just use my bare hands in breaking the soft stems gently and be extra careful not to pull the entire plant.

 

The fun has just started the moment I entered the strawberry fields holding my little basket.  I felt I was a kid playing in the highlands while basking under the morning sun.

 



Let the fun begin!




I noticed that the soil beds of the strawberries plants were protected with a layer of wide, black plastic covering. Well maybe the plastic liner keeps the fruit from touching the ground since the plants are low lying. But when I asked the farmers, their exact explanation were the plastic serves as a mulch to conserve the much needed  moisture, to reduce weed growth and to improve the over all health of the soil.

 

 

 

 

 

Aside from strawberries, vegetable crops such as cabbages, broccolis and varieties of lettuces are grown around the field. La Trinidad valley is a major producer and supplier of  highland vegetables in the Philippines. Flowers which are also grown within the valley are the source of  cutflowers that are being arranged and displayed for the annual Panagbenga Flower Festival in Baguio City.

Lettuce beds just beside the strawberry farm

and more veggies..

My little basket filled with freshly picked strawberries.

more strawberries

I was wondering why the price of freshly picked strawberries are more expensive than the ones ready for selling. But then again, the farmers told me that some of the visiting pickers might accidentally "harm" the immature plants while picking which can be costly to the growers. But don't worry, the friendly strawberry farmers will teach you on how to pick the berries properly.



The hardworking strawberry farmers of La Trinidad

 

But before I even finish the picking, the unfortunate yet funny incident happened. My right foot was accidentally drenched into a pool of mud near the edge of a soil bed! Oh boy,  I guess getting dirty was really part of the experience and just laughed at it. I should have worn slippers instead. Good thing there's a wash area within the farm or I'll be going back to my lodging house with my shoes soaked in mud.

 

And look how muddy my shoes was



 

In the end, it was entirely a fun and a refreshing morning gathering the strawberries. I was the only picker during that time and felt that I took control of the whole field.  All the sweat was truly worth it  and I ended with a smile on my face. Even the heat didn't bother me from enjoying the fruit picking . Be sure to catch this fun activity the next time you visit the Summer Capital. Cheers!!

 

 

 

Baroque Churches of the Philippines: A Timeless Glimpse

The Philippines is home to numerous, centuries old Spanish colonial churches and many of these were declared as national cultural treasures. Four of the most celebrated Roman Catholic churches in the country were designated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as World Heritage Sites in 1993 under the title of Baroque Churches of the Philippines.  Their outstanding architectural style is a Filipino representation of European baroque using local materials combined with other Asian elements.

I’m proud to have visited all the four UNESCO inscribed Philippine baroque churches and I consider it as a glorious achievement. Completing this part of my journey has been my goal since I started to have a strong interest on historical and heritage sites. I admire the well-defined artistry of these gorgeous looking structures and fascinated with their magnificent aura. A stopover is highly recommended to these sites and you may include these attractions as part of your itinerary.

So let’s take a closer look at the four on the list:

1.) St. Augustine Church (Paoay, Ilocos Norte)

The Church of St. Augustine is located in the municipality of Paoay, Ilocos Norte. Popularly known as Paoay Church, is an iconic landmark in the Ilocandia. Its construction by the Augustinian friars started in 1694. It was completed in 1894 was rededicated on that same year.

Paoay Church is a best example of earthquake Baroque architecture. Twenty four massive rows of buttresses creates a fantastic highlight which serves as a support during earthquakes. The striking façade displays a mixture of Oriental and Gothic artistry. It is the only one among the four that stands majestically on a central plaza which follows the Spanish tradition in building churches. The corners of its front lawn is the best spot to appreciate Paoay church's grandeur and be awed by its post card perfect view.
 

The detached coral stone bell tower stands a few meters away from the church where it served as an observation post in 1896 by the locals during the Philippine revolution against the Spaniards and again by the Filipino guerillas in World War II. The entrance to the bell tower was open during my visit and I had the chance to climb its narrow, shaky, wooden staircase.
 

I had the oppurtunity to visit Paoay twice during my solo backpacking trip in Ilocos Norte. The entire coral stone structure was in classic, pre historic look when I first visited the church in 2011. The church had undergone a thorough restoration which started in March 2012. By the time I revisited Paoay church in 2013, the whole structure was beautifully enhance where the elements of its design are more refined and smoother in appearance.

The post card perfect view of Paoay Church

A lovely day in Paoay

2.) Nuestra Senora de la Asuncion Church (Sta. Maria, Ilocos Sur)

Our Lady of the Assumption Church also known as Sta. Maria Church is another famous heritage site in Ilocos Sur aside from Vigan. Built in 1765 by the Augustinian order, the parish of Sta Maria started as a chapel of ease of Narvacan and became an independent ministry in 1769 dedicated to the Virgin Mary depicted as our Lady of the Assumption. 

The church is much more like a citadel surrounded by defensive walls where it sits gracefully on top of a hill. You can reach the church by climbing the 85 steps of its grand staircase made of granite blocks. The elevated position of Sta Maria Church provides an overlooking view of the town proper. Huge buttresses surround the church walls which serve as a support during earthquakes. The structure was built entirely of red bricks and mortar which complements its solid architecture giving that classy and refined look. 

The free standing, pagoda like bell tower is separated from the main church to prevent from possible damage during earthquakes. In front of the church is its convent where it partly blocks the façade.

I wasn't really impressed with Sta. Maria Church at first and I noted it as plain looking like those common Spanish-era churches in the country. But after paying more attention of its details and observing the elements, I was convinced that the church deserves to have that one of a kind distinction as a heritage site.

The town of Sta. Maria was my last stop during my first solo backpacking trip in Ilocos Norte in 2011. I vowed to myself that I shouldn’t miss Ilocos Sur’s another noteworthy and historical marker so I included it on my itinerary. Sta. Maria church was the third one that I have visited among the four churches.

 

 

 The UNESCO marker at the backside of the church.

3.) Sto.Tomas de Villanueva Church (Miag-ao, Ilo-ilo)

The Sto.Tomas de Villanueva Church is within the municipality of Miag-ao, around 25 miles southwest of Iloilo City, in Western Visayas. Built in 1786 by Spanish Augustinian missionaries, it was completed in 1797. It is a finest example of fortress baroque architecture.

Miag-ao church exudes a Romanesque-Baroque style. The soft, warm yellowish brown color of the structure is mainly from the adobe and limestone used on its construction which were quarried from the nearby town of San Joaquin. Thick walls and flying buttresses suggest that the structure served both as a church and fort since its early beginnings.

What impresses me is the marvelous façade of Miag-ao church which is a mixture of Spanish, Chinese, Muslim and local artistry. It features St. Christopher carrying the infant Jesus clinging on a coconut tree surrounded by papaya and guava trees. The stone figure of St. Thomas of Villanueva dominates the center.The church’s simple interior is highlighted by a striking gold-plated retablo near the altar.

The two massive bell towers of uneven heights are attached to the main church serves as a watchtower to defend the town against invasion of Muslim pirates in the 16th to the 19th century. I felt I was standing in front of a Medieval European castle while gazing at the whole church.


Although each of the four churches have their own set of unique charm and beauty, the overall craftsmanship of Miag-ao church is indeed a product of an exceptional creativity. I must say that Sto. Tomas de Villanueva Church is the most attractive and the most captivating among all the UNESCO heritage churches in the Philippines. And the main reason why I visited the province of Iloilo is to behold the splendor of this one of a kind Filipino masterpiece.

Amazing..Isn't it?

4.) San Agustin Church (Intramuros, Manila)

Located within the walled city of Intramuros, San Agustin Church is the only structure that survive the liberation of Manila during the World War II. Built in 1589 under the direction of the Augustinian order, San Agustin is the oldest existing stone church in the Philippines that withstood wars, fires, earthquakes and other natural calamities.

I found the façade of San Agustin Church to be simple and lighter in appearance compared to the churches of Miag-ao and the Ilocos region. But the stylish interior is a contrast to its plain, lackluster exterior.

As I walked inside the San Agustin Church, I  was immediately attached to the glory of its inner charm. The elegant interior features a brilliant, three dimensional trompe-l'oeil ceiling paintings done by two Italian painters in 1875. Another points of interest inside the church includes the baroque pulpit with native pineapple as a motif, a very decorative altar, 17th century hand carvings choir loft seats ,the grand pipe organ and the set 16 beautiful huge chandeliers.

I didn't miss to go inside the monastery at the right side of the church where it also houses the San Agustin museum. The gallery holds the finest collection of Spanish era artifacts, ivory statues, paintings and other ornaments.

The church also holds the remains of several Spanish conquistadors (explorers) and other historical figures that includes the tomb of Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, the 1st governor-general of the Philippines and founder of the city of Manila.

This was the first church that I’ve visited since it is the nearest and the easiest one to visit among the four. It's been my Holy Week practice to have the traditional Visita Iglesia (7 Churches Visitation) within churches in Manila and San Agustin Church is my last stop.

There you have it, the four Baroque Churches of the Philippines. Visiting these architectural gems is truly an overwhelming experience. As I took a closer look on the details of these wonders, I was convinced why it deserves its UNESCO World Heritage Site inscription. Their stunning features clearly demonstrates its exceptional value to the people and undeniably one of the country’s outstanding legacy for generations.

Aurora's Balete Tree: The Spooky Encounter

Balete, a relative of Banyan tree, is a graceful shade tree in the Philippines which is being feared due to its haunted reputation. According to a Filipino folktale, the tree has long been associated with supernatural creatures like “kapre” (mythical tree demon), “tikbalang” (half human, half horse beings), and the legendary “white lady” (female ghost dressed in all white) which is believed to be their home. I heard a lot of spine chilling stories about this creepy tree since my childhood days and its “ghostly residents” are commonly portrayed on local horror films. And maybe my encounter with this mystical tree might explain some of its long kept mysteries.

 

 

Part of my backpacking trip to Baler, Aurora province is to see the 600 year old Balete tree of Barangay Quirino in the nearby town of Maria Aurora known as the “Millennium Tree”. It is said to be the largest of its kind in Asia and it would take 60 adults holding their hands with arms outstretched to encircle the giant tree. The tree measures about 200 feet tall; its aerial roots are around 33 to 49 feet in diameter, big enough for people to pass through. This out of the ordinary living thing is a main attraction in the province.

 

The tree grows on a private property. According to the story, the owner of the property, or a member of the family mysteriously gets ill every time they try to cut down the tree. When it was attempted to remove by a bulldozer, the bulldozer operator also gets sick until the owner decided to just leave it where it grows.

 

There’s a 20 pesos fee being collected by the caretakers before you enter the grounds and they said it goes to the Balete tree’s maintenance and safeguarding. There are also mini stores selling food and souvenir items near the tree’s premises.

My mind was blown away the moment I saw the mystic Balete tree. While it is somewhat frightening at the first glance, but seeing the tree is more like of a huge spectacle. I’ve never seen any living thing this old and monstrous, a one of a kind indeed. The tales about Balete trees that use to flash in my mind turned into an amusement when I started to gaze at it. It’s surprising that the tree has survived a lot of catastrophes and numerous attempts to dismantle it according to the townspeople.

I didn’t miss the chance to go inside the tree where it forms a hollow from its massive trunk. The chamber which was formed by the sprawling roots can also serve as a shelter to people and other animals. Walking under its roots is like being inside a tunnel with an eerie ambiance. The “spirits” dwelling within might be disturbed so I had to be extra careful while checking around.. As I look up inside its trunk, I was greeted with flashes of sunlight gleaming between the root gaps. The trunk has two passageways and people may opt to enter or get out on whichever sides they prefer.

After spending some time inside the trunk, then comes my moment to get out the tree and swing around its straggling roots. I even dared to climb as high as I can and made sure I had a nice grip so I won’t fall. You can see me here as I was dwarfed by its massive root system. The tree provides a wholesome amount of shade where people can relax and play under its wide ranging root branches.



 

You’ll be greeted by a small group of young boys upon entering the premises who will serve as guides-cum-photographer. One thing that surprised me about these kids was they know how to work with your cameras and mindful of every details just like a pro. I was accompanied by one of the boys who guided me to some of the tree's best spots.

The tree that we always thought to be haunted can actually be a dreamy and enchanting place for the most adventurous one. Balete trees might be a scary at night. But when the day becomes bright, the tree becomes a natural playground where people can adore its extraordinary charm. I highly recommended to visit this “creepy giant” and this is something that you shouldn’t miss. Aurora province is not all about surfing after all.

 

Introduction: Ton Arvil, The Outgoing Navigator



at the cobble stone Crisologo Street in Vigan, Ilocos Sur

Welcome to the Outgoing Navigator, and this is my blog about my backpacking adventures! Traveling has been my ultimate passion and creating this blog is a great way to document and share my unforgettable getaway moments.

It's a delight for me to see breathtaking tourist attractions that we commonly see in pictures, postcards, in books and the one's you hear from stories of people who have been to these places.

Now is the time for me to expand my horizon and venture into the world of blogging. I'm always fond of exploring the unusual, off the beaten path and that's a one of a kind experience to blog about. I have traveled alone to some of the well known tourist spots in the country and met a lot of people from different cultures.

I hope I can inspire people from the stories behind my travel journeys and tell everyone that solo traveling isn't that lonely after all. I'm fortunate because not everyone has the chance to visit some of the most wonderful places that we all long been wanting to see.

My memorable backpacking trips has given me the pleasure to appreciate the beauty of my beloved country. It's a moment of celebrating life and pushing boundaries on how far it will take you where possibilities are endless every time you explore.

Sharing this experience is my next step to highlight that traveling is not only for those who can support its demand. Everyone can also enjoy visiting tourist attractions in an exciting way that's inexpensive and worth spending on.

I hope you enjoy visiting my page as I go and navigate to the most beautiful and incredible places in the Philippines and beyond..

Cheers!

~Ton