5 Popular Beaches in Pangasinan to Visit this Summer

Summer is far from over. If you are looking forward to experience the sun, sand, sea in Pangasinan, then this list is probably for you. The coastal province of Pangasinan is one of the largest provinces in the Philippines. Because it is massively wide, we’ve managed to only visit 5 municipalities with popular beaches. We’ll be featuring more soon.

 

We are glad because we have JM of Gabrillo Photography on this trip.

 

Without further ado, we present you these beautiful beaches in Pangasinan to visit this summer:

 

San Fabian, Pangasinan

Speaking of low cost beach destination, the beaches of San Fabian is a favorite among locals. Privately operated sheds can be rented for reasonable fees. You can cook and grill your food or ask someone to do that for you. Shed owners usually have sari-sari stores where you can buy basic necessities.

 

 

Boats are also available to tour you around. These are usually small fishing vessels where they drop off their harvests on the beach. Fish traders and fishermen meet on the shore early in the morning for the catch.

 

 

And of course, having sunset on the beach!

 

Dagupan City, Pangasinan

As far as we saw, this is the most flocked beach on this list. Especially during holidays, beach goers from the surrounding landlocked municipalities go to Tondaligan Beach.

 

 

Way back before, sheds are privately operated. Videoke machines can also be rented and someone can sing to their heart’s desire until dawn. Alcohol is also readily accessible from nearby sari-sari stores. But not until the City Government of Dagupan implemented stricter regulations.

 

The city government also developed the area similar to that of Lingayen. Newly-constructed nipa sheds are free and open to the public. The shores are cleaner and safer. It’s a good thing that most can now enjoy the beach without too much to worry about.

 

 

 

Along with the Central Bank of the Philippines, Dagupan City Justice Hall, and other government offices, prominent historical landmark like the Japan-Philippine Friendship Garden is also located here on Tondaligan Beach.

 

 

Lingayen, Pangasinan

The public beach in Lingayen was developed by the provincial government. It is clean and well-maintained. There are also cottages that you can occupy for free but you need to walk approximately 50 meters to get to the beach.

 

 

 

Aside from the beach, you can also see the Pangasinan Provincial Capitol Building, Urduja House, and the Veteran’s Memorial Park.

 

Bolinao, Pangasinan

We previously had Bolinao exploration to see what this town has to offer. This revisit is much more different.

 

 

 

 

 

The pristine waters of Bolinao is teeming with marine life. You can see them through your goggles even on the shallow part. We hope this condition will be preserved for the generations to come.

 

Alaminos, Pangasinan

Ok, we’re saving the best for last. So far this was the most enjoyable place we’ve gone to during our trip. We particularly went to the Hundred Islands National Park and rode a boat to tour the islands.

 

 

First things first. You need to register at the tourism office and to reserve a boat. You can also ask the attendants to assist you with your itinerary such as where to have your lunch, the islands you want to visit, and so on. We found it economical to bring packed meals and snacks and start the tour early because it is mandatory for the boats to be on the mainland by 5:30 in the afternoon. Yes, you may also opt to spend the night on an island but with corresponding fees.

 

 

Our first stop was on the Governor’s Island. We brought our marinated meat and grilled it on the island. We also prepared ensalada, a local type of vegetable salad, to go along with our barbecue. After our hearty lunch, we climbed to the highest point on the island and the beautiful scenery was revealed.

 

 

The view on top of the Governor’s Island is simply breathtaking. Other islands to visit are namely, Children’s Island and Cathedral Island, among others.

 

 

Aside from the usual swimming, other activities one may enjoy here are zip lining, cliff diving, snorkeling, parasailing, and banana boat ride.

 

 

 

Have you been to the beach lately?

 

Visita Iglesia is a traditional Catholic practice observed within the Holy Week. Devotees visit seven different churches (sometimes there’s a particular or no set of number as it depends on the faithful’s personal preference) on Maundy Thursday or Good Friday and recite the Stations of the Cross (Pasyon, in Filipino). In the Philippines, the observance of Visita Iglesia dates back during the Spanish colonization era.

The reasons for practicing Visita Iglesia can be different for every individual. It may be done for penance, sending petitions, or thanksgiving for fulfilled wishes.

 

Most Catholic churches in Pangasinan were built during Spanish colonization in the Philippines. Although these churches have undergone or currently undergoing renovations, these parishes see to it that the old structure is maintained. The old ‘feel’ when inside these churches makes these buildings remarkable.

 

1. St. Joseph the Patriarch Parish Church, Mapandan, Pangasinan

Mapandan Parish Church

 

St. Joseph the Patriarch Parish Church (or simply, Mapandan Parish Church) was said to be established as a parish in 1905. Although most of the building’s structure is new as it was built around 1980s, the original facade was still followed during the renovation. The church is well located within the town proper.

This was the first church we visited during our visita iglesia. As old folks say, if you’ve visited a church for the first time, make a wish. And so I did.

 

 

Mapandan Parish Church Interior and Altar

 

2. Minor Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary of Manaoag, Manaoag, Pangasinan

Our Lady of Manaoag Church

 

The Minor Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary of Manaoag is sometimes called by people as Manaoag Church, or as simple as Manaoag. Thousands visit the church all-year round as a pilgrimage site. The stature of Our Lady of Manaoag is believed to be miraculous. During the Second World War when the Japanese dropped several bombs that destroyed nearby structures. One of the bombs that fell which should have destroyed the ivory statue miraculously didn’t went off. Other miracles that happened are depicted by the murals inside the church.

 

The Beloved Face of Our Lady of Manaoag (up close)

 

Statues on church altars are covered in purple cloth from Good Friday until Easter Sunday. The photo shown was taken earlier and presented as reference.

 

 

 

I’ve been to Manaoag Church several times but I’m still looking forward and excited to my next visit.

 

3. St. Hyacinth Parish Church, San Jacinto, Pangasinan

St. Hyacinth Parish Church

 

St. Hyacinth Parish Church Interior and Altar

 

The original structure was heavily damaged during the terrible earthquake in March 1892. The church itself was rebuilt.

 

 

4. St. Thomas Aquinas Parish Church, Mangaldan, Pangasinan

Mangaldan Parish Church

 

Mangaldan Parish Church Interior and Altar

 

 

What fascinates me is the magnificent paintings of the Stations of the Cross.

 

5. St. John the Evangelist Cathedral, Dagupan City, Pangasinan

St. John’s Cathedral

 

St. John’s Cathedral Altar (image taken before the Holy Week)

 

The Metropolitan Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist is sometimes also called Dagupan Cathedral. It is the cathedral of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Lingayen-Dagupan. The Archbishop’s House is located nearby as well as St. John’s Cathedral School that caters to elementary and high school students.

 

 

6. Sts. Peter and Paul Parish Church, Calasiao, Pangasinan

Sts. Peter and Paul Parish Church

 

Sts. Peter and Paul Parish Altar

 

Sts. Peter and Paul Church was founded in 1588 and its construction took place between the 17th and 19th century. Several natural calamities and man-made events caused damage to the building. Reconstruction and restoration have been done. Due to its age and excellent preservation, this baroque church was declared a National Cultural Treasure by the National Museum of the Philippines and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts.

 

Christ the King

 

7. Holy Family Parish Church, Sta. Barbara, Pangasinan

Holy Family Parish Church

 

Holy Family Parish Interior and Altar

 

Holy Family Parish or Sta. Barbara Church was known to be built in 1716 making it one of the oldest churches in Pangasinan.

 

Another church I visited was the St. Dominic de Guzman Parish Church in San Carlos City, Pangasinan.

 

St. Dominic de Guzman Parish Church

 

St. Dominic de Guzman Parish Church or San Carlos Church was constructed around the 18th century and completed in 1773 in Binalatongan. The church has undergone destruction mostly by earthquakes and fire, which reconstruction and rehabilitation was done several times. The church resembles a Baroque architecture and made mostly of bricks which still can be seen today.

The town of Binalatongan was founded in 1578 and renamed as San Carlos in 1764. It was declared a city on the 1st of January, 1966.

 

St. Dominic de Guzman Parish Church Interior and Altar