Together with my in-laws, we to Solana, Cagayan last April and stayed there for three days two nights.
We were invited (actually my in-laws only) by my father-in-law's cousin (our godfather) to attend their fiesta. Other relatives from Baler, Aurora were there also.
Even though it was not necessary for us to join them (but who wants to be left behind?), we joined them anyway.
Ea and I were more excited than my parents-in-law as we love to travel and this was our first time to see Cagayan province.
We took the Cebu Pacific 12PM flight bound to Tuguegarao.
After more or less one hour flight, we arrived at our destination. We were fetched then told that we were going directly to Sta.Ana, Cagayan (our side trip that worth our while).
Although we did not go the some popular resorts but still Sta. Ana, Cagayan deserves our second visit.
After more than three hours drive, we finally reached Sta. Ana; there
we learned that one of their relatives (Kuya Rudy) wants to buy a
second-hand car.
There were so many cars to choose from, i'm not sure if Kuya Rudy
bought one. However, one car interests me; which is why I asked Rhea to
take picture of me with this car. (you already know what car is it?) :)
Traveling from Manila to Tuguegarao then Sta. Ana, was really exhausting, so they brought is some place where we can have a quick rest with quick tour.
(Sun City) Cagayan Holiday and and Leisure Resort
 |
| I never thought they have this very nice and luxurious place in the remote area of Cagayan. |
It was a very long day, around 8PM when we arrived in Solana where we stayed for three days.
Callao Cave
Since it was the hottest place in the Philippines and most of the time we stayed at home, we still had an opportunity to visit some remarkable places in Cagayan. Special thanks to ate Tin-tin (Rhea's cousin) for being our tour guide.
It was our second day in Cagayan when Ate Tin took us to Callao Cave
(located at Penablanca, Tuguegarao). Avoiding the heat and humidity, we
went to Callao Cave around 5:30PM.
A short walk from this site is the start of 183 steps before you reach the entrance of the cave.
We were told that Callao Cave had seven chambers, but we went only to the first (chapel) since it was getting dark already .
Basilica of Piat
Located at Piat, Cagayan; more or less one-hour drive from Solana.
As
I've heard, this church is very popular for politicians from any
part of the Philippines. Politicians visits this church (election time mostly), offer a prayer and next
thing you know, they've already won the election. Hmm... :)
Disclaimer:
Not everyone who visited and prayed from this church have won the election. :)
There's nothing more than talking to God directly, have faith whatever the outcome. God is sovereign...
A small sanctuary of Our Lady of Piat was built in 1604 by the Itawis. But
on 1700s, the people built a more spacious church of more durable
materials on a hill about a mile from the parish church of Sto. Domingo.
The present sanctuary was built by Rev. Fr. Diego Pinero and later
restored by Fr. Jose Gurumeta in 1875.
On June 22, 1999, the
sanctuary was lifted us Basilica Minore (Minor Basilica) and was
recognized from Rome. It was the first basilica minore in the region and
the fourth in the Philippines. The rites was officiated by the
Vatican's representative, Antonio Maria Cardinal Javierre Ortas. A
santacruzan was also sponsored by Department of Tourism in celebration
of the Basilica. A weeklong special prayers and services was also held
in 29 parishes in the province, a Marian choral contest at the St. Paul
University in Tuguegarao, medical mission, grand procession of all the
images of patron saints and the Our Lady and a cultural show on the
documented miracles of the Virgin of Piat.
Wiki
Kalesa
Kalesa is common means of transportation within Solana because of its cheap fare P5.
Would you believed that this Kalesa (horse-drawn) can carry up to 10 passengers?
Believed it or Not? :)
