Braganza Island (photo by RUDY LIWANAG)

The warm breeze slowly peels away the images of city life. From high-rise buildings to rice fields, taxicabs to cattle-drawn carts, the sight of rural life goes as you traverse the open roads of the Central Luzon flatlands. The transition is just a prelude to the Alaminos experience.

Despite its rustic façade, Alaminos is a city teeming with life and natural wonders. What began as a tiny village by the China Sea became the fourth city in the Province of Pangasinan. Alaminos is known to be the cradle of one of the greatest natural wonders in the Philippines, if not the world — Hundred Islands.

Despite being already declared a national park since the time of the late President Manuel L. Quezon, there is still a lot more to discover underneath the park’s 123 islands. The depth of the mysteries that lie amongst its isles is as rich as the legends and tales surrounding its origin.

Much like how the Spanish Conquistadors battled in the open waters of the world’s great seas, the journey from the shores of Barangay Lucap to the Hundred Islands National Park is a journey to the unknown. Although many have travelled in the waters of the Lingayen Gulf to witness the wonders of these strewn lands, the experience of cutting across rough waves will definitely awaken the explorer within anyone.

With the salty seawinds and the panoramic view of the seascape, one can’t help but get caught in the allure of the ocean. Upon closer inspection, the scale by which these islands came together is simply breathtaking.

When you think you’ve seen it all, there always seems to be another island looming at every turn, each with its own story to tell. Aside from the islands’ façade, there are so far 10 explored caves in the park. The rock formations that developed and the wildlife that settled in these subterranean areas prove that the isles here are alive and are continuously evolving. 

Rich biodiversity

Underneath the surface of the Hundred Islands is a magical world of rich biodiversity ready to be discovered. One of the wonders found in the waters of this national park is the Giant Clam. Locally known as Taklobos, the Giant Clam is regarded as the world’s largest bivalve mollusk. With the help of the University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute (UPMSI), the Alaminos City government has succeeded in preserving this unique marine gem for future generations to appreciate.

The Giant Clam is but one piece of the underwater puzzle in the Hundred Islands. The natural beauty of its pristine waters cradle a tapestry of marine life. The coral reefs here are home to an infinite number of thriving sea creatures. One can get acquainted to this underwater fiesta through snorkeling or for a more intimate experience, through scuba diving.

Blessed with about 67 kilometers of waterfront, there are plenty of sea activities to go around. About 10 kilometers from the city proper of Alaminos lies a different kind of experience from the ocean safari of the Hundred Islands. The sights of tranquil Bolo Beach are within reach with just a few minutes’ drive to Barangay Pandan. The relatively calm and shallow waters of this beach cove are ideal for a family beach getaway. The spot can also be an alternative pick-up point for a boat ride to the Hundred Islands.

Birds in flight

Apart from sandy beaches and great island views, the Alaminos coastline is also home to a rich mangrove forest that cradles various flora and faunas. Because of dwindling wildlife habitats and rising water levels, the city shouldered the need to rehabilitate its mangroves. The efforts have certainly paid in dividends as its mangroves continuously flourish. This is evident with the huge variety of migratory birds that flock to the orchard’s lush vegetation.

During the year’s rainy seasons, the number of birds that migrate to the coastline mangroves rises significantly. This is the perfect time for birdwatchers and outdoor lovers to marvel at the sights and sounds of nature’s work.

Gustatory wonders

When it comes to food, the people of Alaminos demand the freshest of produce for their delicacies. Traditional dishes like pinakbet come alive with the use of ingredients that are readily available. Alaminos is also abundant with seafood delicacies like bangus (milkfish), talaba (oyster), dila-dila or kumukusay (shellfish), sea weeds, and bagoong. Other native delicacies made in Alaminos are rice cakes such as, suman, patupat and binunge, which are perfect pasalubong for loved ones back home.

Another thing that puts the city on the culinary map is their famous Alaminos longanisa. This local chorizo can be found hanging at every marketplace in the city. Uniquely prepared, the longanisa is hanged and separated by bamboo sticks. Aside from its aesthetic value, locals claim that the bamboo sticks add a unique Alaminos touch to the flavorful longanisa.

With a diverse milieu surrounding the city, one thing that ties everything together is its people. Although composed of 56 different ethnic groups and 30 different religious backgrounds, the people of Alaminos take pride in cultivating good relations with other communities. The harmony of this one big family resonates in their character and bearing as proud Alaminians.

So come and celebrate life and appreciate the beauty of your existence with the sights and sounds of Alaminos.

The city of Alaminos is about five hour’s bus ride from Metro Manila and three hours from Baguio City. Land travel from Manila to Alaminos City is 250 kilometers, four hours by private vehicle via Camiling, Tarlac and five and a half hours by public vehicle.