Dingalan, Aurora: Matawe Beach

By virtue of Municipal Ordinance No. 3003-58 dated Aug. 4, 2003 of the Sangguniang Bayan of Dingalan, Aurora, Brgy. Cabog was renamed as Brgy. Matawe. The barangay is situated 8 kilometers south of Poblacion and can be reach by land via provincial road. Matawe occupied an area of 3,129 hectares more less with mountainous to rolling-flat terrain.-Dingalan Official website.

Actually, wala naman talaga sa plano ko ang pumunta sa lugar na to. And besides, di ko nga alam na may ganitong lugar pala na malapit sa bayan ng Bongabon. It all started when I invite some of my High School friends in our facebook group page. At talagang nandamay pa ako..ehe! Nakakainip kasi, at parang nangangati ang mga paa ko naghahanap ng malilibutan. Pero dapat kaya ng budget, mahirap na ang magipit sa gitna ng byahe. And since bakasyon naman, for sure madami ang walang ginagawa. At swerte ko naman dahil may ilang nag-response sa wall post ko. The original plan was trekking at Mt. Olivete and swimming along the river of Brgy. Labi, pero dahil sa mga demanding kong kasama they suggest, why not go to the beach na lang daw. huh! Di naman ako makatanggi dahil fan talaga ako ng mga beaches and not bitches. ahahaha! 

Sa haba haba ng usapan dumating ang araw na pinakahihintay, wala pa ring final na napagkakasunduan. Hindi pa rin namin alam kung sino at ano ang dadalhin. Na lalo namang nag-padagdag  excitement sa bawat isa. Di ba sabi nga "Mas masaya daw ang isang galaan lalo na pag-hindi planado." ika nga, Bahala na si batman. Usapan 6am ang alis, pero dahil importante lahat, we left the town of Bongabon at around 7am. Wala na talagang pagbabago ang Pilipinas. Anyway, di ba invited naman lahat, kaya I expect maraming pupunta. Pero unfortunately pito lang ang dumating sa meeting place. huh! Ganun pa man, di yun hadlang para di matuloy ang kasiyahan. And that's the Spirit na meron ang mga kasama ko. 

Si Araday, emote mode tungkol sa buhay Taiwan.

Along the way, di maubos ubos ang tawanan ng lahat sa mga kwentuhang umaatikabo tungkol sa mga crush, teachers, buhay abroad at mga funny experiences noong high school days. Pati nga mga tsimis na noon ko lang nalaman ay di na rin naiwasang mabunyag at mapag-usapan. At syempre kung sino ang wala, syang hot topic ng grupo.ahaha!

Dupinga River

Pero hindi lang naman puro kwentuhan ang magpapasaya saýo sa byaheng ito. Crossing at Dupinga river really adds flavor in this trip. This is located at Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija. Mga Kubo sa gilid ng ilog? Which is very rare to see lalo na kung madalas ka sa city. Probinsyang probinsya ang dating. Hindi man ganun kalakas ang agos ng tubig, dahil nga summer, ganun pa man parang ang sarap magtampisaw sa malamig na tubig habang pinapanuod mo ang ganda ng lugar.

Tanawan, Dingalan

Another destination in this place is the Tanawan located at Brgy. Tanawan, Dingalan. Tanawan is also one of the most visited place here in Dingalan. Ito ay nasa pagitang ng bayan ng Gabaldon at Dingalan. The view along the way invites everyone to stop for awhile and take some pictures in this grassy mountainous terrains. Dito rin matatagpuan ang Tanawan waterfalls, unfortunately di na namin napuntahan. There's always a next time naman eh.

Group Pictures sa Tanawan

Masaya, kawili-wili at higit sa lahat unforgettable talaga, ganito ko maisasalarawan ang araw na to. These people were the main reason why this trip became a memorable one. Imagine after so many years, ngayon lang ulit kami nagkita-kita. From left: Me, Clayzes, Janeth, Araday, Joanne, Jeff and Hilbert. Si kuya Driver busy sa pag-yoyosi while enjoying the view of Tanawan. =)

Jump Shot!!!

Of course, isa sa best posed kadalasan sa mga group pictures ay ang Jump shot. At meron kami nyan. Hindi ba't kay gandang pag-masdan? Joanne, ang sabi jump shot hindi "Tingkad Shot". Nyahahaha!!! Tingnan mo si Hilbert, effortless parang walang dinadala ah! peace Sir!


Pictorials: Mga Feeling....

The Celebrity Posed

Porke ba single dapat ganyan na ang posed? Peace!

The Makata Posed

Anong meron? Kahit ako di ko alam kung ano ginagawa ko dito.

The Shy-Type Posed

Pa-tweetums ka pa Utay! Shades naman. Para kang Tutubi ah! ehehehe...

Para sa mga nagbalak pumunta ng Dingalan don't miss to visit this nice place. A place where you and nature collide. ano daw? Basta magugustuhan mo ang lugar na to lalo na kung nature lover ka talaga. Some reminders lang kaibigan, don't forget to apply sunblock to your skin para di ka ma-sunburn and always bring your favorite shades with you. Para enjoy na enjoy mo ang Tanawan.

At pagkatapos ng halos 2hours na pagbyahe, from Bongabon to Matawe, Dingalan, sa wakas narating din namin ang tahimik na barangay ng Matawe. It was not a white beach type, which most people want to see. And there were no commercial establishments around kaya isolated na isolated ang dating ng lugar na sya ko namang nagustuhan dahil tahimik at malinis ang paligid.

Matawe Beach is best described as Tideland. Sa una di ko maisip kung bakit, pero habang tumatagal napapansin ko na lang na isa isang naglilitawan ang mga bato at corals na dati ay natatakpan ng tubig. Kapag low tide, na madalas nangyayari, bago pa man sumapit ang tanghaling tapat mapapansin mo na ang mga halamang dagat at mga makukulay na isda sa mga tidal pools na pilit lumalangoy sa mas malalim na bahagi ng tubig. The place is surrounded by forested mountains facing the Pacific ocean.

There are cottages that are readily available in this place. Mga P200-P300 ang rent para sa mga maliliit na cottages/day pero may isang malaking cottage na kayang i-accomodate ang isang malaking grupo at may tulugan pa sa itaas, ang aming kinuha sa halagang P300,not bad dahil P500 ang original rental fee nun. At dahil sa kakulitan ng mga kasama ko ibinigay na sa presyong gusto namin. good!

Tawaran moments. Si ate medyo natakot kasi nga baka pukpukin sya ng tripod ni Sir Hilbert. Kaya ibinigay na nya agad sa P300 ang cottage sa halip na P500. Hindi pa nakuntento, humirit pa tong sa Joanne kay ate kung pwede daw makiligo mamaya bago umuwi na sinang-ayunan naman ni Jeff at Clayzes. Syempre di na makatanggi si ate baka nga naman saktan sya ni Sir Hilbert. Pero kung si Janeth ang tatanungin barya lang daw sa kanya yun. At habang ang lahat ay nakikipag-negosasyon, busy si Araday sa katext nya. Yun ba yung Seaman na kabatch natin? ehe! Mamaya na yan Araday, di ba mag-a-eyeball din kayo nyan?. =D

For Sale???

Habang nag-aayos ng mga gamit napagtripan kong kuhanan to. Check nyo na lang sa Ayosdito.com o kaya sa Sulit.com ahaha!

Muro Ami? Kaso di ako marunong mag-dive! ehehe

And since maaga pa at di pa ganun kataas ang sikat ng araw, I decided to walk around and enjoy the beach. Beachineering muna... ehehe! I got that term somewhere. Medyo nag-uumpisa ng mag-lowtide at unti-unti ng lumilitaw ang mga corals sa paligid.

The populations of sea urchins and sea cucumber are also rich in some part of this beach. Kaya dapat wear your sandals always, mahirap na baka matusok ka. 

May mga young corals din sa paligid, kaya be careful and palaging tingnan ang tinatapakan.

Rock climbing? o walking?

Young Corals....

Emote lang....

Matawe Beach is like a group of islets submerge in the seawater during high tides. The shore is covered by brown sand and small pebbles are scattered around. 

Matawe Shoreline during Summer

During High Tides

During Low Tides

Unlike other beaches which is usually covered by white sand, Matawe beach is a rocky coastal type which have a  unique and distinct look that really attracts travelers and beach goers. 

Survivor Matawe???

  

Ano ito Picturial ng Temptation Island?

Hindi kumpleto ang isang adventure kung walang kasamang masasarap na pagkain. FOODTRIPan Galore!!! 

Inihaw na Tilapya!!!

Mas masarap ang pagkain lalo na kung nakakamay. Yum!yum!yum! Inihaw na tilapya na may sawsawang bagoong, samahan pa ng chicharon at isaw.hmmmm. Hinog na mangga para sa dessert at sabayan ng malamig na softdrinks. hay!Nakakagutom di ba?

Halo-halo na yan!!!!

At para lalong ganahan, dapat may konting pampatunaw ng kinain. Di naman siguro masama ang konting alcohol sa katawan di ba? ehehe!

Boracay Rum sa Matawe Beach

SideTripan:

Bathing at Matawe....

Kapag ang tubig malamig ibig daw sabihin madalas napapalitan. As usual malamig sa dagat. Pero kapag ang tubig na malamig biglang uminit, Naku poooooo! Siguradong may umiihi!!!! ahahaha!

Matawe Cave

Effortless Dimples ahahaha. Wala na munang kokontra ok!

Port of Dingalan

I would like to take this opportunity para pasalamatan ang mga taong nakasama ko. Thanks to Joanne na sumagot sa service namin. Mayaman...

Nice smile. Iba na Talaga malapit ng ikasal ehehe!

Thanks to Janeth, Clayzes, Araday, Jeff and Hilbert para sa pagsagot sa rent ng cottage at sa foods. Sana di kayo magsasawa ehehe!

Another wonderful trip na naman ang natapos. Isang araw na puno ng adventure at kalokohan. Pitong taong nagkasundo sa iisang hilig. Umulan man o umaraw, madami man o kaunti basta ang importante buo ang loob para matuloy ang kasayahan. At sila ang mga taong madalang ko lang na makasama, kahit magkakalayo hindi pa rin nawawala yung dating samahan. Isang dagdag karanansan na naman para kay batang kapampangan. Sa uulitin...

Whahahahaha! O, Anu na? knock down yata? Walang maingay ha....ehehehe

How to get here:

From Manila, take the North Expressway, exit at Sta. Rita and head northward to Cabanatuan. From Cabanatuan Main Terminal ride a Danilo bus or D-Liner (I'm not quite sure) going to Ibuna, Dingalan, Aurora. The bus head to Palayan (the Provincial Capital of Nueva Ecija) head to Laur  then to Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija then to Dingalan, Aurora. At Dingalan, continue about 7km southward until you reach Matawe. As you reach Matawe, you will see the tideland to your left about half kilometer from the beach. Matawe is accessible by bus, cars and other means of transportation. 

Baler Diaries: Rediscovering Baler

Baler Fish Port: 

Not far from Ermita hill you will find the Baler Fish Port. The fish port is situated at the coastline of Cemento beach.  Where small fishing boats docked and unload their fresh catch of salt water fish from their overnight fishing in the Pacific. 

It was already 2:00 o clock in the afternoon when we arrived, that's why we didn't saw any activities in this place. Kaya picture taking na lang at pag-enjoy sa view ang ginawa namin.

The Three Idiots? ehehehe

The panoramic view of Dimadimalangat islet serves as our background from the other side of the fish port.

Kamehameha wave in the fish port

If you're bored and you want to try some exciting activities in Baler Fish Port try these stunts.  :)

Karate Kids

Dimadimalangat Islets:

From the coastline of Sabang beach you can easily recognize this eye-catching rock formation that emerged from the surface water of the Pacific.This dwarfed stone hills is located off shore of Barangay Cemento, Baler. It takes you 5-10 minutes to reach the area from the town proper and 15mins travel by boat. Before the tides start to get high we decided to leaved the Baler Fish Port and drove further to the Dimadimalangat islet. The road going to this place was 100% paved and easily accessible for every traveler. The way towards this place was covered by coconut trees and some  trees.

View From Sabang Beach

This small island serves as a point identifying the southernmost tip of Baler Bay. 

The Tide is High

When we arrived at this place we were very lucky because the small rock formations scattered along the shore were still there. 

Wonderful Rock Formation

Here, black rocks and dead corals line the stretch leading to the islet. A couple of minutes, we noticed that some rocks were being submerged underneath by the sea water. High tide was starting to cover the whole area. 

During low tide, this islet becomes a peninsula, where everyone could walk and wade on these small rocks without getting wet. But be careful as you walk around because the rocks are too sharp.  

Aniao Islets:

This is located off shore of Barangay Zabali and can be accessed by foot from the mainland. 

These twin islets facing the waves of the Pacific ocean at Diguisit bay captured everyone attention because of it's wonderful landscapes. A small resort is situated at this area and for just P20 you can go near the islets. 

For those who want to spend more time on this place there are available cottages for rent along the shoreline. The sand along the beach are composed of small white rocks and dead corals that adds more drama to the shore. 

PAGASA Weather Station:

As we continue our sight seeing adventure along the coastline of Baler we reached the PAGASA weather station. Actually we didn't plan to visit this place. We craved for a little adventure that's why we end up here.  Masyado lang kaming nag-enjoy sa mga nakikita namin kaya ayun. huh! 

The way to this place was the most exciting part. Nobody knows where this road ends. We just follow the steep and narrow trail, I mean it natakot din ako kasi nga one way lang ang daan, paano kung may makasalubong kami? But luckily, we were the only visitor at that time. Not all can handle the trails on going up so better equipped with the right vehicle. When we arrived at the top we were welcomed by the weatherman on duty. He told us to signed up and after that he brought us to the rooftop. 

Baler is located at the mid-eastern part of Luzon where typhoons and seasonal tropical cyclone mostly occur. That is why they built a weather station at this part of Aurora. They regularly monitor the weather conditions around the area for the sake of the Balerians and nearby provinces.

The Pacific Ocean

View from the weather station

Dicasalarin Cove:

The pristine Dicasalarin cove was visible to our sight. The beach was covered by white sands and the water was so clear. There's no resort on this isolated part of Baler that makes this place more natural. 

The stunning beauty of the place creates a magnificent view from the rooftop of the building. The waves were gentle as it reached the white sandy coastline, nakakawala ng pagod. We asked the weatherman if it is possible to go there, and he said yes, they allow visitors but unfortunately the gate going to that beach was locked at that time. Nakuntento na lang kami sa pagtingin mula sa itaas. After that we leaved the place. Thanks to the weatherman on duty.

Special Thanks To:

Mr. Jerico Urbano 

Mr. Edson Sunga

My Itinerary:  

1200-1300 Bay's Inn Restaurant (Lunch Time)

1300-1310 Ermita Hill

1400-1430 Baler Fish Port

1435-1500 Dimadimalangat Islet

1515-1600 PAGASA Weather Station/Dicasalarin Cove

1615-1630 Aniao Islet

1645-2100 Sabang Beach ( playing Frisbee and Dinner at Bay's Inn