Lakwatserong Hampaslupa

Aug 28, 202319 min read

The Adventure Island of Mindoro.

Mindoro is one of the island provinces that we love the most and perhaps the most visited island we've had for so many times..!

In Sabang Bay, me and my wife were trained and got certified with SSI's Open Water Scuba Diving course, as well as my deep and nitrox dive certifications.

It was in Baco, Oriental Mindoro that we conducted school supplies gifts giving within the premises of Tagbunan Mountain Resort with NMAX Club Philippines national officers and Mindoro chapter.

In Bulalacao, Oriental Mindoro, we have visited the super relaxing Suguicay Island, on stop-time during our Philippine Loop South Leg. And many times, we had fun and night life at Puerto Galera's White Beach.

Surprisingly, we have never been into the west side of the island, in Occidental Mindoro province - and only explored the east side of the island (Oriental Mindoro province) prior to this adventure rides.

The Big Why.

During the Lenten season of 2023, me and my wife, and 3 couples of our friends in Pampanga and Tarlac joined us for a rather unique experience - to loop the entire island of Mindoro clockwise, visit churches for the 2023 Visita Iglesias, and finally conquer the elusive Occidental Mindoro province.

Nothing is True and Everything is Possible.

Famous for being the gateway to the world-renowned Apo Reef, Occidental Mindoro is also blessed with awesome island resorts all over on that west side of the island, as well as places such as San Jose, Sablayan, Mamburao, and Abra de Ilog.

Technically to successfully loop Mindoro, the only starting and end point is in Batangas Port so far - until Abra de Ilog and Puerto Galera will be connected by a road (red lines means dead-end roads from both sides).

Only by then that the circumferential road of Mindoro is at full loop - which means you shall arrive at the same spot regardless of what direction you take. But right now, as of this writing, it is not yet connected.

The Plan.

The counterclockwise loop will have entry via Balatero Port in Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro. The exit point will be at Abra de Ilog, in Occidental Mindoro. Part of the dream (while crossing our fingers tightly) is for us to visit infamous Apo Reef. For the Visita Iglesias, we have to visit at least 7x churches to recite prayers.

Here's how it goes,

Enter Mindoro Island via Balatero Port from Batangas Port,
Stay overnight in White Beach, Puerto Galera,
Visit Tamaraw Falls for some photos,
Visit at least 7 churches in the entire Mindoro Island,
Ride clockwise down to Bulalacao,
Stay overnight in San Jose,
Ride the western side of the island up to Sablayan,
Visit and stay overnight in Pandan Island Resort,
Ride up north to Abra de Ilog on the 4th day in the loop, finally
Exit the island back to Batangas Port

It may sound so easy but during the loop, the sheering heat of the sun was pounding on us, and fortunately we had to stop on every church that we could pass by to pray in the observance of Visita Iglesias 2023.

If you want to be Happy for a Lifetime, Ride a Motorcycle.

So, we left home minutes before midnight to catch up with the group in a gas station just after exiting San Fernando Exit, NLEX.

Caltex NLEX South Bound, City of San Fernando, Pampanga.

A short and smooth ride from Angeles City to San Fernando City via Mc Arthur HW and we were already in the meet up place.

The boys were already there violently waiting for us... (late again!) LoLz

After a short discussion on how to ride safely by agreeing on the who to lead and take the back marker, we smoothly ride NLEX, Skyway Stage 3, SLEX, then Star Toll Expressway, on to Batangas Port.

The weather was very much forgiving that our pacing was very smooth at (a little bit) high speeds.

Port of Batangas, Batangas City.

We were already in Batangas Port by past 4am, after a smooth rides.

The port was jampacked with trucks, vehicles, and motorcycles hoping to cross the Verde Island Passage which separates the main Island of Luzon and Mindoro. Surprisingly, the lane bound for Puerto Galera was not so full - we were able to squeeze ourselves in the gate to pass through, and then it seems we were only the group bound for Balatero Port.

This Mindoro Adventure Loop Rides (as I dubbed it) comprises of couples: Eldon and Cath, Jeoffrey and Sha-Sha, Gibo and Joyce, and me and my wife Yvette.

It was also the chance for my fellow Philippine Loopers' Eldon and Jeoffrey to take photos within the port as part of gathering evidence for ATPI admins to review and certify them once all the land checkpoints and ferry ports were completed.

One has to show some photos with the Philippine Looper passport with a landmark that automatically tells everyone that you were indeed there at the time after the registration.

In spite of the uncertainty of travelling during the Lenten Season, we were able to reach this point wherein we were just awaiting the signal to board the RORO and it was so unbelievable.

Bound to Balatero Port.

M/V Maria Wynona is being operated by the Montenegro Shipping Lines and obviously an old Japan surplus roll on - roll out (RORO) ship primarily used in transporting people and vehicles from island to island.

The girls were able to board the ship immediately ahead of other passengers to quickly find the best spot to stay and rest.

While we (the boys) had to secure a safe parking space for the motorcycles and harness it for safety during the short journey.

Motorcycle riders were often first to board the ship in order to find the most efficient space to park the motorcycles - and then have the luxury to pick the best spot long before the rest of the passengers were allowed to board.

It is always the best feeling to go on top of the ship and smell the breeze of the salty air during good weather.

A few minutes before docking in Baletero port, a vendor selling turon with jackfruit came near to us and was surprisingly very tasty for our morning meryenda.

We were so excited upon hearing the boat's loud horn when nearing the port.

Angkol Gibo and his wife Ma'am Joyce were also very excited with this adventure loop considering they were the last to confirm joining the 4-days journey.

It was a short journey, but it was the first boat rides of Eldon and Jeoffrey on their motorcycles, so they were so excited.

Eldon in fact kept on joking about him not a good swimmer considering his son and daughter with Ma'am Cath are excellent competitive varsity swimmers.

For to load from the point of origin, motorcycles are now the last to embark when the boat arrive on the destination port - that's the trade off right there.

So, motorcycle riders often have to wait until all the big vehicles, trucks, and busses were already off the boat - first in, last out when tucked in tight spaces.

Balatero Port, Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro

Balatero Port is one of the new gateway ports to Puerto Galera other than the private yacht's Muelle Puerto Galera Port and Sabang Ferry Terminal for mostly scuba divers.

The port also offers passengers only fast craft that will shorten the sea crossing in almost half the time but obviously you cannot bring with you your motorcycle or vehicle.

White Beach, Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro

Riding smoothly for about 10mins @ 4.7km away and you will reach the infamous beach in the entire island of Mindoro known only as White Beach.

I was able to run quickly to the beach for a short glimpse after visiting it during the pandemic. The beach was so clean and well prepared for the Lenten season's most expected huge influx of tourists from abroad and all over the Philippines.

We decided to have our food prepared in advance (while unloading our stuffs and a quick shower) so it's readily served.

Fresh and grilled blue marlin took the center stage in the table.

Grilled chicken BBQ also gave us an alternative taste for that super late lunch.

And finally, a grilled fresh tilapia completes the sumptuous meal to satisfy us even more.

Ate Emely Romero is a very loving person to regular guests that's our go-to when in Puerto Galera. She's almost a mother to us, receiving us, and even to our friends at a moment's notice.

She offers travel and tours packages at Ate Ems Travel and Tours that is perhaps the cheapest in the area with the best assurance that you will enjoy every minute on tour in Puerto Galera.

She offers flexible tour packages that will suit your plan and budget and that will maximize your time and happiness, to almost all destinations in Puerto Galera.

Immediately after finishing our lunch, we went on to the beach to wind down from the rigorous rides and sea crossing all the way from Angeles City.

The girls were definitely enjoying the amazing white silky sand on the White Beach.

After 11 hours of travel were trying to wind down with the breeze of air coming from the sea.

To shift the tone and start the fun and adventure, the banana boat rides release the exhaustion and shift it towards so much laughter bouncing up and down the waters in front of the beach.

Halo-Halo was made available to us just after the exhilarating banana boat rides.

Then we're back to the sands again.

The girls were so funny playing with the Insta360 camera.

The night life in Puerto Galera is very similar to White Beach in Boracay and Alona Beach in Panglao but with way cheaper cost in food, drinks, and even hotels to stay.

Considering it was Ash Wednesday, the crowd was still at the minimum and most expectedly to pack in full by Black Friday and Saturday.

In our case, one of the main purposes in this adventure loop is to do the Visita Iglesias in the whole island of Mindoro - that is what Lenten Season is for, to visit churches and remember the Lord's path to salvation of our sins.

2nd Day Starts in Puerto Galera.

I went to the beach again in the early morning of our 2nd day and it was surprisingly very calm, and the sands were so clean.

Kudos to those local government cleaners to quickly remove any human waste from people were partying all night.

We took the chance to take photos by couples in the markers.

Then we went on for the group photo where everyone was onset.

You can also take photos on Philippines' famous beaches with the sand landmarks built by the locals for a few pesos.

There in white beach, they will charge you for 20 pesos per person inclusive of the shooter who take photos for you and your friends together inset - just politely ask for some package discount if you are too many.

And before leaving White Beach Resort, we requested Ate Emely to join us for the group photo with us.

Then we said goodbye to her and to Puerto Galera once again, with a consistent promise to be back for more.

1. Immaculate Concepcion Parish, Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro.

This was our 1st church for our Visita Iglesias 2023 with modest architecture and interiors, founded on 1574 by the Augustinian missionaries.

A sought-after venue for romantic bayside weddings located at the heart of the municipal center, the Immaculate Concepcion Parish sits within the amazing backdrop of rolling mountains and the sparkling cerulean sea and surrounded with tall and lush trees.

Tamaraw Falls, Puerto Galera.

Tamaraw Falls is one of Puerto Galera's most popular attractions. This majestic natural wonder has a height of 423ft (128.3m) which can be compared to a tall building.

It has a unique Y-shape due to its twin falls merging together. Flowing strong and wild, it's definitely a fascinating sight that is worth a visit.

The falls are named after the Mindoro Dwarf Buffalo called the Tamaraw which is a very rare and endangered species of buffalo found here on the island. These are native only to the island of Mindoro.

Puerto Galera's DPWH, Barangay men, and PNP were there to assist and ensure safety of tourists.

Puerto Galera Welcome Arch.

You will never miss this welcome arch located in San Teodoro, Oriental Mindoro.

It was so nice to stop and take some photos there before you proceed to Puerto Galera, or going to Calapan City.

2. Immaculate Concepcion Parish, San Teodoro, Oriental Mindoro

Located just in the main road after passing the Puerto Galera welcome arch, San Teodoro, this Immaculate Conception Parish is surprisingly very quiet and clean.

The church is aiming to build the Quincentennial Bell Tower and everyone is invited to take part and make it a reality.

3. Sts. Peter and Paul Chaplaincy, Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro

Said to be "simple place where you can talk to God..." this church has a big open space for churchgoers.

Located in Roxas Drive, Calapan City, the Sts. Peter and Paul Chaplaincy is a very peaceful place of refuge to meditate.

4. Devine Mercy Chaplaincy, Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro.

This church is perhaps one of the most beautiful churches in all of Mindoro with a nice entrance, a huge lot in front, and very simple and functional interior built in modern architecture.

In fact, the Divine Mercy Chaplaincy in Pachoca, Calapan City is the only church I visited with a live young tree inside it's middle gallies.

We were so delighted to having been visited this church for the first time.

5. Sto. Nino Cathedral, Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro.

Built like a fortress in 1679 by Fr. Diego de la Madre de Dios with stone walls, two watchtowers, and twenty canons, the Church of Calapan has full of historical events into it.

Rebuilt with modern interior by the Americans in 1945 after the World War II, the calmness and comfort inside the church was so comforting to those who seek silence and peace.

At this point, we had to take our lunch and rest for a while after reciting our prayers.

It was then that the most accommodating 1st District Representative of Oriental Mindoro, Hon. Cong. Paulino Salvador Cueto Leachon or simply known as "Doy" to his constituents in Calapan City and seven other municipalities including Puerto Galera.

Cong. Doy was very approachable, low profile (no heavily armed bodyguards), a Bedan lawyer, and perhaps this man will reach a long way for being so "normal" in spite of his achievements and status in life.

City of Calapan Arch, Oriental Mindoro.

Aside from the majestic welcome arch in Puerto Galera border, another landmark not to miss stopping by for some photos is the Calapan Tamaraw Welcome Arch.

If you are into Philippine Loop Adventure Tour, this is one of the landmarks that will surely tell where you at.

And at 17.6km away from Calapan Port, this welcome arch surely tells you to slow down the pacing when you are coming from Bulalacao or Roxas Port, in the south (from Caticlan).

From a short gas fill in the nearby Flying V gas station, we were on our way to the next church that we had to visit.

6. Good Shepherd Parish, Victoria, Oriental Mindoro.

The Good Shepherd Parish in Victoria is just 30km away from Calapan City.

Another simple yet very comforting interior that's seem common to Mindoro churches, inside this church is well lighted with natural sunlight beaming from both sides.

At this point, and because of the sheer heat of the sun, we were starting to become dehydrated again after just an hour of rides from Calapan City.

7. Our Lady of Fatima, Socorro, Oriental Mindoro.

Our Lady of Fatima Mission Area welcomes Christians and those who seek to understand Christianity in the Socorro area. Our aim is to make contact with and encourage others to join us in our life-enhancing Christian journey.

We kept on pushing and pushing in finding even more churches along the main road in east side of Mindoro, from Calapan City to Bulalacao.

Moriones Warrior Mascots at Gloria, Oriental Mindoro.

The origins of the Moriones Festival can be traced back to the town of Mogpog in Marinduque, where it began in the early 19th century under the influence of Spanish friars. Moriones Festival comes from the word "morion", a Spanish helmet named after Domingo Moriones or Moros referring to sea pirates that attacked the towns of Marinduque during Spanish times.

It retells the story of Longinus, the Roman centurion who pierced Christ on the cross and was later martyred. However, we did not expect to see such huge and colorful Moriones mascots in Gloria, Oriental Mindoro.

To our big surprise while passing Gloria, Oriental Mindoro, there were Moriones mascots grouped together in almost all the barangays, particularly in Brgy. Gaudencio Antonino where we decided to stop and joined with mascots in photos.

We were riding 80km in almost a couple of hours under the sheer heat of the sun during that time. It was so amazing rides, but it was taking a heavy toll on us.

Bulalacao, Oriental Mindoro.

By the time we reach Bulalacao, the border town between Oriental and Occidental Mindoro, we were riding about 160km from Calapan City, and we were already exhausted. If only we were still on high spirit that we were planning to not stop in San Jose, and proceed to Sablayan on that 2nd day instead, thinking we can arrange a boat ride package towards Apo Reef.

Passing the mountainous roads called Nicolas Heights in dark night on wet roads was not the best of ideas - it was a bit super exciting to ride like a white lady will cross the road anytime soon.

We decided to look for a nice place to stay overnight by the time we reach San Jose, already in Occidental Mindoro for the first time.

3rd Day Starts in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro.

We were so lucky that most of the mid-tier transients in San Jose were either fully booked, no parking, or not enough generator for the air-conditioning units last night - and we landed in the most beautiful hotel in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro.

Season's Hotel and Convention Center in San Jose is very near the airport and in the road that goes to the seaside.

The free breakfast is good, the ambiance is excellent, the rooms are way above the 2-start status, and the crew were all well-trained in their field.

Beef tapa with egg, corned beef with egg, and etc. is more than enough for the up and coming very hectic day of rides and excitement along the roads towards Sablayan.

We have also met there a vlogger by the name of Moto Polerina, also preparing to take off and on towards opposite our way - maybe to catch the huge crowd in Puerto Gallera during the Black Friday beach party.

Our entire group were enjoying the morning breakfast without any since we were still on the original schedule despite missing to reach Sablayan supposedly last night.

We were also having fun after our breakfast and took some time to vape outside within the beautiful resort like parking lot of Season's Hotel and Convention Center.

Believe me guys that's a Kawasaki Z400 naked street bike but no surprise it looks like a 50cc pocket bike on the hands of a giant like "Eldon the Puting Kalabaw"... LoLz

We were just taking our time smoothly and slowly preparing the safety gears.

And by mid 9am, we were already rolling out for Sablayan for about 78.5km in less than 2hrs - thus, we are expected to take our lunch in Sablayan.

Eldon once again will be taking the spear to increase the pacing at speed.

Calintaan, Occidental Mindoro.

About an hour of rides in more than halfway from San Jose to Sablayan, we stop for fresh buko juice and took some rest somewhere in Brgy. Concepcion's trees shade beside the main road.

8. Ang Lumang Simbahan ng Sablayan.

We immediately went to the best place in Sablayan upon arriving, The Lumang Simbahan - still being used for special masses and weddings, a rich in historical and religious significance in the life of the municipality, the Lumang Simbahan is situated in the foot of Bundok Bayan, Brgy. Poblacion, and built by the Spaniards to spread the Catholic faith in Sablayan.

It was Fr. Jacinto Perez De San Agustin, a friar under the Order of Augustinian Recollects, commissioned to build the church and the convent in 1843. The church suffered distractions from tsunami and world wars but was continuously being rebuilt by the locals.

We were so delighted and full of excitement upon reaching for the first time this part of very historical spot in Sablayan.

The church location was a blast with the beautiful seaside view on the left side of it.

From the church, we went to the center of Sablayan to look for the local tourism office.

Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro.

We were heavily beaten by the sheer heat of the sun during this 3rd day of rides from San Jose, Occidental Mindoro during this time. In fact, I was almost overheated that I excuse myself and went on to the nearest fastfood chain Jollibee for the aircon and shower my head with cold water in towel.

If we miss a boat ride to Pandan Island, we are going to miss a night in the beautiful resort there, complete with buffet dinner eat-all-you-want.

Luckily, the group were able to secure a boat ride and a space for us in Pandan Island with the help of Sablayan LGU's Ms. Claudine Cherry Lorenzo from the Office of the Municipal Administrator - thank you po..!

The Gateway to Pandan Island.

This government facilities under the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and the local government of Sablayan accommodates free parking for tourists going Pandan Island if you will coordinate with the local government Tourism Office.

The local government Tourism Office will also arrange boats in package of six to eight person.

This was my first time on board a glass boat - a type of wood boat (called "bangka") with transparent fiber glass in the middle exposing everything under the boat such as live and colorful fish, sea turtles, snakes, and etc. for 3x time more expensive than the normal boat with no bottom show.

The boat immediately departs upon loading all of us since it was only us for that special boat.

From BFAR and Sablayan Tuna Processing Plant humble port, the journey is through the narrow and shallow sand channel that is actually a river delta of fresh water coming from the mountains of Sablayan.

We were almost out in the sea when we realized that we left a container full of marinated pork liempo, and etc. - so the boat turn-around again to pick it up on the nearest landing port.

The Amazing Pandan Island Resort.

We have no expectation of what lies ahead of us in Pandan Island but by seeing this aerial shot posted in their official website, it was interesting to be there and spend a night.

In fact, this was just an alternative spot because our main goal was to reach Apo Reef in as much as possible, and that did not happen since it requires a month of advance info to the local tourism office, it was so expensive to be there, and there is no better thing to do there than to dive its depths and appreciate everything from below.

Approaching the beach of Pandan Island, there were so many colorful fishes seen through the glass bottom fiber casing. There was even a sea turtle speeding fast across the boat.

The beach was a typical island beach all over the Philippines. However, the quality of sands easily stands out to be silky and pure, not entirely shells.

The beach head was also very clean and obviously well maintained by the locals.

There was a bar at the center of Panda Island Resort that welcomes you with so many drinks and junk foods to choose from.

The menu indicates that the prices is still within the reasonable level that local tourist like us can still afford.

We were only accommodated by chance - so our initial option was to sleep in tents - no kubos or nipa huts available.

It was alright for us as long as we can rest and wind down in riding many hours from San Jose, and the extreme heat of the sun was so exhausting on that day.

Then Gael, one of the part owners, came and offered to us one kubo that was previously reserve, but the guest cancelled.

The resort offers free and unlimited buffet dinner for all the guests to enjoy the night.

Fresh fruits, sweets, and so many Filipino dishes were made available for everyone non-stop.

So satisfied with the dinner, we went back to the bar and met another part owners of the resort, Dennis Godart.

We were drinking redhorse beer while chatting and joking with one another.

The night was not too dark because the moon was shining on us.

Then we transfer from the bar to the beach for some feel that we were on an island.

It was a very satisfying night while the boys arguing that I should get serious with my vlogging by which I just laugh.

Morning at Pandan Island Resort.

In the morning, you will appreciate the beauty of how good the resort was laid out.

There were a lot of kubos there, but this T-1 saved us from the rains during the midnight.

My wife was so delighted to see the beach and landscaped resort.

Angkol Gibo and his wife Ma'am Grace was also in high spirit considering the sleep was a blast to recover our strength.

About 500m away to the left of the main beach where the bar was located, there were some shells washed ashore.

This indicates that the water approaches the beach on a shallow depth, not a sudden stiff bank like in Pundaquit, in San Antonio, Zambales.

Pandan Island has almost the same exact feel as the marine sanctuary Balicasag Island in Panglao, Bohol.

Undoubtedly, this is the place that shall be visited again and again because of the level and quality of accommodation it offers to their guests was so amazing.

Gael Carluth is the son of a Filipina who first venture in this island, developed it, increase jobs for the locals, caters even foreign tourist, and make our country proud. He was kind enough to offer to us the T-1 kubo that gave us better comfort in the island.

A large family of locals from San Jose, Occidental Mindoro was also there celebrating a birthday with huge pork lechon wherein they were kind enough to offer me some in a plate.

We were joined by the energetic mother of the island, Ma'am Marina Alingcomot Carluth. She told us how painful it is to keep the island in this current state of beauty, cleanliness, and peacefulness.

Our breakfast was again corned beef and fried daeng na bangus with egg, slice of tomato, and cucumber.

This was our last photo in the beautiful island of Pandan, the resort facilities, and the very accommodating owners and crew in the resort.

After about 3hrs of taking breakfast, shower, and packing out stuffs, we were again back on board the glass boat.

The boat man was kind enough to remind us that we paid so much for the glass boat and insisted that we roam around the island to check for some colorful fish, sea turtles, and etc. for about an hour.

Then we're back again in the port in BFAR to ride our motorcycles back to La Sofia Apartelle where we rented a room to secure most of our stuffs the other day. We again took a quick shower there before finally leaving for Abra de Ilog.

Mamburao, Occidental Mindoro.

Mamburao is the provincial capital of Occidental Mindoro and sits between Sablayan and Abra de Ilog with wide and super forgiving roads all the way to Abra de Ilog Port..

Abra de Ilog, Occidental Mindoro.

After 110km from Sablayan's La Sofia Apartelle and passing Mamburao, we were already at Port of Abra de Ilog to book a RORO to Batangas Port.

Again, it was very hot there and I was already starting to feel bad with increasing body temperature.

If the road is constructed between Abra de Ilog and Puerto Galera, the distance is only about 20km away or maybe less. Surprisingly though, that missing road is entirely within the side of Abra de Ilog municipal boundary, not in Puerto Galera's side.

In less than an hour after securing our tickets, we were called to board our motorcycles in the RORO.

From the boat long before reaching Batangas Port, I was already having a severe fever and headache, and riding on pitch black expressway a night, on the rain, and with fever and headache, it was once of the most difficult ride I have ever come to experience - from Batangas Port all the way to Angeles City via StarToll, SLEX, Skyway Stage 3, and NLEX.

Skyway Stage 3 North End Ramp.

The final 75km back to Angeles City, we were on Skyway Stage 3 waiting for them, as I speed fast to shorten the terrible pain and body temp.

Luckily by this time the rain already subsided and expected to have smoother ride via NLEX ahead.

It was an impossible feat to arrive safely in 1-piece, but we did reach home safely and securely by God's grace.

Home Sweet Home Angeles City.

Before 12 midnight, we were already parked inside the safety of our garage with 5 crazy small but terrible dachshund guard dogs screaming to death like rockstars had just arrived.

I was really in total mess arriving at home, but still thanks be to God for keeping us safe despite the ordeal from Batangas Port to Angeles City.

It's always an advantage if you have people that are team players with you in adventure rides like this; people that listen and weight often deeply before saying it out loud (like Jeoffrey), people that always give the best options and alternatives by his vast experience (like Gibo), and people that is too persistent to insist the best way possible by finding all the available options for everyone (like Eldon).