The Philippines is an archipelago of about 7,107 islands, depending on whether its high or low tide, and one locality takes pride in having 123 of them—Alaminos City, Pangasinan. So when it decided to throw a street party to mark its strides in tourism and economic progress, it can be no other than one that brings to the fore its famed natural geological wonder—the Hundred Islands National Park (HINP).
Scattered around the historic Lingayen Gulf, the HINP is an amazing cluster of islands and rock formations with their own characteristics. Some islands have short stretches of powdery white beaches, mangrove forests, caves, subterranean lagoons, bat caves, and a host of interesting sights.
Governor’s Island, one of the core islets, has a view deck which offers a sweeping view of the archipelago. At low tide, a sand bar connects it with the adjoining Virgin Island. It is also ideal for snorkeling in the giant clam farm.
Children’s Island, as it name suggests, is tops for kids because of its shallow and clear waters. Nearby is Quezon Island where beach bums converge to swim or snorkel in the nearby giant clam farm.
The islands of Cagao, Macapagal and Marcos have short but powdery white sand beaches and clear waters. The latter has an inland underground pool called Imelda Cave where intrepid souls can jump from about 20 feet above.
Touring Hundred Islands has been revolutionized with the introduction of kayaking and adventure tours in recent years. With its calm waters, white sand beaches, proximity of islands and vibrant marine life, it appears to be cut out by Mother Nature to be the country’s “kayaking capital”.
This geological wonder takes center stage once more at Alaminos City’s 9th Gali’La Hundred Islands Festival to usher in summer and celebrate the Feast of St. Joseph and its 12th Cityhood Day.
Literally meaning “come and join us”, Gali’La kicks off on March 19 with the Agri-Trade Fair (Farmers & Fisherfolks Day) which will underscore the city’s vital role as an agro-industrial center in Pangasinan.
The locus of the festivity is a patronal feast procession, civic military parade and a street dance exhibition which will portray the city’s prized delicacy—the sought-after local longanisa or pork sausage.
Alaminos Mayor Hernani Braganza said that the fete will also bring to the fore city’s achievements in terms of environmental protection, good governance, and tourism promotion.
The City has been awarded in the past as Most Outstanding LGU Coastal Resource Management Implementer, and runner-up honors as the Best Performing City in Region I and the Cleanest, Safest and Greenest City.
Meanwhile, Braganza has been named as among the 10 Tourism Awardees Rotary of the Club of Manila in 2011 and the Fr. Neri Satur Environmental Hero Award in 2012 by Earthsavers.
He said that since 2005, the city has been successfully managing the Hundred Islands when it was turned over to them by the Philippine Tourism Authority.
Alaminos has also been chosen to a partner local government in the prestigious Shore It Up project of the Metro Pacific Investment Corp. Foundation in 2011 in conjunction with the International Coastal Cleanup Day.
The mayor said that travel to Hundred Islands, one of the country’s top tourist draws, will be shortened with the construction of the Alaminos Airport which is currently under construction.
Gali’La draws to a close on March 22 with the Longanisa Eating Contest and Talaba Ihaw-Ihaw Festival where participants will feast on tasty native longanisa and luscious oysters.
