Hello! Welcome to the second part of my birthday celebration! One of my wishes is to visit the beach at sunrise to feel the cool breeze of the Northeast Monsoon and eat the street foods I've been craving for so long. And since my meet up with friends was canceled. I told my brother that I'll be giving him some of the cheesecake.
I almost canceled my trip because I woke up late in the morning at 6 A.M. I contemplated a bit while on my bed but decided to push through. After preparing quick, I was able to leave home at 7 A.M.
While on the jeepney, I kept looking for a bus bound to Lingayen but there were no buses nor jeepneys heading to that town. Later on, I spotted a bus going to Camiling. This bus will pass by Lingayen so I got off the jeepney and transfered to the bus.
There were very few passengers and I can feel the cool air against my skin when the bus sped up on the highway. I'm glad I rode this bus because the airconditioned bus heading to Lingayen seemed slow. We passed by three of these buses waiting for passengers.
Another advantage of riding an ordinary bus was its open windows. I was able to take this nice shot while passing by a bridge.
I arrived at the Lingayen Provincial Capitol at 8 A.M. The area was surprisingly quiet than usual. Perhaps it's a weekend so the offices are closed and there are no classes.
I walked towards this aisle to take a photo of the area. If I'm not mistaken, there were benches on the sides before. I wonder why they have to remove it.
This is the provincial capitol building. This was damaged during the World War II and was restored after. Lingayen is Pangasinan's capital, by the way. The Lingayen Capitol is a huge area where people can stroll and rest because it's surrounded with trees and has lots of open spaces. This is also where some of the provincial offices area located.
To add more on the trivia, the Lingayen Gulf/Beach was among the battlefields during the second world war. General Douglas MacArthur also landed on this area. It's cool that they were able to save some pieces from the war and is still on display for everyone to see anytime. It just pains me every time I see someone, especially children, climbing on top of these historical pieces.
I wasn't supposed to go this area and should be heading straight to the beach but I was looking for the comfort room which is only beside these but I was surprised to see the area being closed and renovated. This part is also where the open museum is. I just wish they bring back the museum and not put it somewhere that's less accessible.
I continued walking towards the beach because the weather was already getting warm. I need to get to the beach before the sunrays get painful to the skin.
I also have to pass by this area. Just how big are they renovating the capitol? I would surely miss its vintage vibe.
While nearing the baywalk, I spotted a light aircraft. There's a nearby airstrip where student pilots can practice. If you want to see aircrafts occasionally then Lingayen Capitol is where you should be hanging out.
The Lingayen Baywalk is a long straight road field with coconut trees and benches on the sides. People can jog here but you only just have to be aware of the surroundings because some vehicles also pass by this road.
I lingered on this area for a few minutes because I wanted to take a photo of the signage which says "Pangasinan" but unfortunately that area was closed and there were trucks blocking the view. I think they were removing or maybe installing a small stage? I'm not sure.
I spotted a sorbetes (dirty ice cream) vendor and bought a cup since I still haven't eaten breakfast. I literally just took a bath and dressed up and left home. Lol.
After eating and resting for some minutes, I continued walking towards the beach. I intentionally wore slippers this time because I wanted to soak my feet with the beach water.
There were fishermen pulling their harvest when I arrived.
And while looking at them, a taho vendor arrived. Finally! I've been waiting for a taho vendor since this is one of the foods I'm craving.
Taho is a silken tofu with sago pearls and brown sugar syrup. It's one of the many favorite morning desserts of Filipinos. I missed this dessert a lot!
I stayed on the beach for 30 minutes basking in the sun with my feet on the sand and feel the waves of the Lingayen beach. The beach is surprisingly not so much crowded despite it's a weekend. I'm guessing they were already done visiting earlier and don't want to get exposed from the sun.
Here are some other photos that I love:
I guess I have to cut it here and continue on another post because it's already too long. I really wished I arrived earlier to witness the sunrise and stay longer at the beach. I'd make a better strategy next time and maybe sleep earlier so I can wake up on time.
This is my first time going to the beach alone. If my mama were alive, she would definitely come with me. Anyway, it also felt good to be alone although I just hope I didn't look weird on some while I was standing alone playing with the water.
I wish I can go back here soon but on the afternoon to witness the sunset.
Thanks for reading! 💚