Pangasinan is undeniably hallowed by nature’s wonders.
From the mesmerizing view of Mapita Trail of Aguilar and Mt. Zion of Bugallon, to the beautiful Hundred Islands of the City of Alaminos, the caves of Bani, and the pristine white sand beaches and diving sites of Dasol and Bolinao, Pangasinan is a province worth a thousand words of admiration.
Gifted with a vast fishing ground of milkfish or “bangus,” and big fish like tuna and blue marlin, the rustic town of Agno is one of the places should you not miss when visiting Pangasinan. The name Agno was derived from swamp tree called “Agno Casto” that grow abundantly in the locality and is being used to relieve pain and illness. It is characterized by beautiful rolling terrains and rice fields productive in rice, mangoes, vegetables, and root crops and abundant in bamboos and coconuts, all of which you could see on the way to the town proper.
As you near the Poblacion, the town plaza, the road passes along the beautiful Mabini River, which in turn meets with the South China Sea further west. Some of the famous beaches in Agno are Abagatanen beach, a white sand beach, and Baruan beach. And of course, the nearest beach in town, the Sabangan Beach where the Umbrella Rock Formations are situated.
Amazingly carved by nature at the shore of Sabangan beach, they were called the Umbrella Rocks because along the shore, there are big rock formations that resemble gigantic umbrellas where you can rest from the rays of the sun. This picturesque view of the umbrella rocks beside the beach and mountain is the reason why the place is loved by nature lovers and photographers.
Aside from the famous Umbrella Rocks, Sabangan beach also has an old lighthouse wherein you can see the panoramic view of beach and its fern-decorated boulders that appear to be umbrellas. It will take less than hundred steps to the old light house.
How to get there
Public Transport - Take a bus ride from Manila to Bani, Pangasinan, then take a tricycle or jeepney ride to Agno, Pangasinan or direct bus ride from Manila to Agno, Pangasinan (limited trips only for Five Star Bus/Dagupan Bus Co.) Travel time is about 5 to 6 hours.
This article was co-written by Angel Caronongan Enero and was published at Focus Weekly and posted at www.focusweekly.net
