CAPE BOLINAO LIGHTHOUSE, PATAR BEACH AND PUERTO DEL SOL

        Nestled along the picturesque western coast of Pangasinan province lies Bolinao, home to some of the region's most pristine beaches. Among these coastal gems, Puerto del Sol Beach Resort stands out, boasting exceptional amenities that cater to every traveler's desires. From elegantly appointed rooms to expansive infinity pools overlooking the ocean, every detail is meticulously crafted to ensure a luxurious stay. The sumptuous buffet breakfast serves as a delightful start to each day.

        However, at this time of the year when the tides keep the sea shallow, even at its highest, Puerto del Sol was not the ideal  place to be if one prefers the sea than the pools and the jacuzzis. The waters were so shallow that even kayaking was not possible.  Craving the soothing embrace of the sea, we embarked on a short journey of about five kilometers to reach the lively shores of Patar public beach. Here, vacationers from far and wide congregated to revel in the joy of swimming and other sports activities.

        Along the way we passed by the second highest lighthouse in the country, the Cape Bolinao Lighthouse. 

With Frs. Maki and RL at the Puerto del Sol. 

It was not possible in the sea at the Puerto del Sol during this time of the year as the tides were so shallow. 

With Frs. Marco, Maki and RL at the beach of Puerto del Sol

Cape Bolinao Lighthouse

Patar Beach

With Rafael and Fr. RL at the Patar beach. 

THE PARISH CHURCHES OF THE TOWNS UNDER THE ARCHDIOCESE OF LINGAYEN-DAGUPAN

            The Archdiocese of Lingayen-Dagupan is composed of two cities and 13 municipalities of the central part of Pangasinan: Dagupan City, San Carlos City, Basista, Bautista, Bayambang, Binmaley, Calasiao, Laoac, Lingayen, Malasiqui, Manaoag, Mangaldan, Mapandan, San Fabian, San Jacinto, Santa Barbara and Urbiztondo.  Since I have already visited Dagupan and Manaoag, during the Holy Week of 2024 I went to all the other towns under the archdiocese.  On Holy Tuesday on my way to Bolinao, I passed by the towns of Santa Barbara, Malasiqui, San Carlos, Calasiao and Binmaley. The following day on my way back to Urdaneta, I passed by Urbiztondo, Basista, Bayambang and Bautista.  On Holy Thursday right after the Chrism mass in Urdaneta, together with my student in Canon Law Fr. Dan Philip Soriano, we visited the last towns of Pangasinan that I haven’t been to which were all under the Archdiocese of Lingayen-Dagupan: Mapandan, Mangaldan, San Jacinto, San Fabian and Laoac.  We were back in Urdaneta just in time for the mass of the Evening of the Lord’s Supper.  

Holy Family Parish
Santa Barbara, Pangasinan

    Originally under the patroness, Saint Barbara, the town of Santa Barbara became an independent vicaria from Calasiao between 1742 and 1745. It was placed under the patronage of the Holy Family in 1963-1965. 

St. Ildephonse Parish
Malasiqui, Pangasinan

            Founded in 1655 as a visita of Binalatongan (the original name of San Carlos, Pangasinan), it was established as a vicarage by the Dominicans in 1678. 

St. Dominic Parish
San Carlos City, Pangasinan

            Formerly known as Binalatongan, San Carlos is the first town founded by the Dominicans in the Philippines in 1587. 

Sts. Peter & Paul Parish
Calasiao, Pangasinan

        Founded in 1588 by the Dominicans, it was the site of the Synod of Calasiao in 1773. The Synod tried to prohibit the custom of circumcision among young children which they were not successful. The parish church as declared as a National Cultural Treasure by the National Museum on Sept. 29, 2001. 

Revisited Calasiao two weeks after my holy week visit. This time the altar retablo was already uncovered. 

Our Lady of the Purification Parish
Binmaley, Pangasinan

The town of Binmaley was founded by the Dominicans  independent from Lingayen in 1627. 

One the few churches in Pangasinan with the altar retablos remaining uncovered for the Holy Week.l 

Epiphany of the Lord Co-Cathedral
Lingayen, Pangasinan

Lingayen was founded on April 25, 1587 by the Augustians with Bagnotan and Manaoag as visitas. It was the seat of the Docese of Lingayen from 1928-1954. Formerly under the patronage of the Three Kings, it was changed to the Epiphany of the Lord by Abp. Oscar Cruz. 

I got to revisit Lingayen and some other towns of Pangasinan two weeks after the Holy Week when I had to solemnize a wedding in Dagupan. This time all the altar retablos could be seen in their glorious splendor. 

St. Joseph the Patriarch Parish
Mapandan, Pangasinan

        Mapandan was erected a parish in 1905 ahead of its establishment as a town separate from Mangaldan in 1909. 

With the parish priest of Mapandan and Fr. Dan. 

St. Thomas Aquinas Parish
Mangaldan, Pangasinan

Mangaldan was founded by the Dominicans in 1600.

St. Fabian Parish
San Fabian, Pangasinan

Holy Cross Parish
Laoac, Pangasinanan

Laoac is the only predominantly Ilocano-speaking town in the whole archdiocese of Lingayen-Dagupan.

|With the parish priest of Laoac.