PUERTO PRINCESA

We initially planned to visit Balabac Island in southern Palawan, but upon arriving in Puerto Princesa, unfavorable weather conditions forced the cancellation of all travel to the south. To make the most of our trip, we explored the city and took a tour of the Underground River, followed by a visit to Fort Barton. Although I had been to these places before, some of my companions were experiencing them for the first time.

PARISH OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CATHEDRAL (F–1872)
34 cor. Taft & Sandoval Sts. Puerto Princesa City 

 

 

Had a dinner at the Kalui Restaurant, one of the best restos in the city of Puerto Princesa. It is said that you have never been to Puerto if you have not dined at the Kalui. Aside from the good food, the ambiance is truly relaxing with their beautiful art collections from local artists.  

Port Barton

Our dinner on the last night was at this Badjao Seafront Restaurant. 

CHURCHES IN THE APOSTOLIC VICARIATE OF TAYTAY, PALAWAN

During one plenary assembly of the bishops, when Fr. Reynante Aguanta was still the  Apostolic Administrator Vicar of Taytay, I got an invitation from him  to visit the apostolic Vicariate of Taytay. I took the first opportunity to be there since the first time I went to El Nido, which is still north of Taytay,  the roads were not cemented yet and we had to take a small plane to get there. 

Fr. Rey met me at the airport in Puerto Princesa and we took the time to pass by the different parish churches belonging to Taytay along the way.  Aside from an island hopping in El Nido we also visited Port Barton which is fast becoming a tourist destination for its beautiful white sand beaches and serene atmosphere.

St. Joseph the Worker Cathedral Parish
Taytay, Palawan 

The Taytay Cathedral is still unfinished. Construction is slow with the lack of funds.  

Just at the back of the Cathedral is the Curia building which is also the bishop's residence.

This is the old Cathedral building which is still being used near the Curia building and at the back of the new Cathedral. 

The Fuerza de Santa Isabel in Taytay

The Fort or Kuta as locally known served as a fortress against the Moro invaders in the 17th century. It is one historic site that should not be missed when going to Taytay. 

Sta. Monica Parish, Poblacion, Taytay, Palawan

San Lorenzo Ruiz Parish, Caramay, Roxas, Palawan

With the parish priest of Caramay and Fr. Rey Aguanta (right) the administrator of Taytay. 

San Isidro Parish, Roxas, Palawan

With the parish priest of Roxas. 

The convento of Roxas

Sto. Niño Parish, Abongan, Taytay

St. Francis of Assisi Parish, El Nido, Palawan

San Isidro Parish, Port Barton, San Vicente, Palawan

St. Joseph Parish, Puerto Princesa, Palawan

We passed by this church with its newly built convento in Puerto Princesa. 

San Vicente Ferrer Chapel, Manamoc, Cuyo, Palawan

The island of Manamoc is part of the municipality of Cuyo which is the farthest jurisdiction of the town to the north. However, as a parish it is under the care of the Mission Station of Concepcion, Agutaya. Manamoc formerly belonged to Agutaya but it was since taken by Cuyo since the people of the island speak Cuyonon, not Agutaynon. 

With the parish priest of Concepcion, Fr. Alex Abia.  Most of the workers in Amanpulo come from the island of Manamoc which is just 35 minutes away.  

The Andres Soriano Foundation, Inc. which is the real estate owner of Amanpulo has several projects in the island. They have also scholars studying in Manila coming from the island. Fr. Alex was saying that in the senior high school, they have replicated a casita in Amanpulo for the training of the students.