We had an overnight stay in Pagudpud. It was already about 8 pm when we reached the place however, even in the dark, the silhouette of the beach was so peaceful and welcoming. We settled in for the night and the next day, we left Pagudpud by about 9 am.
On our way back, we spotted a large solitary rock formation by the coast. We were excited to stop by to get a closer look of this seemingly mysterious rock. Incidentally, when I went down on our vehicle, i have spotted another rock formation with a hole which was located side by side with that big rock that we saw. Since it was not really very far, I have seen some people by that other rock.
There was a marker that said Timmangtang Rock, hence the name of the rock that we were approaching. I am an Ilocana and with what I know about "tangtang", it means bell. I tried to research further, and indeed, it got it's name from a bell. Accordingly, they say that the rock formation was shaped like a bell. To me, I had no inclination on how it appeared like a bell because it didn't. The other rock was called Bantay Abot Rock formation.
Timmangtang rock stands majestically a few meters away from Bantay Abot caves. It is located along the shore and partly by the sea. You cannot separate Bantay Abot Cave from the Timmantang Rock for they are believed to be lovers, the former being the female and the later is the male. They are collectively termed as “Lover’s Rock”. This rock is bell-shaped, hence the name Timmantang. The rock is covered with grass and bushes. (Timmangtang Rock)
Bantay Abot means “a mountain with a hole.” A hole was found at the middle of the mountain where the waves were free to flash into its walls just like an open shore until it was wrecked by an earthquake during the 80’s. It is also called “the underground sea” for on top of the cave is a lustrous vegetative cover. Inside the cave is a church that once you are inside, you do not only hear the echoing sound of the waves, the chirping of the birds but you can also feel the cool breeze of the air. It is a favorite hangout of swallows that swarm to their roost in the late afternoon. It is a very unique creation partly surrounded by the clear blue sea. Its shore has white sand mixed with fragments of shells and rocks that can be made as a décor. Parts of the shore are forms of rocks where you can sit and relax and enjoy a lucid view of the wide sea and verdant mountains.(Bantay Abot)
It's just so nice seeing a lot of places. You get to learn more of their history, the must-see places that they offer plus the experiences that you gain out of it. With the natural beauties offered on hand, you tend to appreciate these wonders which you will never get from the comforts of your home. Indeed, I dreamed of going to Ilocos Norte some day and I did. The travel may have been long but it was really worth it! However, I still plan to go back there once again soon because there were still a lot of places that I missed to see.
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