More than just bangus – is the feeling that I got as I spent 2 days exploring Dagupan, Pangasinan. I don’t want to sound naive but Dagupan is popularly known for its “Bangus Festivals” and their delicious seafood but really, they have so much more to offer to the curious cats like me – a secret paradise.
“Not all those who wander are lost” – J. R. R. Tolkien
For the past few months, I have been searching for beautiful destinations near Metro Manila. I believe that one does not need to spend a fortune to experience the wonders of the Philippines. When my friend Iris asked me if I wanted to spend the weekend in her hometown, I immediately said yes. Welcome to Bonuan, Dagupan, Pangasinan!
More than just bangus | A feast on Don Pedro Balingit Road
OF COURSE – first things first. We must sink our teeth in the specialty of Dagupan which is their very, very fresh bangus. It was a weekend of eat, sleep, beach, repeat in Dagupan and I think I can say people are living the life over there! We chatted over liempo, pinakbet, indian mangoes and bagoong. What a great morning!
Coco Cabana white one-piece | NIVEA Protect and Bronze
From the house of Iris, the beach was one-minute away via a grassy pathway. We found ourselves sinking our toes on the soft sand of Tondaligan beach. Is this for real – we have the beach ALL to ourselves? Yeahp, welcome to Dagupan!
On Adi: Soak swimwear ruffled top | On Yuki: Costa Swimwear Makani Bikini (Tropics print)
This beauty is like a patch of land waiting to be developed – or even beautiful as is. The sand is pretty fine and the cool salty water is perfect for a hot afternoon dip.
Soak swimwear navy blue peplum top | Jellybean white pants | Paradigm “Furth” sandals | Roxy woven sling bag
On Don Pedro Balingit Road – the grandfather of Iris. There are hostels and resorts nearby and I’m sure the accommodations will be pretty affordable. This place is a nice stopover if ever you find yourself in the Pangasinan area.
“Lagi na lang ako iniiwan.” #HUGOAT
Behind the beach house of Iris is another property and we found this herd of goats. I tried feeding them but they just stared blankly at me and walked away. Why you gotta be so rude, guys? :))
Tabitha’s lace kimono | Soak swimwear ruffled V top | Curtsy bunny shorts | Georgina Sasha sunnies
Soak Swimwear dress & beach hat | Calima Jewellery Wayuu mochilla
Adi Amor, Iris Maligat & Yuki Tansengco in Tondaligan beach
DoD aka Donyas of Dagupan! What a fun weekend! Thank you, Iris, for hosting and I will definitely be back – until then, I will dream of yummy bangus. Many thanks to the group (Iris, Adi, Matt and Henry) for being so kind and patiently snapped my blog photos! 🙂
Pedrito’s Bakery & Restaurant in Bonuan, Pangasinan
Tondaligan Beach, Bonuan, Pangasinan
If ever you do decide to go, make sure to bring an umbrella or mini tent with you because there is absolutely no shade by the beach! Here I am slowly becoming a nognog. Around 6 hours from Manila, this place is definitely something worth checking out! Where to next?
XO,
Style Cat