Hundred Islands National Park might be open for Filipino tourists by December
Just around five hours away from Manila, Hundred Islands is an ideal escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. It is a cheap and fun way to experience the tropical Philippines, whether for a day tour, overnight trip, camping, or staying in the accommodations.
We might be able to enjoy the Hundred Islands this year
The good news, Hundred Islands National Park gradually opens its tourism starting July 1. However, this is exclusive for tourists residing from the first district of Pangasinan. According to its city tourism officer Miguel Sison, the said tourist destination will initially allow 1,000 visitors daily.
By September, authorities will reopen Hundred Islands National park to the whole province of Pangasinan. They will also allow visitors from Region 1 to travel there starting October and November. Sison added that if the situation permits, Filipinos from all over the country may enjoy this tourist spot by December.
If you are interested to visit the Hundred Islands, you must bring proof of residence like an ID card and other requirements under the guidelines set by the Inter-Agency Task Force. This is to guarantee the safety of guests and employees and prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
Artworks inspired by nature during the quarantine
James Ison led five artists of the Tanghalang Sandaang Pulo Visual (TSPV) in this project. They began working on April 29 during the country was under community quarantine. TSPV is a sub-group of Tanghalang Sandaang Pulo Cultural Group Inc., of which Ison is the project director.
The artworks feature three islands out of the 100 islands at the HINP – Quezon Island, the most developed island; Pilgrimage Island which features a 56-foot Christ the Savior image and life-sized Stations of the Cross sculptures and the newly-named Sandal Island.
If you stand beside these 3-D artworks, you can see an illusion that shows cracks and sunken islands on the ground. Ison described them as, “It’s like you’re underground seeing the islands, it’s like the floor was broken.”
Two younger brothers of Ison joined him in this project plus his groupmates Zaldy Alvis and Marx Paywan. They also had a partnership with Mayor Arth Bryan Celeste for possible projects that would attract more visitors. Nippon Paint Coatings Philippines, courtesy of De Vera Paint Center, sponsored the paint for this project.
Ison shared that the project gave them a great feeling as local artists. He said, “We are able to give even a little happiness to the people that despite this crisis we are facing, there’s still so much joy and color in this life.”
Are you looking forward to seeing nature and new artworks in Hundred Islands?
