Ballesteros North West of Magapit

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As luck would have it, the approaches to Magapit bridge were clear and afforded us the opportunity of pausing on the bridge to take a couple of photos. We are heading west and our next stop will be Alacapan.

After crossing the bridge, we drove to the top of the small range that bounds the western shore of the Cagayan River, and passed through the village of Bangag. There are coconut and banana plantations on the side of the hill, and we notice that the air is clean and crisp as we begin the descent to the low country. Unfortunately there is no elevated view of the river behind us so we focus on the road ahead, which is paved and carries only a moderate amount of traffic, at this time...

Aparri Gateway to Cagayan

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As our jeepney rounds the bend, I am presented with a splendid view of the Magapit Bridge spanning the Cagayan River. The village of Magapit is situated on the eastern shore of the Cagayan River at the junction of two major arterial roads, which link the northern municipalities with the south and the northeastern municipalities with the northwest.

Originally a gift from Japan, the Magapit suspension bridge was the first of it's type to be erected in Asia. The bridge was constructed during the nineteen seventies and is most important, as it is the only bridge spanning the Cagayan river in the far north of Cagayan Province. It provides a more direct route from the northwestern municipalities to the capital city of Tuguegarao, as well as a road link to the northern port city of Aparri..

Pilgrimage to Our Lady of Piat

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Driving became much more difficult as we neared our destination. The peddler's stalls that lined the roadside, fronted the very edge of the carriageway, this slowed traffic to a walk, and even made passing oncoming traffic a tedious task. Hawkers, many of them dressed in festive costumes, jogged alongside the slow moving line of vehicles offering food, refreshments and souvenirs, adding a carnival atmosphere to this annual religious pilgrimage...