Away from the hustle of the busiest urban centers in Naga, situated at the heart of the remote coastal barangays and islands in North Coastal Lagonoy, is the first and only island Parish in the Archdiocese of Caceres: The Our Lady of Peñafrancia Parish, in Balaton, Lagonoy, Camarines Sur, Philippines.
https://goo.gl/HmwGss
Idyllic. Inviting. Nature-blessed. The place is a magnet for travelers looking for the requisite three R's. Reflection, Rest and Recreation. A fourth R is, like it or not, an added challenge, Remote.
The pilgrimage to Balaton Parish is an exercise of faith and endurance, more than anything else.
From the capital city of Naga, Camarines Sur, one takes the van or the local jeep en route to the Port of Tamban, Tinambac. Two hours later, the road trip ends where the sea voyage by motorized boat begins.
The once-a-day commute by “lantsa”, as it is traditionally called, leaves at 9:00 A.M.
On board or top load, the boat passes through sparsely populated yet scenic coastal communities in another two hours, more or less.
After coasting along that portion of the Pacific Ocean, one reaches the island to catch a first glimpse of the grey and green roofed structure that now the gentle “Ina”, Our Lady of Peñafrancia, in her Parish home away from Naga.
The view is exhilarating. A refreshing breather that makes the long journey worth all the hassle. (Kindly just click the play button of the video)
The Parish Church is architecturally designed with a Neo-Gothic influence in its overall structure.
Come and join us all here in Isla Balaton: The next destination of ABS-CBN Barangayan Kapamilya this summer of 2016!
See you all here in Isla Balaton!
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