The Newly Renovated Ermita Hill

You can see from the above post the old look of Ermita Hill. It's now newly renovated with colorful paints and open grills.

Kindly visit also other magnificent views from the eight (8) towns of Aurora " The Sanctuary of Nature's Splendor". Click here.

Kasiguranins - Picnic Lovers!

Going for a picnic in the beaches of Casiguran is one of the favorite pastimes of the local folks during weekends, holidays and family reunions. This could be a delightful activity also for tourists. One could pick out a nice area under a tree near the beach and enjoy sumptuous broiled delights from the sea and fresh tropical fruit.

Laid back atmosphere, deep blue skies, cool breeze, splendid sun....a definite break from stressful and busy life!

Casiguran Sound

Casiguran Sound is a bay nearly enclosed by the Casiguran landmass and the cape of San Ildefonso. Only a kilometer-wide inlet serves to connect the sound to the sea. Its very location provides protection from the typhoons that seasonally ravage most of the province. Casiguran Sound is also unaffected by the monsoon winds that blow from October through February, making it an ideal spot for windsurfing, should facilities be available. For the time being, bring your own windsurfing equipment. The area has its share of white beaches and numerous places for relaxation, and many foreigners have taken advantage of the natural placidity, having built vacation homes along the coast.

Casapsapan Beach

One of the newly discovered beaches in Casiguran, Aurora! It's gaining popularity among the locals and tourists because of it's astonishing view of the Pacific ocean, powdery white sand, clear blue water and the magnificent mountain ranges!

Mangrove Area at Motiong

Mangroves (generally) are trees and shrubs that grow in saline coastal habitats in the tropics and subtropics. Mangroves forests provide important ecosystem goods and services. The forests help stabilize shorelines and reduce the devastating impact of natural disasters, such as tsunamis and hurricanes. They also serve as breeding and nursing grounds for marine species, and are sources of food, medicine, fuel, and building materials for local communities. However, the forests have been declining at an alarming rate — perhaps even more rapidly than inland tropical forests — and much of what remains is in degraded condition.

On the other hand, Casiguran still preserves its mangrove forests. Exploring these ecologically vital mangroves can be done thru riding a banca or thru kayaking with the locals as guide.

Rural Life

Small unpaved and rough roads like this can be found around Casiguran. The countryside atmosphere of this ruggedly beautiful town makes up for the minor inconveniences.

Casiguran Agricultural Production

Coconut plantations can be seen around the agricultural lands of Casiguran. However, coconut intercropping and orchard areas are on a limited scale. Agricultural production include staple foods such as rice, corn and root crops. Farming structure here resembles traditional farming practices covering a small area of farm production which include crops, spices and vegetables.

Location of Casiguran, Aurora

Casiguran is a 3rd class municipality in the northern part of the province of Aurora, Philippines. It is located 121 km from Baler, the provincial capital. It is bounded on the northeast by Dilasag, on the southwest by Dinalungan, on the northwest by Quirino and southeast by the Pacific Ocean.

Brief History of Casiguran, Aurora

According to folk legend, the name Casiguran was obtained from the word "Kasiguruhan" which means "safety" or "assurance". Safety means defense/fortress or sanctuary for sailing ships during stormy weather. On the other hand, assurance means that if an unmarried stranger comes to the place, he unavoidably falls in love with someone and eventually gets married and most of the time stayed for good. Casiguran was founded by the Spanish Missionaries on June 13, 1609. But prior to their arrival, the early settlers of the place were the Dumagats/Aetas followed by migrants from other places of the country. These migrants spoke different dialects such as Ilokano, Visayan, Bicolano, Pampango. Gaddang, Itawes and Ibanag. Thus, a "kasiguranin" language evolved out of these dialects. In 1942, the entering by the Japanese Occupation forces landed in the town of Casiguran. In 1945, the liberation in the town of Casiguran from the defenders between the Allied Philippine Commonwealth troops and local guerrilla units against the Japanese forces during the Battle of Casiguran at the end of World War II. When the Philippines became independent in 1946, Aurora was still part of Tayabas Province (now Quezon Province) and Casiguran was a lone northern town. Its political jurisdiction is bounded on the north by the province of Isabela, on the west by Quirino Province, and on the south west by barangay Dinadiawan which was then the boundary between Baler and Casiguran. In 1959 and 1966, the barrios of Dilasag and Dinalungan which were part of Casiguran and situated on its northern and southwestern portions, respectively were created municipalities.