By JAN DARREN GUIWAN

If you have not yet discovered the northern coastal regions of Quezon Province, this article is for you. A newly-created tourism circuit by the Department of Tourism – CALABARZON tagged by the acronym REINA, is ready to excite your 2025 travel goals to experience the beauty and culture of “RE”al, “IN”fanta and General “NA”kar municipalities. Invite yourself to explore the destinations, taste the local cuisine and experience their culture with the community.

At least two and a half drive via the MARILAQUE highway leads you to the doors of Real town. For adventure junkies, experience river rafting with the Tanauan Balsahero Association aboard large “balsa” and try surfing with beginner-friendly waves at Magra Beach Resort in Barangay Malapad area.

The town of Real recently hosted the Pasaripoy 2024, a national surfing competition event that gathers hundreds of guests. Another water adventure is Real’s poster destination – the Balagbag Falls which is a few minutes’ drive away from the surfing area. Towering 50 meters, the two-tiered waterfalls enthral visitors with its 15-meter wide cascade and 5-meter deep catchbasins inviting you to splash.

Don’t forget to bring home durable “Walis Tambo” manufactured by the Dragon Grass SLP Association from Barangay Maragondon. Cap your day at Real right at their Municipal Ground Complex and visit the Amando A. Diestro Building Ground Floor Hall and learn more about the history and other destinations of Real. You can check in at Appleton Little Paradise, a DOT-accredited beach resort featuring villa-style rooms and its inviting swimming pool. Contact the Real Tourism Office at tourismrealquezon@gmail.com to arrange your tour.

Everybody say “Kata Na Sa Infanta” which translates to “Tara Na Sa Infanta!”. From adventure, let’s shift to culinary experience, but with a twist. Infanta tours are best experience via tricycle tours. First stop is at the Salt Production at Barangay Dinahican and learn from the Samadin SLP Association how this most important kitchen seasoning is made from scratch – you would be surprised by the required manual work. You can have a sidetrip to Dinahican Fish Port and see the catches of the day.

From seasoning to fresh ingredients, go to the banks of the Agos River and experience the “pagtatain” or setting of rattan fish baits in Barangay Banugao and harvest from yesterday’s set. Common catches are “taripis” or crayfish, eels and freshwater shrimps. Next hop on a “kulilig” ride at AFA (Alitas Farmer Association) main hall to experience the traditional transport to the AFFA Mangrove Ecopark. Learn how their “Alak sa Sasa” branded as “Nipanog” is made and enjoy the mangrove forest tour after. You can request for lunch these dishes after the tour: Tinutô – laing style dish, Ginataang Busaing – another gata-based dish, Minanok – a carabeef soup dish, Matalos – a salty appetizer and for dessert – Hinulog-hulog made of banana and coconut cream. You can request to learn their “Tagayan” culture here. Cap your day with a sumptouus dinner at Fiesta Infanta Restaurant and you must try their Sinantol.

You can check in at Blue Pavilion Beach Resort in Barangay Dinahican. Do not forget to bring home and share your new found love of the delectable Suman Infanta. Contact Infanta Tourism office at infanta_tourismoffice@yahoo.com to arrange your tour.

The last leg is the municipality of General Nakar, the largest in land area and the northernmost municipality of Quezon Province. Prepare yourself for another adventure as we venture into this vast town aboard habal habal, a local term for motorcycle perfect for the mountainous terrain.

Begin at the historic Masanga Point boasting its natural arch rock formation where American ships docked during World War II to replenish supplies. Next is about an hour’s hike and rock scrambling going to the majestic Depalyon Falls. Most of its catchbasin is crystal clear, hence inviting you to swim and dip. The path features river crossings and forest trails.

Next is Pagapeden Falls in Barangay Magsikap. The trail is shorter most under tree canopy. The waterfalls that feature waist-deep catchbasin and a single cascade flowing on a rock face. Enjoy your lunch in a hut facing Lamon Bay at the Sablan Pebble Beach. Commission a local to prepare your lunch. We had Fried Lapu Lapu (Grouper), Pako Salad (fern fiddleheads), my favorite Laing, Paksiw na Isda and fresh coconut juice in husks.

While resting, listen to the unique sound of crashing waves onto pebbles. You would be traveling back via the same coastal road. You can check in at Moldy & Goldy Beach Resort and try their water sports activity there. The beach resort also features modern swimming pool with jacuzzi and slides. Do not forget to visit their Pasalubong Center and Healers Choice Inc. Store at the municipal hall grounds and bring home crispy banana chips and healthy natural teas. Contact the General Nakar Tourism Office at tourismgeneralnakar@gmail.com to arrange your tour.

You finally reached the finish arch of your REINA experience. The usual heavy feeling as we depart each town and the smiles of the community fade away as we drive back to our normal routines, definitely, you brought home the fun, laughter and most importantly the community stories. Your storytelling would ascertain the continuity of tourism livelihood in these three lovely coastal towns, and could earn the phrase: “Tara, lakbayin natin ang ating mahal na REINA!”