When people hear of Pangasinan, the first thing that comes to their mind is the Hundred Islands in Alaminos City. And lately, the white beaches of Dasol and Bolinao are also attracting quite visitors and gaining its popularity.
However, between these three popular spots in the western part of the province is an unsung paradise that is yet to be discovered.
For people who find themselves in the folds of this place, experiencing its agri-tourism and its other eco-tourist sites, the town of Bani is definitely more than just a side-trip.
Bani is a second class municipality in the province of Pangasinan. Dubbed as the “Golden West” in the 1960s and early 1970s, Bani lies between Tambac Bay and West Philippine Sea.
How the municipality of Bani got its name is nothing short of mystical. The origins of this quaint town goes beyond its past as part of Northern Zambales.
According to local lore, during the town fiesta of what was once the town of San Simon, their patron saint – the Immaculate Concepcion – was found missing from its altar. The locals searched, locating the image three kilometers from the original site, nearby a "bani" tree. They returned the image to its altar only to have it disappeared that night. It was later again found near the same "bani" tree. This was when the townspeople decided to permanently relocate the image, building it a home – a church – in the heart of the present-day Poblacion, where "bani" trees are plentiful.
If you are ready to travel and love nature-tripping, the local government of Bani recommends these best places to visit: Busay Olanen (a 20-feet-high falls), Olanen Beach, Bangrin Marine Protected Area, Nalsoc Cave, Surip Beach, Surip’s Redeemer’s Cross, Alicupen Beach, Busay Calabeng (waterfall), Polipol Island, among others.
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| Busay Falls |
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| Nalsoc Cave |
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| Polipol Island |
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| Surip Beach |
But exploring the town of Bani will never be perfect without experiencing the grand celebration of its Pakwan Festival which highlights the town’s main product, watermelon!
To boost the tourism industry and to further address the importance of watermelon as the primary product of the town, Bani is celebrating Pakwan Festival annually.
Every January 26 to February 2 , Bani staged the watermelon festival as one way of promoting the town as a tourist destination. This festivity is an affair to relish the abundant harvest and the continuous soaring of the municipality’s tourism growth.
Grown in soil rich with limestones, the Bani’s watermelon is surely one of a kind because it is distinctively sweet and juicy. And Bani not just grow one, but several varieties, of watermelon.
And just when you think "pakwan" is only round-shaped, think again. In Bani, "pakwan" comes in oval and square and in various colors, too – red and yellow.
So what are you waiting for? Come and experience the breathtaking Bani and grab a bite of its tastiest "pakwan." (PIA)
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