Alternative Route to Bicol: Quezon Eco-Tourism Road

As a frequent traveler going to and fro Metro Manila, the usual route has been pain in the neck, legs and arms of drivers especially when you reach Southern Tagalog roads. While others have the luxury to travel by air, our family tradition going on a south road has been a luxury of time for us.

For decades, from being a passenger during my childhood years to earning my driver's license, I have seen different road conditions that you can ever imagine which can be tantamount to imperfection. But, it is in this sense of imperfection that we get to see the reality of our government and even politics. Beyond all these, we have the chance to enjoy the scenic view of southern Luzon. Exploring alternative routes and recently taking bypass roads like in Candelaria and Tiaong has been in the past years due to recent developments.

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Most of our roadtrips are motivated by family gatherings and since we have relatives all over Luzon, it's a good excuse to travel every year. I first heard of Quezon Eco-Tourism road from Inquirer's post HERE. With a trip in queue back in April 2016, we never had second thoughts of taking this alternative route mainly because, first, we love seeing new places and secondly, easing a little bit of traffic just to get in time to our destination is a must.

Below is my recorded dashcam video, southbound. Recorded by a Transcend DrivePro DP 220 at 720p. 

Alternative route going to Bicol staying away from San Pablo, Alaminos, Tiaong, Candelaria, Sariaya. (Video taken last May 1 when we were homebound to Naga). This route is different from the exsiting bypass roads in Candelaria and Tiaong.

From SLEX, go straight to Southern Tagalog Arterial Road (Star) Tollway and exit to Ibaan. Take San Juan then Rosario, Batangas road then turn right to the new Quezon Ecotourism Road. (Just put "Quezon Ecotourism Road" on Waze and everything is fairly easy, yup its accurate, don't worry.) Traverse through coconut plantations (my favorite part), farmlands of vegetables with signages of numerous resorts in Sariaya. Traffic here in Batangas towns are tolerable rather than Tiaong, Candelaria, Sariaya and even adding up San Pablo.

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If you are northbound: After Lucena, turn left to Quezon Ecotourism Road, you will see a signage anyway. Then left to Rosario, San Juan, exit to Ibaan Star Tollway, then SLEX. The route is actually longer in a few kilometers, but considering the traffic in Sariaya, Candelaria, Tiaong and San Pablo, I'd take this route instead. We have experienced for so many times being stuck in San Pablo for more than an hour at around 2 in the afternoon, imagine the heat. Remember, it's not always traffic-free like in town centers for Rosario and San Juan, but again, I'll reiterate that it's tolerable. Check out the comments thread on that video on Facebook from fellow motorists for feedback and other suggestions.

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Roadtrip: Lita's Carinderia

Born and raised by a family who loves to go on a "south road", every trip to the suburbs of Manila has always been a bumpy ride. It's either when the Bicol Road is under construction then the Quezon road is in good condition or vice versa. To avoid boredom, we usually pack up with snacks and enjoy stop overs whenever we need to. Road trips gives me a feeling of freedom, freedom to see every bit of scenery there is that undergo changes through the years. Same road but different experience each time.

Talking about food, let's admit it, at present there are very few "presentable" stop overs especially when you reach the Bicol grounds. Not unlike when you go North and travel via NLEX and now plus the SCTEX and TPLEX right? Countless complex with high end shops, restaurants and convenience stores are everywhere. Here in Bicol, most of us take the Andaya Highway (aka Quirino Highway) where all you see are trees and mountains around you. On the other hand you'll be able to buy harvested fruits or crops along the way which also offsets whatever they have in the north. Taking also the Sta. Elena - Cam Norte road will only add up to the usual long number of hours of the trip.

From Naga these are the towns you'll pass by: Milaor, San Fernando, Pamplona, Libmanan, Sipocot
Turn left to Andaya Highway, Lupi, Ragay, and Del Gallego. The first Quezon town which is still part of Andaya Highway is Tagkawayan. Then most travelers stop at Calauag with gas stations and enough stores around, after which is Lopez. If you leave Naga early in the morning, then Gumaca is the perfect stop over for your lunch or early lunch perhaps. But even if you go on a night trip you can still eat at this place, a midnight snack will always be welcome, right?

When I was a kid, this carinderia was made up of light materials like a typical kubo but with enough space inside. Over the years, I have seen this place grew and develop into this good looking restaurant. They do not need much of a posh interior because the set up matches the scenery in front, a seaside view.

Lita's carinderia is well known for their Cocido / Sinigang na isda, yellow fin to be specific (photo below). The fish I believe is always a fresh catch and is served the whole day. By this we mean anytime of the day especially for travelers. The cocido is just so worth ordering even if  it is for your merienda. I'm turning 29 this year, all I can say is, the codido has never changed its taste ever since I was a kid. I have appreciated it even more this time when I started going on a road trip with my family, simply because this time I'm no longer a passenger. Para sa isang driver, nakakawalang pagod ang cocidong ito.

They also serve other dishes which you can add to your cocido. If in case you are not much of a "fish" person, you can always opt to take the unlimited "sabaw". Same taste of goodness with that of the cocido but without the veggies and yellow fin.

I believe the 2nd floor is still a dining area or a function hall maybe, but the chairs and tables are that of the crazy-cut type.

One serving as of my last trip (December 17 and 19, 2013) costs Php 100.00 with your choice of body part of the yellow fin. 

I'm not really sure if she is Aling Lita, feeling ko lang po siya nga. hehe

The restroom (inset) has improved a lot, way way better than before because it was situated outside the carinderia.

So there, don't forget to drop by this carinderia/restaurant. The cocido is a must try! Have a safe trip!

P.S. I'll try blogging other stops that are worth featuring next time during my free time.

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