Claveria: The Lagoon and the Rock Formations in Taggat

Taggat is one of the barangays in Claveria. It is a 5-minute ride from the town’s market. There is a terminal of tricycle going to Taggat in which you pay a P14.00 Fare.

When I arrived, I knew I was early. And it was better. As I have the Lagoon all by myself (and the fishermen.) There are several bancas. I was not so early after all. The fishermen are already cleaning up their fishnets. And all the bancas are “parked” by the shore. 

Nevertheless, I looked around and saw few people. Usually, this place becomes crowded during Holy Week and weekends, for reunions and celebrations. 

There are big rock formations and one big rock in the center. It was called lagoon because there are rocks enclosing the water from the beach. The big waves are crashed into the big rocks making the water stable in the lagoon, making it better for swimming or wading, especially for children.

I talked to some fishermen and negotiated for a boat ride to Lakay Lakay Rock Formation. Lovely, the banca owned by Willie, assisted by Nixon, was the lucky boat going on a sight-seeing with me. I overheard another fisherman talking to another, “Let’s join, so that we can also enjoy!” They see this every day, but maybe it was work for them. He did not join. Maybe he was shy.

The boatmen asked me, “How many?” I answered, “Just me.” Yes, I was doing it solo, with my two boatmen.

Off we went. The waves are manageable, at first. I was just being courageous and fighting my fear of the ocean. But since it was a sunny day, fishermen have gone fishing, and there were a few bancas in the ocean, I knew it was safe. 

I don’t know how deep where we were, but I think I can see dead corals beneath.

After few minutes, there it was, Lakay Lakay and Baket Baket Rock Formations. As we approached, I was awed that the boatmen had to remind me to take photos. 

These are legendary rock formations. Lakay Lakay stands for the husband while Baket Baket is  wife. Ubing Ubing, the child, also a rock formation, is at the other side of the beach, near the beach in Sentinela.

The story is that the family grew rich through fishing. One day, Lakay Lakay met an old man on the road on his way from fishing. The old man asked Lakay Lakay for fish but he was arrogant and selfish. At home, the old man again begged for food, but the couple did not give the old man food. The old man threatened the couple. Incidentally, the son of the couple wandered around. The couple looked for him. They found their son at the other end of the beach and turned into a rock. The wife believed that it is because of the husband’s greediness. Afterwhich, the husband turned into a rock, too. And so was the wife. The Lakay Lakay and Baket Baket stand beside each other at Taggat Lagoon.

At the shore, these rocks were so small. But as I came nearer, they were majestic, huge, and like giants and real people. These are the people rock formations that guide the fishermen day and night. The family becomes the guardian of the fishermen in the ocean. The sun usually sets at dusk at the Lakay Lakay Rock Formation. This is usually seen when you are at the wider part of the beach, near the market, or which they call Centro or “ili”.

I was looking for live corals beneath. Then the boatmen told me we cannot go near that area, pointing to a part of the beach near the hill. It was because near the rock formations are a marine sanctuary. According to the boatmen, a permit is needed to dive or get nearer to that area. Since I did not have the permit, I just wondered how it looked like under the sea.

It was a short 1-hour, cheap boat ride for P300.00. It has always thrilled me to ride a boat. I used to be afraid. But I knew what I was missing that’s why I had to be brave enough. The waves did not intimidate me anymore. I was happy with what my eyes captured.

I knew I was going to be okay. Lakay Lakay and Baket Baket were watching as we went towards the shore. I looked back, and around.

I really do not believe in legends. But the story of the rock formations teaches us to share and be helpful. Learning this, I appreciate more these Wonderful God’s creations. And what they stand for.

This made my Taggat Lagoon Adventure more unforgettable.