Magarao. The Hilot Capital of Camarines Sur.

In the province of Camarines Sur, whenever you mentioned the place Magarao to Camarines Sur residents, the first thing that pops into their mind is the word “hilot”. The town of Magarao is famously known for having the best manghihilot in the province. Whether you’re experiencing a sore muscle, a twisted tendons or a tired body, the town’s manghihilots can cure them. They have mastered the art of healing through hilot. The skills of manghihilot were pass down from generation to generation. People flock to this small town para magpahilot ng mga katawan nila, ng mga bali sa katawan, mga nananakit na katawan at iba pa.

Magarao Church

Magarao town hall

the town park

I visited the town of Magarao a few days ago, but not to try their hilot but to check the other things that this town has to offer. Magarao is located just a few kilometers from Naga City and it is just a 15 to 20 minutes jeepney ride. When I arrived at the town, I roamed around its town center and took some pictures of its church, plaza and its town hall. Nagtanong tanong din ako sa mga locals kung ano pa ang mga bagay na maipagmamalaki ng Magarao but, as I expected, hilot lang talaga ang ipinagmamalaki nila. I then asked some information sa Munisipyo pero same answer din ang nakuha ko. I then proceeded to their hilot center para alamin din ang rates ng hilot service nila. I was tempted to try their hilot because it was cheap but I still have several towns to visit on that day kaya hindi na ako pumasok sa center nila. So after I took some pictures of their hilot center, I then rode a jeepney and pumunta na ako sa next town on my list to visit sa araw na iyon. 

the hilot center or the wellness center

Pechelito's Place. Magarao, Camarines Sur

The municipality of Magarao has a new attraction. This is the Pechelito’s Place. A resort with a pool, a boating and fishing lagoon, a restaurant and a firing range. They also have several accommodations and cottages. My friend has been encouraging me to visit the place due to its accessibility from Naga City, so I then texted my other friends if gusto nilang magswimming on a weekend and they said yes. Weekend arrived and so we’re on for an early summer outing. Good thing a friend of mine brought his car so we don’t need to commute to Magarao. It was already past 2 pm when we arrived at Pechelito’s Place since our meeting time was 1pm and some of my friends arrived at around 1:45 pm. Nagswimming, inuman at kumain lang kami ng buong hapon, those sort of things na magrelax lang talaga buong hapon. We left Pechelito’s at around 7pm since if you go beyond 7 pm you’ll be charge by their overnight rate.

Pechelito's Place

For a day rate, they charge 100 pesos per person and then for an overnight rate, that would be 150 pesos. The cottage rate is 250 pesos.  There are also foods available at the resort and they also have a restaurant. However, if you will be bringing an alcoholic beverage, they will charge you with a corkage fee. The swimming pool in Pechelito’s Place is not a large pool, in fact, I think it is just about 1/3 of an Olympic size swimming pool, kinda small though. The boating and fishing lagoon is also kinda small, just about twice the size of their swimming pool. The boating fee is 50 pesos per boat and you can use the boat for as long as you want. I forgot to inquire about their firing range usage and the rates of their rooms.

Fishing and Boating Lagoon

cottages

restaurant

the pool

the rates

the sunrise view near pechelito's

So how do you get to Pechelito’s Place? The resort is just a 20 minutes ride from downtown Naga City via Barangay San Felipe. From downtown Naga , proceed to Cokeville Subdivision at Brgy. San Felipe and then ride a pedicab or a tricycle going to Pechelito’s Place located at Mariners Village.  Or if you want the longer route, from downtown Naga City, ride a jeepney bound for Magarao and ask the driver to drop you off at Mariners Village, and then ride a pedicab or tricycle going to Pechelito’s Place. The travel time using this route is about 20 to 30 minutes.