Unspoiled San Pablo Island, Hinunangan, Southern Leyte

Most of the island destinations we like to visit have been developed to provide tourists their wants and needs – e.g. hotel rooms, fancy restaurants, pool resorts, etc. However, commercializing such islands for profit use by establishing buildings and other business structures will cause the island’s fresh ambiance and rural atmosphere to fade. ‘Though the island’s marketplace is good for the economy, this somehow is unfavorable for other people just like me, who love the fresh island breeze, the pristine setting, and a virgin locale – emphasizing having no tall edifices photobombing the island view.

And talking about unspoiled island spots, I would like to introduce you to one of the two unsullied island destinations of Hinunangan, Southern Leyte, the San Pablo Island.

SAN PABLO ISLAND, HINUNANGAN, SOUTHERN LEYTE

The twin islands of Hinunangan namely San Pablo and San Pedro Island were locally popular in Leyte. If by chance you’ve been to Sambawan Island in Biliran or the famous Kalangggaman Island of Palompon but had cost you so much penny, I am sure you’ll surely enjoy the clear and virgin waters here the way you enjoy your stay at those islands too, but in cheap and discounted prices. Some famous island destinations cost a pretty penny but of course the management will do everything to surely meet your expectations – a more developed place – for you to say that the amount you took from your wallet was worth it.

For now, let’s talk about our trip to San Pablo Island!

More or less than twenty (20) minutes from the shore of Brgy. Canipaan, Hinunangan, we then arrived at Del Rosario Beach Resort in San Pablo Island by taking a passenger boat from the port area.

Del Rosario Resort offers two (2) cottages which were situated at the sea - well yes, not at the beachfront, but at the sea. We booked one of these beach huts. The shack was big, consists of a table and benches linked on walls, and an elevated mini room where one can sleep for awhile. We put our things together and changed our garments for a swim. We were actually glad there were no guests other than us who visited the resort. We enjoyed owning the island for the meantime.

The sun’s shining blazingly and it feels like summer already but the island offers cold beach waters. I don’t think you'll mind the sunburn while you’re there. The clear and cool waters’ enticing and will surely tempt you to jump off the ridge and enjoy the sea! And talking about clear waters, well yes it was very pellucid. We actually saw different fish species and other aquatic craniate vertebrates – fish capable of gliding flights through their large pectoral wings; scombroid fishes swimming through the waters with its swordlike beak; school of anchovies swimming underneath the beach cottage; big fishes best for aquarium display, and etc. I can actually say that marine life is so abundant at the island.

Our day trip was so worth it with just P1,000 budget for the boat, P300 for the beach cottage, and no entrance fee. We brought our own snacks and there was no corkage fee. Can’t actually imagine our kind of day spree was so enjoyable just like how we used to enjoy the other islands of Leyte before, but this time 'twas cheaper and still worth a getaway! Economical but worth it!

TRAVEL GUIDE

IF YOU ARE FROM MANILA OR CEBU:

There are actually daily flights from Manila to Tacloban and Cebu to Tacloban. If you're from Manila, the flight takes at least an hour and twenty (20) minutes. If you're from Cebu, air travel takes about forty five (45) minutes or less. After you arrived at Tacloban Domestic Airport (San Jose, Tacloban City), go to Tacloban City Bus Terminal via taxicab or transfer service.

Airlines that travel from Manila to Tacloban: (9+ flights per day)

• Cebu Pacific
• Air Asia
• Philippine Airlines

Airlines that travel from Cebu to Tacloban: (3+ flights per day)

• Cebu Pacific
• CebGo
• AirAsia
• Philippine Airlines

Tacloban City

At Tacloban City Bus Terminal, look for vans or buses which transports to St. Bernard, or Hinundayan, Southern Leyte. Land travel to Hinunangan takes about three (3) hours from the city. You'll have to tell the driver to drop you off at Brgy. Canipaan. There is actually a signboard at the left side of the road that looks like the pic below:

Note: Make sure that the PUVs pass by Silago or Hinunangan. There are buses which head to St. Bernard via Sogod, Southern Leyte.

CEBU CITY VIA ORMOC CITY

If you are from Cebu City and would like to get to Leyte via ferryboats, you can take the Cebu-Ormoc route and purchase tickets from ferry outlets in Cebu City (via large transports or fast crafts). Sea travel takes at least seven (7) hours for large passenger ships and just three (3) hours for fast crafts. The city’s bus terminal is just beside the port area so you can directly go to the terminal and ask drivers which vans and buses go or pass by Hinunangan, Southern Leyte. 

For promo fares and other details:
OceanJet
Roble Shipping
SuperCat

Weesam Express

Note: There are also Cebu-Leyte routes via Maasin, Baybay, and Hilongos, Leyte. 

If you are going to San Pablo Island, you may contact our service boat Kuya Kenneth – 09055934539 or you may contact the resort.

• If you are going to San Pedro Island too, you may stay at Vista Beach Resort.
• San Pablo island is inhabited so there are mini stores at the island for your immediate needs. But please know that the resources are just limited.
• Boat rate depends on number of passengers.
• For overnight stay, you may bring tent. There are no hotel rooms at the island.
• If this blog was helpful, do tell me by posting your comment at the comment box and please do share to your friends. Just share the link on any social media accounts you have like facebook or twitter. Hoping by sharing this blog we can help the locals there. 

COPYRIGHT NOTICE:

Unauthorized use or duplication of this material without permission, authorization, or written consent from the author or proprietor is strictly forbidden and firmly prohibited. Always provide full and clear credit to DyaryoDeByahe with the appropriate direction to the original content.

Da-o Balay Kawilan, Dulag, Leyte

No need to travel long from the city to find a serene place to relax! Just more than an hour ride from the city of Tacloban, you can find Da-o Balay Kawilan located in Sabang, Dulag, Leyte, the idyllic pastoral place for your kind of weekend getaway.

Just like the San Juan by the Bay and Floating Resto inSta. Rita, Samar and the San Jose Skimboarding Camp in San Jose, Dulag, ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation established the Da-o Balay Kawilan of Sabang, Dulag, Leyte as part of its community based sustainable tourism and Bantay Kalikasan project, in partnership with the Municipality of Dulag, ABS-CBN Corporation and through the generous donors of Sagip Kapamilya. This is to promote eco-tourism in the area, and to furnish livelihoods to many locals.

Da-o Balay Kawilan offers a notable countryside experience featuring Leyte as a provincial eco-tourism site. With just an entrance fee of P20.00 per head, you can now explore the area and unwind for some time, relieving stress from work and worries.

Entrance Fee: P20 – Adults/P15 – Senior Citizens/P10 – Kids

The locals in-charge were so friendly, glowingly smiled and greeted us warmly with “Good afternoon ma’am!” ‘though they were busy at the garden.

This place is actually located at the beach close to a river. The place has a wide fish pen or pond set on the river surrounded by floating cottages obviously made of dented bamboo stems and nipa fruticans or palms. Fishing will be allowed soon, according to the in-charge.

You can rest on cozy seats inside those cottages, or lie on these comf'table sofas for awhile. 

Kayaking is also available and you can order some snacks at the counter if you haven’t brought any. But still, it is best to bring your own food since the public resto may not provide all your desired orders. 

TRAVEL GUIDE

IF YOU ARE FROM MANILA OR CEBU:

There are actually daily flights from Manila to Tacloban and Cebu to Tacloban. If you're from Manila, the flight takes at least an hour and twenty (20) minutes. If you're from Cebu, air travel takes about forty five (45) minutes or less. After you arrived at Tacloban Domestic Airport (San Jose, Tacloban City), go to Tacloban City Bus Terminal via taxicab or transfer service.

Airlines that travel from Manila to Tacloban: (9+ flights per day)

• Cebu Pacific
• Air Asia
• Philippine Airlines

Airlines that travel from Cebu to Tacloban: (3+ flights per day)

• Cebu Pacific
• CebGo
• AirAsia Zest
• Philippine Airlines

Tacloban City

At Tacloban City Bus Terminal, look for jeepneys which transports to Dulag, Leyte. Travel takes more than an hour ride from the city. You'll have to tell the driver to drop you off at the road to Sabang Daguitan Surf Camp. 

Note: You’ll see a Da-o Balay Kawilan signboard along the highway. Enter that road going there. As you travel straight to the beach, you need to enter the Sabang Daguitan Surf Camp – the road to Da-o starts here.  

If you are from Tacloban City, this signboard is situated at the left side.

CEBU CITY VIA BAYBAY CITY

If you are from Cebu City and would like to get to Leyte via ferryboats, you can take the Cebu-Baybay route via large sea transports and purchase tickets from ferry outlets in Cebu City. Sea travel takes at least seven (7) hours for large passenger ships. The city’s bus terminal is just near the port area so you can directly ride vans or buses bound for Tacloban City so you'll be able to pass by Dulag, Leyte.

Notes: 

• There are two (2) companies which operates from Cebu City to Baybay, Leyte: Cokaliong Shipping Lines, Inc. and Roble Shipping Lines, Inc. 
• There are also Cebu-Leyte routes via Maasin, Ormoc, and Hilongos, Leyte.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE:

Unauthorized use or duplication of this material without permission, authorization, or written consent from the author or proprietor is strictly forbidden and firmly prohibited. Always provide full and clear credit to DyaryoDeByahe with the appropriate direction to the original content.

St. Anthony de Padua Church - Sulangan, Eastern Samar

‘Promises are meant to be broken’ – popular statement for broken relationships, right?! – This phrase however should not be applied when you’ve promised to visit the St. Anthony de Padua Shrine in Sulangan.

Sulangan, Eastern Samar is famous for its patron saint, the miraculous San Antonio de Padua. It has been said that once you’ve promised to visit the place or attend the mass at their church, you must and should fulfill it. Why? Coz according to some people, undesirable consequences then would happen if you’ve ignored and disregard what you’ve promised, like getting sick, unwanted accidents, or other misfortunes. These were claims from people who had such experiences though.

So I’m giving you a tip: One should not say that he would visit Sulangan on a specific date to avoid this kind of occurrences. (As per advice, though)

But contrary to that, those who fervently pray and fulfilled their promise had testified the unbelievable kindness of St. Anthony de Padua. Rumors spread along nearby cities and towns about the miracles he can do to people, the reason why many would visit the place and attend the Sunday mass at the church. Most of them were students who are about to take board exams; people with incurable diseases; and others who have special intentions.

However in my case, I went to Sulangan not to ask for anything, but to attend the mass as a thanksgiving for all the blessings I have received. I went along with a friend and as expected, there were so many people from other places who were about to attend the mass too. 

Bought some rosary beads in Sulangan

After the celebration of the Eucharist held at the church, we then went to the beachside to take some pictures. We then took our lunch at a nearby carenderia and went home after that.

Notes:

• Sulangan is an inhabited islet and one of the barangays of Guiuan, Eastern Samar. Guiuan is located at the southernmost tip of Samar Island.
• There are vans that travel directly to Sulangan. It will actually serve as your service vehicle going there. The driver actually waits his passengers until the mass has ended.   

TRAVEL GUIDE

IF YOU ARE FROM MANILA

There are actually daily flights from Manila to Tacloban. The flight takes at least an hour and twenty (20) minutes. After you arrived at Tacloban Domestic Airport (San Jose, Tacloban City), go to Tacloban City Bus Terminal/Terminal for GrandTours or DupTours via taxicab or transfer service. 

Airlines that travel from Manila to Tacloban: (9+ flights per day)

• Cebu Pacific
• Air Asia
• Philippine Airlines

Tacloban City

Ride a van at the terminal bound for Sulangan, Eastern Samar. Travel takes four (4) hours from the city. Most vans leave at 4 or 5 in the morning to catch the 9 a.m. mass at St. Anthony de Padua Church, Sulangan. 

IF YOU ARE FROM CEBU

There are actually daily flights from Cebu to Calbayog. The flight takes at least an hour. You can find buses and vans bound for Sulangan, Eastern Samar at the local terminal. 

Airlines that travel from Cebu to Calbayog: (4+ flights per week)

• CebGo

CEBU CITY VIA CATBALOGAN

If you are from Cebu City and would like to get to Samar via ferryboats, you can take the Cebu-Catbalogan route and purchase tickets from ferry outlets in Cebu City (via Roble Shipping Lines, Inc.). Sea travel takes at least seven (7) hours for large passenger ships. Look for vans at the terminal bound for Sulangan, Eastern Samar.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE:

Unauthorized use or duplication of this material without permission, authorization, or written consent from the author or proprietor is strictly forbidden and firmly prohibited. Always provide full and clear credit to DyaryoDeByahe with the appropriate direction to the original content.

Rio De Janeiro of Leyte?!

Surely you’ve clicked the site coz the title ‘Rio De Janeiro of Leyte’ was intriguing, right? And perhaps you’ve asked yourself “Really?” in disbelief, eh?  But guys, there’s this kind of destination actually! A big statue of Jesus Christ was built at a mountaintop in a coastal town of the Leyte province similar to the Rio De Janeiro of Brazil!

A big sculpture of Jesus Christ was built on top of Mt. Inapusong, located at a seaside in the town of Tolosa, Leyte. This three-dimensional figure was actually the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Visitors liken the statue with the 38-meter tall Christ the Redeemer statue atop Mt. Corcovado in Brazil, calling the town of Tolosa as the Rio de Janeiro of Leyte/Rio de Janeiro of the Philippines. However, the landmark statue of Rio De Janeiro is a lot taller than of Tolosa’s.

You can get here by taking a van or jeepney from Tacloban. It’s actually just an hour drive from the city. Tell the driver to drop you off at Tolosa Public Market. You can walk or ride a pedicab going to the beach – where you can find the stairs to mountaintop.

Since Tolosa is just a neighboring town of Tanauan, Leyte (my hometown), we often climb up Mt. Inapusong to witness the sunup during weekends or hike after our morning jog.

A concrete stairs were made for visitors’ convenience so it won’t be hard for them to climb up there.

Previously, climbing at Mt. Inapusong was hard since there was nothing to hold that could help us reach the top. We clamber and swarm up there just by holding tree branches and some bushes but obviosuly these disrupt easily in one hold. I remember that time when I slipped and almost fall when we were at the middle part of the climb. Thankfully my other hand had held some shrubs before my life could be at stake. That reflex, though. It saved me. But still I got my clothes all messed up with so much mud.  Such an experience!

However today, guests can now lightly reach the mountaintop by holding the long metal bars designed to help them climb and reach the top easily. This was so much help since we don’t need to hike like a Spiderman going up there. :P There is also an on-going construction of the Twelve (12) Stations of the Cross on the mountain, since the people of Tolosa usually climb up here to pray during Holy Week.

All sweat had paid off!

Reaching the top while waiting for the sunrise was always worth the elbow grease! The sun rising up in the east was so visible from the horizon, slowly lighting up the town. I also love the gentle humid air at dawn cooling your sweat off from your body; boats at the sea were like moving toys; and watching the birds gliding over the mountain was so spectacular!

There is a small concrete hut built at the top and a tall building where the Sacred heart of Jesus was situated. You can climb up at the uppermost of this building through a metal ladder. There you can see the community of Tolosa and neighboring towns at 360 degree view. It’s like you’re watching a live Google Map. The view was so noteworthy!

Notes: 

• Please be careful. The ladder was slippery and a little rusty.
• Entrance is free of charge. 

TRAVEL GUIDE

IF YOU ARE FROM MANILA OR CEBU:

There are actually daily flights from Manila to Tacloban and Cebu to Tacloban. If you're from Manila, the flight takes at least an hour and twenty (20) minutes, at least. If you're from Cebu, air travel takes about forty five (45) minutes or less. After you arrived at Tacloban Domestic Airport (San Jose, Tacloban City), go to Tacloban City Bus Terminal via taxicab or transfer service. 

Airlines that travel from Manila to Tacloban: (9+ flights per day)

• Cebu Pacific
• Air Asia
• Philippine Airlines

Airlines that travel from Cebu to Tacloban: (3+ flights per day)

• Cebu Pacific
• CebGo
• AirAsia Zest
• Philippine Airlines

Tacloban City

At Tacloban City Bus Terminal, look for jeepneys which transports to Tolosa, Leyte. Travel takes more than an hour ride from the city. You'll have to tell the driver to drop you off at Tolosa Public Market.

CEBU CITY VIA BAYBAY CITY

If you are from Cebu City and would like to get to Leyte via ferryboats, you can take the Cebu-Baybay route via large sea transports and purchase tickets from ferry outlets in Cebu City. Sea travel takes at least seven (7) hours for large passenger ships. The city’s bus terminal is just near the port area so you can directly ride vans or buses bound for Tacloban City so you'll be able to pass by Tolosa, Leyte.

Note: There are also Cebu-Leyte routes via Maasin, Ormoc, and Hilongos, Leyte.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE:

Unauthorized use or duplication of this material without permission, authorization, or written consent from the author or proprietor is strictly forbidden and firmly prohibited. Always provide full and clear credit to DyaryoDeByahe with the appropriate direction to the original content.

Sto. Niño Shrine and Heritage Museum

The P100 entrance fee becomes your portal to one of the presidential mansions of the Marcoses, located at Real Street, Tacloban City. The house-turned-museum displayed venerable and priceless relics owned by the Marcos’ family; age-old furniture bought and obtained from different countries; and gifts from the most influential people and prominent leaders in the world. 

The moment you go inside you’ll see a mini tabernacle situated at the center, more likely designed as a chapel. This is where the mass and other religious activities are done especially during the feast of Señor Sto. Niño.

 Chapel of Señor Sto. Niño inside the mansion

From the entrance, you’ll then be directed to its guestrooms (1^st floor) styled in various motifs (Ilocana, Muslim, Butterfly, Coconut, etc.), themes designed perfectly from the room’s interior down to its floor, and beds designed in accordance with the room’s motif. 

Each room has its own scenic representation of Mrs. Imelda Marcos' projects and activities in the country, in which sculptured figures and lifelike details were displayed in a glass-covered miniature box designed on walls (dioramas). 

We then went up to the second floor and saw the old photographs of Mr. and Mrs. Ferdinand Marcos – most were national events and activities in the country during the late president’s years of service.

The upper level of the house has rooms with long dining tables and chairs designed in a unique architectural framework; room walls made of wood designs; and old, large ornate lighting fixtures suspended from ceilings with bulbs still functioning up til now. Also, the wide ballroom area at the opposite side was styled perfectly with yellow bulbs and furniture made from hardwood.

As we went to the rooms of the Marcos’ family, one thing that captured me most was the room of Mrs. Imelda Marcos. Queen-like! From the chandelier down to her bed, to the bathroom, the designs - WOW! Ravishing and stunning! Even their handmaiden, servants, and bodyguards with rooms located next to them had elegant quarters.

We were also fascinated with the old displays in every corner of the house; the big mirrors imported and made from different countries; those invaluable furniture particularly the cabinet which was made from sandalwood that dispenses its redolent smell every time you open it.

-----

Glad the house was not severely devastated by Typhoon Haiyan last November 2013. The typhoon had only destroyed the external part of the heritage museum and not the statuettes and the vintage properties of the family, which were the most important things inside. 

  

I suggest you visit the mansion coz this would be your gateway to Marcos' era. Best regards to our tourist guide, we learned a lot from him. Thank you sir! (I forgot his name, lol)

Note: The Department of Tourism (City of Tacloban) takes charge of the Sto Shrine and Heritage Museum. 

TRAVEL GUIDE

IF YOU ARE FROM MANILA OR CEBU:

There are actually daily flights from Manila to Tacloban and Cebu to Tacloban. If you're from Manila, the flight takes at least an hour and twenty (20) minutes. If you're from Cebu, air travel takes about forty five (45) minutes or less. After you arrived at Tacloban Domestic Airport (San Jose, Tacloban City), you can find taxicabs that will take you to the heritage museum. 

Airlines that travel from Manila to Tacloban: (9+ flights per day)

• Cebu Pacific
• Air Asia
• Philippine Airlines

Airlines that travel from Cebu to Tacloban: (3+ flights per day)

• Cebu Pacific
• CebGo
• AirAsia
• Philippine Airlines

CEBU CITY VIA ORMOC CITY

If you are from Cebu City and would like to get to Leyte via ferryboats, you can take the Cebu-Ormoc route and purchase tickets from ferry outlets in Cebu City (via large transports or fast crafts). Sea travel takes at least seven (7) hours for large passenger ships and just three (3) hours for fast crafts. The city’s bus terminal is just beside the port area so you can directly go to the terminal and ride vans or buses bound for Tacloban City. 

Note: There are also Cebu-Leyte routes via Maasin, Baybay, and Hilongos, Leyte. 

COPYRIGHT NOTICE:

Unauthorized use or duplication of this material without permission, authorization, or written consent from the author or proprietor is strictly forbidden and firmly prohibited. Always provide full and clear credit to DyaryoDeByahe with the appropriate direction to the original content.