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.

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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.

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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.

Castañas Spring Resort

Location: Brgy. Balinsasayao, Abuyog, Leyte 

Note: Located just along Abuyog-Baybay Road. You’ll see a signboard and colored flaglets along the highway.

Just like with other spring resorts, the water is clear and so cool, perfect for your kind of summer dip. The water came from a small falls situated at a more than an hour hike from the resort. Most visitors actually go there, searching for the water’s origin. Be sure to have with you a local guide.

Notes: 

• The pool was divided into two parts – for kids and for adults. 
• You can rent tables and chairs or cottages located near the pool area. You can bring your own food and drinks also. No corkage fee.
• Rooms are available for overnight use.

Fees: (Rates subject to change)

• Entrance - P25
• Cottage good for 20 persons - P500
• Cottage good for 30 persons - P1,000
• Folding Tables - P150
• Umbrella (with 6 chairs) - P300
• Rooms good for 2 persons - P850

For more info, you can contact the resort manager/owner through this number: 09069277717

Related Articles: 

Villa Escober Spring Resort, Paranas, Samar
Pine's Farm Resort, Abuyogan, Burauen, Leyte
Cansiboy Burabod Spring Resort, Cansiboy, Burauen, Leyte

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 vans and buses which pass by Abuyog, Leyte or PUVs bound for Baybay, Leyte (since it passes through the resort). Travel takes more than two (2) hours ride from the city. You'll have to tell the driver to drop you off at Castanas Spring Resort.

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 Abuyog, 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.

Cold Spring Resorts in Burauen, Leyte

Burauen, Leyte became one of the popular destinations in the province because of the spring resorts located here. Well thanks to social media, every Facebook share and posts helped this unknown place become a famous destination now – people posted their photos of family outings and get-togethers, Cansiboy Burabod Mountain Resort or Pine’s Farm Resort as venues, located at Brgy. Cansiboy, and Brgy. Abuyugon, Burauen, Leyte, respectively. 

A. Cansiboy Burabod Mountain Resort

The resort has a man-made pool with spring waters coming exclusively from mountain peaks. The amount of spring water it pours down to the hillside probably depends on the water pressure in the aquifer or the amount of rainwater.

Note: There are actually two sets of pool. The other was at the lower part of the mountainside which is managed by the local government. Cansiboy Burabod Mountain Resort, on the other hand, is a privately-owned resort.

The water was very, very cold. I can’t even swim properly coz I was shivering badly. The water was icy, but definitely not in a sub-zero point. I think you need to splash yourself a bit first. This gives your body a chance to react more than if you jump straight into the pool or you can also do some research to get some tips on how you’ll improve your tolerance to cold water – for some who want cool swims.

Entrance Fee:

20.00 (Adult)

15.00 (Children)

Cottages:

Near the poolside: P300

B. Pine’s Farm Resort

The pool was designed with large rocks, coated with white, snowy shade to make it look like little icebergs. (Arctic feels!)

So many people visited the resort last Easter Sunday (2016), so we just went to the other side to get a quick dip of the water. It was so crowded and we got no place to stay.

Entrance Fee: P10

Cottages: P150 - P300

Notes:

• It is best to rent a vehicle (if you don't have one) going to these resorts. Only few passenger vehicles pass in this area.
• You can bring your own food and drinks. No corkage fee.

RELATED POSTS: Villa Escober Cold Spring Resort, Paranas, Samar

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 vans or buses bound for Burauen, Leyte. Travel takes two-hour ride from the city. 

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 bound for Tacloban City Terminal. You can look for vans or buses bound for Burauen, Leyte once you arrive at 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.