Philippine Travel Notes

We made a random tour of the central town area, just to see how is Guiuan now, about 8 months from Yolanda. No particular things in mind, we just ran around to see how things are, how Guiuan is coping. Let me start with this... as we re-entered the town center from Sulangan... That is what remains of the famous Surf Camp on ABC Beach, Calicoan Island which I visited in 2010 . Literally nothing is left of it. Well, for those who have not been to this resort before, you/they might not be able to relate much, as the compound was hidden from public view by tall shrubs, trees and/or the fence made of rough coco-lumber. All I could tell my companions was "that was the swimming pool". Compared to my 2010 visit, the road here is already good. Even before Yolanda, a friend told me... There's an interesting thing about this road that many don't notice. I'll tell about it if I get to shoot pics. The World War II US Naval Supply Depot. Flagpoles swayed to one side, the...

After four years, I was back in this place. No I was (still) not a pilgrim. My group stayed overnight at two nearby resorts , so I brought them here for a visit in the morning. St. Anthony De Padua yan eh! The last time I was here, that façade was still under re-construction. Now it already looks old! But the parking area, called a "pilgrimage park", remains the same brown sand. Grass does not grow. Here's a clearer view of the whole façade without that parked overloaded jeep above... Everything looks really front of the church now. This was the whole left side last 2010 , right? Many of you will remember, that the red roofed wing on the leftmost side was where their altar was situated. Interior view from the main entrance. Wow! Such a big difference from what I saw last 2010 ! That was right side of this church! And halfway up to the altar was the extension being constructed! Look look! That wall there was where the altar was located in my 2010 visit! As said ...

This is that other of the 2 resorts I accidentally discovered, as told in my previous story . Banago and La Luna Beach Resorts are not easy to find, since there are no signage at the corner of the road before the Sulangan Bridge where you turn right. And it's a dirt road going there, one would initially think 4-wheeled vehicles may not fit on the narrow path! Don't worry, whatever vehicle you are in, you'll make it there without a hitch! This is a view of the resort's "gate" from inside the compound... About 200 meters walk to the right is La Luna Beach Resort. Add another 400 meters onwards and you will be out into the highway going to Guiuan, or the Sulangan Bridge. Anyway, in Banago, the highlight for me was this structure by the water's edge... They do have a name for it but I forgot. Basta, I just know that it is such a great relaxing feeling sitting or lying down there, deep in thought or slumber. It's breezy too! Plus the sound of little ...