Victorino Q. Abrugar

Langun Gobingob Cave: Getting Inside the Largest Cave in the Philippines

October 9, 2016 By Victorino Q. Abrugar

It’s my dream to explore all the greatest places in the Philippines, including the highest mountain (Mt. Apo in Mindanao), the largest waterfall (Aliwagwag Falls in Davao Oriental), the cleanest lake (Kayangan Lake in Palawan) and the biggest cave in the country (Langun Gobingob Caves in the island of Samar).

As a native of Samar who was born in Catbalogan City, Langun Gobingob caves in Calbiga came first as my target. So when cave master Joni Bonifacio of Trexplore the Adventures invited me to join a 1 day caving in Calbiga Caves last September 24, I did not hesitate to say YES!

I have previous two spelunking experiences, one in Sohoton Caves in Basey, Samar and the other one in Linao Cave in Guiuan, Eastern Samar. However those were only for the easy or beginner’s type of caving adventure.

The Langun Gobingob caving is a different level of quest, as it requires 8-9 hours of trekking outside and inside the country’s biggest cave. Yes, there are mountains to cross to reach the cave openings and rock mountains inside the caves where you have to traverse from one cave entrance to another. [Read more…]

How to Get to Cuatro Islas in Leyte: Digyo, Mahaba, Apid and Himokilan Islands

April 28, 2016 By Victorino Q. Abrugar 2 Comments

The islands of Digyo, Himokilan, Apid and Mahaba, collectively known as Cuatro Islas.

The Province of Leyte is home to many islets with white sand beaches and crystal clear waters. Among the popular are Kalanggaman Island in Polompon and Canigao Island in Matalom. But if you want to get all the best out of Leyte, head to Cuatro Islas, a 12,500-hectare of protected landscape and seascape situated in the municipalities of Inopacan and Hindang. Cuatro Islas is a group of four small islands, namely, Digyo, Himokilan, Apid and Mahaba.

We went to Cuatro Islas on April 2 and 3, 2016 to beat the heat of summer. The following are some raw photos (edited only for the watermark) and useful information that will help you get familiarized with this tourist destination and learn how to get there. [Read more…]

Top 12 Things to Do in Tacloban City and Nearby Towns

March 5, 2016 By Victorino Q. Abrugar Leave a Comment

The statue of Christ looking Tacloban City from the above

The statue of Jesus Christ built on top of Calvary Hill in Siren District, Tacloban City

Tacloban City is the commercial center of Eastern Visayas, a region composed of three major beautiful islands: Samar, Leyte and Biliran. Samar is well-known for its amazing caves, rivers and rock formations, while Leyte and Biliran are famous for their pristine islets and white beaches. Though Tacloban, which is a highly urbanized city, doesn’t have the best natural tourist attractions, like huge caves and powdery white-sand beaches, the city is one of the places in Eastern Visayas every tourist shouldn’t miss to explore.

Through Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport (the biggest airport in Region 8), Tacloban is considered as the main gateway by air to any place in Eastern Visayas. Tourists from around the globe would probably set foot in the city when they travel to any place in the region.

Tacloban offers its own unique attractions and activities both for local and foreign tourists. You can even stay for weeks or months to explore this city dubbed as the City of Hope. So if you are thinking of what to do and where to go when you’re in Tacloban City, here are 12 things you can do within the city and nearby towns. [Read more…]

16 Reasons to Explore Sohoton Caves and Natural Bridge in Basey, Samar

January 20, 2016 By Victorino Q. Abrugar 2 Comments

I was born in Samar and currently a resident of Tacloban City but I was never been to Sohoton Caves in Basey, Samar before. All I knew was it’s an enchanting place where the 2000 Filipino fantasy-horror film “Spirit Warriors” starred by Street Boys was shot on location. It’s a shame that I was already been to Boracay in Aklan and El Nido in Palawan but never been to this place located in Basey, which is just an hour ride from my city. So when I had the chance, I did not hesitate to go there with my friends on 17 January 2016. [Read more…]

20 Tourist Destinations to Visit in the Philippines in 2016

January 9, 2016 By Victorino Q. Abrugar 4 Comments

The Philippines welcomed more than 5 million foreign tourists in 2015. This year, the Department of Tourism is eyeing to attract 10 million international tourists and 56 million local travelers. With more than 7,100 beautiful islands, the Philippines is not shy to offer a lot more fun for foreign and local wanderers. Our country is rich in natural, cultural and historical treasures. From the powdery soft white sand beaches to the biggest surfing wave, down to the largest cave up to the highest mountain, then travel back in time for hundred to thousand years, here are 20 tourist destinations in the Philippines to visit for the first time or for a return in 2016. [Read more…]

Sunset at Manila Bay: A Must Wait and See When You’re in Manila

November 15, 2015 By Victorino Q. Abrugar Leave a Comment

Sunset views are amazing, romantic, and relaxing. The breathtaking scenery of a sunset turning the sea and the skies into gold can take our problems and stresses away. One of the best spots to watch the sun kisses the sea in the Philippines or probably in the world is at Manila Bay. So when I had the chance to visit our country’s capital city, I made sure that a walk along Roxas Boulevard to catch the sunset was on my itinerary.

On 4 November 2015, I strolled along Roxas Boulevard to capture the different views of the sunset at Manila bay, including the people and notable landmarks near the area.

Here are some of my photos. Enjoy!

[Read more…]

Linao Cave in Guiuan: How to Get There and be Closer with Nature

November 14, 2015 By Victorino Q. Abrugar Leave a Comment

Guiuan is known for its white sand beaches and big waves from the Pacific Ocean. But who would have thought that this major town, which is also composed of several islands and islets, in Eastern Samar is hiding a gem of nature? At the seaside facing the Pacific Ocean, we can spot the huge waves that delight the surfers. At the opposite side, we can see the rocky forest that will challenge anyone into a great adventure.

The day before I went to ABCD beach in Calicoan Island to try surfing for the first time, me and my cousins went to Linao Cave, a hidden cave in the tropical forest located just a thrilling walk away from Calicoan and Brgy. Sulangan.

Also read: Surfing in Calicoan, Guiuan, Eastern Samar: Tips and Photos

The name Linao Cave is derived from the word Linao or Linaw, a Waray-waray term (the local dialect of Samareños) which means clear. The locals called the cave as such because of the cold, fresh and clear waters that it houses.

So are the waters in Linao Cave really clear?

Here are some photos and the stories of our journey into Linao Cave. [Read more…]

Surfing in Calicoan, Guiuan, Eastern Samar: Tips and Photos

November 12, 2015 By Victorino Q. Abrugar 4 Comments

I’ve been to Guiuan, Eastern Samar several times, since my parents were born from its nearby towns. My father is from Mercedes and my mother is from Salcedo. I have also been to Sulangan Church or the San Antonio de Padua Church which is well-known in Eastern Visayas for its miracles and for granting the prayers of its pilgrims. However, I have never set my foot in Calicoan, an island between Sulangan and the town proper of Guiuan.

Calicoan Island is famous for its beaches, resorts, and surfing hubs. But after Super Typhoon Yolanda hit Visayas, I wasn’t already sure if the tourist attractions in the island are already back. So when my family decided to visit Eastern Samar on October 31, 2015, I did not hesitate to go with them. [Read more…]

24 Photos that Show Why San Juanico Cruise is a Must in Eastern Visayas

November 5, 2015 By Victorino Q. Abrugar 1 Comment

Recognized as the longest and most picturesque bridge in the Philippines, San Juanico Bridge is not only a famous landmark in Eastern Visayas but also in the country. It connects the islands of Leyte and Samar across the San Juanico Strait, the narrowest navigable strait in the world.

On 29 October 2015, we had the opportunity to join the soft launching of San Juanico Cruise, a brilliant initiative organized through the collaboration of the Department of Tourism, NGOs, local government, and a group of business owners in Eastern Visayas. The tour was attended by Department of Tourism Regional Director (Karen Tiopes), the staff of Mr. Philip Romualdez, the operators of Leyte Gulf Travel and Tours (Mr. Gerry Ruiz and Mrs. Ludette Ruiz), Tour Director Butz Eguia, Mr. Oliver Cam of Welcome Home Pensione House, and other stakeholders.

The soft launching of San Juanico Cruise, which has traversed the San Juanico Strait and passed under the infamous San Juanico Bridge, is one of the several test runs conducted by the organizers to improve and perfect the cruise when they officially launch it in December or next year.

Here are some of the photos I took during the cruise. Enjoy! [Read more…]

25 Facts You Should Know About Rizal Monument and Luneta Park

July 11, 2015 By Victorino Q. Abrugar 3 Comments

Rizal Monument in Rizal Park (Luneta) on June 27, 2015. Photo by FAQ.ph.

In the Philippines, probably the most popular, most visited, most guarded and most photographed monument is the monument of Jose Rizal in Luneta.

We know that Rizal has died fighting for the freedom of our country. He is considered our national hero. He’s even admired and honored by people from the other parts of the world.

His monument in Rizal Park or Luneta is not only built with precious metal and stone, but it also housed his remains. Hence, every Filipino should learn how to give honor and respect to this important landmark in the Philippines.

To grow the interest and care of many Filipinos about the monument, here are some facts everyone should know about the monument of Rizal and Luneta Park. [Read more…]