Travel Philippines – Page 7

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…]

2nd Typhoon Yolanda Commemoration: A Look Back, Starting Anew and Moving Forward for a Better Tacloban

November 7, 2015 By Lyza R. Sabornido Leave a Comment

M/V Eva Jocelyn

It has been two years since the Super Typhoon Yolanda hit the provinces in Eastern Visayas, but it still feels like yesterday. I would never forget the sound of the raging wind mixed with the sound of shattering glasses, cringing roofs, and most of all the voices of people asking for help or calling for their loved ones being carried away by the storm surge.

We were wrong when we thought that it will all be over after the storm passed because more challenges came after. Fires broke out, the communications were down, there was no source of water or food, dead bodies and debris all over the streets. It seemed like all hell break loose, it was a perfect picture of a hopeless situation but thanks to the international Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) who came to help. [Read more…]

The Unveiling of Anibong Memorial Marker

November 6, 2015 By Lyza R. Sabornido Leave a Comment

M/V Eva Jocelyn Memorial at Anibong District Tacloban City

Time flies so fast, two days from now we will be commemorating the darkest day ever faced by the people in Eastern Visayas specially Taclobanons. I am sure those who were here that dreadful morning have a story to tell. An experience we would never forget until we grow old.

Many lives have been taken away, many lives have been ruined because of the loss and destructions but with the help of various local and international Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO’s) the region have slowly risen back and even better.

Almost two years ago, 10 cargo ships were swept ashore by the storm surge caused by the force of the Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan). Eight (8) of which were stuck within in barangays 68, 69, and 70. For some months, there had been deliberations whether they should be dismantled or be pulled back to the sea. The last option faced a huge problem, though. Residents of Anibong and Rawis, Tacloban City started to rebuild their houses even if the government had declared the area to be a no build zone.

One of the most visible cargo vessels was M/V Eva Jocelyn which reached the edge of the road in the Anibong area. It was one of the shipping companies who got the salvage permit from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). For some months, the company tried to get the ship back in the sea but before the first year anniversary of the super typhoon, Sangguniang Panlungsod of Tacloban have decided to transform the said vessel into a memorial.

Even before the city council resolution, the remnant of the M/V Eva Jocelyn already attracted local and foreign tourists who would go to that area to take a photo of the most visible evidence of how strong the typhoon was.

August of this year a building permit was issued to the construction of Super Typhoon Yolanda Ship Remnant Monument and it will be unveiled tomorrow in a ceremony at around 6 in the evening as part of the commemoration events sponsored by the City Government of Tacloban. A Holy Mass will also be held right after the unveiling ceremony.

Because we could not wait for tomorrow, FAQ.ph team went to Anibong yesterday to take some pictures of the memorial. And we would also like to share them with you:

A memorial of M/V Eva Jocelyn

Aside from the unveiling there are also other events lined up starting this midnight. An Ultra Marathon from Tolosa, Leyte to Tacloban City was organized by private organizations. By 10:00 AM tomorrow, a blessing and turn-over of Health Center at Abucay Bus Terminal will be held. This project was sponsored by the Rotary Club of Makati South and Rotary Club of Jonan, Japan.

There will also be a premiere showing of a documentary film entitled, “Fields of Hope” at Robinson’s Movie world. This free showing will be until November 8 only. If you can’t make it to the premiere, no worries you can watch it in advance tonight at exactly 8:00 PM via CNN Philippines.

There are still more events to look forward to on November 8 but to give you a little suspense, we’ll save that for my next post tomorrow.

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…]

A Cruise along San Juanico Strait

November 5, 2015 By Lyza R. Sabornido 1 Comment

San Juanico Bridge

Last year, I wrote about 10 Facts You Should Know About San Juanico Bridge in Samar and Leyte. I talked about my first visit to this magnificent structure in Region 8. I described it to look like a dragon from afar.

Sure, most of us have seen it from a picture, from afar or have passed through it but how does cruising through it sounds like? Interesting, isn’t it? Never in my wildest dream have I imagined going (sailing) under it until October 29, 2015.

Thanks to the people who have thought of the brilliant idea of converting the fishing boats donated to the Yolanda survivors by Oxfam (an international non-governmental organization) into a tourism-related livelihood, a cruise through San Juanico strait is now a reality. [Read more…]

List of Telephone Area Codes in the Philippines

November 4, 2015 By Lyza R. Sabornido Leave a Comment

A rotary dial telephone made in 1966. Photo by Holger Ellgaard via Wikimedia Commons

The telephone was the first communication device granted with a United States patent in 1876. It was invented by a Scottish immigrant Alexander Graham Bell and has long been one of the most used communication devices in the world.

Sorry to say, but telephone (landline phone) is not on the list of my most favorite communication device. I usually get confused on what to dial. I am not particular with area codes and I am not just good with memorizing numbers. Unlike the mobile phone where you could talk to your contact with just one click, when using a telephone, you have to dial all the numbers. So, I only use it when necessary.

If you have the same problem of memorizing various area codes here in the Philippines, here is the complete list of the area codes that could help you.

National Capital Region (NCR)

Caloocan City	2
Las Piñas City	2
Makati City	2
Malabon City	2
Mandaluyong City	2
Manila City	2
Marikina City	2
Muntinlupa City	2
Navotas City	2
Parañaque City	2
Pasay City	2
Pasig City	2
Pateros City	2
Quezon City	2
San Juan City	2
Taguig City	2
Valenzuela City	2

Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR)

Abra	74
Apayao	78
Benguet	74
Ifugao	74
Kalinga	74
Mt. Province	74

Region I – Ilocos Region

Ilocos Norte	77
Ilocos Sur	77
La Union	72
Pangasinan	75

Region II – Cagayan Valley

Cagayan	78
Batanes	78
Isabela	78
Nueva Vizcaya	78
Quirino	78

Region III – Central Luzon

Aurora	42
Bataan	47
Bulacan	44 (Abangan Bulacan 4422) (Saint Francis 4463)
Nueva Ecija	44
Pampanga	45
Tarlac	45

Region IV-A – Calabarzon

Batangas	43
Cavite	46 (Bacoor 02, 046)
Laguna	49 (Majayjay 49305)(Liliw 043)
Quezon	42
Rizal	2

Region IV-B – Mimaropa

Marinduque	42
Occidental Mindoro	43
Oriental Mindoro	43
Palawan	48
Romblon	54

Region V – Bicol Region

Albay	52
Camarines Norte	54
Camarines Sur	54
Catanduanes	52
Masbate	56
Sorsogon	56

Region VI – Western Visayas

Aklan	36
Antique	36
Capiz	36
Guimaras	33
Iloilo	34
Negros Occidental	34

Region VII – Central Visayas

Bohol	38
Cebu	32
Negros Oriental	35
Siquijor	35

Region VIII – Eastern Visayas

Biliran	53
Eastern Samar	55
Leyte	53
Northern Samar	55
Samar	55
Southern Leyte	53

Region IX – Zamboanga Peninsula

Zamboanga del Norte	65
Zamboanga del Sur	62
Zamboanga Sibugay	62

Region X – Northern Mindanao

Bukidnon	88
Camiguin	88
Lanao del Norte	63
Misamis Occidental	88 (Plaridel 88344)
Misamis Oriental	(Cagayan de Oro 8822, Gingoog City 8842, Tagoloan 88)

Region XI – Davao Region

Compostela Valley	84
Davao del Norte	84
Davao del Sur	82
Davao Oriental	87

Region XII – Soccsksargen

North Cotabato	64
Sarangani	83
South Cotabato	83
Sultan Kudarat	64

Region XIII – Caraga

Agusan del Norte	85
Agusan del Sur	85
Dinagat Islands	86
Surigao del Norte	86
Surigao del Sur	86

Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM)

Basilan	62
Lanao del Sur	64
Maguindanao	64
Sulu	85
Tawi-tawi	68

Important things you need to remember when using a landline phone:

– The international exit code is 00
– The country code of the Philippines is 63
– The Subscriber’s Numbers (without an Area Code) are 7 digits
– When calling from abroad to the Philippines – dial “00” + 63 + Area Code + Subscriber Number
– When calling a landline within the same Area Code – simply dial the Subscriber Number.
– When calling a landline outside an Area Code – you have to dial “0” + Area Code + Subscriber Number.
– When calling any cell phone number – dial “0” + Area Code + Subscriber Number.
*Calling cell phones from landlines used to be considered “long distance” because it does not have a geographical location which means you pay per minute. But now, telecommunication companies offer unlimited calls from landline to cellular phones for a particular service provider.

List of Postal Codes (ZIP codes) in the Philippines

November 3, 2015 By Lyza R. Sabornido 1 Comment

Before the invention of cellular phones, writing a letter and sending it via air mail was the best way of communicating to our loved ones. People then must be very patient because they would have to wait for a week just for their letter to reach its destination and it would take another week for them to get the reply. Now, people would be aggravated if their text mates would not reply within an hour. And with the fast changing world most of the youths now don’t even know the Postal code or ZIP code of their own town. Why would they when they don’t need to send letter through the post office anymore, right? Instead of going to a post office to send a letter, we could just send it via e-mail, and as for packages, there are now fast cargo companies that are more reliable.

Most of us don’t even know what a ZIP Code is. ZIP actually stands for “Zone Improvement Plan”. It was first used in the U.S and was adopted by the Philippine Postal Corporation (Phlpost). America uses five digits while the Philippines use only four digits. The main purpose of using ZIP code is to simplify the distribution of mails.

If you want to send a letter, greeting cards or packages this Christmas season in an old fashioned way but don’t know the Zip Code to the place where you want to send it to, FAQ.ph got you covered; here is the complete list of Postal Codes (ZIP Codes) in the Philippines: [Read more…]

Palawan, still the Best Island in the World

October 22, 2015 By Lyza R. Sabornido Leave a Comment

According to Readers’ Choice Awards 2015 conducted by luxury and lifestyle travel magazine, Condé Nast Traveler, Palawan, Philippines was again chosen by their readers as number one among the best Islands in the world.

In the survey, readers of the said magazine ranked the best islands for them from the Caribbean to Southeast Asia and Palawan got the first spot with an overall rating of 85.937.

Palawan is an island province in the MIMAROPA region, it is the biggest province in the Philippines in terms of total area of jurisdiction which extends from Mindoro to Borneo. It is made up of Palawan Island other surrounding islands including; the Calamianes Group of Islands (Busuanga Island, Coron Island and Culion Island), Durangan Island (Dulangan), Balabac Island, and Cuyo Islands in the Sulu Sea. Its capital, Puerto Princesa City is also one of the new seven natural wonders of the world. While El Nido-Taytay Managed Resource Protected Area is the biggest marine sanctuary in the country.

Other Philippine Islands who made it to the Top 20 are; Boracay which landed on the 15th spot with an overall rating of 80.856 and Cebu ranked #19 with an overall rating of 80.404.

Other Islands which made it to the Top 20 are:

#2. Bora Bora, French Polynesia with an overall rating of 84.756
#3. Moorea, French Polynesia with an overall rating of 84.656
#4. Waiheke Island, New Zealand with an overall rating of 84.447
#5. Bermuda in the North Atlantic with an overall rating of 84.245
#6. Great Barrier Reef & Whitsunday Islands, Australia with an overall rating of 83.420
#7. Vancouver Island, BC, Canada with an overall rating of 82.495
#8. Bali, Indonesia with an overall rating of 82.330
#9. Santorini, Greece with an overall rating of 81.947
#10. Tasmania, Australia with an overall rating of 81.810
#11. Cook Islands with an overall rating of 81.326
#12. British Virgin Islands with an overall rating of 80.960
#13. St. John, USVI in the Caribbean Sea with an overall rating of 80.939
#14. Mykonos, Greece with an overall rating of 80.938
#16. Maldives in the Indian Ocean with an overall rating of 80.833
#17. Orkney Islands, Scotland with an overall rating of 80.603
#18. St. Lucia in the Caribbean with an overall rating of 80.569
#20. Hvar & Dalmatian Islands, Croatia with an overall rating of 80.264

Palawan also claimed top spot last year based on over 76,000 votes in Conde Nast Traveler.

This survey just proves that the Philippines is truly blessed by nature. We Filipinos should do our part in preserving this beauty. Surely more tourists would flock in the island for a chance to visit the best island in the world.

There’s good and bad effect about this, though. The good side is more tourists would come to our country, more tourist means more chance of employments for the locals and more income to the government. The bad side is the more people who would visit, the more garbage they leave behind which could sooner or later ruin this island paradise.

It is up to the local officials and other concerned government agencies to make sure that the beauty of Palawan and other islands in the country are well preserved for the next generation to see the same exquisite art made by the hands of Mother Nature.

Top 10 Languages Used in the Philippines

October 12, 2015 By Lyza R. Sabornido 5 Comments

Baybayin known as Tagalog alphabet is an ancient Philippine script.

I used to think that the only language we have here in the Philippines is Filipino. It may be our national language, but there are actually more languages here in our country than we know.

Because there are more than seven thousand islands in the Philippines, it is no wonder why we have many languages which most of us consider as dialects. There is a difference between dialect and language, though. According to Dictionary.com, a language is used by people who are of the same community or nation, the same geographical area, or the same cultural tradition. While the dialect is a variety of a language that is distinguished from other varieties of the same language by of phonology, grammar, and vocabulary.

Here are the top 10 languages used in the Philippines:

1. Tagalog

Our national language was based from Tagalog. It is used mainly in Manila Area and nearby provinces such as Batangas, Bulacan, Cavite, Nueva Ecija, and Laguna. This is the only Filipino language that is generally used and can be understood around the country. Based on the Philippine census conducted by the Philippine Statistics Authority, there were 26,387,855 Filipinos who speak this language in the country.

Example:
Good morning – Magandang umaga
Good evening – Magandang Gabi
I love you – Iniibig kita or minamahal kita

2. Cebuano

Cebuano is the next most spoken language in the Philippines with a total of 21,340,000 Filipinos using it. This is mainly used in Cebu City and some areas in Mindanao, such as Butuan, Cagayan de Oro, Davao, and General Santos City.

Example:
Good morning – Maayong buntag
Good evening – Maayong gabii
I love you – Gihigugma ko ikaw

3. Ilocano

Ilokano or Ilocano is a combination of other languages from other countries such as Chamorro of Guam, Indonesian, Hawaiian, Malay, Samoan and Tahitian. It is mostly spoken in the Northern part of the country but because Ilocano speaking people have spread throughout the Philippines, it ranked as third of the most spoken language with 7,779,000 Filipinos using it.

Example:
Good morning – Naimbag a bigat
Good evening – Naimbag a sardam
I love you – Ayayatenka

4. Hiligaynon

Hiligaynon or Ilonggo is the language used in Aklan, Antique, Bacolod, Capiz, Iloilo, Panay Islands as well as in North and South Cotabato in Mindanao. This language is distinct for having a sweet intonation. And as of 2000, there were 7,000,979 sweet speaking Filipinos in the country.

Example:
Good morning – Maayo nga Aga
Good evening – Maayo nga Hapon
Goodbye – Asta sa liwat.

5. Waray-Waray
If Hiligaynons are known for being sweet, the Waray people are known for being tough and strong. Waray is spoken in the Eastern Visayas, particularly Samar and some parts of Leyte and Biliran Province. The Waray comes fifth with 3,100,000 Filipinos using this language as of year 2000.

Example:
Good morning – Maupay nga aga
Good evening – Maupay nga gab-i
Thank you very much – Damo nga salamat

6. Kapampangan

Kapampangan or Pampangueño are spoken by 2,900,000 Filipinos. This is mostly spoken in the northern part of the country particularly Pampanga Province, and portions of Bataan and Tarlac.

Example:
Good morning – Mayap a abak
Good evening – Mayap a bengi
Thank you very much – Dakal a salamat

7. Bicolano

Bikolano or Bicolano is the language used in the Bicol Region. Bicol is one of the biggest regions in the Philippines and there are about 2,500,000 Bicolanos speaking the language.

Example:
Good morning – Marhay na aga
Good evening – Marhay na banggi
I love you – Namomotan ta ka

8. Pangasinense

Pangasinense is the language used in Pangasinan Province in Central Luzon. It has a population of more than 2 million and 2,434,086 of which use the language. Pangasinense is like the Ibalio language used by the people of Baguio City and Benguet in the mountain province.

Example:
Good morning! – Maabig ya kaboasan!
Good afternoon! – Maabig ya ngarem!
I love you – Inaro ta ka.

9. Maranaoan

Maranaoan is the language spoken by 2,150,000 Maranao people living in Lanao del Norte and Lanao del Sur Provinces. It is a Western Austronesian language likewise used in Sabah, Malaysia.

Example:
Good Morning! – Mapiya kapipita
Good Evening! – Mapiya gagawi-i
I Love You! – Pekababaya-an ko seka!

10. Tausug

Tausug is the language used by 1,822,000 people in the Sulu Archipelago, the Zamboanga Peninsula, and Southern Palawan. It is likewise used in the eastern part of Sabah, Malaysia, and North Kalimantan, Indonesia.

Example:
Kalasahan ta kaw – I love you
Kamaya daran – Take care always
Magsukul – Thanks

Other languages in the Philippines are as follows:

Maguindanao – used by 1,800,000 residents of Maguindanao and some parts some parts of Mindanao.

Chavacano – is from a Spanish word “Chabacano” which means tasteless. It is one of the oldest creole languages in the world and the only one in Asia. There are various dialects of Chavacano including, Zamboangueño, Caviteño, Cotabateño, Castellano Abakay (Chabacano de Davao), Ternateño (Bahra), and Ermiteño (Ermitense) with a total population of 1,200,000.

Kinaray-a – is a Visayan language spoken in Antique Province and used by 1,051,000 Filipinos.

Surigaonon – is mainly used by Surigaonon people from the province of Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Dinagat Islands, and some portions of Agusan del Norte especially the towns near the Mainit Lake, Agusan del Sur and Davao Oriental. There is more than 1,000,000 Filipinos using this language.

Foreign languages that became an official language of the Philippines

Spanish and English are two languages we Filipinos got used to when we were still under the governance of Spain and America.

Spanish – used to be the official language in the Philippines back in the 16th century but now, only around 2,000 Filipinos use this language.

English – is a foreign language commonly used by Filipinos until today. In a survey conducted by Social Weather Stations(SWS) back in 2008, around 76% of Filipinos says they understand English. It is the language mainly used in schools, in the government, in the business world, and etc. This foreign language became an official language of the Philippines under the 1935 Constitution added alongside Spanish. Under the present constitution, approved in 1987, Filipino and English became joint official languages of the country.

Although we have many languages most of us use Taglish or a combination of English and Tagalog. This is often used by the younger generation of Filipinos when texting or talking to friends. Filipinos abroad who have forgotten how to speak Tagalog use this too.

Example: Please call a policeman(English) Pakitawag ng pulis(Tagalog) Paki-call ng police(Taglish)

Our languages just show how unique we Filipinos are. But no matter which part of the country we are from or what language we use we can always use Filipino or English to understand each other.

10 Things to Do when in Biliran

October 7, 2015 By Lyza R. Sabornido Leave a Comment

Biliran is a small island province in Eastern Visayas which got its name from a native grass which grows abundantly in the island called Borobiliran. During Spanish occupation, the island used to be a part of Cebu Province and was called Isla de Panamao then it became a part of Leyte Province in 1768 and in 1992 it became an independent island province. The island is about two and a half hour drive from Tacloban City.

Biliran may be a small being the 4th smallest province in the Philippines with a total land area of 53,601 hectares but it is blessed with beauty and offers the finest beaches one could expect in a tropical island. If you are looking for a place to go for swimming, relaxation and sight-seeing, Biliran Province offers that and more.

What can you expect from an island province? White sand beaches, waterfalls, hot spring, and of course, friendly locals who would always greet you with a warm welcoming smile.

If you are wondering what you could do in such a small island, I say A LOT! And here are 10 things you could do when in Biliran:

1. Go island-hopping

The province of Biliran is composed of the main island and other smaller islands such as Puro Island which connects the province to Leyte, the island municipality of Maripipi, Higatangan Island which is well-known for its shifting sandbar, Sambawan Island and Dalutan Island known for its white sand beach and pristine clear water.

If you are planning to go island-hopping, you might want to take a longer vacation leave because I am sure you would want to spend a whole day in each island I have just mentioned.

2. Enjoy swimming under the bright blue skies

When visiting Biliran, make sure you have your sunblock lotion ready because it’s gonna be a long day under the sun. Since the island is surrounded by beautiful beaches, swimming is an absolute must do. The clear blue water which reflects the color of the sky looks so inviting! I’m sure no one would be able to resist plunging in.

3. Try scuba-diving

Biliran Island is not only beautiful in the outside, but there is also a beautiful underwater world waiting to be explored. I’m talking about the beautiful coral reefs and colorful fishes you can see when going for a scuba-diving.

For as low as 1,800 Php. you can go for a Fun Dive with scuba gear at Agta Beach Resort in the Municipality of Almeria.

4. Dip yourself in a soothing hot spring

Did you know that Biliran is a volcano island? But there is no need for you to be alarmed because according to Phivolcs, there is only one historic activity which happened on September 26, 1939. But because of that volcano, you can enjoy a warm bath at the Mainit Hot Springs in Caibiran, Biliran. You can dip yourself in a warm and soothing water to relax sore muscles.

5. Visit the Nasunugan Watchtower Ruins (burned ruins)

Biliran, just like other islands in the Philippines have a very colorful history which dates back to pre-Spanish era. During the times when Moro raids were rampant the people of Biliran built a watchtower near the church but in one of those raids the Moros burned the settlement and only this watchtower made of stone and coral blocks remained standing. Hence, the place is now called Nasunugan located in Brgy San Roque, Biliran.

It was reconstructed in 2000 and was recognized by the National Historical Institute of the Philippines as one of the country’s historical landmarks in 2008.

6. Try an outdoor Wall-climbing

Aside from swimming, beach resorts in Biliran also offer other amenities. If you are into wall climbing, why not try this climbing wall in Agta Beach Resort?

You would not miss it for sure because it is just right at the entrance of the resort. It is a fun way to start a day with friends before plunging into the sea.

7. Hike your way up to Binongtoan (Padre Gaspar)

Hiking up to Binongtoan is like a pilgrimage for Biliranons. It is the place where Padre Gaspar Ignacio de Guevarra brought the town folks during the so-called Biliran Religious Revolt from 1765 to 1774. From Biliran town proper, you can ride a motorcycle up to Brgy Hugpa or Brgy Canila and from there you can start hiking. Before reaching the peak, people would stop by at a spring water to drink sweet, cold and refreshing water which some people believes to be miraculous. When you reach the peak make sure you have your camera ready for the picturesque view in front of you.

Usually, people go there during Saturdays to light a candle at a huge white rock. People of Biliran built a small chapel there where a priest would celebrate mass during the celebration of a Fiesta in honor of Padre Gaspar every February 19-20.

8. Fall in love with stunning falls in the island!

No one could resist the tempting nature’s beauty which Biliran possess. One of the province’s tourist attractions are the numerous falls which can be found in almost every town.

Taste the sweet water of Tomalistis Falls in Caibiran which made it to Guinness Book of World Records for being the “sweetest-tasting water in the world.”

There are also other falls to choose from like Kasabangan Falls in Cabucgayan, Kinaraha Cascades in Caibiran, Pundol Falls in Almeria, Busai Falls in Kawayan, Tigbaw Falls in Brgy Julita, Biliran , Ulan ulan Falls in Almeria, Tinago Falls in Caibiran and many others.

9. Experience the culture

Municipalities of Biliran Province preserve the historical significance of local festivals, which showcases their cultures and histories.

Hudyaka or merriment is one of the best parts of the celebration of Biliran Provincehood held every May 11. Just like Pintados, it showcases various festivals of the municipalities in the province.

Other festivals are; Bagasumbol Festival in Naval during town fiesta every 1st Saturday of October, Ibid Festival in Caibiran during town fiesta every 25th of July, Ginalutan Festival in Maripipi during town fiesta every 29th of September, Bucgay Festival in Cabucgayan every 2nd week of October, Gapnod in Almeria during charter anniversary every 1st of September, Subingsubing Festival of Kawayan every 24th of October and Borobiliran Festival in the town of Biliran during the celebration of its Pueblo Day every 9th of September.

10. Eat Fresh sea foods to your heart’s content

Since Biliran is surrounded by seas, fresh seafood is abundant. You can fill your stomach with freshly caught fish, shrimps and crabs at a low cost.

Aside from the sumptuous seafood there are also restaurants in the island which serve Italian and American cuisine. Plus you can also try some of the sweet delicacies such as sampilot and mamban. Or find out why Balintawak is the famous pasalobong from Biliran, it is a suman or rice cake which is a combination of black and white sticky rice wrapped in coconut leaf.

When in Biliran, you can EAT seafood to your heart’s content, fall in LOVE with the scenery and PRAY that you could visit the island again. Biliran may not be a well-developed tourist destination but seeing its natural beauty is truly exhilarating. If you are looking for a place to relax and forget the stress a city life gives you, Biliran is the place to be.