MY FAVORITE ISLANDS IN THE SUN

MY FAVORITE ISLANDS IN THE SUN 

By Henry Libo-on 

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There are so many interesting places in the world that many of us want to visit in our lifetime but maybe only a few among us will be able to do it because of money and time constraints. 

In my case, I have two impediments - lack of money and the fear of deteriorating health. Because of these, I have the tendency to just dream of these beautiful travel destinations and hope that someday I can experience being there. 

So, I find contentment in reading about these places in magazines, books, the internet, watching videos on YouTube or the television.  I mean, those places that are impossible for me to go to. This is what I call - vicariously experience those places that I dream to see. 

For me, the islands and their beaches fascinate me.  I dream of walking on these beaches and experience the peace and quiet of these islands in my dream.  So, I listed them in my stenographer's notebook and started writing the details on what to see, what to do, and how to get there.  I also listed the possible expenses to be incurred in traveling to these islands in my dream. 

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Prior to my five-month island-hopping adventure in the Philippines, I first visited Bermuda Islands.  I was based in New Jersey, so it was easy for me to take a cruise to the Bermuda Islands from New York.  

Bermuda Islands

Atlantic Ocean, U.K.

 Horseshoe Bay Beach, Bermuda Islands. (Copyright Photo by Touristang Pobre.)

I went to Bermuda when my daughter and her family sponsored my trip to these beautiful islands in the Atlantic Ocean.  Onboard the Norwegian Cruise Line Breakaway, we left New York for a one-week cruise to the islands of Bermuda. I thought Lady Luck was on my side at this time and the piggy bank was not broken, haha.

But before this, Bermuda Island is not in my consciousness.  Every time the word Bermuda pops up in a conversation, I just connect it to Bermuda shorts, Bermuda grass, and Bermuda Triangle, among others.  Other than these, Bermuda is a strange thing to me.

 A secret beach at Horseshoe Bay, Bermuda. Copyright photo by Touristang Pobre.  

There were very few tourists on this side of the Bay.  But it was here that I took a dip in the cool waters of the Atlantic Ocean.  I swim in the area where rocks could stop me from being pushed to the open sea by the strong current. 

 Horseshoe Bay Beach is famous for its pink sand. 

 I took this picture of the beach from the top of a hill that overlooks the whole Bay.

 The Royal Naval Dockyard, Bermuda Islands.  I took this photo while onboard the Norwegian Breakaway, a cruise ship of the Norwegian Cruise Line.

 St. George's Town marker and Town Hall.

This is the Chair of the Presiding Officer of the Council of St. George Township.  On the left side of this photo is the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip.

For $20.00, this carriage will tour you around St. George's town.

Restaurants are in the Royal Naval Dockyard. 

 Bermuda International Airport.

The Bus Station and the City Hall of Hamilton, the capital of Bermuda.  

All photos by Henry Libo-on of Touristang Pobre. 

THE ISLANDS IN MY DREAM

There are just so many islands in the Philippines that were in my "Islands In My Dream" list.  As I have said, 7,641 islands and most are awesome islands to explore.  My priorities were based on the availability and accessibility of transportation.  So, here they are: 

Samal Island

Davao del Norte.

It was Kadayawan Festival at Davao City in the second week of August 2017 when I decided to go to Davao to watch the Kadayawan Festival's street parade, roam around the city, and make a side trip to Samal Island. 

I left Bacolod City in the morning flight direct to Davao City.  There are also direct flights from Manila, Cebu, and other cities to Davao City. 

Originally, I planned to join a group tour or a package tour to Samal so that everything will be arranged by the tour operator, from transportation to meals and island tours.  

But I ended up going to the island on a motorbike with friends who are residents of Davao City. They are members of the Davao Blackhawk Motorbike Association. I thought this would be an adventure.  

At the port of Sta. Ana, we boarded the Barge.  In less than an hour, we arrived at the port (I forgot the name) on Samal Island. 

 We are on the Barge that is leaving the Davao City Port and the picture below shows our Barge approaching the port at Samal Island. 

Johnny rode his motorbike and served as our leader.  Jehan was driving his own motorbike too and I hitched a ride with him. It was a road trip around Samal Island, indeed.  The road trip was very brief because I got tired of sitting on the motorbike.  I suggested we go to the nearest beach and we ended up at Caliclic Beach Resort.

In my mind, however, I was concocting an idea of returning to Samal sometime next year so I have enough time to see more beaches and interesting places that made Samal Island famous worldwide.

Caliclic Beach Resort has white sand.  I saw a group of young people swimming.  Johnny L. asked me to swim with him.  

 I took this picture of Davao City from El Parel Caliclic Beach Resort. 

I got this Henna Tattoo.  Looks great. 

Scenes from the "Kadayawan Festival" of Davao City.

Suyac Island

Sagay City, Negros Occidental 

Suyac Island is one of the islands that are located in this part of the province of Negros Occidental. The other islands are Molocaboc and Jomabo.  I have been to Jomabo Island about 20 years ago. 

Suyac Island is accessible by boat from Old Sagay.  From Bacolod, there are Ceres Buses that service the Bacolod-Sagay routes.  From the port of Old Sagay, travel time is around 15-20 minutes to Suyac Island. 

There are cottages on the island, a massage therapy house, a kitchen where you can order food, and designated swimming areas.

Suyac Island is a community of fisherfolks.  They are very keen on protecting the island so that they can achieve sustainable eco-tourism and fishery activities. 

I took this picture on top of the Tower that gave me a good vista of the island and the neighboring Carbin Reef which is famous for its white sand. The City Tourism Officer of Sagay City assigned a boat to take me to Carbin Reef, but I remember that I only have P500 in my pocket.  So, I skipped that Reef. 

Apo Island

Municipality of Dauin

Negros Oriental

Apo Island is accessible by boat from the Malatapay Boat Terminal.  From Dumaguete, you can ride the Ceres Bus going to Bayawan.  Just tell the driver that you are going down on the crossing of Malatapay Market.   

Upon arrival at the Terminal, please register so that you can be accommodated or assigned to the next boat that will go to Apo. The terminal coordinator will inform you how much your share of the boat fare will be. 

Travel time to the island from Malatapay Port is around 30 minutes. 

These are the boats that will take the tourists to Apo Island. 

Below is the Big Rock at the arrival beach of Apo Island in the Municipality of Dauin, Negros Oriental, Philippines.  Apo Island is a Scuba Divers' Paradise.

This rock formation is located near the beach at the Apo Island Tourism Reception Center.  Apo Island was the result of a volcanic eruption that occurred eons of years ago.  The lines on the rock are like traces of flowing lava. 

I took this photo of the Lookout to Marine Sanctuary on Apo Island as part of my own way of discovering the island.  Being here on this spot gave me the privilege to see the beauty of the island and the sea that surrounds it. 

Source:  venturadiving.wordpress.com

  

Sipaway Island

San Carlos City, Negros Occidental

Sipaway Island is accessible from the Port of San Carlos City.  There are motorized boats that go to the island every 15 minutes.  Travel time is 15 minutes and the transport fee is P15.00.  I do not know if this is just a coincidence.  Please check if there is an increase in the boat fare. 

The photo below shows the beach at Sipaway Island, San Carlos City in the Visayas. 

Basilia White Beach, Barangay Ermita, Sipaway Island. 

Parana Yulo Resort, Sipaway Island. 

This is the veranda of Tugas Beach Resort, Sipaway Island.  It faces the sea and Toledo City.  San Carlos City Mayor Gerardo Valmayor, Jr. wants to develop Sipaway as the next eco-tourism destination in Negros Island.

I went to Sipaway Island to explore its beaches, tourist facilities and other things that make the island unique from the others. So, from Bacolod City, I took the Ceres Bus from Lopez-Jaena Ceres Terminal to San Carlos City.  Travel time was two (2) hours. From the port of San Carlos, there are motorized Banca, big enough to carry about 15 persons.  The fare is P15.00 at that time. 

It takes around 15 minutes to reach Sipaway Island.  The last trip of the boat is 5:00 p.m. Upon arrival at the port in Barangay San Juan, I asked the help of the Tricycle Driver to drive me to the different resorts and tourist spots in the island.  The pictures above show the places that I went to.  Sipaway Island is ideal for weekend excursions, seminars, and family activities. 

Siargao Island

Surigao del Norte

Western Mindanao 

Siargao Island is accessible by plane from Cebu City.  There are also RORO vessels that service the Siargao Island routes from Cebu, Surigao City and other islands and provinces within the region.

From Cebu, I traveled to Siargao by plane which took about 45 minutes.  From the airport, there are air-conditioned Vans that take tourists from the airport to the town of General Luna. 

This is the Tourism Road, the main road on Siargao Island.  On the right side of this picture (not visible) is Ronaldo's Inn, my hotel for the night.  Below, is the wharf on Siargao Island.

World-class hotels and beach resorts are a common sight on Siargao Island.  But there are also hotels and lodging houses for travelers on a budget.

Resting in one of the resort hotels facing the beachfront just opposite the Tourism Road.  In order to beat the timer, I had to run and pose, that is why I was laughing at myself.  

There are activities that fit one's preference like this golf course for golfers, of course. 

Siargao Island is located in the open sea of Western Mindanao.  Siargao is part of Surigao del Norte. Siargao Island's Cloud 9 (shown below) is famous internationally for its surf that swells during the months of September and October.  As the Surfing Capital of the Philippines and home to the International Surfing Competitions, Siargao Island is also famous for its beautiful islands and Islets, Caves, Lagoons, and different flora and fauna. 

Island hopping in Siargao is among the top activities of tourists other than surfing and scuba diving. 

These surfers are from Spain and Chile. 

Map of Siargao Island.  Source: www.pinterest.com

Mactan Island

Province of Cebu

Mactan Island is accessible by public transport, taxi, or Van for Hire from the City of Cebu.  

Mactan Island is connected to the Island of Cebu and its capital - Cebu City by two bridges.  As of this writing, another bridge will be constructed.  The international airport is also located on Mactan Island.
(Source: en.wikpedia.org)

Below is the landmark of Mactan Island.  This is the huge statue of Chieftain Lapu-Lapu who defeated Ferdinand Magellan in the Battle of Mactan on April 27, 1521. 

 The Statue of Chieftain Lapu-Lapu at the center of the City named after him - Lapu-Lapu City, Mactan Island. 

This is the coastal area of Mactan Island where the Battle of Mactan between Ferdinand Magellan and Lapu-Lapu took place.  Magellan was killed in this battle. Lapu-Lapu, however, did not turn over the body of Magellan to the Spaniards. This is the sad reality of that battle. An annual Reenactment of that Battle is held every year on this spot. 

The Monument of Ferdinand Magellan on Mactan Island. 

My travel buddies and sponsor of this Mactan adventure, Ms. Jo S. with hubby Francis "Ligot" (colored tee) with Al (left) and Anem (right).  Photo by "Moi".

 Siquijor Island

Province of Siquijor

The island of Siquijor is one of the most popular islands in this region especially during the Holy Week or the Season of Lent.  There are many beach resorts and hotels in the island's six (6) municipalities.  

Siquijor is accessible from Dumaguete City through Fastcraft or Roro Vessel. 

Source:  winairtravel.me

Below is the road sign that will lead to Cambugahay Falls where you can do a "Tarzan" ..... here on Siquijor Island, near Dumaguete City. 

Exploring Siquijor Island with friend Chito, daughter Tin, and momsie Divine.

Doing a Tarzan at Cabugahay Falls.  Doing the unexpected is a big challenge in exploring the islands in the Philippines.

Kang Isok century-old house. 

While on Siquijor Island, we visited many places like Salagdoong Beach Resort, the town of San Juan, Cambugahay Falls, Kang Isok old house, Lazi Convent, and the Lazi Church. These two are century-old structures constructed during the Spanish colonization of Siquijor and the Philippines. 

Nogas Island

Municipality of Anini-y

Province of Antique

Nogas Island is accessible by public transport or Vans For Hire from Iloilo City or any parts of the island of Panay.  From Iloilo City, I took the Ceres Bus that will pass by Anini-y, Antique and disembarked in front of the Sira-an Hot Spring Resort.  Travel time is around two (2) hours.  

At Sira-an Hot Spring Resort, I went to the Reception Desk and inform them of my intention to go to Nogas Island.  Then they assigned a boatman that will take me to the island. Boat rental is a P500.00 round-trip.  May I remind you to please bring your own food and water. 

This floating shed house (below) can accommodate 10 persons.  You can enjoy lunch here while this raft is floating at sea. You can also make this your diving board.

Nogas Island from the distance.  I went there by motorized small boat in 25 minutes.  I stayed on the island for about an hour then went back to the mainland in the town of Anini-y, Antique. Nogas Island is one of the many beautiful islands and islets surrounding the island of Panay which is composed of the provinces of Iloilo, Capiz, Aklan, and Antique. 

I took this photo upon my arrival on the island.  The water is really clear and I was tempted to swim.  There were no tourists on the island at the time of my arrival.  The island was my little paradise at that moment.  There were total peace and tranquility on the island that made me think of my loved ones, my family, and grandchildren and wishing they were with me at that moment to enjoy this island all by ourselves.  For a few hours, Nogas was my private island and it was a very rewarding experience to be there. 

No one lives on the island except for one family of feline creatures, the cats.  They greeted me upon my arrival on the beach.  They were in full force, I guess, numbering about 4 beautiful cats. 

Malapascua Island
Daan Bantayan
Province of Cebu

Malapascua Island is accessible from Cebu City or any other points in the region by public transport like bus, boats (when you are from another island), and Vans For Hire.  I traveled from Cebu and I rode the Ceres Tours going to Daan Bantayan, Cebu, and disembarked at the Maya Port.

From Maya Port, register your name in the terminal office so that they can assign you to the next boat that will go to Malapascua Island.  The boat fare is P100.00 per person.  Travel time is around 25 to 30 minutes depending on the sea condition. 

Source: xed83.deviantart.com

The picture below shows the boat called Mabuhay.  It will take the visitors to the island of Malapascua. The island is popular among scuba divers from all over the world. There are several dive spots surrounding the island that includes the nearby island of Kalanggaman in the town of Palompon, Leyte.  Among the attractions in the dive spots of Malapascua are the Thresher Sharks. 

Big brother Toto Rudy is my travel buddy to Malapascua Island.  He is very familiar with the nitty-gritty of travel from Cebu City to Malapascua. 

This photo shows our boat as we approach the Bounty Beach, one of the docking areas of the boats coming from Daan Bantayan, Cebu.  

When I went on this tour of Malapascua, our boat docked at the beachfront of Bounty Beach, shown here. 

It was noontime when I arrived at Malapascua and I surely love the place.  The beach and its white sand were really attractive.  The crystal blue waters were so inviting that I want to swim and cool myself off. I just regret that I could not stay longer than a day.  My purpose was to step on its beautiful beaches, see for myself what Malapascua Island is like, check on the facilities on the island and how they were, cost-wise. If given the chance, I would like to bring my family to this island for a week-long stay and maybe, a side trip to Kalanggaman Island. 

We eat lunch here at Mabuhay Restaurant and Bar.  Big Bro took charge, haha...The food was nice and the soda was very cold. 

One of the PADI Dive Centers on the island.

Camotes Islands

Province of Cebu

Camotes Islands is accessible by Fastcraft and motorized boats from Cebu City and Danao City port respectively.  I traveled from Cebu at 6:00 a.m. and I arrived at Camotes Islands at around 8:00 a.m.  

Source: theparadoxicleyline.blogspot.com

From the port, the island's Tourism Office is just nearby.  It is housed in a small building on the left side of the port's road. So, you can go to that office if you want some assistance. There were motorcycles and Tricycles waiting for the passengers.  I hired a Motorcycle for my island tour which costs me around P400.00.  

The Tourism Office

 Our Fastcraft is approaching the Port of Poro, Camotes Islands. 

Meanwhile, one of the beautiful sites I really love to see is this Lookout which is a very popular photo published by bloggers about Camotes Islands.  Now, I have come face to face with this icon of Camotes located at Boho Rock Resort in the town of Poro which is the port of entry to the islands of Poro and Pacijan. 

It was a lazy afternoon when I arrived here and I cannot swim in the open sea, so I just had coffee in the garden located near the entrance to this beautiful landmark of Camotes Islands. 

Camotes Island is two (2) hours by Fastcraft from Cebu City. Beautiful beaches on Camotes Islands can be found here in the towns of San Francisco and Poro. These two towns are the main towns of Pacijan Island and Poro Island.  They are connected by a land bridge because the islands are separated only by a waterway and mangroves.  The other island is Ponson Island which is accessible by motorized boats from the towns of San Francisco and Poro.  

Ponson Island has beautiful beaches and developed beach resorts too, but I reserve that island on my next visit to Camotes.  

This is Santiago White Beach.  I fall in love with this beach and as I took this picture, I was feeling sad that I could not stay longer.  I wish there is enough time for me to swim, have coffee or drink a bottle or two of beer in one of these shed houses.  The locals were simply friendly.  There were hotels around this beach so I find no problem where to stay if I will decide to go back for a vacation. 

I had a great time here at Lake Danao, one of the most visited tourist spots on Camotes Islands.  

 Churches at Santiago and Poro,  Camotes Islands. 

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On my way to the island of Cebu from Dumaguete City on the nearby island of Negros, I boarded a Fastcraft from Sibulan Port to Santander Port of Cebu Island.  Passing by this beautiful beach on Liloan, Cebu, (photo is shown below).

Even if the beach is far from view, I can sense that it is a beautiful beach in this part of Southern Cebu. 

This is Sayak Airport, otherwise known as Siargao Airport.  It is constructed in 1964 during the Presidency of Diosdado Macapagal.  At that time, it can accommodate 19-seater planes from Cebu.  In 2008, President Gloria M. Arroyo initiated the lengthening of the runway to accommodate bigger planes with 100 seat capacity. This photo shows the passengers disembarked from the plane that brought them to Siargao Island from Cebu.  

How do I travel to these islands? 

My mode of transport to the islands is an airplane, motorized boat, or a banca, a small boat paddled by a boatman. Once on the islands, I rent a single motorcycle so I can roam around the island or the Tricycle if I want to rest my back and ensure my safety since a single motorcycle can sometimes pause a hazard to me, especially when my bp is going crazy...haha.  I might fall from the motorcycle and the driver may not know it and he will just drive and drive like crazy, maybe still talking to me and when suddenly he realized he is driving all alone.  While I was thrown off the ditch or wherever. Isn't that scary? Lol.

When I was in Siargao Island, I hired a single motorcycle that the locals call "Habal-Habal" to take me to the airport.  When the driver arrived that morning, I talked to him and explained my predicament, and gave him some money instead of driving me to the airport.  At that time, I felt dizzy, maybe because my bp (blood pressure) was high, so riding his "Habal-Habal" was a dangerous proposition.  In lieu of him, I hired a Tricycle Driver because I can rest my back and sit inside the Trike.  It was a blessing in disguise because the moment we were about half an hour from Ronaldo's Inn where I stayed, there was heavy rain.  In fact, when I arrived at the airport after about an hour on the road, my shoes were wet and part of my pants.  So, just imagine what could have happened to me if I decided to ride the "Habal-Habal"?  

 Ceres Tours are air-conditioned buses like this one.  I took this photo on my way to Boljoon, Cebu.

Boracay Island

Municipality of Malay

Province of Aklan

Of all the islands that I have been to, there is only one that I considered to be a place where I enjoyed the most, Boracay Island. 

Boracay is complete, the day tour, the nightlife, the beach, the hotel, the food, the friendly locals, the boat service, the boatmen, the scuba dive shops, the various sports activities including golf, among others added up to the excitement of an island vacation. 

If you happened to be there when a heavy rain pours, you will experience the flooding of the streets.  So, you have a complete experience of Boracay.  Not a joke though.

Boracay Island as seen from Balabag hilltop. 

Source: HenRy Down the Road Youtube Channel. 

Boracay is accessible anywhere you are in the country.  I traveled from Iloilo City, so I joined a group of tourists in a rented Van which was traveling to Caticlan.  

From the Caticlan Jetty, I took the motorized boat going to Boracay Island for, I think, P25.00.  Upon arrival at the Boracay boat terminal, I rode a motorcycle that took me to the hotel.  My relative took charge. 

Boracay Island Jetty.

The White Beach. 

Beach Volleyball initiated by the locals and Expats who are on the island for vacation while others have established their own business on the island. One of the players, I was told, came from Brazil.  Tourists are also invited to join the game.  Did you see the PADI Center in the background?  There are several of these Dive Centers on the island.  Divers travel to the different dive sites through a motorized boat.  They dive as far as the surrounding areas of the Carabao Islands and even in the vicinity of Romblon. 

The White Beach of Boracay Island. 

 Willy's Rock, Boracay Island at Sunset. (Photo by Henry Libo-on)

Boracay Island has come alive. 

 The author with some friends and sponsors at Coco Bar and Restaurant of Red Coconut Beach Resort Hotel - Boracay.

 Red Coconut Beach Resort Hotel Boracay is a nice place to stay.  It is at the center of all actions, so to speak, it is located at the central part of Boracay and a few meters to White Beach. 

Its Presidential Suite is just awesome.  Red Coconut Beach Resort Boracay is a home away from home.  Thanks, Red Coconut for sponsoring my 2-night stay in Boracay Island.

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Island Hopping at El Nido, Palawan

Tour A Destinations 

Big Lagoon

Small Lagoon

Secret Lagoon

Entalula Island (Shimizu Island)

El Nido is a town on the Western side of Palawan Island and it is the jump-off point to numerous islands and islets spread around Bacuit Bay. 

As one of the 20 Most Beautiful Beaches in the world according to Conde Nast Traveler, El Nido is also one of the most popular travel destinations in the world. 

El Nido is accessible from any major cities in the Philippines through air and sea travel.  I traveled to El Nido by plane from Iloilo City. After about an hour, we landed at Puerto Princesa Airport.  From the airport, you can ride the Tricycle to the Bus Terminal in San Jose.  Travel time is around 10 minutes. 
                         
At the Bus Terminal, there are RORO Buses there that service the Puerto Princesa - El Nido routes.  Travel time is around six (6) hours.  So, the best time to travel is early in the morning so that you will arrive in El Nido at noon or early afternoon.   

Source: wikitravel.org

There are so many things to do at El Nido, a few of these may include the following: island hopping, swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, a tour of areas which have different species of flora and fauna, the beautiful beaches in numerous islands, lagoons, the rock formations, and many others.

El Nido was the site or location of the shooting of the international film Bourne Legacy, it is also the site of Amazing Race 5, and the site of Expedition Robinson, a Swedish version of Survivor, among many others. 

I took this picture of the Big Lagoon at El Nido, during my island-hopping adventure.  The Big Lagoon was the location of the movie entitled Bourne Legacy.  The producers had to rent the entire island near the Blue Lagoon for a few months during the filming of this movie around Bacuit Bay. 

I enjoyed swimming here at the Seven Commandos Beach at El Nido, Palawan. It was peaceful and because there were few tourists here, I can feel that it is my piece of paradise in El Nido. 

 Intalula Island, Bacuit Bay.

The beach of Intalula Island, El Nido. 

Now, if you think that this island's adventure is impossible to do, I would agree with you. Not in my wildest dream did I imagine that these islands could be a reality for me.  They were always beautiful pictures published in magazines or on someone else's travel blog.  They were beautiful stories of bloggers and storytellers or feature videos on television. All of these can tickle your imagination and maybe challenge you to try if you can. 

Keep Calm And Ask Your Mom...hmmm.

Our boat crew prepared this sumptuous meal for the six (6) of us in the boat.  This island hopping at El Nido, Palawan was very memorable for me.  For sure, I will go back to El Nido, to continue the remaining packages in this island-hopping activity. 

I stayed in El Nido for one week but spent four (4) days doing nothing, so to speak,  because it was raining cats and dogs and the island hopping activities were canceled. It was good that my hotel costs P300 a day only which was paid for by my daughter who lives in California. 

The beautiful 7 Commandos Beach.

Visiting these islands, walking on its beaches, exploring its fields, mountains, and rock formations as well as meeting the locals and savoring their hospitality make you rub your eyes or pinch your skin and ask yourself - "is this real?".  It happened to me.  Because I am a Touristang Pobre (poor traveler), it is not possible for me to spend and go to these islands.  It was a "miracle" and good luck, that I was able to gather all positive forces (including saving a few bucks)....to finally go to the islands of my dream.

The beachfront of El Nido.  This is also the jump-off point of island hopping activities that begin at El Nido.  Bacuit Bay can be seen on the horizon.  

On Guam Island. 

Riding a water buffalo locally known as a Carabao (kara bow) with tourist guide Big John (RIP).  This picture was taken at the Spanish Fort Soledad at Umatac (you ma tack) Bay.  This bay is where Portuguese Navigator Ferdinand Magellan docked on March 6, 1521. He sighted the island and decided to dock so that he can gather some provisions for his next journey.  The natives of the island called Chamorros gave Magellan and his men some rations consisted of fresh fruits, vegetables, and water in exchange for iron, a prized commodity at that time. (worldhistoryproject.org).   Guam Island in the Pacific is where I lived before I moved to the East Coast of the U.S.A.

 View of a beach on Bantayan Island, Cebu. 

The photos below show the port of Ormoc City on the island of Leyte. 

I traveled from Ormoc to the Island of Biliran on the day that I took the pictures. 

(All photos by Henry Libo-on except those specifically mentioned as coming from the specific source or sources.)

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Indeed, nothing is impossible.  At my age when arthritis, muscle aches, and perhaps Alzheimer's Disease are threats to my physical activities and travel, I must be determined to travel now, explore the islands and other places that I have never been to before my body and my cerebral cortex tell me to, Stop! 

* * * * * * * * * 

I wish that someday I can find someone, a family member, or a friend who can sponsor my trips to some of the islands that are great for an island adventure. For example, CUYO Island in the middle of Sulu Sea, Leyte, Biliran, Samar, maybe Limasawa and Homonhon.  If possible, Islas de Gigantes, Mararison Island, Sicogon, Romblon, and Bang-og Island, among others.  I think this is attainable within the five (5) months period.  Just to think that the Philippines has 7,641 islands (NAMRIA) as of this time, makes me quiver if I have to set a goal more than eight (8) islands in 5 months. 

My immediate plan to visit the island of Cuyo in Palawan, Kalanggaman in Leyte, and Cagayancillo in the Sulu Sea which happened to be near the province where I live - Negros Occidental. 

* * * * * * * * *

If the preceding list in my Plan A will not be possible, the following will be my Plan B:

• Santa Cruz Island, Zamboanga
• Jolo, Sulu
• Isabela, Basilan
• Bongao, Tawi-Tawi

A 10-day Bus Ride Tour of Bicol could also be possible.  Legaspi City, Daet Camarines Norte, Donsol, Sorsogon City, Bulusan Areas, Irosin, Bulan - Masbate City, Ticao Island, Matnog, Tikling Island and Biri Island at Northern Samar, Capul Island, down to  Calbayog, Catbalogan, Balangiga, Guiuan, Calicoan Island and continue to Leyte.  The starting point will be Tacloban, Tolosa, Sogod (Asik-Asik), Padre Burgos, Limasawa, Maasin, Baybay, Ormoc, Biliran, and Palompon. 

In the meantime, let me scout for Sponsors. 

Cuyo Island   Source: www.seacology.org

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For more stories about my adventures please go to the Home Page and choose the travel guide that you like.  

Please do not forget to LIKE the page and SHARE it with your friends.  

Hopefully, I can visit more places and write stories about them.  In the meantime, I will continue filling my piggy bank with some coins so that I can use them in the next travel adventure....haha...

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Most photos in this Blog are copyright photos of Touristang Pobre,

Except those specifically mentioned as coming from the specific source or sources like those pictures from the blog about Cuyo Island by www.seacology.org and Kalanggaman Island written by Victorino Q. Abrugar.  Thanks. 

Updated on June 3, 2018.

Updated April 29, 2019.

Updated January 7, 2020. 

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XH4lhlKgPlY