School Supply distribution in Island Brgy Sila, San Vicente, Northern Samar

kids in brgy sila, san vicente, northern samar

We have 500 bags ready for distribution to schools in Patikul, Sulu and I've come home from my study in Indonesia just for this distribution. We don't have clear chance of being able to deliver on time, and the bags are also awaiting delivery. Our provision is in fact for more than 500 students, but we don't want to purchase anymore, just yet, while we are still unclear of the logistics part.

Meantime, i remembered about my last visit in Brgy Sila, San Vicente, Samar, the island captain has informed me that they have only less than 100 students in the brgy, and the situation is a little similar to that of Sulu. Some teachers have to share the task of several grade levels under 1 instruction and 1 room.

I thought, since we had excess provisions, we might as well give to this marginalized area as well. I have called the village captain, and great timing indeed, he said it will be their island fiesta.

It was already vacation season, approaching election, and as expected, buses are fully booked. We had to take chances on extra trips from bus companies in Cubao Terminal. Luckily, we got a bus to Legazpi city, from where we transferred to a van going to Bulan, and from there a boat going to Brgy Sila. It was a travel forever for my friends, especially to 2 who have come all the way from Baguio City.

brgy sila, san vicente, northern samar

brgy sila, san vicente, northern samar

kids in brgy sila, san vicente, northern samar

kids in the elementary school of brgy sila, san vicente, northern samar

kids of the elementary school in brgy sila, san vicente, northern samar

It was quite easy distributing to this island. The captain had good contacts with the teachers who in turn knew their head counts by heart. In fact, during the distribution, they also had the list available so called each student one by one. 

After the distribution, we took the extra time to take the friends around the beautiful islands of Brgy Sila, and after, were served with local seafood.

In the evening, we were called to attend the barangay celebration, and was pulled to the dancing as well. :-)

pink beach in brgy sila, san vicente, northern samar

abundant seafood in brgy sila, san vicente, northern samar

sayawan in brgy sila, san vicente, northern samar

boat back to Bulan Port from Brgy Sila, San Vicente

sleeping in the Naga bus station awaiting the morning for the bus forward

For those who'd be interested in conducting an outreach program for the kids, please pm for the list of the students and contact numbers of the school staff. 

For information on how to go to pink beach or brgy sila, san vicente, northern samar, please visit this link

To see other interesting places in San Vicente, Samar, see this one.

kids in brgy sila, san vicente, northern samar

We have 500 bags ready for distribution to schools in Patikul, Sulu and I've come home from my study in Indonesia just for this distribution. We don't have clear chance of being able to deliver on time, and the bags are also awaiting delivery. Our provision is in fact for more than 500 students, but we don't want to purchase anymore, just yet, while we are still unclear of the logistics part.

Meantime, i remembered about my last visit in Brgy Sila, San Vicente, Samar, the island captain has informed me that they have only less than 100 students in the brgy, and the situation is a little similar to that of Sulu. Some teachers have to share the task of several grade levels under 1 instruction and 1 room.

I thought, since we had excess provisions, we might as well give to this marginalized area as well. I have called the village captain, and great timing indeed, he said it will be their island fiesta.

It was already vacation season, approaching election, and as expected, buses are fully booked. We had to take chances on extra trips from bus companies in Cubao Terminal. Luckily, we got a bus to Legazpi city, from where we transferred to a van going to Bulan, and from there a boat going to Brgy Sila. It was a travel forever for my friends, especially to 2 who have come all the way from Baguio City.

brgy sila, san vicente, northern samar

brgy sila, san vicente, northern samar

kids in brgy sila, san vicente, northern samar

kids in the elementary school of brgy sila, san vicente, northern samar

kids of the elementary school in brgy sila, san vicente, northern samar

It was quite easy distributing to this island. The captain had good contacts with the teachers who in turn knew their head counts by heart. In fact, during the distribution, they also had the list available so called each student one by one. 

After the distribution, we took the extra time to take the friends around the beautiful islands of Brgy Sila, and after, were served with local seafood.

In the evening, we were called to attend the barangay celebration, and was pulled to the dancing as well. :-)

pink beach in brgy sila, san vicente, northern samar

abundant seafood in brgy sila, san vicente, northern samar

sayawan in brgy sila, san vicente, northern samar

boat back to Bulan Port from Brgy Sila, San Vicente

sleeping in the Naga bus station awaiting the morning for the bus forward

For those who'd be interested in conducting an outreach program for the kids, please pm for the list of the students and contact numbers of the school staff. 

For information on how to go to pink beach or brgy sila, san vicente, northern samar, please visit this link

To see other interesting places in San Vicente, Samar, see this one.

Read More »

Travelling Northern, Western, Eastern Samar

With most number of islands in this archipelago lying in the Visayas, it might be a logical conclusion to say that the better beaches are in this region. Within the visayas, Samar is among the less talked about destination when it comes to travel, and as some people say that it makes a good share of the country’s great beaches, not so many people chose this destination, it might be a great place indeed.

The Samar Island is divided into 3 provinces: Northern, Western (which is commonly what is referred to with "Samar" and Eastern Samar).

For beach goers, those who’d like a picturesque selfie, or underwater shots, or snorkelling, Northen Samar is your best bet. In fact, if not Northeastern Palawan, beaches between Sorsogon and Northern Samar would make it to the clearest waters of the Philippines.

Check out Subic Beach or the Pink beach in San VicenteIsland.

Towards the east is Biri Island boasting of its rock formations.  It takes about half day to travel from Allen to Biri, and the walk from the shore to the rock formation might eat some time. It is not possible to do all 5 formations in just one day. 2-3 days perhaps in case you’d like to see all spots. Swimming is not a fancy in this area too. The most inviting water would have been in the port. It looks really nice, except that it might not be a delight to think that you are swimming between boats or next to household stilts. The one near the rock formation would have been the best, but water is too shallow.

Going south, you have the cities of Catarman, Calbayog (a possible jumpoff to Biliran’s Maripipi Island which gets you to Sambawan island) and Catbalogan. There are some nice private beaches on the road from Allen to Calbayog.  From Catbalogan, you may get to Borongan (and then to Guiwan) or Tacloban (and again to Guiwan or other Leyte Destinations).

Borongan and Guiuan are both surfing paradise, though guiuan will have a lot more than just surfing, as opposed to borongan. Guiuan would have caves, a lot of mangroves, flat (0 wave) beaches on the other side (as opposed to the side facing the pacific).

A bridge (saltwater channel) in Guiuan is a swim spot for locals

waves of Guiuan, Samar

waves in Borongan, Samar

Between the cities of Samar (Catarman, Calbayog,  Catbalogan, Borongan and Guiwan), I thought I most enjoyed Borongan. First, for P150, my accomodation was a delight. The room in an old wooden building, just with the right elevation, 2^nd floor, with a window facing next to a clean and fresh river; Then the city and the accomodation is a walk away to the bay, which is a hangout place. The city, being next to the sea, is also not so humid. Plus, there are plenty of places to eat. The other cities are the same kind of city you can imagine.

Calbiga (an hour away from Catbalogan) would have been a good destination for caving and the waterfalls. However, tourism policies don’t suit solo travelling. Permit fee of P500 is a killer; needless to mention the caving packages.

Meantime, travelling between cities is a breeze with the transport operators Grand Tours, Van Van’s and Dup Tours; Samar-Leyte’s van transport I would say is the best in the Philippines. Passenger capacity is just 3 per row, unlike 4-5 in some places (especially compared to the Cotabato-Pagadian route where sometimes they put 3 passengers plus driver in the front row. Fares are another thing; Apparently, they are cheaper than the LTFRB tariiffs (and Cotabato-Pagadian again being the worst for P350 fare for less than 200km distance). They also leave on time, with or without the van being full.

With most number of islands in this archipelago lying in the Visayas, it might be a logical conclusion to say that the better beaches are in this region. Within the visayas, Samar is among the less talked about destination when it comes to travel, and as some people say that it makes a good share of the country’s great beaches, not so many people chose this destination, it might be a great place indeed.

The Samar Island is divided into 3 provinces: Northern, Western (which is commonly what is referred to with "Samar" and Eastern Samar).

For beach goers, those who’d like a picturesque selfie, or underwater shots, or snorkelling, Northen Samar is your best bet. In fact, if not Northeastern Palawan, beaches between Sorsogon and Northern Samar would make it to the clearest waters of the Philippines.

Check out Subic Beach or the Pink beach in San VicenteIsland.

Towards the east is Biri Island boasting of its rock formations.  It takes about half day to travel from Allen to Biri, and the walk from the shore to the rock formation might eat some time. It is not possible to do all 5 formations in just one day. 2-3 days perhaps in case you’d like to see all spots. Swimming is not a fancy in this area too. The most inviting water would have been in the port. It looks really nice, except that it might not be a delight to think that you are swimming between boats or next to household stilts. The one near the rock formation would have been the best, but water is too shallow.

Going south, you have the cities of Catarman, Calbayog (a possible jumpoff to Biliran’s Maripipi Island which gets you to Sambawan island) and Catbalogan. There are some nice private beaches on the road from Allen to Calbayog.  From Catbalogan, you may get to Borongan (and then to Guiwan) or Tacloban (and again to Guiwan or other Leyte Destinations).

Borongan and Guiuan are both surfing paradise, though guiuan will have a lot more than just surfing, as opposed to borongan. Guiuan would have caves, a lot of mangroves, flat (0 wave) beaches on the other side (as opposed to the side facing the pacific).

A bridge (saltwater channel) in Guiuan is a swim spot for locals

waves of Guiuan, Samar

waves in Borongan, Samar

Between the cities of Samar (Catarman, Calbayog,  Catbalogan, Borongan and Guiwan), I thought I most enjoyed Borongan. First, for P150, my accomodation was a delight. The room in an old wooden building, just with the right elevation, 2^nd floor, with a window facing next to a clean and fresh river; Then the city and the accomodation is a walk away to the bay, which is a hangout place. The city, being next to the sea, is also not so humid. Plus, there are plenty of places to eat. The other cities are the same kind of city you can imagine.

Calbiga (an hour away from Catbalogan) would have been a good destination for caving and the waterfalls. However, tourism policies don’t suit solo travelling. Permit fee of P500 is a killer; needless to mention the caving packages.

Meantime, travelling between cities is a breeze with the transport operators Grand Tours, Van Van’s and Dup Tours; Samar-Leyte’s van transport I would say is the best in the Philippines. Passenger capacity is just 3 per row, unlike 4-5 in some places (especially compared to the Cotabato-Pagadian route where sometimes they put 3 passengers plus driver in the front row. Fares are another thing; Apparently, they are cheaper than the LTFRB tariiffs (and Cotabato-Pagadian again being the worst for P350 fare for less than 200km distance). They also leave on time, with or without the van being full.

Read More »

The San Vicente Island Group Municipality: Sila, Mahaba, Maragat, Medio Islands

There was no intention of getting to San Vicente or the pink beach perse, but looking on the maps while we were in Bulan reading about our route to Biri Island, I got curious about the islands from how they sparkle from the map.

Arriving at the Port in Bulan, we were told to wait until 11am when the boat from San Vicente arrives.

Meantime, while waiting, the summer heat is getting into my scalp so I decided to get a haircut. We have more than an hour to wait.

It was past 11, and there is no arrival of any boat. We were told the boat might have not sailed and we might have to wait until morning.  We were also advised to try out fishing boats from the nearby fish port.

I walked onto the fishport and asked the people around for any boat that might be heading to San Vicente. There is one boat docked, but no one in the boat. I waited a bit until I thought I better call my trip companion so we can both wait near the boat with our luggage.

When we got back, there was the man. He said, he is not sure if he can accomodate us as they are loaded with goods. They asked us to wait at the fishport though.

We waited in the fishport, and I decided to take a nap.

It was getting very late, and I thought I’d come back to the boat and check. Unfortunately, the boat has left.  They probably did not know how to say “Sorry, we can’t take you in the boat.”

Then, I asked the people around again. They pointed me to a bigger boat that has just left, though still a yell away. We called them, and they took us. The boat is even bigger and faster such that we crossed past the first boat we were supposed to take. In 2 hours, we got to brgy Sila (and spotted dolphins along the way.)

We asked for the brgy captain who’s house is just right next to where we docked. We introduced, and was gladly accepted and offered some space to sleep. We have an hour to go and asked that we take a walk to Pink Beach 1 in Pili, guided by his sons Ton and Nat.

The beach is empty except for some households on a corner, and an under construction beach house by an expat.

The reef is so alive.

The next day, we did the tour of the other islands through Marvin. A humble boy who, I found out through my series of questioning, just finished high school, and sadly will not to move ahead to college due to finances.

Anyway, pink beach 2 (as tagged in maps) is “the pink beach.” Just like the sta cruz island in zamboanga, the powdered sand is a mix of white and red corals that from afar shine as pink; And, just like the other pink beach we visited in day 1, the corals are so alive. The other good this is that, the corals are not scattered everywhere. There is a part of the beach with a stack of corals, and there are parts with nul white sand that’s perfect for swimming.  The beach tends to be steep and deep though, but I actually prefer those ones.

After the pink beach, we moved to “Mahaba.” This beach is empty, though better for young swimmers as the water is shallow. Reef wise, there are smaller corals along with rock boulders; A little less prefered than Pink Beach.

After Mahaba, we moved to Maragat island.

I was initially thinking of dropping by the captain, but the community is a little far away; Plus, the better looking side of the beach is on the corner behind Mahaba, so we decided to dock there. We spotted a family having their picnic, while we walked onto the corner of the island to check. The water on the side tend to be cooler, I suppose because it is shaded, and there are also some small cave cavities on this side. There is also current flowing sidewards that lead to the open sea.

From there, we moved to Medio Island.

Medio Island i’d say is the next better destination apart from the Pink beach. The water is calm and quite clear, especially on the corner, where the reef is also alive.

There are a few households in this island, with one store where we got coffee and bread.

From there, it was getting late so we decided to get back to Brgy Sila and then onto the fishing trip.

After Mahaba, we moved to Maragat island.

I was initially thinking of dropping by the captain, but the community is a little far away; Plus, the better looking side of the beach is on the corner behind Mahaba, so we decided to dock there. We spotted a family having their picnic, while we walked onto the corner of the island to check. The water on the side tend to be cooler, I suppose because it is shaded, and there are also some small cave cavities on this side. There is also current flowing sidewards that lead to the open sea.

From there, we moved to Medio Island.

Medio Island i’d say is the next better destination apart from the Pink beach. The water is calm and quite clear, especially on the corner, where the reef is also alive.

There are a few households in this island, with one store where we got coffee and bread.

From there, it was getting late so we decided to get back to Brgy Sila and then onto the fishing trip.

See this post on how to get to BrgySila/Pink Beach. For solo or pair travellers, ask for Marvin. His boat is small but quite quick to move around the islands. We paid him P500 for a half day tour of the islands.

In case you need a charter, kindly contact Brgy Captain Roland. I have specifically asked him to be a contact so he can put a rotation to the available boats there. Almost every household has a boat, though varying in sizes, and it will be great if everyone will be able to take part in the tourism that may happen in the island.

At the moment, there are no accomodation options in the island, so kindly ask captain to host you. Perhaps, you can bring food that you can cook there. There is an Inn in San Vicente, as I have read, but San Vicente is about an hour boat ride from Sila/Ternate. You may also camp in the pink beach. Don’t forget to bring water as there is no purified water in the island. Electricity is also nil. Captain uses a generator, and a few households have solar panels.

Keep your stuff water proof too as the waves could be big between Bulan and the island group.

There was no intention of getting to San Vicente or the pink beach perse, but looking on the maps while we were in Bulan reading about our route to Biri Island, I got curious about the islands from how they sparkle from the map.

Arriving at the Port in Bulan, we were told to wait until 11am when the boat from San Vicente arrives.

Meantime, while waiting, the summer heat is getting into my scalp so I decided to get a haircut. We have more than an hour to wait.

It was past 11, and there is no arrival of any boat. We were told the boat might have not sailed and we might have to wait until morning.  We were also advised to try out fishing boats from the nearby fish port.

I walked onto the fishport and asked the people around for any boat that might be heading to San Vicente. There is one boat docked, but no one in the boat. I waited a bit until I thought I better call my trip companion so we can both wait near the boat with our luggage.

When we got back, there was the man. He said, he is not sure if he can accomodate us as they are loaded with goods. They asked us to wait at the fishport though.

We waited in the fishport, and I decided to take a nap.

It was getting very late, and I thought I’d come back to the boat and check. Unfortunately, the boat has left.  They probably did not know how to say “Sorry, we can’t take you in the boat.”

Then, I asked the people around again. They pointed me to a bigger boat that has just left, though still a yell away. We called them, and they took us. The boat is even bigger and faster such that we crossed past the first boat we were supposed to take. In 2 hours, we got to brgy Sila (and spotted dolphins along the way.)

We asked for the brgy captain who’s house is just right next to where we docked. We introduced, and was gladly accepted and offered some space to sleep. We have an hour to go and asked that we take a walk to Pink Beach 1 in Pili, guided by his sons Ton and Nat.

The beach is empty except for some households on a corner, and an under construction beach house by an expat.

The reef is so alive.

The next day, we did the tour of the other islands through Marvin. A humble boy who, I found out through my series of questioning, just finished high school, and sadly will not to move ahead to college due to finances.

Anyway, pink beach 2 (as tagged in maps) is “the pink beach.” Just like the sta cruz island in zamboanga, the powdered sand is a mix of white and red corals that from afar shine as pink; And, just like the other pink beach we visited in day 1, the corals are so alive. The other good this is that, the corals are not scattered everywhere. There is a part of the beach with a stack of corals, and there are parts with nul white sand that’s perfect for swimming.  The beach tends to be steep and deep though, but I actually prefer those ones.

After the pink beach, we moved to “Mahaba.” This beach is empty, though better for young swimmers as the water is shallow. Reef wise, there are smaller corals along with rock boulders; A little less prefered than Pink Beach.

After Mahaba, we moved to Maragat island.

I was initially thinking of dropping by the captain, but the community is a little far away; Plus, the better looking side of the beach is on the corner behind Mahaba, so we decided to dock there. We spotted a family having their picnic, while we walked onto the corner of the island to check. The water on the side tend to be cooler, I suppose because it is shaded, and there are also some small cave cavities on this side. There is also current flowing sidewards that lead to the open sea.

From there, we moved to Medio Island.

Medio Island i’d say is the next better destination apart from the Pink beach. The water is calm and quite clear, especially on the corner, where the reef is also alive.

There are a few households in this island, with one store where we got coffee and bread.

From there, it was getting late so we decided to get back to Brgy Sila and then onto the fishing trip.

After Mahaba, we moved to Maragat island.

I was initially thinking of dropping by the captain, but the community is a little far away; Plus, the better looking side of the beach is on the corner behind Mahaba, so we decided to dock there. We spotted a family having their picnic, while we walked onto the corner of the island to check. The water on the side tend to be cooler, I suppose because it is shaded, and there are also some small cave cavities on this side. There is also current flowing sidewards that lead to the open sea.

From there, we moved to Medio Island.

Medio Island i’d say is the next better destination apart from the Pink beach. The water is calm and quite clear, especially on the corner, where the reef is also alive.

There are a few households in this island, with one store where we got coffee and bread.

From there, it was getting late so we decided to get back to Brgy Sila and then onto the fishing trip.

See this post on how to get to BrgySila/Pink Beach. For solo or pair travellers, ask for Marvin. His boat is small but quite quick to move around the islands. We paid him P500 for a half day tour of the islands.

In case you need a charter, kindly contact Brgy Captain Roland. I have specifically asked him to be a contact so he can put a rotation to the available boats there. Almost every household has a boat, though varying in sizes, and it will be great if everyone will be able to take part in the tourism that may happen in the island.

At the moment, there are no accomodation options in the island, so kindly ask captain to host you. Perhaps, you can bring food that you can cook there. There is an Inn in San Vicente, as I have read, but San Vicente is about an hour boat ride from Sila/Ternate. You may also camp in the pink beach. Don’t forget to bring water as there is no purified water in the island. Electricity is also nil. Captain uses a generator, and a few households have solar panels.

Keep your stuff water proof too as the waves could be big between Bulan and the island group.

Read More »