Seaside Waterfall – An Introduction

A seaside waterfall, aptly named Magkahuyog Falls, which is a favorite island vacations, island getaways and family beach vacations destinations, has unique and stunning features compared to other ponds and waterfalls prominently featured in popular waterfalls pictures of biggest waterfalls in the world as it cascades directly into a seaside beach towards the crystal clear water of the sea. It is located in the western part of Bucas Grande Island, Socorro, Surigao del Norte, Philippines.

Seaside Waterfall – Why Visit The Place

The name Magkahuyog is derived from the Surigaonon term HUYOG, which means FALL DOWN. The seaside waterfall is the favorite picnic area among the residents of the communities in the western part of Bucas Grande Island, notably, Barangays Pamosaingan, Nueva Estrella and Honrado. Being a resident of the Socorro town center on the eastern side of the island, I seldom managed to visit the place. It was only during the time that we had a seminar at Barangay Pamosaingan with guests coming from the Caraga Regional Office in Butuan City that I decided to treat them to a sightseeing trip to the area.

On board a motorized banca, we traveled for 15 minutes from the Pamosaingan wharf amidst the calm and placid waters. As we approached the seaside waterfall, my eyes was greeted with this stunning view of  the water that flows down at a low angle of descent in small steps or stages over rocks . . .

The cascade-type Magkahuyog Falls viewed from a distance.

As the boat we were riding was about to dock at the  beach, the seaside waterfall had become more spectacular in my eyes. . .

Full view of the Magkahuyog Falls from the sea.

Our pump boat operator failed to contain his urge to have a dip in the cool waters of the plunge pool of Magkahuyog Falls . . .

Enjoying the dip on the sparkling azure waters of the plunge pool.

I took shots of another portion of the plunge pool . . .

The other end of the Magkahuyog Falls plunge pool.

Including its spillway that flows towards the beach and into the sea. . .

The spillway of the Magkahuyog Falls plunge pool.

Decapod crustaceans called Hermit Crabs, locally termed OMANG collected by fishermen in the area to be utilized as hook and line bait, abound in Magkahuyog Falls. . .

An array of empty gastropod shells used in concealing the asymetrical abdomen of the hermit crab being carried around by the ceature with the Magkahuyog Falls on the background.

Seaside Waterfall – Final Thoughts

Generally speaking, a waterfall is closely associated with dense rain forests deeply buried inland. Most often than not, you can reach a waterfall by slogging your way into rugged terrains as seldom you can find one which is accessible by any form of transportation. Nevertheless, in Bucas Grande Island, right on the comfort of a banca, you can savor the spectacle of a flowing water rapidly dropping in elevation as it flows over a steep rocky region into the sea. The size and height of Magkahuyog Falls is not that spectacular compared to the other famous waterfalls that I had visited. But, tourists kept coming to the island to feel for themselves the thrill of seeing an amazing seaside waterfall in action.

On The Beach Holidays – An Introduction

On the beach holidays, especially during the feast of Saint John The Baptist, are pretty much spent by beach goers, island vacations buffs and natural attractions seekers wading in the crystal clear water of the best beaches in the world either on a white sand beach, black sand beach or pebble beach considered as favorite island getaways. In the case of the residents of Bucas Grande Island in Socorro, Surigao del Norte, Philippines spending the Saint John the Baptist Day in Puyangi White Sand Beach, located just a walking distance from the town center, has become an annual tradition.

On The Beach Holidays – Spending Saint John Day in Puyangi White Sand Beach

As a backgrounder especially for the non-Christian readers, Saint John the Baptist was the prophet mentioned  in the Holy Bible who prepared the faithful for the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. John’s main character in the gospels is attributed to his baptism to Jesus Christ at the Jordan River which is now one of the Seven Sacraments in the Catholic Church.  Since, he was 6 months older than Jesus, the Catholic Calendar placed the feast of John the Baptist on June 24, six months before Christmas.

June 24 is being celebrated in various ways according to the customs and traditions of the place. Other Christian communities in the Philippines celebrated it with fanfare more so for places who chose Saint John the Baptist as their patron saint, hence, the annual fiesta celebration. But other areas just considered June 24 as another ordinary day of the year.

But in Socorro, the lone town in Bucas Grande Island in Surigao del Norte, Philippines, the feast of Saint John the Baptist, though not their annual fiesta, is one of the important days marked in the calendar of the inhabitants. While it is not declared as a public non-working holiday, but the Socorronhons considered it as such as the entire family has to take time spending on the beach holidays  and take a dip to commemorate the Jordan River baptism of Jesus Christ. And, though there are several patches of white sand beaches surrounding the island, the inhabitants chose to converge  in the most popular beach in town- the Puyangi White Sand Beach.

On the eve of the June 24, 2011 Saint John the Baptist Day, I went to Puyangi White Sand Beach to scout for a place where I and my family could settle  for the next day’s  picnic and join the customary on the beach holidays of the Socorro  inhabitants. I rode on my motorcycle, went through a foot trail beneath the coconut trees  parallel to the 1.2 kilometer stretch white sand beach and reached the place in 5 minutes. As I stepped on the sand, I was enthralled on this tantalizing views . . .

The 1.2 kilometer-Puyangi White Sand Beach stretching towards the Socorro town center.

The Puyangi White Sand Beach stretching towards the Puyangi Spring.

I slogged over the pearly-white sand beach and loved the feel of a mixture of silica and pale quartz grains touching my sole as it actually squeaks a bit when stepped on until I reached the Puyangi Spring . . .

The impounded portion of the series of streamflows of the Puyangi Spring.

The Puyangi Spring spillway flowing to the Puyangi White Beach into the sea.

Candidly, I felt nostalgic as I waded through the knee deep crystal clear water while taking photographs of this scenic view of Puyangi White Sand Beach. . .

The Puyangi White Sand Beach showing the convergence point between the cool waters of the Puyangi Spring and the warm sea water.

I couldn’t help but imagine the days during my childhood when I was so fascinated with the bright sand at Puyangi White Sand Beach which makes the sea waters especially beautiful with emerald, light blue and sparkling azure colors. There were times that, while enjoying the swim, I would be told by my elder brother  that the proximity of a barrier reef makes the crystal clear water at Puyangi White Sand Beach naturally calm and warm. But the waters cascading from the Puyangi Spring enables the convergence point uniquely cool thereby offering  me and the other swimmers the option for an alternate warm and cold bath. I cannot forget the days when, after taking a languorous swim in the warm waters, I occasionally took a  quick dip at the refreshingly cool waters of the Puyangi Spring.

After quite sometime, I went home eagerly dreaming for the coming of the on the beach holidays a day after. Then, June 24, 2011 came. I went to the vicinity of the Puyangi Spring again and found some beach revellers already dotting the white sand beach . . .

On the beach holidays revellers at Puyangi White Sand Beach.

Including this pair on the way to their rendezvous . . .

A fiance with his fiancee having an idle and leisurely walk at Puyangi White Sand Beach . . .

As I slogged further, I was delighted by the sight of these children . . .

Two boys dashing neck-and-neck to beat the 100-meter dash . . .

A child wallowing at the sand enjoying the sand mask . . .

But nothing beats the sight of this innocent smile . . .

A child enjoying his labor . . .

While the sports enthusiasts really found time to blend beach going with sports . . .

A group of beach goers enjoying their Beach Volleyball game . . .

I walked further towards the direction of the town center and found a lot of on the beach holidays revellers positioning atop the limestone serving as natural breakwater . . .

Beach goers taking time to enjoy the Saint John The Baptist Day . . .

Until I reached the cottage where my family and friends were awaiting for  me to . . .

. . . signal the official start of the Eat-All-You-Can Challenge . . .

We then ventured into a lively chat while occasionally glancing the spot where my 8-year old child Edrian was enjoying the swim.

As the horizon started to dim, we called it our turn for a romantic and  languorous couples’ swim which we did until the later part of the night . . .

On The Beach Holidays – Final Thoughts

June 24 is an important event in the life of the Christians. It is celebrated in one way or another in various communities. Others made a mockery of the celebration by throwing murky canal waters at the sight of the passers-by. But in Bucas Grande Island, we chose to celebrate the day  of the Feast of Saint John The Baptist in a memorable and enjoyable manner with each and every able-bodied Socorronhon joining the much awaited annual  on the beach holidays celebration.

Malapascua Island – Where Is It?

Malapascua Island, one of the favorite island getaways of island vacations enthusiasts and among the best vacation spots in the world and best family vacation destinations suitable for family beach vacation goers and host of a number of couples resorts and best family resorts especially if you are looking for a white sand beach resort fronting crystal clear water suitable for island water sports,  is situated off the coast of the town of Daanbantayan in the southern part of Cebu, Philippines. The tiny island can be reached via a four-hour public utility bus ride from the Cebu South Bus Terminal in Cebu City to Maya Port within the jurisdiction of the municipality of Daanbantayan, Cebu for a Php 165.00 fare and, afterwards, riding on a passenger boat for a 30-minute voyage to the island at a fare of PhP 80.00.

The 137.7-hectare Malapascua Island. Photo courtesy of www.gotomalapascua.com.

Malapascua Island – Why I Visited The Place

My eyes glowed with excitement when my brother, whom I fondly call “Ingko” Ben Sangco told me about the beauty of Malapascua Island in Daanbantayan, Cebu, Philippines. As he related the beautiful spots of the place, as told to him by his best friend, Emmanuel Manalili of the Malapascua Legend Water Sports and Resort, I told to my self… “now I know where to go to apply my newly acquired knowledge on basic photography.” It is worthy to mention that I had just graduated from the April 15-17, 2011 Cebu Basic Photography Workshop held in Cebu City and sponsored by the Federation of Philippine Photographers Foundation in cooperation with the Cebu Photo Works! Typical of a soldier who have had just finished the jungle warfare training, I wanted to go to the battlefield immediately to put into acid test my knowledge on the basic photography rule of FEWCD which stands for Focus, Exposure, White Balance, Composition and Decision. After packing my Nikon D 7000 camera, lap top and  few belongings into my backpack, I boarded a south-bound bus with MAYA signboard and embarked on a trip that started at exactly 6:48 in the morning of April 17, Monday. We were traveling on a paved road passing through various towns until we reached Bogo City Bus Terminal at exactly 9:40. An hour later, we reached the port of Maya…

The Maya Port

I chanced upon a cargo boat bearing the name Malapascua Legend Water Sports and Resort and I asked the operator if “Sir Maning” Manalili was in the island which he answered affirmatively. As I was about to walk towards the ticket booth, the operator invited me to ride on the cargo boat as they were leaving towards Malapascua Island. Without batting an eyelash, I jumped overboard and, after a few minutes travel I was breathing with excitement as the distant island came nearer to my eyes…

Distant view of Malapascua Island seen from the cargo boat

As we were moving a little bit slower, we arrived Malapascua Island exactly 45 minutes after we left the port and I almost shouted “Oh! it’s paradise…” when this beach front view of Malapascua Legend Watersports and Resort was caught by my watchful eyes. . .

Alluring beach front view of Malapascua Legend Watersports and Resort . . .

As I was walking towards the resort’s bunk house where the staff were taking lunch, I was fascinated with the resort’s swimming pool but chose to shot it at the appropriate time.

After exchanging pleasantries, Sir Maning Manalili instructed his aide Ricky Ducay to tour me at the resorts amenities and facilities. The amiable Ricky then showed me the way towards the Deluxe Rooms and was really fascinated to see these place capable of hosting members of the royal family . . .

A romantic scene at the De Luxe Room featuring the twin queen-size beds . . .	Another view of the De Luxe Room's twin queen-size beds. . .
The De Luxe Room featuring the partially-covered floor-to ceiling windows . . .	The De Luxe Room with fully exposed floor-to-ceiling windows. . .

I was then ushered to the Presidential Suites and was awe-inspired upon seeing these . . .

The Presidential Suite viewed from the door . . .	The Presidential Suite seen from another corner . . .
The floor-to-ceiling windows providing ample sunlight to the Presidential Suite . . .	The breath-taking view of the veranda, beach and water scenery as viewed from the Presidential Suite . . .

After taking a rest for a while, I embarked on the trip around Malapascua Island. And this was the sight that first struck me . . .

A European tourist sleeping soundly under the shade of a coconut tree enjoying the feel of the powdery-white sand on his back . . .

I was able to befriend a motorcycle driver who willingly toured me around the island. Our first stop was at the light house and I was so struck and awed upon viewing this . . .

Bird's Eye view of Sitio Guimbitayan Beach

Heading to our next destination, we passed by a building labelled “Pilar’s Residence Haven By Sea” . . .

The Malapascua Island residence of former Miss Philippine's Pilar Pilapil. . .

We then proceeded to Bamboo Resort and managed to take shots of alluring views . . .

Concrete rails on rocky coastlines . . .

The Bantay Dagat Guard House standing proud atop Lapus-Lapus Islet . . .

The other side of Malapascua Island - its rugged coastlines fronting the azure seas . . .

We rushed to Bantigue Beach to catch the Malapascua Island sunset . . .

Malapascua Island's Bantigue Beach . . .

My best shot so far on Malapascua Island sunset . . .  comments please from my co-basic photography workshop participants and professors.

Malapascua Island sunset viwed from Bantigue Resort . . .

It was already dark when I returned to Malapascua Legend Resort and this sight had caught my attention . . .

Malapascua Legend Water Sport & Resort at Night

After taking a sound sleep at the resort’s bunkhouse, I woke up early in the morning to shot this awe-inspiring view of the resort’s Swimming Pool, the only one of its kind in the island . . .

The turquoise waters of the swimming pool enticing guests to take a quick deep or engage in a languorous swim. . .

I then took time to shot the island’s sunrise . . .

Malapascua Island sunrise . . .

Afterwards, I bid good bye to the very accommodating resort staff. As I walked and headed towards the docking area in Barangay Logon proper, I chanced upon this view . . .

One of Malapascua Island's best beaches situated just a few meters from the wharf with two lovely European ladies enjoying the sun and sand. . .

I then boarded on the passenger boat and headed back to Maya port for my travel back to Cebu City. . .

Sailing away from Malapascua Island on board a passenger boat

Malapascua Island – Final Thoughts

While the Spanish sailors, who were stranded in the island on a Christmas day more than three centuries ago, had cursed the place as they were spending a “bad Christmas” without potable waters available, hence, the name “malapascua,” but my visit to the island was one of the most fulfilling trips in my life. Lots of sea, food, sun, sand and fun in great resorts are the most acceptable ingredients for a very great vacation. In Malapascua  you can find all these attributes in one paradise setting. Vowing to return with my family and spend our island vacations thereat, I strongly encourage visiting Malapascua Island and savoring its beauty yourself.

Lakeside Resort And Hotel – An Introduction

A Lakeside Resort and Hotel, aptly named “Kasili” after a popular freshwater eel, is an emerging favorite among island vacations enthusiasts considered as one of the best family vacation destinations in Caraga Region and among the best family resorts in this part of the country capable of hosting kid-friendly vacations and fun family vacations situated in the scenic lakeside town of Mainit, Surigao del Norte, in the northeastern part of the island of Mindanao, Philippines.

Lakeside Resort And Hotel – Why Visit The Place

Through the invitation of my good friend Virgintina Garrido, the town’s Municipal Agriculturist, and in my desire to prove the veracity of the words being spread on the increasing influx of tourists and visitors to the town I considered my second home while I was studying in an agricultural college situated in one of its progressive barangays, I visited the place last January 18, 2011. Truly, I saw for myself the reasons why the Kasili Lakeside Resort and Hotel has steadily become favorite  island vacations destination for 4 concrete reasons:

1. Its Location. Built on the edge of the awesome Lake Mainit, this lakeside resort and hotel offers the guests and visitors the chance to view the beauty of the 4^th largest lake in the Philippines. Standing at the veranda of the presidential suite, you can have a total glimpse of the scenic view of the lake’s 17,340 hectares surface area and see for yourself the reasons why only Laguna de Bay, Lake Lanao and Taal Lake had surpassed this large body of fresh water surrounded by land in terms of area. If you happen to be there in the summer months of April to June, you can savor the purplish bloom of water hyacinths abounding its periphery. And, if you are one of the adventurous breed of nature lovers, you can take a ride on the resort’s M/B Mainit Kasili service boat and stroll on its 62.10 kilometers lakeshore, visit to the 31 lakeshore barangays in 4 towns, and cut across its  placid and azure waters classified as Class A by the Environmental Management Bureau and wonder what lies on the floor of the lake’s deepest part measured at 223 meters.
2. Its Facilities and Amenities. As you approach the site, you can view the concrete signage of the lakeside resort prominently installed on the roadside. As you enter the gate, you will definitely be struck by the resort’s sight and extra-ordinary ambiance. A walk further inside would bring you to the sprawling 200-capacity convention center. A few more steps and you would be welcomed by a comely fountain strategically located in front of the main building. Upon entering the reception center in the ground floor, you will be stunned by the sight of benches, tables and chairs made from centuries-old  molave tree stumps and trunks neatly arranged on the foot of a large painting of Lake Mainit prominently displayed in the wall. After exchanging pleasantries with the nice receptionist, you would be ushered upstairs and view the equally large portraits of the town’s ecotourism destinations- the Silop Lake, Mapaso Hot Spring and Dayano Cave- to name a few conspicuously hanged along the corridor walls. A quick tour of the building would led you to its 3 dormitory-type rooms; 30 single-bed; 8 double-bed and 5 suite rooms all fully air-conditioned. When you open the door suite room’s exit door leading to the veranda, your eyes will be greeted with a spectacular view of  3 romantic swimming pools of varying sizes with its turquoise waters enticing you to have a quick dip or a languorous swim. The presidential suite fronting the lake emits the aura of executive setting. For the music-loving guests, two videoke bars are available featuring a live band every weekend. A tennis court is on hand to cater to the sports-minded guests. Most importantly, a restaurant is at hand offering, aside from the favorite dishes made from fishes that abound in the lake like the “kasili” or giant mottle eel, but also oriental and European foods depending on your taste.
3. The Services. The lakeside resort is not only known for its scenic venue and comfortable facilities but also with its excellent and charming services. The staff running the place are very professional, polite and ever willing to meet all your requests from room service and any other guest-related concerns. On top of all, security service is provided 24/7.
4. Its ownership. A product of visionary leadership of the town officials headed by its mayor, the Honorable Ramon Beltran Mondano, this lakeside hotel and resort is fully-owned and operated by the municipal government. Knowing pretty well all the facets of local governance being an agriculturist myself and Municipal Administrator-designate of my town, it takes extra-ordinary guts for the local chief executive of a municipality which is dependent on the internal revenue allotment from the national government to build such an awesome resort. I was told that the Mayor was even ridiculed at the start for conceiving such ambitious project and vigorously pursuing its implementation despite limited funds. But,  I for one can attest that the decision and passion to build such a surefire income-generating tourist facility against all odds is worthy of emulation. Hence, for the professionals and the academe, your visit to this comely lakeside resort and hotel is a scholastic journey to observe local governance at its best.

Lakeside Resort And Hotel – Final Thoughts

Great sight, extra-ordinary facilities and amenities, heart-warming services and round-the-clock security are time-tested ingredients for perfect island vacations. The Kasili Lakeside Resort and Hotel is one place where you can come and actually forget your daily routine and busy urban life. Its ambiance, filled with serenity and beauty, is what mesmerizes its visitors. The resort stands out from the rest because of its unique architecture and the location simply proves to be icing on the cake. Any number of visits you do to this lakeside resort and hotel cannot take away the charm it offers to its guests and you will surely vow to have a return visit.

MAINIT KASILI LAKESIDE RESORT AND HOTEL VITAL INFORMATION PLEASE CLICK HERE. . .

The comely Mainit Kasili Lakeside Resort and Hotel Signage

The imposing street side concrete marker greets the lakeside guests and visitors

The lakeside resort entrance

The Convention Center

Inside view of the 200-capacity Convention Center

The sprawling restaurant and function building

The Lakeside Resort's Main Building

The Reception Center

A Lake Mainit painting on the wall fronting the reception desk

A painting on the 2nd floor corridor depicting Togonan Falls-another awesome natural attraction of the town.

Another painting... that of Dayano Cave.

Painting of another Mainit pride . . . the Mapaso Hot Spring.

The suite room

A spectacular sight of the resort's swimming pool viewed from the suite room's veranda.

The swimming pool viewed from the other end opposite the veranda.

The kids' swimming pool.

The resort's Presidential Suite.

The scenic Mainit Lake viewed from the Presidential Suite veranda of the Lakeside Resort and Hotel.