Jellyfish Lake Philippine Version – Where Is It?

A Jellyfish Lake, the local version of which is called Jellyfish Kingdom, is one of the emerging natural attractions and tourist spots frequented by island vacations lovers situated in a seaside lagoon with crystal clear water within the vicinity of the Sohoton Cove in Bucas Grande Island, Socorro, Surigao del Norte, Philippines.

Jellyfish Lake Philippine Version – Why Visit The Tourist Spot?

As local and foreign tourists are rolling into Bucas Grande Island, my family-owned and operated Island Vacations Travel and Tours had finally started its business with a group of 11 combined guests from Panabo City, Davao del Norte and San Francisco, Agusan del Sur in Mindanao Island, Philippines as our maiden clients. During our email correspondence, I advised the group leader to spend one full day in order to savor the beauty of the island. And true to my suggestion, they came in time for the past 4-day respite courtesy of the 2-day holiday in addition to the usual 2-day weekend break. After checking in at the Island Vacations Country Inn, we escorted the group for a 2-hour swim at the Puyangi White Sand Beach. At exactly 4:00 in the afternoon, we proceeded to the Kapihan View Park to catch-up the sunset and engage into sightseeing and stargazing activities. Back into the town center, the group went on a sunrise photography session at the feeder port . After breakfast, we proceeded to the Sohoton area doing island hopping and adventure diving at Sohoton Cove, boating at Tiktikan Lagoon and caving at Crystal Cave. We then proceeded to the Jellyfish Lake of Bucas Grande, dubbed locally as Jellyfish Kingdom, before strolling at the majestic Club Tara Resort. As all, except 2, of the mentioned destinations were already featured in my previous blog posts, I will be discussing in detail the Jellyfish Kingdom trip while the caving adventure will be featured in my future post. From the Sohoton Tourist Assistance Center,we were supposed to ride on small paddle boats with a maximum capacity of 2 persons per boat, excluding the paddler, towards the Jellyfish Kingdom. Nevertheless, the sea current was swift by that time due to the onset of high tide, hence, we opted to ride on a pump boat. On board our rented boat, we maneuvered at the narrow passage leading to the Jellyfish Kingdom . . .

The tour guide expertly maneuvering the frontal section of the pum boat as it entered the narrow passage of the Jelly Fish Kingdom

The area may not be comparable to the famous Jellyfish Lake in Palau as it is not exactly a lake but a lagoon with a constricted entrance. . .

The azure waters of the Jellyfish Kingdom with its surrounding verdant hills. . .

Seen from a distance, the minute lagoon seemed to be just an ordinary scenery but as we moved forward, I had proven to myself that millions of golden jellyfish were really lurking beneath the crystal clear water. I then briefed the group that the underwater creatures surrounding us actually belong to a jellyfish specie who do sting but their stings are too mild to feel, hence, they were often referred to as non-stinging jellyfish.

One of our guests enjoyed staying afloat on the water surrounded by golden jellyfish . . .

To satisfy his excitement, the other male guest hurriedly dived into the water . . .

... and swam with the smack of golden jellyfish.

The other guy was still cautious whether the golden jellyfish was really non-stinging . . .

Touch Me or Touch Me Not might be in the mind of the guy with this hand . . .

With this one trying to be romantic with the nice underwater creature . . .

Planting a kiss on a golden jellyfish . . .

But the other male guest proved to be the most enterprising . . .

As he grabbed a jellyfish as if it's a sphere of gold . . .

Proving to themselves that they ought not to be outdone in any challenge, the female guests also showed their prowess . . .

With this lady trying to play with the nice creature . . .

But the other one really wanted a feel if there's a jellyfish sting or not right in her palm . . .

But this girl had another trip . . .

Wanting the jellyfish to pose with her for a smile in front of my Nikon D7000 camera.

I could really feel the fun deep inside them as I took a group picture of my guests . . .

My guests' final pose for posterity at the Jellyfish Kingdom.

Jellyfish Lake Philippine Version – Final Thoughts

The Philippine version of the Jellyfish Lake has become a source of pride among the local inhabitants. For one, it is the only known place so far in the Philippines to host such friendly underwater creatures. On the other hand, it is situated within the vicinity of the Sohoton Cove thereby adding to the variety of natural attractions in the area and contributing to its fame as the Philippines all-in-one tourist destination. No wonder, such Bucas Grande version of Jellyfish Lake has really proven itself to be a sound alternative for those who lack resources to visit Palau to experience for themselves befriending the amazing non stinging creatures called golden jellyfish.

Duka Bay Resort – Where Is It?

Duka Bay Resort, one of the best luxury beach resorts that this island vacations lover had visited so far, is an ideal spot to spend family beach vacations and on the beach holidays more so that it has island water sports facilities. It is located in Barangay Duka, Medina, Misamis Oriental situated just 14 kilometers away from Ginggog City and 95 kilometers from Cagayan de Oro City in the northern part of Mindanao Island, Philippines.

Duka Bay Resort – Why I Visited The Place?

Since I started travel blogging seven months ago, Duka Bay Resort has been included in my vacation checklist of luxury beach resorts in Mindanao Island that I intend to feature. Hence, my eyes twinkled with excitement when, during a chance encounter at the 45^th Anniversary Celebration of the Southern Philippines Educational Cooperative Center (SPECC) at Cagayan de Oro City on August 9 2011, my good friend Director Manuela Pelaez of the Cooperative Development Authority in Caraga Region, Butuan City had told me that her family owns a substantial share in the said resort. We then made an arrangement for me to have a sightseeing visit at Duka Bay Resort the following day.

In the early morning of the appointed day, I left the bustling Cagayan de Oro City together with my wife and the driver. After a two hour ride, more or less, we spotted this comely signage on the road side . . .

The Duka Bay Resort road signage . . .

We then maneuvered to the left and traveled for a few minutes until we arrived at this area . . .

The Duka Bay Resort guard house . . .

We then proceeded to the spot where CDA Director Manuela Pelaez was awaiting for us . . .

The comely Duka Bay Resort reception center with the always smiling Director Maweng waiving her hands of welcome . .

While taking our sumptuous snacks, Director Maweng told us that the place which was formerly known as Medina White Beach, used to be one of the properties of their patriarch Don Gregorio Pelaez. It was developed by their grand mother to serve as venue for family gatherings especially during the annual family reunion. When the demise of the couple, the descendants of the eight children had decided to organize a family corporation  in September 1997 with each family building a villa to serve as billeting place for the regular annual family reunion and to be offered to guests the rest of the year and they named it in honor of the female children of the couple or of the spouses in case of the males. Thus, a total of eight elegant and cozy villas named Villa Felipa, Villa Christina, Villa Sophia, Villa Edith, Villa Narcisa, Villa Alma, Villa Conception and Villa Rosario are now proudly standing on a hill soothingly shaded by a cluster of large  trees overlooking the azure waters of Ging0og Bay and the alluring island of Camiguin.

Afterward, our host toured us to the  Duka Bay Resort facilities and amenities, the first being the Condotel and Conference Center . . .

The Condotel named Villa Felipa which houses a 100 person-capacity Conference Hall on the ground level.

My heart was  beating faster out of excitement as we were approaching our next destination . . .

An array of cozy villas of the Duka Bay Resort.

I then took a picture of the first villa . . .

The sprawling Villa Christina . . .

As I climbed at the spacious veranda, this breathtaking view of the alluring sandy shoreline of Duka Bay had captured my attention. . .

The comely Duka Bay sandy beach with concrete barrier that reigned in the water as shoreline protection during inclement weather . . .

Our next stop was the villa owned by the family of then Philippine Vice-President Emmanuel Pelaez. . .

The villa hosting the Ambassador Suite of former Vice President and Ambassador Emmanuel Pelaez.

And the villa owned by the family of my friend cum tour guide Director Maweng . . .

Director Maweng visibly waxing nostalgic while at the veranda of their family-owned villa . . .

Glancing at the environs made me conclude that even a stone-hearted one cannot help but be mesmerized by this breathtaking view from the veranda . . .

The captivating veranda view from one of the villas . . .

We then descended back to the not-so-white sandy shore and passed by the area with island water sports facilities . . .

An array of kayaks . . .

... and a Dive Shop

I slogged further until I reached the picnic area . . .

The comely Pavillon Huts dotting the picnic area . . .

Until I reached the spot where budget travelers and backpackers are accommodated . . .

One of the two buildings with air conditioned rooms ready to accommodate budget travelers . . .

After bidding goodbye to our gracious host, we traveled for a few minutes towards Barangay Duka proper until we reached this place . . .

The signage welcoming visitors to the Alibuag Cold Spring

The stairway leading to the Alibuag Cold Spring

I was so attracted with the clear and azure waters of the cold spring. Had we brought with us our swimming trunks, we could have opted for a quick dip or for a languorous swim. At any rate, I just made myself contented with taking a picture of the Alibuag Cold Spring . . .

The Alibuag Cold Spring . . .

And posing for posterity with my wife . . .

Photo of me and Vanjie at the Alibuag Cold Spring

Duka Bay Resort – Final Thoughts

Duka Bay Resort  offers its guests the luxury of 40 spacious rooms in its 8 villas intended for middle and high-end guests and in its 2 beach houses for budget travelers and backpackers all with spectacular views of the azure waters of Gingoog Bay and Camiguin Island. Further, it’s open-air restaurant provides an ambiance of island life while the 100 person-capacity function room is perfectly suited for grueling brain storming sessions. Furthermore, coral and other marine life explorers would surely be happy with the availability of glass-bottom boats and other island water sports facilities. Moreover, its sandy shores with concrete shoreline protection is an ideal picnic ground. In a nutshell, you can find in Duka Bay Resort a relaxing hideaway for a well-deserved respite from the hustles and bustles of urban life without necessarily traveling far away from the city.

Eco Tourism Village – Where Is It?

An Eco-Tourism Village in Cagayan de Oro City, aptly named Gardens of Malasag, has steadily become a favorite destination for creationists, island vacations enthusiasts, spiritual retreats goers and natural attractions lovers wanting to go on nature trail trekking and mountain view sightseeing and enjoy its campsite and other facilities. Reached via a 30-minutes drive from Lumbia Airport (Cagayan de Oro City Airport), it sits on a 7.2 hectare property in the slopes of Sitio Malasag connecting to the 800 hectares reforested area of the  Cugman Watershed in Barangay Cugman, Cagayan de Oro City in the northern part of Mindanao Island, Philippines.

Eco Tourism Village – Why Visit the Place?

I was not into travel blogging then when I first visited and stayed at the Eco Tourism Village on August 9-13, 2010 as a participant to the 5-day Training on Ecotourism Planning and Development conducted by the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) in partnership with the Philippines-Australia Community Assistance Program (PACAP) purposely to capacitate the various Bucas Grande Island stakeholders in the formulation of the Socorro Eco Tourism Development Plan.

Being a nature lover island vacations buff, I really admired and missed the place.  Hence, one year after my first visit, I decided to pay a return trip to the Malasag Gardens. From the city center of Cagayan de Oro, we traveled for 10 minutes along the National Highway, turned right at a junction and went uphill through an asphalted winding road until we reached this portion . . .

The signage showing the way to the Gardens of Malasag and Eco-Tourism Village with the road towards the Cugman Watershed Reforestation Project on the right.

A few more minutes travel and my eyes were once again attracted by this sight . . .

The welcome rotunda leading to the Gardens of Malasag Eco-Tourism Village

After paying the PhP 30.00 per head entrance fee, we entered the eco tourism village premises and this signage with an imposing logo of the Gardens of Malasag had greeted our eyes. . .

The comely Gardens of Malasag Eco-Tourism Village logo prominently displayed at the junction road.

We then proceeded to the parking area within the vicinity of the swimming pool and this view had captured our interest . . .

The turquoise waters of the swimming pool enticing guests of the Gardens of Malasag and Eco-Tourism Village for a quick dip or a languorous swim.

I and my wife then started to savor the alluring sights of the eco tourism village, the first being the camp ground. . .

The Eco Tourism Village Camp Ground with the Pergola and Villas at the background.

Afterward, we trekked on the nature trail uphill towards the central portion of the village until we reached this spot on the road side . . .

A pose with the replica of a Bukidnon-Pulangihon tribal datu on a war dance.

On the opposite side of the road is the Amphitheater. . .

The Gardens of Malasag Amphitheater . . .

Situated just a few meters from the amphitheater are the cozy villas smartly designed to match with the rolling terrain . . .

The villas ready to accommodate guests willing to stay at the eco tourism village . . .

A further walk led us to the tarpauline displays on the road side showing some of the tribes in Mindanao Island whose members are working in various capacities in the Gardens of Malasag . . .

The Umayamnon Tribe . . .	The Tigwahanon Tribe . . .
The Subanon Tribe . . .	The Bukidnon Tribe . . .
The Talaandig Tribe . . .	A worker belonging to the Talaandig Tribe . . .

My wife was lucky to have selected a few Higa-onon and other tribal souvenir items left as the others were purchased in bulk by a group of employees having a seminar at the Gardens of Malasag . . .

The souvenir hut displaying some tribal souvenir items . . .

As we were about to end our nature trail trek, we sat for quite sometime at this spot to savor the enthralling views . . .

A stunning view of Macajalar Bay and its environs.

Eco Tourism Village – Final Thoughts

The Gardens of Malasag Eco-Tourism Village was conceptualized in 1991 by the Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA), now the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprize Zone Authority (TIEZA), dreamily inspired by the picturesque gardens of Granada in Spain and Butchart Gardens of Canada. While the amenities built of indigenous materials, as in the case of the tribal houses, were already gone and the  the native huts being replaced by concrete villas smartly designed to have an indigenous look, but the ambiance of a cultural domain of natural wonders are still very much evident. What I missed in my return visit were the tribespeople demonstrating their dancing and musical culture that I had seen and participated before as we came to the place in the morning while the tribal street dancing were done every 4:oo o’clock in the afternoon.

If you want to have a wonderful experience of having a colorful glimpse of the ecology and rich ethno-Filipino heritage of Northern Mindanao while savoring the spectacular view of Macajalar Bay and the bustling city of Cagayan de Oro, a visit to the Gardens of Malasag Eco Tourism Village is an undertaking which you would surely not regret having decided to do so.

Manila Ocean Park – An Introduction

Manila Ocean Park is a marine theme park which has become a favorite fun family vacations and kid friendly vacations destination ideal for a thrill seeker, island vacations aficionado or other persons  either on a sightseeing expedition or on a study tour to observe the marine world from the seaside up to the deepest part of the ocean. It is located near Roxas Boulevard (behind the historic Quirino Grandstand on the western end of Rizal Park) in Ermita, Manila City, Luzon Island, Philippines.

The Manila Ocean Park Location Map courtesy of www.manilaoceanpark.com

The Manila Ocean Park Design courtesy of www.wikipedia.org

Manila Ocean Park – Why I Visited The Marine World Theme Park

Being born and raised in an island, I cannot imagine dissociating myself with the sea. The sight of glamorous beaches and various forms of marine life really stimulates my senses while the sound of waves pounding at the shorelines rejuvenates my soul. In fact, having the chance to visit the Sentosa Underwater World Oceanarium in Singapore in 2007 was one of the happiest moments of my life. Candidly, my heart really jumped with joy upon hearing the news that the Manila Ocean Park was opened last March 1, 2008. Since then, I dreamed of visiting the place and see it for myself . But my hectic schedules during my occasional visits to Manila had relegated my intention to the background.

Thanks to the clarion call of Angel Juarez, this month’s Pinoy Travel Bloggers Blog Carnival host, for bloggers to write something about Manila that will keep you and me on coming back to the capital city of the Philippines which convinced me to squeeze my travel itinerary so I can visit the Manila Ocean Park.  Amidst intermittent rains, I managed to reach the place and the message on this tarpaulin hung at the entrance of the building had caught my attention . . .

The Manila Ocean Park Promotion Packages . . .

I was attracted with the Oceanarium-Jellies-Fish Spa-Sea Lion Show package, hence, I bought the Sun Up Saver ticket for PhP 600.00. As I passed through the entrance, a rain forest motif  had greeted my eyes. Moments later, I heard a sweet female voice over welcoming me and the other guests to the  Manila Ocean Park, announcing that we are standing right in the Agos (Flow) Section of the Oceanarium and explaining in detail about the freshwater fishes stored in 8 tanks.

A further walk and I heard the sound of waves splashing through the sea shore as I passed through an entry point labeled as Bahura (The Reef), wherein, I saw an exhibit of artificial corals stored in 48 tanks. I slogged further and reached the Laot (Fishing Ground) Section where I saw various species of fish including giant Manta Rays (Pagi)  stored in long tanks. A few more steps led me to this fascinating sight . . .

Ang Kalaliman ( The Deep) Section of the Oceanarium showcasing the marine animals found in the deepest parts of the Philippine's waters like the schools of Bluefin Trevally, named scientifically as Caranx melampygus and known locally especially in Surigao as Langog shown here.

A few steps further and I reached this area. . .

The entry point to the Buhay na Karagatan (Living Ocean) Section of the Oceanarium . . .

The Living Ocean turned out to be the main attraction of the oceanarium which boasted of  a 25-meter long walkway tunnel with 220-degree curved acrylic walls.

A pose for posterity at the acrylic underwater tunnel . . .

I spent for quite sometime watching all forms of marine life while walking through the tunnel. On my way to the exit, I passed by the sharks (Pating) in spacious tanks.

After exiting the Oceanarium, I was told by a staff to climb upstairs for the Fish Spa. As I reached this place, I spotted upon this group of guests . . .

The Manila Ocean Park guests enjoying the Fish Spa . . .

I had sensed that all the guests were wearing a smile as their feet were being submerged on a man-made pool with schools of fish nibbling on their feet and soles. Hence, I also rolled my pants and submerged my bare feet to the waters . . .

Truly, I  felt rejuvenated after schools of Nibble Fish, otherwise known as Doctor Fish, feasted on the dead skin cells off my feet and soles as the nibbling massage of the doctor fish carried a pleasant tingling sensation on my feet. In fact, if I had my way, I would prefer to be nibbled the whole day had it not been for the notice of the staff that my 10-minute allocated fish spa session had already expired.

Afterward, I proceeded to the next Manila Ocean Park destination covered by the promotional package and this sight had captured my attention . . .

The comely signage enticing guests to witness the jellies dubbed dancing sea fairies.

The sights of various species of jellyfish I had savored inside seemed a nourishment to my eyes. But it was the Spotted Jellyfish (Mastigias papua), having a brownish umbrella with white spots whose thick tentacles resemble the arms of an octopus, had really caught my attention as they are the non-stingy ones  abundantly present in Sohoton Cove at Bucas Grande Island, Philippines.

I was craving for some more sights until I reached this place which really captured my romantic imagination . . .

Candidly, the sight of the jellyfish seemed dancing at the tune of sweet music made me decide to stay for long in the place. However, my watch kept telling me that the Sea Lion Show, the last leg of my Manila Ocean Park stroll, will commence at exactly 4:30 p.m, hence, I exited the room with much hesitance.

As there were only a few minutes left before the appointed time, I rushed to the Sea Lion Show venue and this sight greeted my eyes . . .

The Manila Ocean Park guests awaiting for the finale show of the day, the Sea Lion Show.

I positioned myself in one of the front-row seats to have a vantage point of the most awaited show. Candidly,  I was awe-inspired with this spectacular show unfolding in front of me . . .

Not content with just watching the show, I preferred to have a photo session with the sea lion . . .

A warm hand shake . . .	A belated birthday kiss . . .
A pat on the back . . .	A snappy salute . . .
A breast-out . . .	... And Finally, the tongue out wacky shoot!

Manila Ocean Park – Final Thoughts

The Manila Ocean Park might not be as large and well-equipped as some of the more famous marine theme parks in Asia, but it is still a popular attraction among the Filipinos and foreign visitors.  The fact that the first volunteer on the photo session with the sea lions in the midst of the Sea Lion Show was a female Indonesian national was proof that the Manila Ocean Park had already gained popularity among our Asian neighbors. The existence of the Manila Ocean Park has become a national pride among the Filipinos and visiting the spot by marine world lovers like you is a step in the right direction if only to prove that the Philippine capital city of Manila has attractions worthy of a visit by local and foreign tourists alike.

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This Manila Ocean Park blog post is my 3rd entry to the  Blog Carnival of the Pinoy Travel Bloggers with the theme Manila in Focus hosted by Angel Juarez  of Lakwatsero.

Backpackers Hostel – An Introduction

A backpackers hostel, which is a small hotel aptly named Island Vacations Country Inn, is established to cater to the billeting needs of backpackers and island getaways aficionados intending to spend on the beach holidays and go sight seeing on the fantastic caverns, seaside lagoon, seaside waterfall, and a view park and visit the giant mangrove forest and Colorum Uprising landmarks as well as observe the rich culture of peope helping people in Bucas Grande Island, Socorro, Surigao del Norte Philippines. Located just 100 meters away from the Socorro Port, the backpacker hostel also aimed to accommodate medium-end tourists.

Backpackers Hostel – What The Island Vacations Country Inn Can Offer

Three months after I had featured in my blog the various natural attractions of Bucas Grande Island, I received numerous emails from my readers expressing interest in visiting the island. First and foremost of their query was the availability of affordable backpackers hostel with internet access. I promptly answered to the email senders that there indeed were available world-class vacation resorts within the vicinity of the Sohoton Cove but they catered to high-end tourists and hence, were pricey beyond the budget of medium-end tourists and backpackers notwithstanding the absence of internet facilities. I thought that the interest would just die down. However, contrary to my expectations, the queries on the same subject had become more frequent as the days passed by.

Meanwhile, it has been my dream to let the world know that there exist a variety of eco-tourism destinations in Bucas Grande Island. Moreover, I dreamed of telling the world the the fact that only in Bucas Grande that the Filipino Bayanihan culture of people helping people is practiced by heart. This is being done by way of an annual month-long Tinabangay activity, wherein, able-bodied men has to leave the privacy of their lives and offer their services for free for 30 straight days, except Sundays, spanning from July to August to work in the house construction and collective farming activities with the house and farm owners only shouldering the food and material cost. Such deeply-rooted tradition did not just occurred by chance but was developed as an aftermath of the Colorum Uprising which culminated on the attack on Bucas Grande Island by the mighty US Marines and Filipino Constables on board the patrol gunship USS Sacramento in 1924. An e-book on the uprising from the point of view of a grandson of one of the local defenders shall be released by this writer soon.

The campaign to visit Sohoton Cove has had slowly gained acceptance as evidenced by the growing influx of tourists in the area. Nevertheless, the absence of an affordable backpackers hostel in the place had forced a number of tourists to just hop to the southern side of the island and return to their destination afterward thereby missing in the process the opportunity to visit the other equally alluring tourist destinations and historical sites situated near the Socorro town center. Moreover, the chances for the tourists to mingle with the local folks and observe their rich bayanihan culture were also lost.

It is for this reason that I and my wife had decided to establish and operate a backpackers hostel on a leased property owned by my elder brother in preparation for the travel and tours that we will be operating in the very near future. After a few months of construction works, I felt satisfied that a small hotel and country inn was inaugurated on July 31, 2011.

Allow me then to bring you to a walk through to the Island Vacations Country Inn. Upon arrival at the Port of Socorro from any port of origin such as Surigao City; Barangay Hayangabon, Claver in mainland Surigao del Norte and Dapa, Siargao Island, you will be greeted with this sight . . .

The modern Socorro Municipal Feeder Port. On the right is the entry point for outbound passengers while the incoming passengers shall pass through the Welcome Arc on the left.

After passing through the Welcome Arc, this signage on the right side of the street at the edge of the Municipal Public Market would surely catch your attention . . .

An imposing Island Vacations Country Inn tarpaulin guiding visitors on the exact location of the small hotel

Just a few minutes walk and you will notice this imposing structure on the first street corner . . .

The Island Vacations Country Inn standing proud at A. Taruc Corner Burgos Streets in Socorro town center.

The facade of the backpackers hostel with the signage bearing good news to internet savvy-travelers . . .

The Free Wifi Wireless Internet Access notice in the signage would surely catch the attention of laptop-bearing visitors.

A few more steps would bring you to the hostel entrance situated at the other side of the building . . .

The entrance door of the Island Vacations Country Inn with the Socorro Port Welcome Arc seen at the background.

After entering the backpackers hostel and climbing through a stairway lined with elegant   hard wood balusters, this alluring sight would greet your eyes. . .

The comely Island Vacations Country Inn front desk . . .

Ask your self if your senses will not be captured by this lovely smile . . .

The amiable receptionist manning the hostel front desk . . .

Conspicuously displayed within the vicinity of the front desk of the backpackers hostel are two important information age gadgets . . .

A flat-screen cable TV and a state-of-the art wireless router supplying 24/7 free wireless internet access to guests.

You can chose from an array of accommodations, the first being the ordinary room provided with an electric fan and a separate comfort and bath room . . .

Sturdy double-deck beds providing comfort to weary travelers . . .

For group travelers, this dormitory-type air-conditioned room would surely fit your taste . . .

A view of the single and double-deck beds suited for guests traveling in group.

The other side of the dormitory-type air-conditioned room. . .

Foremost to be considered in selecting a backpackers hostel or any other public house is the quality of its comfort rooms. Here at Island Vacations Country Inn, you can be assured of a modern toilet and bath facilities with reliable water supply . . .

An elegant toilet bowl with hydraulic-driven cover . . .

Excellent quality sink and telephone-type shower facilities . . .

For couples, the family room of the backpackers hostel with toilet and bath facilities identical with the air conditioned dormitory type room is an excellent choice . . .

A simple yet elegant matrimonial bed . . .

With cabinet cum working table . . .

And now, the rates . . .

Booking Terms and Conditions:

1.) One day (24-hours) rate shall commence on the check-in time. A fraction of 24 hours is considered as 1 day;

2.) Booking can be done by directly contacting the mobile number +639199897331 or +639088842056 or by email at admin@islandvacations.me;

3.) Full payment in cash or through the Western Union is required to finalize the booking. If payment is not received by option date, the reservation will automatically be released without penalty and without prior notice;

4. ) Any change in the booking made after payment is received shall be accepted and be re-booked to another available date. In case of refund, a refund fee equivalent to 15% of the booking amount shall be deducted;

5.) A minimum of 2 guests at a time is required for  the dormitory-type air-conditioned room. A single occupant shall be billed PhP 500.00 per day;

6.) Children 2-6 years old  in excess of 2 guests in the family room is allowed whie  7-11 years shall be charged 50% of the extra bed rate. Children 12 years old and above are considered adults and shall be charged adult rates for extra bed.

7.) Only bath towels shall be provided. Soap, shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste etc. shall be provided by the guests themeselves.

Backpackers Hostel – Final Thoughts

Security and comfort are key ingredients that a traveler will consider in selecting a public house for temporary shelter. For tourists coming to Bucas Grande Island for sightseeing into its rich natural and man made attractions and observing the rich culture of its people, you can be assured that  the security features, amenities and services  of the Island Vacations Country Inn are tailored fit for a quality backpackers hostel ready to accommodate modern-day tourists and travelers like you.

Green Events – What Is It?

Green events are earth friendly, green initiatives to save the environment having focus on a practice, technology or cause such as fairs and festivals that are environment friendly like a green festival in Siargao Island promoting environmental awareness, which is an emerging attraction among island vacations buffs, dubbed as Bakhaw or Mangrove Festival in Del Carmen, Surigao del Norte, Philippines.

Green Events – Why Witness The Bakhaw Festival?

I have heared from a lot of friends that the present leadership of Mayor Alfredo Matugas Corro II in the town of Del Carmen, in Siargao Island, which adjacenht to Bucas Grande Island, has lined-up a number of activites, among them green events, for their 376th Annual Town Fiesta Celebration. Such news were validated when my good friend Engr. Rolando Ruaya, Del Carmen Municipal Engineer and colleague in the Board of Directors of Siargao Electric Cooperative, Inc. (SIARELCO) who invited me to come for their fiesta celebration and witness the Bakhaw or Mangrove Festival . Being a green events aficionado, I accepted his invitation without batting an eye lash.

From the Socorro Port in Bucas Grande Island, I took a passenger motorized boat and traveled for one hour cruising through a placid channel towards the town of Dapa- the gateway and commercial center of Siargao Island. From there, I hired a passenger motorcycyle locally termed habal-habal. After a 30-minute travel on a newly-completed Portland Cement Concrete Pavement (PCCP), we reached Barangay Sayak, Del Carmen and, upon chancing massive construction works going-on in Siargao Airport, I told the driver to head left and see for myself what’s up in the said spot. As we stopped at the airport grounds, this sight greeted my eyes . . .

Greetings from Del Carmen Mayor Alfredo Matugas Coro II; Surigao del Norte Governor Sol F. Matugas and Siargao Congressman Francisco T. Matugas prominently displayed at the Siargao Airport arrival area warmly welcoming guests and visitors to Siargao Island.

I then took shots of the existing terminal building as well as the new terminal building under construction .  . .

The existing Siargao Airport Terminal Building . . .

. . . and the modern Siargao Airport Terminal Building on its finishing touches.

I cannot help but admire the Php 25 Million-worth upgrading of Siargao Airport Project due for inauguration on September 20, 2011 with no less that His Excellency Philippine President Benigno Simeon Aquino III being invited as the guest of honor . . .

The state-of-the-art control tower, terminal building and other facilities of Siargao Airport eyeing to achieve the distinction as the most modern airport in Mindanao Island.

Afterwards, we traveled for another 15 minutes until we reached the Del Carmen town center and stopped at the foot of this imposing welcome arch displaying the theme of one of the fiesta celebrations’s green events, the Bakhaw Festival . . .

An arch welcoming the guests and visitors to the 376th Annual Town Fiesta Celebration in Honor of Patron Saint Our Lady of Mount Carmel.

While strolling on various parts of the poblacion, I chanced upon folks gazing intently at the roster of green events and fiesta celebrations within the town  jurisdiction displayed prominently at the port area. . .

A tarpauline announcing the various fiesta and green events in Del Carmen

The Bakhaw Festival kicked-off at the Del Carmen Port at exactly 2:00 in the afternoon. A spectacular street dancing among the 5 contestant-delegations plus the LGU-Del Carmen dancers ensued at the major town thoroughfare followed by stationary dance renditions in front of the Roman Catholic Church. The contingents then headed towards the Numancia Central Elementary School oval grounds for the grand finale presentation.

During his speech, Mayor Alfredo M. Coro explained in detail that Siargao Island has a total mangrove forest area of 8,620 hectares, in which,  a single mangrove forest block consisting of 4,200 hectares serving as home to a variety of flora and fauna including the engandered saltwater crocodile,  is found in the municipality of Del Carmen. He stressed the need for the populace to conserve the mangroves for the present and future generations. And, to drive  mangrove  conservation awareness into the townfolks psyche,  the Bakhaw or Mangrove Festival was undertaken 4 years ago and every year thereafter with this year’s activity bearing the theme Bakhaw Festival: A Celebration To Attain A Socially, Economically and Environmentally Stable Del Carmen. . .

The young Mayor Alfredo M. Corro II exhorting the people to capture the messages to be delivered by the Bakhaw Festival performers.

After the declaration of the official start of the green events, story lines were read by the participating performers. Then, drums rolled. . . bugles barked . . .lyers sounded with performers in colorful dance costumes executing dance steps in various dance routines in accordance with the dance choreography. The concepts of all the six performing groups focused on the need to preserve the town’s mangrove forests and appealing for the intercession of Our Lady of Mount Carmel to help the local folks in their efforts to save the mangrove ecosystem.

The LGU-Del Carmen performers during their exhibition performance. . .

The LGU-Del Carmen performers depicting the star dancer on a banca ride cruising the mangrove forest driving home the point to Save Mangroves, Save Water, Save Trees, Save Lives!

Then came the first contestant- performers from the Don Mariano Matugas Memorial High School together with the first 10 barangays of Del Carmen namely: Antipolo, Bitoon, Cabugao, esperanza, Katipunan, Lobogon, Mahayahay, Quezon, Sayak and Tuboran.

The 1st Contestant-group on their best performance earning for them the 3rd Prize and Best in Street Dancing Award.

Contestant No. 2- performers from Del Carmen National High School (DCNHS) with another 10 barangays of Del Carmen (Pob.), San Jose (Pob.), Caub, Halian, Cancohoy, Domoyog, San Fernando, Bagacay, Mabuhay and Jamoyaon followed suit. . .

The 2nd Contestant-performers in one of their best performances which catapulted them to the Championship Prize and Best in Choreography Award.

Contestant number 3- performers from Oguing Navarro Memorial National High School (ONMNHS) with the Allied Agencies also made sure that they would not be left behind . . .

Performers belonging to Contestant No. 3 paying homage to the image of Our Lady Of Mount Carmel.

The 2nd to the last contestant- performers from the Numancia Central Elementary School representing the Department of Education East and West Districts also tried their very best not to be outdone by the other performers . . .

Contestant No. 4 performers on their best rendition. . .

Finally, contestant No. 5 comprising performers from Siargao College of Science and Technology (SNCST) showed up determined to show their dancing prowess . . .

The 2nd Prize, Most Disciplined and Best in Costumes Award-winning performance of Contestant No. 5 depicting the endangered saltwater crocodile attacking an abusive fishermen caught destroying the Del Carmen mangrove ecosystem.

Green Events – Final Thoughts

Fairs and festivals veterans have had expressed their valid concerns on the degradation of the once highly-esteemed festivals into a common phenomena nowadays. While there are lots of festivals whose significance had passed the test of time, others are just absurd events with some of them dying down on their natural death right after the maiden presentation. But the Bakhaw Festival in Del Carmen, Siargao Island, Philippines is one of a kind. Its uniqueness rests on being a festival celebrating nature and its bounties. It is an annual undertaking destined to be catapulted into one of the best festivals and green events in the country that is worthy of your visit in the very near future.

Island Vacations – The Nomination

Island Vacations was nominated by Marcia of Inside Journeys to participate in the “My 7 Links Project” (Thanks Very Much, Marcia!)

Initiated by Tripbase, the My 7 Links Project aims “to unite bloggers (from all sectors) in a joint endeavor to share lessons learned and create a bank of long but not forgotten blog posts that deserve to see the light of day again.”

Island Vacations – My 7 Chosen Blog Posts

I’m very honored that Marcia has nominated my Island Vacations blog. It was difficult to select just seven of my blog posts but I hope you’ll like the ones I chose.

My Most Beautiful Post – Majestic Beach Resort- 3 Irresistible Motives To Visit Club Tara in Bucas Grande Island

There are lots of beautiful places that I visited but the Club Tara Resort stood out as the best. Its location inside a small sheltered bay on the idyllic southern coast of Bucas Grande Island, Philippines set in the backdrop of verdant islets and rolling karst hills carpeted with lush tropical vegetation is very enviable. The breath-taking sight of the sparkling light, purplish blue color of the waters fronting the resort resembling that of a clear and unclouded sky surely captivates your senses and rejuvenates your soul.

Club Tara Resort at dusk.

My Most Popular Post – Island Vacations- Why Sohoton Cove In Bucas Grande Island Is Dubbed As All-In-One Tourist Destination

Considered as the Philippines’ emerging all-in-one tourist destination, the Sohoton Cove in Bucas Grande Island, Philippines is accessible during low tide only through the 40-meter Sohoton Cave serving as the sole entry and exit point. Once you’re inside the cove, you’ll surely ask yourself if you’re still in this world. You would really enjoy your island vacations by sightseeing and birdwatching on its thickly vegetated identical islets and scenic rock formations, snorkel and dive on its sparkling turquise waters, experience fun and thrill on its magnifecent caverns and swim with the smack of non-stingy jellyfish.

Kayaking on foot the Dagongdong Rock Formation inside Sohoton Cove.

My Most Controversial Post – Saltwater Crocodile Wrestling – My Visit To A Thrill Seeker Destination in Bangkok, Thailand

It was during my travel to Thailand that I had witnessed the most controversial stunt in my whole life- that of a human wrestling with a saltwater crocodile. My heart was pounding heavily from start to end of the Crocodile Wrestling Show at the Samphran Elephant Ground and Zoo located west of Bangkok.

My Most Helpful Post – Battlefield Tours – My Trip To Corregidor Island, Philippines (Part 4)

I had criticized the acts of the tour guides  during my Battlefield Tours in the historic Corregidor Island in the Philippines in cracking jokes branding the Philippine Senators and Congressmen, in general, as a bunch of “leeches.” I might forgive them for uttering those words if only we were all Filipinos in the group. What pissed me off was the fact that the foreigners beside me were laughing their hearts out with that crap joke. My post on my Island Vacations blog had helped in pushing the management to ban the offensive “green joke-cracking” among their pool of tour guides.

Welcome Shed at Corregidor Island

A Post Whose Success Surprised Me – Real Friends – My Key In Wining The Go Pro Hero Contest

Almost all of my blog posts were Search Engine Optimization (SEO) tight. I intentionally made this post as SEO light as possible at it was dedicated to my supporters during the Go-Pro Hero Camera Contest sponsored by Dave and Deb of The Planet D. It turned out to be one of my two highest ranked blog posts by Google.

SOEMCO lady-real friends in lighter moments.

A Post I Feel Didn’t Get The Attention It Deserved – Island Vacations – 3 Overwhelming Basis To Visit Kapihan View Park in Bucas Grande Island

Candidly, I consider the Kapihan View Park to be one of the best sightseeing destinantions in Bucas Grande Island, Philippines. Hence, I poured all my writing prowess into this Island Vacations blog post hopefully to catch the maximum attention as possible. Sadly, it seemed didn’t fit with my readers’ taste.

Video shooting at Kapihan View Park

The Post  That I Am Most Proud Of – Heritage Tours – My Travel To Rizal Shrine In Dapitan City, Mindanao Island, Philippines

Dr. Jose P. Rizal, the Philippine National Hero, in his dying scene of the novel “El Filibusterismo” had quipped: “I die without seeing the dawn shining in my native land. You who could see it, welcome it, and forget not those who had fallen during the night.” In honor of Rizal’s 150^th Birth Anniversary last June 19, 2011, I wrote this post as my own little way of responding to his clarion call and as my maiden entry to the Pinoy Travel Bloggers Blog Carnival. Fortunately, it gained wide acceptance from the members of the Filipino travel blogging community.

A comely spot in the Rizal Shrine Dapitan grounds featuring the immortal lines of Rizal's famous poem Canto Del Viajero (The Song of the Traveler) written on serpentine concrete slabs.

Island Vacations – My Nominated Blogs

And now, I’d like to nominate these very fabulous travel bloggers to participate in the My 7 Links Project.

Off Track Backpacking

Backpacking Worldwide

Philippine Travel Notes

Backpacking Philippines and Asia

Lakwatsera De Primera

Aside from being fabulous, the blogs I nominated are really suited to the taste of island vacations enthusiasts and travel junkies.

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.

Filipino Desserts – What Are They?

Filipino desserts, generally considered as delicious desserts, are courses that typically comes at the end of Philippine family meals or during snack time usually consisting of awesome sweet foods considered favorite foods among island vacations and island getaways buffs and other foodies  usually served during special occasions involving family members, real friends and other guests.

Filipino Desserts – What Bucas Grande Island Can Offer?

Visitors, guests and tourists visiting Bucas Grande Island in Socorro, Surigao del Norte, Philippines kept coming back not only due to  their awesome travel experiences on its majestic ecotourism destinations but becaue of their awesome food experiences involving  two Filipino desserts considered as food delicacies of the island, the first being the conical-shaped steamed rice cake named “sayongsong” and the other being a rice stew  cooked with coconut milk locally termed “harug.”

The Sayongsong

To expose such Filipino desserts to my readers who have not yet visited the place, I requested some expert sayongsong makers to do the actual cooking demonstration. After gathering the ingredients, sheets of coconut leaves were formed into cones while grated coconut were pressed for  coconut cream and milk. The 3 cups coconut cream, produced by the first pressing, was mixed with ¼ kilo margarine and ¼ kilo brown sugar and cooked in medium heat with constant stirring for 15 minutes . . .

Sheets of banana leaves were formed into cones while the grated coconut being pressed for coco cream and milk. Coconut caramel was made out of the mixture of coconut cream with margarine and sugar cooked in medium fire. . .

The other ingredients then were made ready . . . 1 kilo ground rice; 1 can Alpine Evaporated Milk (big); 1/4 kilo Brown Sugar; 3 pcs. Eggs; ¼ kilo salted peanuts; ½ tablespoon salt; 10 cups coconut milk – 2^nd Press and the Coconut Caramel. . .

The ingedients for Sayongsong . . .

The conical-shaped banana leaf sheets were then fitted into the flat basket slats of split bamboo sticks positioned at the bottom of a kettle atop tin cans. The ingredients were then mixed in a bowl, poured over the arranged banana leaf sheets and steamed for 30 minutes. . .

Arranging the conical-shaped banana leaf sheets . . . Mixing the ingredients . . .

Pouring the ingredients into the conical banan sheets . . . Steamed in raging fire for 30 minutes . . .

And voila! the sweet and delicious sayongsong are ready for serving . . .

The ready-to-serve sayongsong.

The Harug

The Harug, which is also among the popular Filipino desserts, is a variation of the ginataan and binignit. Its ingredients are composed of:

1 kilo Glutinous Rice – Tapol; 3 cups cubed camote; 3 cups cubed cassave; 3 cups cubes squash; 3 cups cubed squash; 3 cups Mongo; 3 cups diced ripe cardaba banana; 5 cups coconut cream (2^nd press); 20 cups coconut milk (2^nd press); 3 cups young coconut meat strips; 1 kilo brown sugar; 1 tablespoon salt.

The Harug is prepared by putting the mongo into a kettle with boiling water and allow it to continously boil for one hour or until it’s grains can already be mashed. Pour the cubed camote, casava and squash as well as the glutinous rice and let it boil for another hour. Mix the coconut milk and let it boil for 10 minutes. Do not stir from the start as it could affect the taste. Mix the cubed banana, brown sugar, salt, young coconut meat strips and coconut cream. Afterwards, stir constantly  for 15 minutes. Serve hot or cold.

The Harug Festival is the most awaited event, the climax at that, during one of the special occasions in the island town of Socorro which is the annual Tinabangay Festival  held every 22nd of February, wherein, the elementary pupils, high school and college students, barangays, government agencies and people’s organizations simultaneously prepare the stew and serve it to the festival revelers for free.

Secondary students making final touches of their harug being prepared along the street. . .

Harug containers being lined along the major town throughfare for the much-awaited Harug Festival

With the sound of the siren signalling the official start of the Harug Festival, the kettles and harug containers are opened with its stew contents served to the public for free . . .

The cooked harug ready for serving to the revelers . . . The beauteous Accounting Office staff serving harug with a smile . . .

I and my family members always make sure not to miss the festivity . . . The lady town Mayor and Vice-Mayor acknowledging . . .

... the Socorro constituents including the tourists enjoying the Harug Festival . . .

Filipino Desserts – Final Thoughts

The Filipino desserts  popularized in the island town of Socorro are undoubtedly among the awesome foods in Bucas Grande Island. As you test the Sayongsong and Harug, you could really feel the taste of a perfect blend of rice with the other ingredients and the sweetness here and there would truly tease your tongue and encourage you to come back to Bucas Grande Island for purposes, among others, to savor the Filipino desserts prepared by the hands of the islanders not only for their satisfaction but for the tourists and visitors as well.

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This Filipino Desserts blog post is my 2nd entry to the  Blog Carnival of the Pinoy Travel Bloggers with the theme Awesome Food Experience While Traveling in the Philippines hosted by Anton Diaz  of Our Awesome Planet.

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.