Sun-kissed Splendor

Photos by Pax C. Dionson

CEBU, Philippines - Before kissing summer adieu, turn tropically beachy, the island style.

Two words: beach bliss. Get sun-kissed, own an island for a day and keep it private. These two tropical destinations will satiate your beach craving, making your last hurrah for summer truly one for the books.

Kalanggaman Island

Shaped like a bird, hence the name, Kalanggaman is a palm-fringed, white sand islet with a moving sandbar on one side where you can laze on a towel as you please. From afar, the sight of this uncommercialized pocket paradise set off the island of Palompon, Leyte simply summons beach bums to a day of R&R and beachcombing given its postcard-perfect, tropical gear. The 45-minute chartered outrigger ride (from Palompon) or two-hour trip from Sogod is worth it upon disembarking the banca as the long-stretch beach greets and the serene ambience affords some peaceful and quite retreat away from the hurly burly of the city life. To those who wish to experience the island life for two days or more, they can be accommodated via the campsite, the only accommodation available for visitors, designated for tent owners. Also, be sure to bring your own provisions as the island doesn't have a restaurant nor a sari-sari store. Again, bring with you the holiday essentials.

Capitancillo

Another northern pride is making a mark. Bogo's Capitancillo rose from the ranks of being merely a beach destination to an emerging diving spot with three dive sites to boot. But what truly makes this islet fascinating is its significant landmark that is the solar-powered functioning 1905 lighthouse set amidst American pre-war structure ruins. This is your backdrop while basking in the sun, lounging at the day huts, or swimming in the turquoise and aquamarine waters.

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Alegre Beach Resort & Spa

Sogod's only AAA resort, Alegre Beach Resort & Spa is offering island picnic trips to these two leisure gems as part of their optional activities, inclusive of boat transfers, snorkeling sets and meals.

Under the watch of Dottie Wurgler Cronin, the seven-hectare sprawling Alegre is undergoing a face-lift. "We are at the master planning stage for expansion," quipped GM Cronin. In a nutshell, there will be room additions, doubling the size of the existing rooms, additional facilities and amenities, among other tweaks and revamps. However, despite the renovations, Cronin emphasized that Alegre will still retain its old charm. "Our strength is we're set in a natural environment," added Cronin. They'll leave the endemic trees, among other natural resources (read: marine sanctuaries and bird haven) therein untouched, letting their guests experience nature at its best. And as a testament to their commitment to Mother Nature, the resort is partnering with the local government of Sogod to help protect and preserve Capitancillo.

For inquiries on the island picnic trip packages, call 2549800. (FREEMAN)