A solo trip to Sambawan

CEBU, Philippines - My mother asked where Biliran was – whether in Samar or Leyte – as I was packing my things on a Wednesday night. I tried to answer each of her endless queries on my intended destination. As she learned that I was traveling backpacking on my own, she blurted out with concerned disapproval, especially when I told her that it would take three types of boats to reach Sambawan Island.

I explained that I wanted to make a memorable trip, to a place where I could be alone. I overflowed with  excitement while telling my mother. She was scared, as any caring mother would be, and wanted to stop me with scary stories about female backpackers who were raped or harassed in other countries. “Que sera, sera,” I said, smiling. The only way to know what awaited me there was to go there. I bid my parents goodbye and went out quickly.

The boat ride to Biliran took 12 hours to reach Naval, the mainland and trade center of the province. The skies were bright blue when I arrived. The small boats docked at the port were drawing early passengers for Masbate and other neighboring islands.

As I headed towards the terminal to get a ticket, a porter offered to tour me around the town for 500 pesos. I did not take the offer, telling him I was on my way to Sambawan. Nearby were two big pumpboats bound for Maripipi Island, MV Lourdes and MV Brian and Claire, were waiting.

The boat I boarded on was old and rusty. As the engine started, some passengers began to snooze, using their lifejackets as pillows. The others, including myself, filled the two-hour ride to Maripipi Island with friendly conversations.

Along the way, we passed by several beautiful islets, mostly with lush vegetation. Up above, the clouds seemed to flirt with the mountain tops. What refreshing sight!

Upon reaching the laid-back Maripipi Island, I started looking for the residence of Kuya Joel Caingcoy. I had known beforehand that they accept transient backpackers there. A woman with a small kid happened to be passing by as I was asking around. She was Kuya Joel’s wife.

The Caingcoy house was well-painted. It was almost midday when I got there. The other lodgers, a team of community workers, were having lunch and invited me to share their pansit and rice.

They asked me about my trip, and were surprised to know that I came alone. I also told them about my ultimate destination – Sambawan. Some of them got excited. They had been at Maripipi for four months already but had not gone to the neighboring Sambawan. They wanted to come with me.

In the little spare time there was, Carlito, one of the lodgers at the Caingcoy residence, took me on his motorbike to Tinago falls in nearby Caibiran. We also visited the vivid green rice terraces of the mainland.

Next, we were on our way to barangay Ol-og, the jump-off point to Sambawan Island. Halfway through our sailing, big waves started to shake our small wooden boat. I panicked when seawater started to splash in. I just closed my eyes and whispered a little prayer.

After 20 minutes of what seemed to be the end of me, a small island emerged – a sight that was definitely worth the trip. Setting foot on the patch of paradise, I noticed I was the only visitor there.

From the peak of a small hill, the island looked like an inverted “S” all covered with cogon grass. Towards the southern side was a long stretch of white sand beach. In the sea between Sambawan and Maripipi was a spatter of a number of islets.

The cold breeze whistled. The turquoise water and the pearly beach beckoned. I took photos, and we headed down to the other side of the island. I just had to dip my feet in the powdery sand.

My boatman and guide, Kuya Kokoy, mentioned the many potentials of Sambawan in the tourism industry. He shared that there are many diving sites around the island, such as what visiting divers call “Black Forest” and “Sunken City.” It was also here where a bull shark was first sighted in the country.  The simple fishing island had since drawn the curiosity of a number of tourists.

At 5 p.m., as the sunlight began to dim, we decided to go back to barangay Ol-og. It was the same mix of trill and scare on the way – only that the splash from the waves was colder now. Then, I was back at the Caingcoy house.

I woke up very early the following day, in order to catch the boat to Naval. It was still very dark – the island has no electricity from 12 midnight until 12 noon – quite eerie for anyone coming from a big city like me. Good thing the port was just beside the Caingcoy house.

On my way back home, my mind was filled with thoughts of gratitude for all of them who helped make my trip to Sambawan Island a reality. It was by far the best one I’ve had of all my trips around the country. And my faith in the innate goodness of people had been rekindled.

Romantic getaways

Romance is not limited to Valentine’s Day. Couples may have a perfect romantic date anytime. A good idea for a romantic date is to go out and explore any of the 7,107 islands of this beautiful country.

A great romantic escape must include spending time basking under the sun, soaking in turquoise waters, walking along palm-fringed pristine shores and gazing up at the canopy of stars. Boracay may be top-of-mind when planning a beach getaway, but it’s sometimes good to get away from the crowd and discover something new together for a truly memorable experience.

There’s nothing like a walk on the sand, hand in hand. But such shared activity needs a “solemate” at the lovers’ feet. Thus, in packing their bags for a time all their own, the couple shall never forget to slip in their pairs of Havaianas. Then they’re ready to go.

There are quite a lot of possible destinations. A few examples are:

 Calaguas Group of Islands, Camarines Norte

Serene and unspoiled, the Calaguas group of islands is a little paradise in the Pacific on the northernmost part of Bicol region. It includes the major islands of Tinaga and Guintinua, and the tiny Maculabo Island. The long stretch of fine sand and pristine water with rock formations on both end of Halabang Baybay (Long Beach), a cove located in Tinaga Island, is a haven for snorkeling or simply marveling on nature’s wonder.

 Calamian Islands, Palawan

Couples might have heard about Coron – but this is just one of the islands found in the northern part of Palawan. Also referred as Calamianes, Calamian Islands are a budding favorite of many tourists with crystal blue waters and magnificent formations. Aside from hopping from one island to another between Coron, Sangat, and Busuanga, couples can also go diving in the famous World War II shipwrecks, try fish feeding or water sports, and go trekking.

 Apo Island, Negros Oriental

An hour-and-a-half ride from Dumaguete City will take couples to Apo Island in Dauin, Negros Oriental. Known to be one of the world’s best marine sanctuaries, it is a home to over 650 fish species and at least 400 coral species. This volcanic island at the southeastern tip of Negros Island is a top snorkeling and dive spot where couples can swim with schools of fish and even giant sea turtles.

 Bantayan Island, Cebu

The same white sand with crystal clear water as Boracay – less the ubiquitous restaurants and bars. Without having to leave Cebu, couple can travel on a shoestring budget by hopping on a bus en route to Hagnaya port and a ferry to Sta. Fe Bantayan. They can then marvel on Bantayan’s beautiful sunrise, dip in the underground waters of Ogtong Cave, or check out Virgin Island all in one day. They may also opt to head to the neighboring island of Malapascua the following day.

 Batanes Group of Islands, Cagayan Valley

Probably topping most Filipino adventurers’ bucket list, the Batanes Group of Islands offers a hundred-and-one ways to enjoy a romantic weekend to the fullest. Composed of 10 islands with Batan, Itbayat and Sabtang as the biggest of which, Batanes casts a spell on every visitor with its postcard-perfect majestic rolling hills, crashing Pacific waves, and stone-built Ivatan houses. The couple can go biking and visit the Basco Lighthouse, explore the World War II memorials, and try Chavayan-crafted goods together with Batanes delicacies. 

Again, the couple shall find a chance to walk hand in hand whichever their chosen destination may be. It allows them to see more of the place and a great time for connecting with each other.

And it’s nice to walk in buttery soft Havaianas flip-flops, featuring a classic white sole and the word “luck” written in different languages and shades of green; the perfect pair for those lucky in love. It can feel like walking in the clouds.

Hotel general manager of the year

The achievements of its 2014 top-performing Asia Pacific employees and hotels of the Carlson Rezidor group were highlighted at a gala awards dinner on February 5. Radisson Blu Cebu’s very own Nishan Silva took home the General Manager of the Year award. Silva was recognized for his excellent leadership and ability to drive performance and guest satisfaction.

Silva has been the driving force behind creative marketing concepts, increased brand awareness and business wins at Radisson Blu Cebu, involving some of the leading MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) conferences in Asia Pacific.  In effect, the positioning of the hotel and its revenue performance are strengthened. He has also delivered on talent development, actively supported responsible business activities, and worked hand in hand with the tourism council to promote Cebu.

With this recognition, Silva and his dedicated team are all the more committed to give only the best to their patrons. Radisson Blu Cebu was also recently presented the Sustainable Hotel Award for Sustainable Operations by the Hotel Investment Conference Asia Pacific (HICAP), an international award-giving body considered to be the biggest annual gathering for Asia Pacific’s hotel investment community.

The awarding rites was attended by hotel owners, senior executives, and general managers, one of the highlights of Carlson Rezidor’s annual Asia Pacific Business Conference, at Radisson Blu Plaza, in Chongqing, China. Thorsten Kirschke, president for Carlson Rezidor Asia Pacific, in a speech, congratulated the winners and emphasized that they are the backbone of Carlson Rezidor, as the company works on its goal of having 200 hotels operating across Asia Pacific by the year 2020.

Radisson Blu Cebu’s contact number is: (63 32) 402 9900; email address: reservations.cebu@ radisson.com; website at: www.radissonblu.com/hotel-cebu; and social media accounts: face book.com/radissonbluhotelcebu and (Twitter / Instagram) @radissonblucebu.

The Bridal Fair to elevate Cebu's Wedding industry

A unique bridal fair which aims to cater to wedding suppliers and engaged couples alike has been scheduled at Cebu City Marriott Hotel. Dubbed “Love @ First Like,” it is the first event of its kind hereabouts and one along the hotel’s innovative projects set to take weddings to the age of social media.

The three-day bridal event, slated for February 23-25, features a two-day workshop for wedding suppliers to learn from the experts on the craft. Guest speakers include some of the most sought- after names in the industry, such as celebrity wedding planner Rita Neri, visual storyteller Jason Magbanua, premier event stylist Teddy Manuel and top photographer Dino Lara, to name a few. All participants get a certificate each upon completion of the two-day workshop.

With the goal to help elevate the local wedding industry, another feature of the event is the production of a promotional video specific to each partner supplier to highlight the supplier’s strength in its field of expertise. CCMH Director of Sales & Marketing Cleofe Albiso says, “We wanted to create a marketing platform through digital media wherein our partner suppliers can create a wider network through fan base and be recognized for the work that they [contribute to the flourishing] Cebu bridal industry...” The promotional video is to be launched on the third day of the event, during the open bridal fair. 

Apart from presenting the featured video, the final day of the event also highlights a panel discussion about digital marketing with social media gurus encouraging partner suppliers to discover concepts that excite today’s new age customers.

The public is invited to meet the city’s top wedding suppliers and experience first-hand their workmanship during the open bridal fair at the Sampaguita Grand Ballroom of Cebu City Marriott Hotel, on February 25.

Inquiries on “Love @ First Like,” may be directed to Joanna Geñete at phone number (032) 411 5800 or e-mail: mhrs.cebph.sales5@ marriott.com.