Wind-swept, captivating Catanduanes

All around are greenery, cloud-draped mountains, a long coastline, rock formations, beach resorts, historical churches and caves

By Amadís Ma. Guerrero

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The tall tale is that the men of Spanish conquistador Juan de Salcedo were pursuing pirates operating in the Bicol Peninsula in 1573, whereupon they came to the dwelling place of a Datu and his family living in a place filled with flowers.

The flowers were called “burac,” subsequently changed to “birac.” And that is how the area became Virac, the capital town of Catanduanes.

Wind-swept, captivating Catanduanes, a big island province known for its frequent storms emanating from the Pacific Ocean and Puraran Beach, a byword among Filipino and foreign surfers, is easily among the most scenic provinces in Bicolandia, a region known for its natural beauty.

The province is a three-hour ride via Ro-Ro vessel from the Bicol mainland, entry point being the Port of Tabaco City, Albay.

All around are greenery, cloud-draped mountains, a long coastline, rock formations, beach resorts (check out TwinRock), two historical churches (the Virac Cathedral and the enchanting St. John the Baptizer Church in Báto, near Virac, circa 1883); and caves, including Luyang Cave in San Andres, “where natives were choked to death by Moro pirates in the 17th century.”

Places to stay in Virac include Rakdell Inn, Marem Pension House, Midtown Inn and Rhaj Inn Apartelle.

The provincial Governor is Joseph C. Cua, and Vice-Governor is Jose Teves Jr.

Representing the lone district of Catanduanes is Rep. Cesar Sarmiento.

ROCK formations

Catanduanes recently put its best foot forward with the month-long Catandungan Festival 2012, its 67th Foundation Anniversary. The slogan was “Sulong Catandungan sa Matanos ng Dalan,” a takeoff on President Aquino’s “daang tuwid” (Forward Catandungan on the Straight Path).

Highlights were a Kundiman Fiesta, streetdancing by schoolteachers and students capped by a “Festival of Festivals/Showdown.”

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To the strains of a traditional Bicolano song, the men and women teachers from the different towns of the province danced the Pantomina, a traditional marriage and courtship dance. There was graceful movement of the hands, the women demure, and the men forceful when the choreography demanded it. There were chants, elaborate bows and mock chases.

In a real wedding reception, the guests were expected to shower money on the happy, dancing couple.

The street dancing of the students was understandably more energetic- frenzied at times—and served as an appetizer for the “showdown.”

With giant props, full costume regalia, drums and bugles, and icons of Mother Mary and the patron saints, the seven contingents showcased their dancing skills as well as the produce of their town (as in abaca, rice or crabs).

They performed key and lively segments from their respective town festivals.

Two contingents—from Viga, the defending champion, and Gigmoto—were nothing short of spectacular. As a judge, I gave slightly more points to the contingent from Gigmoto, if only because of the skill of their dancers and gymnasts.

The other jurors, however, gave the nod to the team from Viga.

My first-ever trip to the off-the-beaten track province of Catanduanes was arranged by the Provincial Tourism Office headed by Carmel Bonifacio-Garcia (0929-3998437). Email tourism_catanduanes@yahoo.com. Bicol Isarog (call Robert, 0917-5939811) has daily trips from Metro Manila (Cubao and Alabang) direct to Virac. Cebu Pacific flies three times a week to Virac.

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Matchless at Misibis Bay

By Bryan B. Garcia

February 20, 2011, 1:53am

Members of the media were tested to perform MVP challenges with Pharmaton celebrity endorsers Derek Ramsey and Karylle.

 Where in the world is Misibis Bay? That is the question posed by mere uninitiated mortals.  But for those in the know, especially those well entrenched within the inner circles of the luxurious lifestyle, Misibis Bay is one of the country’s “most exclusive and privileged hideaways.”

Tucked away in its own little corner of Cagraray Island  in Bacacay, Albay in the Bicol Region, Misibis Bay is about an hour’s drive away from the Legazpi Airport.  It is a veritable paradise playground, offering the utmost amusements in the most private setting. Thirty-seven luxurious villas play host to discriminating guests who only want to savor the sun-drenched beaches, or lounge about by the pool, or “thrill over the countless pleasures within the island or beyond”.

For those who have discovered Misibis Bay, time stands still as they while the time away in their latest haunt.  But more and more explorers are wandering into this pleasure destination.  Take for example a group of city folk who took up the MVP Unleashed Challenge introduced by multivitamins and mineral supplement Pharmaton.

Designed to simulate the actual MVP Unleashed Challenge, albeit on a much smaller scale, Pharmaton subjected a chosen few to the gist of what the adventure challenge would be like. This provided a legitimate excuse to run around and grasp the beauty of the resort as well as the whole island of Cagraray, transforming Misibis Bay into a giant playground where participants ran, paddled, climbed and swam their way through the tasks.

The kayak and the digging challenges were done on the resort’s exclusive one kilometer coastline. Although the blistering heat bore down heavily on the participants, the soft white sand as well as the cool blue shores proved to be enough to abate the sun’s angry rays.

The obstacle course on the other hand, provided a different type of challenge. Set inside the territory of the Cagraray Eco-Energy Park the obstacle course and zip line challenge proved to be a test of dexterity, coordination and balance. Although hanging for dear life might seem daunting, the view of the Albay Gulf from atop the giant jungle gym type course somehow offers a comforting sight.

For the last leg of the challenges, participants were asked to complete weaving tasks. The attention from the challenge was softened by the almost Zen-like atmosphere of the Eco-Energy Park’s Amphitheatre. The site of the recent Amazing Race Asia Philippine leg pit stop, the Amphitheatre sets the perfect mood thanks to the gorgeous sunset, broken only by the stoic pillars of the theatre’s stage.

To break the competitive vibe, the resort’s facilities were more than enough to diffuse the tension of the challenges. With three swimming pools, an adult pool, interactive kiddie pool and a 100 meter-long lap pool, the Sitio activities center as well as the numerous bars situated at various parts of the resort, anyone can switch to relax mode in a snap of a finger.

For the more adventurous in spirit, an exploration of the resort and the island’s expanse is well worth the time. One awesome way of doing so is on a Segway, a two-wheeled, self-balancing electric vehicle which the resort has 10 units of. Another is through one of the resort’s ATVs (All-Terrain Vehicles), which can be driven all the way to the hilltop inside the Eco-Energy Park, an ideal spot to witness the early Bicol sunrise and to see the five mountains of Bicol including the towering peak of Mt. Mayon.

No matter how hard one tries to describe the ambience of the resort, words still fail to capture some of the feelings induced by its atmosphere. The casualness and serenity of the space, the aroma that wafts from the kitchen and dining area, the natural sounds that envelope the entire expanse, as well as the personnel’s friendly smiles, all contribute to the lighthearted Misibis Bay vibe.

Although this is but a crevice in a massive landscape, peppered right and left with stunning beaches and awesome views, only less than a handful can claim to be at par with what Misibis Bay Resort has to offer. Humbling, awe-inspiring and meaningful, these are but some of the sentiments that a trip to Misibis can awaken, an experience that only a peaceful co-existence of man and nature can create.