Category Archives: PLACES OF INTEREST

Balesin Island Club – Costa del Sol (Polillo, Quezon)

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Costa del Sol – one of two swimming pools

After our swim at Mykonos Village, we again boarded a jeepney for the short drive to the charming hamlet of Costa del Sol, which literally translates to “Coast of the Sun.”

Check out “Balesin Island Club” and “Balesin Island Club – Mykonos Village“

Entrance arch

This village, drawing inspiration from the quaint, coastal towns within the province of Malaga of Southern Spain, features handsome Spanish colonial architecture with arched thresholds, imposing stucco walls and manicured courtyards.

Entrance driveway to Casa Grande

Our jeepney entered Costa del Sol’s serene, palm-lined driveway and dropped us off at Casa Grande, the main signature dining facility, where Jandy and I were to have a late lunch. Upon entering, we were welcomed by its warm and cozy classical Spanish style interior.

Interior of Casa Grande

Its menu features Spanish favorites,  Their selection of tapas includes tortilla de patatas (traditional Spanish omelet), callos a la Madrileña (ox tripe and chorizos in tomato sauce), tortillas de chorizo (Spanish omelet with chorizo) and  beef salpicao.  There are three types of paella – Valenciana (mixed seafood, chicken, ham and chorizo), Mallorquina (seafood on saffron rice) or arros negre (with baby prawns in squid ink).

Other items in the menu include almejas a la pobre (baby clams with crispy garlic and gravy sauce), gambas al ajillo  (river shrimp in garlic and olive oil with paprika), bacalao a la Vizcaina, and the always popular cochinillo asado (a suckling pig with tender, juicy meat and the crispiest, tastiest skin, order at least six hours ahead and good for 6 to 8 people). Jandy and I tried out the beef salpicado (beef tenderloin cubes in garlic and olive oil with paprika).

White sand beach in front of Costa del Sol

All these can be enjoyed with a pitcher of sangria or with a bottle of Rioja from the restaurant’s extensive wine list.  You can dine in one of the four uniquely designed private dining rooms—Vista de la Playa, Vista del Mar, Marbella Club, and Puerto Banús.

In the afternoon, you can gather on the veranda for a plate full of churros con chocolate. Alternatively, you can spend the evening for after-dinner drinks in Alhambra Lounge, a decadent, Moroccan-inspired sanctum infused with a warm mystique that will allow your mind to drift away while you relax with a glass of fine Spanish brandy.

Room 12

Come evening, we all checked out of our villa at Phuket Village to check in at two luxurious rooms (11 and 12) at Costa del Sol.

Check out  “Resort Review: Balesin Island Club – Phuket Village” and “Resort Review: Balesin Island Club – Costa del Sol“

Balesin Island Club: Brgy. Balesin, Polillo 4339, Quezon.

Metro Manila Corporate Office: Alphaland Corporation, Alphaland Makati Place, 7232 Ayala Ave. Extn., 1209 Makati City, Metro Manila.  Tel: +63.2.5337.2031 and +63.2.5337.2055 loc 271 to 274 (Reservations). Fax: +63.2.5338.1231,  E-mail: info@alphaland.com.ph.  Website: www.balesin.com.

Balesin Island Club – Mykonos Village (Polillo, Quezon)

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The author at Mykonos Village

On our third day in Balesin Island, Jandy and I decided to tour the island on our own.  Our first stop was Mykonos Village.

Check out “Balesin Island Club“

Mykonos Village beach

With its whitewashed walls, blue windows and doors, and winding cobblestone roads, it is an authentic recreation of the world-famous Greek isle, where we were dropped off at the Cove Deck at Mykonos.

Cove Deck at Mykonos

Built within a private cove, it sees regular use as a party spot or venue for large gatherings and is a great place to enjoy the cool sea breeze with a drink in hand.  Its four outdoor jacuzzis, all facing the Pacific Ocean, are popular both day and night.

Swimming pool

Adjacent to the the Cove Deck is Thanassis Taverna, the centerpiece of Mykonos Village. Named after Chef Thanassis Koumpiadis, it has several indoor dining options (including an upstairs private dining room) and a lounge area and  in a comfortable and colorful setting.  For al fresco dining, there’s a roof deck with outdoor seating.

Thanassis Taverna

It serves gyros, moussaka (made with minced beef, eggplant, and smothered with a rich béchamel that runs through its crevices), grilled lamb ribs, souvlaki, hummus, tzatziki, Greek salad (uniquely thread through skewers), a traditional tarhanas soup (not readily found on many menus outside of Greece), the simple, yet delicious meze and a delectable pine nut salad, served with warm and seasoned pita bread made on the premises, plus signature cocktail concoctions served with splashes of ouzo, a popular Greek aperitif.

Indoor dining area

For a large group, a succulent roast leg of lamb and vegetables can be ordered ahead. For desserts, there’s the award-winning, de rigueur, light and airy Thanasis chocolate mousse.

The Greek-style Mykonos Beach Villas

On the adjacent stretch of beachfront are the 32 spacious, Greek-style Mykonos Beach Villas, ideal for families and large groups who want to stay together.

Spread out over six different buildings, each building is aptly named for the gods and goddesses of Greek mythology – Apollo, Artemis, Athena, Poseidon, Dionysios, and Hermes.  Instead of an outdoor porch, each Mykonos villa has a rooftop that comes with a large lounge area and whirlpool tub.

Poseidon – the main clubhouse

We then walked the short distance to Poseidon, the main clubhouse area of the Beach Villas.  Here, we tried out its centerpiece – the infinity swimming pool with its unique indoor/outdoor configuration.

The infinity swimming pool and jacuzzi

At the second floor is an impressive wrap-around veranda offering views of the majestic Pacific Ocean.

Jandy trying out the jacuzzi

 

Balesin Island Club: Brgy. Balesin, Polillo 4339, Quezon.

Metro Manila Corporate Office: Alphaland Corporation, Alphaland Makati Place, 7232 Ayala Ave. Extn., 1209 Makati City, Metro Manila.  Tel: +63.2.5337.2031 and +63.2.5337.2055 loc 271 to 274 (Reservations). Fax: +63.2.5338.1231,  E-mail: info@alphaland.com.ph.  Website: www.balesin.com.

Balesin Island Club – Balesin Village (Polillo, Quezon)

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Balesin Village

Balesin Village, fronted by the best beach on the island, with its long stretch of pristine white sand, is located near the main clubhouse, the Balesin Spa and the Aquatic Sports Center.

Check out “Balesin Island Club“

The private beachfront villas

Its private beachfront villas are modeled after the nipa hut, which showcases traditional Filipino architecture, but with all the modern conveniences. It is a short walk to the main swimming pool

The Sala

The Sala, Balesin Village’s signature restaurant, was where we twice had traditional Filipino  (beef or pork tapa, daing na bangus, corned beef or longanisa with egg) or Continental (ham and cheese omelet, bacon and eggs, French toast, pancakes, etc.) breakfast. 

Daing na Bangus (P610)

Tocilog (P630)

It offers dining in the airconditioned dining room or on the outdoor verandah where you can watch the sunset.  Also offering light afternoon snacks, its menu also includes the famous Balesin binakol (fish fillet in coconut juice) or kinilaw (raw fish marinated in vinegar and spices).

The Relic Bar

The Relic Bar, the oldest existing structure on the island, is a 40-year old cabana (originally a poolside bar) that has since been moved from the Balesin Clubhouse to its current location right by Balesin Sala’s beachfront.

The white sand beach. Offshore is the MY Obsession

Balesin Island Club: Brgy. Balesin, Polillo 4339, Quezon.

Metro Manila Corporate Office: Alphaland Corporation, Alphaland Makati Place, 7232 Ayala Ave. Extn., 1209 Makati City, Metro Manila.  Tel: +63.2.5337.2031 and +63.2.5337.2055 loc 271 to 274 (Reservations). Fax: +63.2.5338.1231,  E-mail: info@alphaland.com.ph.  Website: www.balesin.com.

Balesin Island Club (Polillo, Quezon)

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Balesin Island seen from the air. In the foreground is Toscana Village

I’ve already heard about Balesin Island, off the eastern coast of Luzon, since way back in high school from my classmate Anthony Tordesillas whose father, the late Board of Investment head Edgardo Tordesillas, owned the island.  A chance encounter with Anthony after high school elicited an invitation to visit the island with him but, for reasons I can’t recall, wasn’t able to join him.  After Anthony’s passing in 2012, I thought the opportunity to visit this now members-only, private leisure getaway, now called Balesin Island Club, has finally passed me by.

Map of the island

That is, until lately when my wife Grace and her boss Engr. Loy Ganzon (Chairman of the Board of E. Ganzon, Inc.) were invited to a wedding there as godparents.  Jandy, Cheska, Bryan, Kyle and I gladly joined them.

One of the island’s banyan (balete) trees

The island’s name is a combination of two Filipino words – balete (local name for a banyan tree) and asin (local word for “salt”). Now Alphaland Corporation’s flagship project, Balesin Island Club is a 500-hectare, 5 km. long tropical island paradise with 7.3 kms. of pristine white-sand beaches. Around 10% of the island has been developed to create this award-winning luxury resort.

One of the island’s white sand beaches

The island was titled as a single property in 1926 (although the name of the original owner is unknown).  Immediately before and after World War II, the island was owned by the Pelejo and Jugueta families. In 1958, these families sold the island to the San Pablo Oil Company (now making Minola Cooking Oil) owned by 63 year old German expatriate and naturalized Filipino citizen Werner P. Schetelig.  After Schetelig died in 1962, Felipe “Baby” Ysmael (of Ysmael Steel) then bought the island from San Pablo Oil Company.

In 1967, Edgardo Tordesillas, business executive and amateur pilot, acquired the island from Felipe and set about building tourism facilities on the island, first building cottages (to house his family and guests) and, later, a nipa-roofed clubhouse, swimming pool, tennis courts and a 9-hole golf course. He also planted thousands of trees as well as many kinds of ornamental plants.  In 2011, Roberto V. Ongpin, Chairman of Alphaland Corporation (founded in 2007) acquired the island from the Tordedeillas family (Edgardo died in 2005) and developed Balesin Island Club.

Two offshore islands

Balesin, master-planned by EcoPlan of Miami, Florida, USA to optimize ecological sustainability, was meticulously designed to be in perfect harmony with its natural surroundings.  With the enhancement of everything in its environment uppermost in their mind without scrimping on luxurious, top-notch facilities, Alphaland adapted the “Three Pillar Innovation” – People, Planet and Profit.

Water reservoir

They reduced the amount of waste and ensured sustainable development via the island-wide rain water harvesting (runoff from the 1.5-km. airport runway provides over 100 million liters of water annually), 80% water recycling (for landscaping during the summer), a reverse osmosis plant, on-site eco-friendly transportation, organic farming, and alternative sources of energy.

Organic vegetable farm

The island’s coral reefs were also managed for diving and sustainable fishing. During the 14th United Nations World Tourism Organization Awards, the resort nabbed second-place for Innovation and Excellence in Tourism — the first in the history of the Philippines.

Alphaland Aviation Lounge

Our early morning journey to Balesin began at their cool, quiet and comfortable private terminal lounge at Alphaland Aviation Lounge in Manila, arriving there by 5 AM.

Our 68-seater ATR 72-100 at the hangar

After checking in our luggage and relaxing at the lounge while waiting for our flight, we boarded our 68-seater ATR 72-100 and were soon on our way.

On board and on our way….  L-R: Jandy, Engr. Loy Ganzon (Chairman of the Board of E. Ganzon, Inc.), Ms. Mamel Yap (E.G.I.), Bryan and Kyle

Alphaland operates two of these jets plus one 19-seater British Aerospace Jetstream 32 and two 9-seater Cessna 208B Grand Caravans) and took off for the island just before 8 AM.

Landfall at E.L. Tordesillas Airport

We arrived at the island’s aptly named E.L. Tordesillas Airport by 8:20 AM.  At the Welcome Center, we were briefed by the staff on the island’s facilities and, after picking up our luggage, were brought to our respective villas via airconditioned vans.  We stayed 2 nights at Phuket Village and another night at Costa del Sol. After checking in, we had a late breakfast at Balesin Sala in Balesin Village.

Check out “Resort Review: Balesin Island Club – Phuket Village” and “Resort Review: Balesin Island Club – Costa del Sol”

Welcome Center

The beauty of the island was a world completely unto itself, with seven theme villages patterned and inspired from the most alluring, world-class luxury beach destinations where everything, from the architecture, interior design, landscaping and food, is authentically recreated – Balinese for Bali Village, Greek for Mykonos Village, French (Riviera) for St. Tropez Village, Spanish for Costa del Sol, Filipino at Balesin Village, Italian (Tuscany) at Toscana Village and Thai for Phuket Village.

Check out “Balesin Island Club – Bali Village,” “Balesin Island Club – Costa del Sol,” “Balesin Island Club – Mykonos Village,” “Balesin Island Club – St. Tropez Village,” “Balesin Island Club – Balesin Village” and “Balesin Island Club – Toscana Village”

The Clubhouse

The Clubhouse has a reception area, a cigar lounge where you can light up a fine cigar (Tabacalera Cigar Divan),  gaming room (billiards, table tennis, a Wii console), a 600 sq.m. function area, a fully equipped conference room (for large gatherings and private meetings), seven 2-bedroom unit Clubhouse Suites, KTV rooms (Mike’s and Rannie’s), souvenir shop, music lounge, view deck, veranda, library, mahjong and poker room, internet gaming/business center, salon and barber shop, children’s indoor playroom, screening room, locker rooms, boutique and medical clinic.

The Clubhouse Lounge

It also has a number of bars (Lobby Bar, Coral Bar) and restaurants – Sakura Japanese Restaurant  (for sushi and teppanyaki dishes), the Dining Room, Balesin Dining Room and Han Gang Restaurant plus private dining rooms (Michelle’s and Anna’s).

Reception Area at Clubhouse

Outside are exquisitely designed swimming pools  (adult and kiddie) and 3 whirlpools, bars and private beach cabanas.    The Aquatic Sports Center offers waterskiing, kayaking, windsurfing, snorkeling, wakeboarding, scuba diving, stand-up paddle boarding, boat rentals, deep sea fishing, Hobie Cat sailing, Frisbees, volleyball and paraw sailing.

The clubhouse’s swimming pool

Docked offshore for sunset cruises is Balesin’s new super yacht, the M/Y Obsessions, a sleek, 130-foot, aluminum-hull  vessel built by Heesen Yachts in the Netherlands.  Its decadent interiors were designed by Ann Van Der Kamp and Diaship, using sumptuous materials from Gianni Versace’s luxury Italian label.

The M/Y Obsessions

On our second day, after breakfast Jandy and I made a tour around the island. Aside from the airconditioned vans, jeepneys and buses, the resort also uses electric golf carts to go around the island to reduce its carbon footprints.

One of the jeepneys that transports guest around the island

We visited the Ifugao Village where an entire community of Ifugao woodcarvers lived.  The furniture on the island, both modern and traditional, was made by them and they also produce art pieces, sculpture as well as souvenir items for sale to visitors.

Jandy in front of the Ifugao Camp

We also visited the Sports Center with its fully-equipped gym, badminton courts, basketball court, tennis courts, martial arts studio, airsoft target shooting range, soccer field, running track, rock climbing wall, table tennis and refreshment bars.

Sports Center

A fenced part of the jungle houses tactical formations for paintball and war games, a stable for Segways, and Knockerballs. There’s also horse riding stables, an archery range, golf driving range and putting green.

Soccer Field

The island is also home to the Aegle Wellness Center, a state-of-the-art integrative health & wellness center nominated as Medi-Spa of the Year in the 2017 Asia Spa Awards.  It is the only place in the Philippines, and among the few in Asia, that offers thalassotherapy, a medical treatment for weight loss and detoxification that makes use of the components of seawater.

Pony Paddock

On our third day, scheduled afternoon tour, this time via an airconditioned bus, took us around the island, visiting each of the aforementioned 7 themed villages.

The Greek-themed Mykonos Village

Toscana Village

The French Riviera-inspired St. Tropez

Balesin Village

We also visited the Family Picnic Grove and Organic Farm where seafood and organic produce, for the restaurants, are cultivated at specially made fish pens and greenhouses, respectively.

Family Picnic Grove and Organic Farms

Bryan, Kyle and Cheska at the Family Picnic Grove and Organic Farms

At the Aviary (a joint undertaking of Balesin Island Club and the Tobiano family), we had intimate encounters with some exotic birds.

The Aviary

These include blue and gold macaw (Ara ararauna), African grey parrot (Psittacus erithacus), Victoria crown pigeon (Goura victoria), scarlet macao (Ara macao), Indian blue peacock (Pavo cristatus), among others.

The author with a pigeon

It is also home to a pair of African spurred tortoises (Centrochelys sulcata) and rabbits.

The open-air chapel

The open-aired Chapel across the latter, with amphitheater-like seating and wooden altar, was where the wedding took place.  We also heard mass here.

The rustic chapel interior

The wedding reception was held at The Salon, the elegant function hall which accommodates up to 350 guests for sit-down banquets, at the majestic Balesin Royal Villa, facing Lamon Bay and its gorgeous sunset.  It also has an a bar facility, a 10-person elevator for easy access to the upper and lower floors from

Balesin Royal Villa

The Salon, state-of-the-art karaoke room as well as billiard and foosball tables.  The ten 120 sq.m. Royal suites located on the ground floor, each have a terrace providing direct access to the 2 swimming pools (with jet bubblers and 4 sunning decks) and private, white-sand beach.

Entrance to Balesin Royal Villas

The four 317 sq.m. Maharlika suites, on the upper level, have their own living area, terrace, and outdoor jacuzzi. All Balesin Royal Villa suites have magnificent views of the sea, and accommodate up to 4 people each.

Fish Fun

As we just stayed on the island for three days, we didn’t get to experience all the different cuisine the island had to offer but we did get to try breakfast at Balesin Sala (Balesin Village) and the Main Clubhouse (the centerpiece of the resort together with the state-of-the-art wellness facility), Spanish cuisine for lunch at Casa Grande (Costa del Sol) and, for dinner, Thai cuisine at Sawadee (Phuket Village) and Japanese cuisine at Sakura (Main Clubhouse).

Balesin Sports Bar

Bryan playing billiards at the Sports Bar

Sakura, the club’s most popular restaurant, is located inside the main clubhouse.  Led by chef Edo-san, it houses a teppanyaki counter and sushi bar, and serves everything from soba to tempura to prime steak.  Favorites include the much sought-after popped rice starter with its poetic presentation, the Edo-san maki of eel, cream cheese, avocado, tobiko and topped with baked crab, the spider roll, sea bass with miso, beef usuyaki, and the beef and seafood teppanyaki with fried rice.

Balesin Island Club: Brgy. Balesin, Polillo 4339, Quezon.

Metro Manila Corporate Office: Alphaland Corporation, Alphaland Makati Place, 7232 Ayala Ave. Extn., 1209 Makati City, Metro Manila.  Tel: +63.2.5337.2031 and +63.2.5337.2055 loc 271 to 274 (Reservations). Fax: +63.2.5338.1231,  E-mail: info@alphaland.com.ph. Website: www.balesin.com.

Silonay Mangrove Conservation Ecopark (Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro)

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The concrete boardwalk at Silonay Mangrove Conservation Ecopark

After lunch at Vencio’s Garden Seafood Café, we proceeded to the Silonay Mangrove Conservation Ecopark located east of Calapan City.  This 41-hectare protected area, opened on November 13, 2013 (Oriental Mindoro Foundation Day), is located on the 87-hectare Silonay Island.

Check out “Restaurant Review: Vencio’s Garden Seafood Cafe“

It is a haven of 14 species of mangroves, fireflies, 2 species of bats, 29 species of migratory birds, fiddler crabs and various kinds of fish. Near the entrance is a mural of Silonay species done by environmental artist AG Saño and local students.

Loop-Root Mangrove (Rhizophora mucronata)

Mangroves in Silonay are highly susceptible to storm surges and mangrove forests here have also been depleted due to rampant cutting of trees by residents to sell for firewood.  These mangroves protect Silonay from these storm surges.   Fish larvae and other small creatures also take refuge from predators among the mangrove roots.

Nypa fruticans

Sama-samang Nagkakaisang Pamayanan ng Silonay (SNPS), a local organization, is dedicated to supporting the mangrove reserve. From the original 26 members in 2012, SNPS’ membership has now grown to almost 80.  Ms. Alma Bool, known locally as the “Queen of Mangroves,” has been a leader in organizing the community for mangrove restoration efforts. The 14 species of mangroves found here are:

Some of the 29 species (7 endemic) of birds found here (the first three are the most common) are: 

The two species of bats found here (at dusk) are:

Some members of Sama-samang Nagkakaisang Pamayanan ng Silonay (L-R): Mr. Benecio “Bobby” Vergara (SNPS President), Mr. Moral Bool (hpneybee farm manager), Aldwin Simblante (eco-tour manager), Mr. Ricardo Ponsones (mangrove seedling nursery manager), Mr. Francisco Fortu (Silonay Barangay Captain) and Alma Bool (full-time volunteer)

Heard from the entrance of the boardwalk are the Tokay Gecko (Gekko gecko), the Giant Visayan Frog (Liminonectes visayanus) and the Common Puddle Frog (Occidozyga laevis).  Along the boardwalk are stingless bee hives.  Bees can help in the pollination of mangroves. At the same time, they bring extra income whenever the honey is harvested.  However, the honey harvested may be sweet-sour in taste but it has better medicinal value.

Stingless Bee Hive

Best visited during high tide, this ecotourism zone also offers birdwatching (bring your own binoculars, November to March), and dolphin watching (April and May).

Euden Valdez planting her mangrove sapling

Upon registering, we entered the area, leisurely walking deep into the mangrove forest via a 300 – 350 m. long concrete boardwalk which replaced a previous rickety bamboo boardwalk damaged by Typhoon Nina (international name: Nock-ten) in December 25, 2016.

JL and Kristian, down and dirty, with their respective mangrove saplings

Along the way are three huts, each able to accommodate 10 visitors.  We visited during low tide which was just right as some of us (Euden Valdez, Kristian Marfori, Michelle Soliman and JL Santiago Aquino) were encouraged to plant mangrove seedlings among the exposed mudflats.

PLastic, 2-pax kayaks for rent

The highlight of this destination, aside from the boardwalk, is kayaking through fishermen’s trails, in between mangroves, before exiting via the Silonay River. Colorful 2-seater plastic kayaks are rented out for PhP50/hour. However, kayaking is not possible during low tide. It takes at least 1.5 hrs. to tour and kayak.

Media group with members of Sama-samang Nagkakaisang Pamayanan ng Silonay

Silonay Mangrove Conservation Ecopark: Sitio Singalong, Brgy. Silonay, Calapan City.  Open daily, 6AM – 6PM. Admission: PhP50/head (PhP20 for students).

Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office: Provincial Capitol Complex, Calapan City 5200.  Tel: (043) 286-7046 and (043) 441-0306. Website: www.ormindoro.gov.ph.

Suguicay Island (Bulalacao, Oriental Mindoro)

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Suguicay Island.  On the left and right side of the island, between mangroves, are white sand beaches

The last island we visited during our memorable island hopping tour was the oblong-shaped Suguicay Island, the most popular island in Bulalacao Bay.  The boat trip from Target to Suguicay Island was rather long and rough.

Cottages, picnic huts and stores lining the white sand beach

Running throughout the whole length of the island, including both at the southern and northern ends (where there is a small village) of the 500 m. long white sand beach, are clumps of healthy mangrove trees. With its different hues of aquamarine, turquoise and deep blue, the waters here are even more colorful than at Aslom Island and have abundant coral and marine life.

A Soguicay welcome

As approached the island, we espied rows of native huts (PhP300) and parked fishing boats along its white sand beach. A number of people were frolicking on the beach while offshore were a few huts on floating bamboo rafts (PhP500) that somehow adds to the character of the whole place.

The white sand beach

Between the white sand beach and the clump of mangrove trees was a narrow body of water that snaked inland. At the end of the island is a sandbar plus another 500 m. long white sand beach.

A floating picnic shed

This was the commercialized island we visited in Bulalacao and, telling from the number of visitors, it’s a go-to beach resort. Aside from the open cottages (some with videoke machines), this family-managed beach resort also has sari-sari stores selling snacks, liquor, bottled water, etc..

A clump of mangroves

A beach volleyball net was also set up in the middle. Here, we had lunch at one of the picnic cottages. Kayaks could also be rented here and unlike Aslom and Target Islands, rooms (PhP300 – 500) for overnight stays are available. Camping (PhP150) is also allowed.

After lunch and some time for exploration, it was now time to make our way back to the mainland.

Boarding our boat for the trip back to the mainland

After a 30-min. boat ride, we docked at a 300 m. long wood and bamboo pier jutting out from the mangrove beach of Bangkal, a sitio in Brgy. San Juan, just to the northeast of the town center of Bulalacao.

Getting ready to dock at the wood and bamboo pier at Sitio Bangkal

The wooden pier is actually the jump-off point for boats going to Suguicay Island, the first of the two northern islands in town.

The author

Soguicay Island: Brgy. San Juan, Bulalacao, Oriental Mindoro.

Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office: Provincial Capitol Complex, Calapan City 5200.  Tel: (043) 286-7046 and (043) 441-0306. Website: www.ormindoro.gov.ph.

Target Island (Bulalacao, Oriental Mindoro)

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One of the white sand beaches of Alibatan Island (Target Island)

From Aslom Island, the privately owned Alibatan Island, frequently referred to as Target Island, was to be our next destination. Since this island was located way out in the open sea, the waves we encountered going there were really rough. Before making landfall on the island, we went around it to admire its scenic coastline.We landed at a beautiful cove on the southern part of the island.

The beautiful cove at the southern part of the island

Located southeast of Bulalacao and approximately 3 kms northeast of Sitio Bacungan, Brgy. Milagrosa, Alibatan was also called Target Island because, in 1946, Americans staying in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro used the island for aerial bombing practice. Exploring the island, you’d see bomb sites and jagged rocks broken into pieces.

This approximately 5-hectare, stingray-shaped island, noted for its white sand beaches, has a mountainous southern part (a seemingly weather-beaten resthouse, reached by concrete steps, is located on the highest point), with big rocks present throughout.

The rundown resthouse at the top of a limestone outcrop

A concrete pathway follows the coastline of the island, looping around its limestone cliffs, and towards an approximately half hectare lake at the center of the island.

The concrete pathway that goes around the island

Said to be a result of the American bombing, the lake teems with mangroves and serves as a breeding and hatching area for seagulls and sea turtles.

The lake at the center of the island

From atop its limestone cliffs, you’d see panoramic views of the lake, the island itself and its beaches. The waters around the area abound with the different species of fish, corals and oysters. Because of its proximity to the channel going to San Jose, Occidental Mindoro, whales can also be sighted here.

Fascinating head-like rock formation

Target Island: Brgy. Milagrosa, Bulalacao, Oriental Mindoro.  Open 6 AM – 6PM. Admission is free. Visitors are not allowed to stay overnight on the island.

Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office: Provincial Capitol Complex, Calapan City 5200.  Tel: (043) 286-7046 and (043) 441-0306. Website: www.ormindoro.gov.ph.

Aslom Island (Bulalacao, Oriental Mindoro)

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Aslom Island

A 45-min. motorized outrigger boat ride, from Bulalacao Fish Port, brough us to the 12-hectare Aslom Island, the first of three (the others are Target Island and Soguicay Island) islands we were to visit in our day-long island hopping tour. While the island is privately owned (said to owned by a member of the Lhuillier family from Cebu), tourists can visit the place for free but staying overnight is not allowed.

Making landfall at the sandbar at the northern end of the island

One of the major destinations of any island hopping activity in Bulalacao, the island’s name is derived from the Cebuano word aslom, meaning “sour,” because of the abundance of tamarind (sampaloc) trees bearing the sour fruit.   Half of the island is planted with coconut trees.  A good place for ships to anchor during storms, the island is located about 1.5 kms. south of Brgy. Milagrosa.

Frolicking at the sandbar

This private island has three white sand beaches with coarse to corally white sand and all interconnected through roads inland.   It would probably take 1-2 hours to explore the island. At the southeastern part of the island is a big cave.

The author on Aslom Island

The first two other beaches stretch about 200 meters and 800 meters respectively.  We made landfall, during high tide, at its beautiful, crescent-shaped white sandbar that stretches for about 500 meters at the northern end of the island.

At the southern end of the sandbar is a nearly finished resthouse and a tennis court. The island has no other establishments or restaurants. Caretakers were the only people around.

The curving sandbar forms a small lagoon 2-3 m. from the shore with a sudden drop off, with very clear waters, clumps of big soft corals and schools of small fishes, making it an ideal area for snorkeling. At the shore, local fishermen catch crablets by digging deep inside the small holes made by the small crabs in the sand. These crablets are cooked in coconut milk.

Aslom Island: Brgy. Milagrosa, Bulalacao, Oriental Mindoro. Visiting hours: 6 AM – 6PM.

Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office: Provincial Capitol Complex, Calapan City 5200.  Tel: (043) 286-7046 and (043) 441-0306. Website: www.ormindoro.gov.ph.

Gabutero Organic Farm (Bongabong, Oriental Mindoro)

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Gabutero Organic Farm

After lunch at Vencio’s Garden Seafood Café in Calapan City, we boarded our respective vans for the 2 hr. (109.2 km.) drive, via the Western Nautical Highway, to the town of Bongabong.  Here, we made a stopover at Gabutero Organic Farm (GOF), a vermicomposting facility, organic processing center, livestock center, organic rice farm, agricultural cooperative and Integrated Learning and 4H Camp.

Check out “Restaurant Review: Vencio’s Garden Seafood Cafe“

Press Conference (L-R): Mr. Felicito Matunan (Municipal Tourism Council President), Mr. Nelson B. Gabutero Sr. (GOF owner), Mayor Elegio A. Malaluan and Mr. Solon Morillo (Municipal Tourism Officer)

Here, we were to hold a press conference with Municipal Mayor Elegio “Elgin” A. Malaluan, GOF owner Mr. Nelson B. Gabutero, Sr., Municipal Tourism Council President Mr. Felicito Matunan and Municipal Tourism Officer Mr.Solon Morillo.

Media group at Gabutero Organic Farm

Bongabong is a center for organic rice farming in the province and the topic for discussion was the aim to make Bongabong as the “Organic Capital of Oriental Mindoro.”

Mr. Nelson Gabutero (at right) touring media group

After our press conference and a merienda of fresh fruits and sandwiches, Mr. Nelson Gabutero, a retired teacher and now a full-pledged private organic rice farmer, toured us around the facility.

Organic rice field and fish pond

Gabutero Organic Farm, the only accredited organic farm in Oriental Mindoro, is a DOT-accredited Agri-Farm Tourism Site and an Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) and TESDA accredited learning site.

Function Hall

Nelson produces vermiculture and vermi composting in a 4,425 hectare land and organic rice and vegetable in a 9 hectare agricultural land.

Pigs

Soft-Shelled Turtle enclosure

In addition to these, he also raises soft-shelled turtles, hogs, rabbits and poultry. Being an organic farmer, he is now a partner of ATI-RTC Region IV in its advocacy to promote organic farming.

Dragon Fruit (Hylocereus undatus)

Cacao (Theobrona cacao)

Among the crops and plants grown in the farm are Dragon Fruit (Hylocereus undatus), used to boost immune system and reduce cholesterol levels and high blood pressure; lettuce; watermelons; sunflowers; King Sago Palm (Cycas revoluta); Spring Onion (Allium chinense); Pepper (Capsicum annuni); Cacao (Theobrona cacao); Miracle Fruit or Calabash (Cresentia cujete), used to treat diabetes and correct chemotherapy-related taste disturbances; and the insulin plant (Costus igneus), helpful for treating Type 2 diabetes.

Miracle Fruit or Calabash (Cresentia cujete)

Sunflowers

The farm also has swimming pools (adult and children’s) with water slides, picnic huts, 4 and 6-pax airconditioned rooms (PhP2,500-3,500), 12-pax fan-cooled dorm rooms ((PhP2,500), 200-pax function hall (PhP5,000-8,000/day) for seminars and other special occasions and a butterfly farm.

Swimming Pool with water slides

Building housing guest accommodations

Butterfly Garden

You can also go fish for tilapia and boating around their palay/isdaan area. Solar panels supply some of the power needs of the farm. 

The author among rows of lettuce at the greenhouse

Gabutero Organic Farm Resort: Sitio Tubigan, Brgy. Labonan, Bongabon 5211, Oriental Mindoro. Mobile number:  (0920) 952-6421. E-mail: gabuteroorganicfarm@yahoo.com. Open daily, 8 AM – 7 PM.

Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office (PTCAO): Provincial Capitol Complex, Calapan City 5200.  Tel: (043) 286-7046 and (043) 441-0306. Website: www.ormindoro.gov.ph.

Church of St. Peter, Martyr of Varona (Hermosa, Bataan)

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Church of St. Peter, Martyr of Varona

The seventh and last pilgrim church we visited in our visita iglesia was the Church of St. Peter, Martyr of Verona in the town of Hermosa.  It was just about dusk when we arrived at the church and, as it was Holy Saturday, outside the church the Easter fire was being prepared to be kindled.

PHC Historical Marker

This church, established in 1717 and built in stone by Dominican friars, was destroyed by fire several times but was renovated in 1869.  In 1901, the church was handed over to the Filipino clergy.

The present church measures 58 m. long and 18 m. wide.  Old adobe walls were cut, sliced and re-used for its interior and exterior wall finishing.

Interior of the church

AUTHOR’S NOTES:

The church’s generally Baroque facade, with a projecting central portion, has first level with a semicircular arched main entrance flanked by coupled and single superpositioned  pilasters that rise up to the second level.

The second level has three statued niches.  The undulating pediment, carried down to large scrolls, has a centrally located circular rose window and is topped by a  square bell tower with semicircular arched openings. The whole facade is flanked by massive square piers topped by urn-like finials.

The main altar and its retablo

Church of St. Peter, Martyr of Varona: National Road, Hermosa, Bataan. Tel: (047) 491-1526. Feast of St. Peter, Martyr of Varona: May 3.

How to Get There: Hermosa is located 106.5 kms. (a 2.5-hr. drive) from Manila and 31.9 kms. (a 45-min. drive) north of Balanga City.