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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.

The Pandang Gitab (Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro)

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Pandang Gitab (Festival of Lights)

After our dinner and interview of Gov. Alfonso Umali Jr. at Vencio’s Garden Seafood Café, we boarded our respective vans to cover the Pandang Gitab Parade, Oriental Mindoro’s “Festival of Lights.”  The festival was usually held on the third Saturday of February but, as this month was usually rainy, it was held, for the first time, in the month of April.

The parade had already started at 6 PM (upon the sound of the pealing church bells which signaled the start of the oracion, the six ‘o clock prayer), at the Calapan City Plaza so we were dropped off along J.P. Rizal Street were we were to catch the parade as it approached the Oriental Mindoro National High School OMNHS) grounds where the in-place competition will take place.

The word pandang-gitab, which describes an old tradition of Mindoreños, was coined from the word pandango (descended from a Spanish-American dance performed by a man and woman) and the word dagitab (handmade lamp or portable light or “flicker of light”).

According to Kanami Namiki’s book “Ramon Obusan, Philippine Folkdance and Me,” the pandango is danced with regional and local variations such as lights (ilaw) in Mindoro and hats (sambalilo) in Bulacan.

The Filipino folk dance Pandango sa Ilaw (Dance of Lights), of Mindoro and Pangasinan, is a dance made up of two dances using lights.  Dancers from Mindoro balance oil lamps on their head and on their palms while those from Pangasinan use lamps wrapped in dark-pink scarves. The Pandango sa Ilaw of Mindoro originated from Lubang Island.

The dance was inspired by the practice of wives from the coastal community of Mindoro who accompany their fishermen husbands going out to fish at the crack of early dawn. The burning wisps of their oil lamps light the way to the shore. Part of this practice is a ritual folk dance for a safe voyage and bountiful catch. The lights also provide a beacon for fishermen coming back from the sea. The annual Pandang Gitab, the street dancing festival inspired by this practice, is a nod to this tradition.

The Pandang Gitab, one of the much awaited celebrations in Oriental Mindoro, was first introduced as a street dance in November 2001 (51st founding anniversary of Oriental Mindoro) and has been held every year since then. At the national level, this lively street dance has already reached great popularity and promotional exposure.

In 2011, the Pandang Gitab Oriental Mindoro (“Oriental Mindoro” was added to imply exclusivity to the island where the festival is held) joined the Aliwan Fiesta competition, the country’s grandest fiesta celebration, which brings together, in a single setting, street dancing contingents from all over the country. According to Gov. Alfonso Umali, it brought home the 5th prize, beating other well-known contestants from around the country. Last year, it made it to the Top Ten, bringing home the 7th prize.

In 2012, during the recent celebration of the province’s 62nd founding anniversary, the “Pandang-Gitab” was declared and recognized as the official festival and cultural event of the island province, by virtue of Provincial Ordinance No. 25, and will now carry the banner of Oriental Mindoro. A far cry from the loud, usual drummed beats of older and more famous festivals (Ati-Atihan, Dinagyang, Sinulog, etc.) in the Philippines, street dancers here don colorful and glittery garbs, inspired from the traditional baro’t saya, and twirl and sway with the rural, lively tune (a composition of National Artist for Music (1988) Col. Antonino Buenaventura) of the pandango to relive the old and simple living of fisherfolk in the island.

Set at night, the event lit up the streets of Calapan City and the melodious Pandango sa Ilaw serenaded us as well as fiesta-goers. This unique aspect added to the annual festival’s allure.  Though the influx of spectators are limited (usually it’s only from Calapan City and Baco area), this still nascent festival has a big potential to attract foreign and domestic tourists outside the province.

The dancers at this lively street dance parade where clad in colorful traditional Filipino costumes, with made up faces and coiffed hair.  They queued and formed their lines, holding their gas lamps and candles in glasses. Then, they started to stomp their feet in triple time rhythm, grinding and swaying to the beat of Pandanggo sa Ilaw.  The street was illuminated by the bright tongues of light of the three glittering oil lamps (tinghoy), or candles in glasses, balanced on the pandanggera (dancer’s) head and on the back of each hand.

On the other hand, the guys, with hands akimbo, dance to and fro, exchanging steps left and right and following the movement of the pandanggera.  They all gyrated to the blaring beat of the song played repeatedly and continuously until all the six dance groups (from Calapan City and the municipalities of Socorro, Baco, and Pola), usually with 60 to 100 performers, had finished their turns. The sets and props were just as impressive, from stilts, bancas, a Ferris Wheel and even a lighthouse (parola).  The Baco delegation, guided by folk choreographer Dr. Jay Mark Atienza, was declared as the Pandang Gitab Dance Parade Competition champion for the third consecutive year.

The winning Baco contingent

This annual Festival of Lights, which brings back the culture and old traditions of the Mindoreños, is truly unique from the other well-known Philippine festivals and I am optimistic it would catch the attention of fiesta revelers nationwide.

The Pandang Gitab awaits you ………

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.

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.

Island Hopping in Bulalacao (Oriental Mindoro)

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Now leaving Bulalacao Fish Port for our island hopping tour. L-R: Mr. Jeshe Kassenberg, Mr. Julius L. Santiago-Aquino, Mr. Ian Soriano (DOT), Mr. Ely Aldea (DOT), Ms. Joyce A. Rocamora, Mr. Sherwin A. Cuasay (Senior Tourism Operations Officer), Ms. Jay de Guzman (DOT-MIMAROPA), Ms. Karen Lacsamana (DOT) and the author

Day Two of our Oriental Mindoro Media Familiarization Tour in Bulalacao was to be spent island hopping.  The town has 11offshore islands –  the 12-hectare Aslom Island, the 206-hectare Buyayao Island, Libago Island,  the 90-hectare Maasim Island, Nagubat Island, Opao Island, Pocanil Island, the 2.5-hectare Sibalat Island, Silad Island, the 160-hectare Tambaron Island and the 5-hectare Target Island (also called Alibatan Island).   Aslom, Soguicay and Target Islands have white sand beaches and we were to explore these three islands.  Though these islands are privately owned, they charge no admission fee to visit.

Ms. Jay with the author at Bulalacao Fish Port

After breakfast at the restaurant of Bulalacao South Drive Grill and Homestay, we boarded our respective vans for the short drive to the town’s fish port, in Kabangkalan, Poblacion, where our motorized outrigger boat awaited us.  The fish port is located just beside the town’s RO-RO port where Roll-On/Roll-Off ships and fast craft bring tourists from the town to Brgy. Caticlan (gateway to Boracay) in Aklan in about two hours.

Dutch-Nepali divemaster Jeshe Kassenberg

At the fish port, we met up with Mr. Jeshe Kassenberg, a Dutch-Nepalese dive master who moved to Bulalacao with his Welsh wife and newly born daughter, from Pattaya (Thailand), to set up a dive shop (which he will call Payapa or “peace” in the local vernacular).   He is bullish about the dive potential of the town and will accompany us to explore some new dive sites.

Fast Cat at nearby Bulalacao Port

Also joining us was Mr. Sherwin William A. Cuasay, Senior Tourism Operations Office from the Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office based in Calapan City and Ms. Cherry Jean Sanchez from the Provincial Government.  The first island we would visit is Aslom Island, followed by Target Island and finally Soguicay Island where we were to have our lunch.

A number of islands seen off Bulalacao Fish Port

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.

Church of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary (Orani, Bataan)

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Church of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary

The sixth pilgrim church we visited in our visita iglesia was the Church of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary in the town of Orani. The town’s present church and convent is one of the best in the province.  Both were repaired by Dominican friars in 1792.

The right side of the church

Badly damaged during the September 16, 1852 earthquake, both were improved by Dominican Frs. Bartolome Alvarez del Manzano, O.P., in 1868 and Fermin Perez San Julian in 1891.

The left side of the church

Repaired in 1936, both were destroyed by the fire of March 16, 1938 and reconstructed on September 1938.  In 1939, a historical marker at the façade of the church was installed by the Philippines Historical Committee, classifying it as a House of Worship with Level II status.

PHC Historical Marker

On August 15, 1945, the church was rehabilitated by Fr. Elias Calimbas. Its construction was finished in 1982 by Fr. Simplicio Fernandez and Msgr. Emilano Santos. On April 18, 1959, the image of the Nuestra Señora del Rosario was canonically crowned in a solemn ceremony headed by the Archbishop of San Fernando and the Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines.

The four-storey bell tower on the right

From 1987 to October 6, 1991, the church was renovated Frs. Antonio Dumaual and Camilo Pacanza and, on October 6, 1991, the new altar ( which replaced the former Neoclassic altar which was demolished in the late 1980s) was blessed by Bishop Celso N. Guevarra.

A right side entrance doorway

In 2002, the church and convent were repaired and improved and, on August 22, 2004, it was declared as a Pilgrimage Shrine (Shrines to the Virgin Mary or “Dambana ng Paglalakbay”) by then Bishop of Balanga and later Archbishop of Lingayen Socrates B. Villegas.

The church interior

On April 18, 2009, the 50th Golden Anniversary of the Virgin’s Canonical Coronation was celebrated with the presence of Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales.On September 25, 2012, the church was granted a perpetual spiritual affinity bond by Pope Benedict XVI with the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome.

The church’s three-level Baroque and Neoclassical facade has regularly spaced paired columns alternating with pedimented windows at the second level and topped by a pediment decorated with huge flowing scrolls.

The main altar

It is separated from the second level by a triglyph-decorated horizontal cornice.  On the church’s right is its four-storey bell tower.   Its old 1806 bell was installed in front of the church on June 7, 1998. The Church has four portals – the Gate of Heaven, the Gate of Saints, the Gate of Angels and the Gate of Paradise.

The dome above the altar

Beside the church is the Museo ng Mahal na Birheng Maria, a repository of Marian relics and artifacts such as the numerous vestments and crowns of the Lady of the Most Holy Rosary.

Museo ng Mahal na Birhen Maria

In front of the church is the historic bell of the church, dedicated and first used during the tenure of Frs. Juan José de Acuña and Esteban de Sta. María in 1806 and installed on June 7, 1998.

The Bell of Orani

Church of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary: National Highway, Poblacion. Tel: (047) 481-1095 and (047) 333-7252. Feast of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary: Second Sunday of October.

How to Get There: Orani is located 104.9 kms. (a 2.5-hr. drive) from Manila and 16.6 kms. (a 15-min. drive) north of Balanga City.