New List, New LakbayLoyd Series

I came up with a list of historic Lighthouses in the Philippines in 2014 and made a commitment to visit all of them.  To date, I only have one lighthouse left in my list, the El Faro De Cabo Melville, which I am scheduled to visit in July 2016.

Therefore, I decided to come up with another list with new agenda and purposes. This time I intend to visit every structure declared as National Cultural Treasure. I realized I am done with almost half fo the list therefore I still have the other half to fulfill and get someplace.

Here's my new list.

National Cultural Treasures of the Philippines

1 Burial Caves in Sitio Alabok, Cambali, Bagulin, La Union
2 Cape Bojeador Lighthouse, Burgos, Ilocos Norte
3 Saints Peter and Paul Parish Church, Calasiao, Pangasinan
4 Paoay Church, Paoay, Ilocos Norte
5 San Andres Apostol Parish Church, Bacarra, Ilocos Norte
6 San Guillermo de Aquitania Parish Church, Magsingal, Ilocos Sur
7 Mestizo Section, Vigan, Ilocos Sur
8 Santa Catalina de Alejandria Parish Church, Luna, La Union
9 Watchtowers of La Union: Bacnotan, Balaoan, Luna, San Fernando and San Juan Bacnotan,Balaoan, Luna,San Fernando and San Juan, La Union
10 San Carlos Borromeo Parish Church, Mahatao, Batanes
11 Saint Matthias Church , Tumauini, Isabela
12 San Raymundo de Peñafort Parish Church, Rizal, Cagayan
13 San Vincent Ferrer Parish Church, Dupax del Sur, Nueva Vizcaya
14 San Andres Apostol Parish Church, Masinloc, Zambales
15 Santa Monica Parish Church, Minalin, Pampanga
16 Santiago Apostol Parish Church, Guagua, Pampanga
17 San Juan Bautista Parish Church, Tabaco, Albay
18 Nuestra Señora de la Porteria Parish Church, Daraga, Albay
19 San Joaquin Parish Church, San Joaquin, Iloilo
20 Panay Church, Panay, Capiz
21 Santa Barbara Parish Church, Santa Barbara, Iloilo
22 Watchtowers of Bohol: Maribojoc, Dauis, Panglao, Pamilacan, Loay and Balilihanm Maribojoc, Dauis, Panglao, Pamilacan, Loay, Balilihan, Bohol
23 Inmaculada Concepcion Parish Church, Baclayon, Bohol
24 Nuestra Señora de la Luz Parish Church, Loon, Bohol
25 Santisima Trinidad Parish Church, Loay, Bohol
26 Santo Niño Parish Church, Cortes, Bohol
27 Dimiao Church, Dimiao, Bohol
28 San Pedro Apostol Parish Church, Loboc, Bohol
29 Santa Cruz Parish Church, Maribojoc, Bohol
30 Dauis Church , Dauis, Bohol
31 Nuestra Señora de Patrocinio Parish Church, Boljoon, Cebu
32 San Isidro Labrador Parish Church, Lazi, Siquijor
33 San Agustin Parish Church, Bacong, Negros Oriental
34 Inmaculada Concepcion Parish Church, Guiuan, Eastern Samar
35 San Ignacio de Loyola Parish Church, Capul, Northern Samar
36 Relief Map of Mindanao, Dapitan, Zamboanga del Norte
37 Fort Pilar, Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur
38 Inmaculada Concepcion Parish Church, Jasaan, Misamis Oriental
39 Iglesia Parroquial De San Juan Bautista, Jimenez, Misamis Occidental
40 Balangays in the Vicinity of Butuan, Butuan, Agusan del Norte
41 Karim Ul-Makhdum Mosque, Simunul, Tawi-Tawi
42 Kawayan Torogan , Tugaya, Lanao del Sur
43 Ifugao Rice Terraces, Banaue, Ifugao
44 Mummy Caves of Alab, Bontoc, Mountain Province
45 Mummy Caves of Kabayan, Kabayan, Benguet
46 Mummy Caves of Sagada, Sagada, Mountain Province
47 Petroglyphs of Alab, Bontoc, Mountain Province
48 Stone Agricultural Calendars of Dap-ay Guiday in Besao, Bontoc, Mountain Province
49 Santa Catalina de Alejandria Parish Church, Tayum, Abra
50 San Agustin Church, Intramuros, Manila, Metro Manila
51 Santa Ana Site Museum, Santa Ana, Manila, Metro Manila
52 Camarin de la Virgen of Nuestra Señora de los Desamparados Parish Church, Santa Ana, Manila, Metro Manila
53 Manila Metropolitan Theater, Manila, Metro Manila
54 Bonifacio Monument, Caloocan, Metro Manila
55 University of Santo Tomas Main Building, Central Seminary, Arch of the Centuries and Open Spaces, Sampaloc, Manila, Metro Manila
56 San Sebastian Church, Quiapo, Manila, Metro Manila
57 Santo Domingo Church Complex and its Liturgical Objects, Quezon City, Metro Manila
58 Rizal Monument, Manila, Metro Manila
59 Las Piñas Bamboo Organ, Las Piñas City, Metro Manila
60 Basilica Minor of San Miguel Arcangel, Tayabas, Quezon
61 Immaculate Concecption Parish Church, Balayan, Batangas
62 Our Lady of the Assumption Parish Church, Maragondon, Cavite
63 Angono Petroglyphs, Angono, Rizal
64 San Gregorio Magno Parish Church, Majayjay, Laguna
65 San Ildefonso Parish Church, Tanay, Rizal
66 Historic Bridges of Tayabas: Alitao, Isabel II, Francisco de Asis, Gibanga, Malagonlong, Lakawan, Mate, Ese, Despedida, Tuloy and Princesa,Tayabas, Quezon
67 San Jose de Romblon Cathedral, Romblon, Romblon
68 Petroglyphs in the Caves of the Tao't Bato Area, Quezon, Palawan
69 Tabon Cave Complex, Quezon, Palawan
70 Twin Forts of Romblon: Fuerza de San Antonio and Fuerza de Santiago, Romblon, Romblon

LakbayLoyd Lighthouse Series 26: EL FARO DE ISLOTE DE SAN BERNARDINO, San Bernardino Strait, Northern Samar

San Bernardino Island Lighthouse was originally my 23rd on my list of century-old Philippine lighthouses to visit only to be followed by Bagatao, Bugui and Gintotolo lighthouses. Due to some unforseen turn of events, I had to postpone this trip three times.

January 08 - There was a gale warning issued by PAGASA due to amihan or northeast monsoon usually being experienced during this time of the year. I was adviced by Sir Dan Intong to cancel my trip and re-schedule it for summer (March onwards).

March 16 -  Booked for Catarman, San Bernardino Lighthouse was part of the Northern Samar trip alongside with Batag and Capul. We ran short of time on the third day and needed to postpone San Berdnardino Island visit for the second time.

April 10 - I was ready to visit the San Bernardino Island and everything was set. It was confirmed that there is no amihan during that time. After my Bagatao trip, I headed for Bulusan from Magallanes, Sorsogon to meet Sir Ron Camara for the pre-arranged guided tour. I arrived in Bulusan at 9:00 that morning, checked-in to Bulusan Homestay with the help of Mai of Bulusan Tourism Office, had breakfast, and prepared for the lighthouse trip - then received a text at 10:00 from Sir Ron that the trip has to be cancelled again due to unexpected amihan and the current was unsafe for any type of water vehicles (again!) so I decided to go to Masbate instead.

Finally, after three unsuccessful attempts, the ultimate challenge to come, see and conquer the elusive Faro De Islote De San Bernardino happened on this 13th day of June, 2015!

The San Bernardino Strait is known to be tedious and hazardous. It was specially feared because of its shifting tides and treacherous currents, not to mention the shoals, rocks, and the low-lying islands which menace safe travel. I was so fortunate not to experience any sign of danger, the waters are still and calm during my entire San Bernardino trip.

El Faro De Islote De San Bernardino

Construction of El Faro De Islote De San Bernardino started in 1891 and lit in December 1896. It was designed by Guillermo Brockman, the same architect who designed the Isla De Capul Lighthouse. The building structures remained unfinished by the end of the Spanish era and construction was later continued and became functional during the American occupation in the Philippines.

Considered as one of the most important Spanish lighthouses, it's location was also considered as the most convenient passage in and out of Manila going to and from the Pacific Ocean. The San Bernardino Lighthouse is part of the network of lighthouses found in the region (Capul, Bagatao, Bugui) intended to guide ships during the Spanish Colonial Era to warn and guide vessels entering this dangerous body of water. The famed Manila-Acapulco Galleon Trade route relied on this passage and depended in the help of native navigators who had mastered the treacherous current of the strait. Leaving the ship in the hands of an unskilled navigator would doom a ship's voyage.

The San Bernardino Island is most accessible and nearest from Bulusan. Formerly under the jurisdiction of the Sorsogon Provincial government,  the island is now under the jurisdiction of the Northern Samar province. Visitors of Biri Island include visiting the San Bernardino Island hopping in their itinerary.

As of the time of this writing, the San Bernardino Lighthouse is not as totally ruined as most of old lighthouses I already visited, This is the only one with its roof completely intact. The original Fresnel light was replaced with a new one but not functioning - its battery damaged and the solar panels missing (or stolen, perhaps). This structure, with the local government's initiative for an immediate minor repair, can become functional again.

How I got There

This trip was not really intended for Bulusan, Sorsogon but for Puerto Princesa for my planned visit to El Faro De Cabo Melville (Cape Melville Lighthouse) located in the northernmost and remotest island in the Philippines nearest to Sabah, Malaysia - the Balabac Island. I had to cancel my flight to Puerto Princesa due to some politically unfavorable news, as relayed by the local tourism office of Balabac.

Not wanting to stay at home for the next three days, I packed my bag, went to Edsa Pasay and looked for possible means to get to Bulusan. Good thing there's this ELAVIL Bus plying from Pasay to Bulusan leaving the terminal at 7:30 pm everyday. But what was supposed to be a 12-hour trip turned into a 15-hour grueling trip. Lesson learned - I would have taken the buses going to Legazpi (Philtranco, DLTB) for they are more convenient in terms of comfort and speed. Then taking a van, either for Sorsogon City or Gubat, is relatively faster.

Arriving in Bulusan became very convenient and favorable as Sir Ron Camara managed everything for me. He picked me up from the ELAVIL bus station and was very generous to offer his house and prepared some breakfast before going to the San Bernardino Island.

From Bgy. Sabang, Bulusan, we traversed the calm San Bernardino Strait (known to be treacherous at times) going to San Bernardino Island which lasted for 45 minutes by pumpboat. Small and inhabited, the island offers a magnificent view of the Sorsogon Peninsula, the Bulusan Volcano and nearby Capul and Biri Islands. The island also has became a nesting and breeding ground for thousands of common terns.

Sir Ron took me to a familiarization tour of Bulusan after visiting the lighthouse and went to the frequently visited and nearby Nasipit Falls and Embarcadero Watch Tower. The Sabang and Dancalan beach front offers a perfect view of the sunrise and a closer view of the peak of the Bulusan Volcano.

With acknowledgement also to Ms. Debbie Eneria, the Bulusan Municipal Tourism Officer and her staff, MaiMai, for the delightfully refreshing halo-halo treat after that drenching island trip, and for arranging my accommodation in the nearby Villa Luisa Celeste Resort. Before we called off that back-breaking but enlightening day, Sir Ron and friends joined me in a delightful dinner and drinks at Eva's Beach Park across the street from Villa Celeste.

With Sir Ron Camara and Ms. Debbie Eneria

LakbayLoyd Lighthouse Series 25: EL FARO DE ISLA GINTOTOLO, Balud, Masbate

El Faro De Isla Gintotolo

El Faro De Isla Gintotolo belonged to the original 27 major lighthouses initially erected by the Spanish Colonial Government in the Philippines. Built in 1895, the project was designed by Ramon De Ros and later on modified by Primitivo Lluelmo. It is located in Jintotolo Island, as it is now spelled, just off the town of Balud at the southwest corner of Masbate. Its primary function is to light the body of water that connects the Sibuyan Sea with the Visayan Sea, a very important shipping route not only during the Spanish era but during the present time.

The design of the lighthouse follows the traditional arrangement of living quarters, tower, service buildings and courtyard. Gintotolo Lighthouse has been restored. The granite masonry tower of Gintotolo Lighthouse has been retrofitted and the square tower, which is still in its admirable condition and functioning. However, the rest of the facility badly need repairs.

How Did I Get There

Following my Masbate agenda, my next destination following El Faro De Punta Bugui is the Faro De Gintotolo. Located on the extreme southern point of of Masbate Province, me and my official guide, Sir Edwin Ferro, headed towards the coastal town of Balud where the lighthouse is situated.

The 87 kilometer distance took us four hours to travel from Aroroy town proper, passed through Milagros town, to Balud town proper. It would only take two hours to drive straight without making stopovers to Masbate attractions that every tourist must see and appreciate.

Municipality of Milagros

The zigzag road located in Milagros, a 1st class municipality in Masbate, is a perfect stopover to take a rest in between that long and tiring habal-habal ride. The magnificent landscape viewed from the top is truly refreshing and calming.

The Fazenda De Esperanca is also worth visiting. Fazenda, also located in Milagros,  is a rehabilitation center for drug and alcohol dependents run by a non-profit organization headed by Fr. Pierino. Noticeably, the entire facility look like a resort and living quarters look like vacation houses of the rich and famous. 

Municipality of Balud

About a century before, Balud was virtually a thick and virgin forest, particularly the coast lines where early settlers from the nearby Panay settled. The Poblacion site then, was teeming with forest that wild doves called by the first settlers of the place as “Balud” were abundant. It was the abundance of these wild birds that the natives called the place “Balud”, a derivative native term for the wild doves. The first immigrants of about four families, settled at the bank of the mouth of the Balud River. These early families cleared the forest, planted corn and root crops and engaged in fishing as their way of livelihood.

Balud was originally part of Milagros. With the increase of population, Balud became progressive. People from different places, particularly Panay Island, came to settle. August 19, 1949, it was annexed from Milagros and became an independent municipality.

Sir Edwin and I reached Balud shortly before sundown and was immediately assisted by Ms.Aida Berunio, Balud's Tourism Officer. After a little familiarization about the town, Sir Edwin and Ms. Aida introduced me to the Mayor of Balud,  the Honorable  Ruben Jude (RJ) Lim.

With Ms. Aida Berunio, DOT Officer

With Hon. Mayor RJ Lim

We stayed for the night in Paraiso De Palani Beach Resort, probably one of the finest resorts in Balud. Palani beach is a long 10-km stretch of uncommercialized white sand beach. The almost-undisturbed and quiet paradise is now fast-becoming a tourist attraction in the province.

Depending on the capacity or number of guests, room rates in Paraiso De Palani starts at P800 for double occupancy. The resort offers spacious area for various activities like meetings and conventions, team building, or simply relaxing at the beach.

For reservations, contact Paraiso De Palani at 09175476888 / 09985776818.

Barangay Calumpang

Our jump-off point to Jintotolo Island is the community port of Calumpang, a barangay location far south of Balud town proper and is about an hour ride from Palani beach on a habal-habal. Passenger boats en route Calumpang-Roxas City are available for those traveling to Panay Island (Iloilo, Antique, Aklan) with Roxas City as entry point.

A force of habit, help was easy to find as we approached the Coast Guard personnel on duty upon arrival at the Calumpang port and asked for help. We were cordially assisted by Commandant Renei Apuya and Officer Mark Rey Caballero of Coast Guard Calumpang Sub-Station.

Our trip to Gintotolo Island was made fast and very convenient as Comm. Apuya made a special arrangement with the passenger boat owner to bring us to the island and back at any time of our convenience. Normally, there are about only two or three scheduled trips to Cantil from Calumpang daily - but this out-of-the-scheduled trip was carried out exclusively for us. 

Gintotolo Island

Ofc. Mark Rey of Coast Guard Calumpang Sub-Station became my willing official Gintotolo Island tour guide, always ensuring my safety and comfort during the entire Gintotolo Island expedition.

 

It was a perfect timing as we arrived Bgy. Cantil in Gintotolo Island. We were able to witness their preparation for the annual Pangumagat Festival, an annual celebration held every 2nd week of April in Balud. Being a festival aficionado, I wouldn't skip trying on one of the festival costumes to get the feel of the festivity.

Gintotolo Island Lighthouse

Keeping the lighthouse has been passed down from generation to generation. I was able to meet Mr. Anghel Tambal, the present and the family's third-generation light housekeeper. Mang Anghel lead our 30 minute hike up the highest point of the island where the historic lighthouse stands. We were joined by other island guests who came for the festival. He also gave us permission to climb the tower and enjoy that awesome Gintotolo panorama.

Adding my 24th lighthouse, the Faro de Isla Gintotolo, in my bucket list was one big accomplishment, which only a few may think of visiting and conquering. It was very exhausting but fulfilling. I was so grateful for all the people of Masbate who rendered their unfaltering assistance, advice and help. 

Some Balud Travel Tips 

Balud can be reached from Masbate City via airconditioned GT Express vans daily on a regular basis.
From Balud Town, ride a habalhabal to take you to Paraiso De Palani which is just around 2 km away.
Internet connection in Balud is very slow, if not unavailable. Expect delay in posting selfies.
There are no restaurants in Calumpang or Cantil therefore it is advisable to bring food and water if you are planning to visit the lighthouse,