#GOT81SurigaoDelNorte: Ten Things That Will Make You Go #SiargaoNaNgaAngHinahanapNgPuso (Part 2)9/23/2018 I miss Siargao. More than its destinations, I miss its laidback and rustic vibe. Its the kind of ambiance that lingers on you for a very long time that it makes you want to head back to the island.  I miss the vibe and the atmosphere of Siargao. Well, Siargao is a league of its own. This teardrop island on the northeast side of Surigao del Norte has grown from being a surf spot to a prime tourist destination. The island transports you back to memories of your childhood summer vacations - you know, the real-kind ones. Its natural attractions, its ambiance, and its touch of adventure are complete ingredients for a great vacation. You can choose to sleep, explore the town, bike around, beach bum, or party the night away when you find yourself in Siargao. But that is just half of the fun. The island has a lot to offer still. On this post, I will be sharing with you my top half that would make you go #SiargaoNaNgaAngHinahanapNgPuso. #5 Eat your heart out Siargao is a gastronomic paradise. It is a place that offers a wide selection of food choices that will definitely satisfy the tummy and your heart. From local delights to international dishes to healthy bowls, the island seems to have it.  Siargao is a destination that your tummy will surely enjoy. Kermit’s pizza is a must-try. For starters, pizza lovers can head out to Kermit. It is a popular food stop in the island with everyone, who have been to Siargao, saying that dining in Kermit is part of the Siargao experience. Apart from their brick-oven pizza, they also have rice meals and pasta in their menu that you will definitely enjoy. Its rustic ambiance add up to its dining experience. Be forewarned though, the place is so popular that you need to make a reservation to avoid a long waiting line. We walked in just right in time to get easily seated at the time of our visit. Another pizza place that is popular in El Nido that has also touched down in Siargao is Altrove, located along Tourism Road. Munching on their pizza is an experience in itself. The open air dining of the place give it a more sophisticated feel. Mama's Grill along Tourism Road is THE place to go for your "inihaw" cravings. This is a no-fuss food stop where you come in, choose the items that you want them to grill, and find your spot among the benches and tables. Chances are you will get to share your table with other diners on a busy hour. Don't miss out on their fruitshakes to go with your meal. And there is also Café Loka for that quick beach snack while watching the day go by at Cloud 9.
Finally, do not miss out on the Siargao's famous pan de surf! Their bread is stuffed with sweetened coconut meat and baked on a makeshift oven using coconut husk giving it that unique smoky taste. The stall opens around 1pm and they close shop as soon as the breads are sold out. And they get sold out really fast. #4 Catch the Sun Whether you love watching the sun rise or the sun set, Siargao is a place where you get to enjoy catching the sun. Cloud 9 is one of the places to go to where you can watch the whole day from sunrise to sundown.  You can catch the sunrise and the sunset at Cloud 9. We got our fill of trying to catch the sun setting along the horizon from two different point of views - from the boardwalk and from the adjacent white sand beachfront of Cloud 9. Both views offer a different and dramatic perspective of the sunset. Let me warn you though that the crowd gathers up during the afternoons so make sure that you be there early to get a good viewing spot.
Too bad though that we were not able to catch the sunrise in Siargao. We were either busy preparing for our tours or we woke up late from the partying the night before. But we did get the chance to check out the Cloud 9 Boardwalk in the morning and we were given a treat - clean, unadulterated, and crowd-free signature shots at the boardwalk.  Every sunset sends a message to rest for a great day tomorrow. Here's a tip, you don't have to be lucky to get these clean shots. It is just a matter of timing - mornings are the best time to capture crowd-free photos. #3 Jump and Rock Siargao is an island of natural beauty carefully blended with one's spirit for adventure. It gets your adrenaline pumping, not only with its surfing, but with heart-pumping activities that could scare the wits out of you, that's if you don't like heights.  Siargao is a perfect escape for nature lovers. A perfect solitary moment at Sugba Lagoon. Coming in at number 3 is the Siargao Land Tour that brings you to two of the most popular destinations north of General Luna - Sugba Lagoon and the Magpupungko Rock and Tidal Pools.
Sugba Lagoon is popular for its diving platform set against the beauty of its still waters. It takes about an hour and a half of land and boat travel from General Luna passing through the scenic farmlands of Siargao and through the amazing mangrove landscape of Del Carmen. You wouldn't the notice the travel time because your eyes will be treated with nature's beauty. Visiting the lagoon has a time limit so as not to overcrowd the area although the 45-minute allotment is enough for you to enjoy the place. The first thing that you need to face is your fear of heights as you face off its famous diving platform. At a height of at least one floor, guests are encouraged to take the plunge into its cool waters of around 12 feet. It may sound easy but I have watched people buckle down on the platform after the usual picture taking. I perfectly understand how they feel because for a guy like me who have a thing for heights, it takes a lot of guts just to even stand on the platform. But lo and behold, I did JUMP off the platform. I was already there and I did not want to pass off the chance. Just take a deep breath, walk, and jump.  You don’t look down. You just jump.
There are also kayaks and paddle boards that you can rent out at Sugba Lagoon to explore and enjoy the stillness that the place offers. For Php300 per hour, you can paddle out and explore the nooks and crannies of the lagoon and get those IG-worthy shots. Better yet, you can find your own spot and enjoy the tranquility of Sugba Lagoon.  The best way to explore Sugba Lagoon is aboard a paddle board. After taking that daring JUMP, it was time to ROCK the pools of Magpupungko.  Magpupungko’s rocks are solid attractions. The Magpupungko Rock and Tidal Pools is nature's amazing work of art. Its rock formations was carefully molded by the wind and the waves to its ruggedly beautiful look. Its pools are glistens in varying colors of green as the water recedes to give guests a full view of this natural wonder. The best time to visit the rock and tidal pools is during low tide. We definitely ROCKed the pools of Magpupungko because its innate beauty had our creative minds toggling on capturing amazing pictures. And you can rock it further by exploring the area. We got the tip from our resident funny guide, Mai-Mai (whose personality reminds me of Maymay Entrata), that we should go out and explore further. We did find another white sand beach cove at the end of the beach strip. We were also lucky that we had the beach strip for ourselves when we got there.
 A secluded beach at the other side of Magpupungko. As we walked back to the main beach, the tides were starting to come in. Its the signal that guests would have to be leave for the daily "natural cleaning" of its pools. #2 Swim with the Jellies Just 2 hours by boat from General Luna is a peaceful sanctuary where one can swim with the jellies and explore the 7 islets of Sohoton. Welcome to the municipality of Socorro!  Welcome to Socorro!
As soon as your boat docks at Bucas Grande, guests are registered and ushered into smaller bancas to visit its jellyfish sanctuary. You will be enveloped by the tranquility of the place as you make your way to the sanctuary. The sounds of the leaves rustling with the wind and the swooshing sounds of the water are enough to calm your nerves.  Si Manong Eddie at ako… enjoying the turquoise still waters of the sanctuary. Both of us are wearing the Sarok. The jellyfish sanctuary is the home of stingless jellyfish. In this sanctuary, you can swim with these gentle creatures. Kuya Eddie, my boatman, shares with me that these creatures swim to the surface during lowtide. You can try to pet them but he also said not to take them out of the water. Kuya Eddie even helped direct some of the jellyfish towards me when I took a dip in its waters. I asked Kuya Eddie why there is a net at the entrance of the lagoon. He said it serves as a protection for the jellyfish from predators. He shared with me the time when two fish got into lagoon and started eating the jellyfish. One was eventually caught while another escaped after a hefty buffet. After that incident, they decided to set up the net as a safety measure.
After returning to the docking station, our group boarded a bigger boat that would give us a tour of the Sohoton Cave. Its name was derived from a local term that means "under the cave" because, to explore the place, one needs to go under a cave.  The rock formation of Sohoton that also serves as a landmark for guides. Sohoton Cave have 7 islets within its territory and our guides were quick to mention that it is easy to get lost within the area. He was quick to show us a famous rock formation as soon as we went under the cave entrance. The rock formation serves as a marker to point of entry/exit of Sohoton. A few meters away from the rock formation is the Daungdong Wall. It is a white limestone rock face that has also become an attraction in Sohoton.
Our first stop was the Hagukan Cave. Its name was derived from the word "Hagok", a local term that means snore. Our guide shares with us that, when the wave hits the walls of the cave, it creates a hollow sound similar to the sound of snoring. The cave is popular for its luminous waters. Guests enter the cave and one will be amazed by the luminous green shade of the water at the mouth of the cave. If you are taking a picture or a video, take it from underwater to capture its beauty. The Magkukuob Cavern is another popular spot for its cliff jumping. But before you make the 2-meter high jump, one needs to go inside its cave and navigate through its rocks to the platform. Traversing through the cavern is manageable despite of the sharp rocks and the dim light. Oh and by the way, it is a one way ticket which means that the only way out is to jump!  I hesitated but, in the end, there is no other way but to jump. So, I did.
Exploring Bucas Grande and the three islands of Siargao - Naked, Daku, and Guyam, can be done in a day. Our tour was organized by Cavys Homestay and Tours at Php1500, inclusive of breakfast and lunch. You can reach Ate Luz of Cavys at(0910) 940 8297 . #1 Surf And of course, topping my list of the things to do in Siargao is SURF!  Surfing in the THE Surfing Capital of the Philippines. I mean you are already in THE Surfing Capital of the Philippines so you might as well ride its waters. Cloud 9 is the spot to surf. You will find a lot of instructors by the main road offering surfing lessons. Take extra precaution though because, unlike Baler and San Juan, the waves of Siargao breaks on mostly reefs so taking a tumble may entail a minor gash. Well, the gash may serve as your medal for riding high in Siargao.
Most guests surf during the early mornings and late afternoons so do expect the crowd not only on the line but also on Cloud 9. Post Travel Notes As I write these closing paragraphs down, after arriving in Clark, I am still stomped with how to describe Siargao or what place I can compare it to. I have been to a lot of places in the Philippines and it is only Siargao that has left in me this longing imprint of me wanting to go back there soon... really soon! It toppled my previous favorites, not for its attractions, but for its natural charm that really seeps into your blood and psyche. Siargao makes you her own. Siargao is stubborn. It keeps its identity despite the lure of bigger tourism revenue. It refuses to lose itself even if it means that other spots can get well ahead despite Siargao's better opportunities. It is stubborn for playing it safe by just playing what the community is used to doing.  Getting a clean shot is all about PERFECT timing. San ang susunod na byahe? But it is that stubborness that make Siargao stand out from the rest. There is no place that you can compare it to because it is its own. Siargao grows inside of you as you try to decipher its character. And you end up being owned by this teardrop-shaped island making you surrender and admit #SiargaoNaNgaAngHinahanapNgPuso. Getting there: Skyjet, Cebu Pacific, and Philippine Airlines have regular flights to Siargao from Manila, Cebu, Clark, and Davao. If you are coming from Manila, I suggest taking a Skyjet flight to Siargao in the morning and take the PAL Siargao-Clark in the afternoon to maximize your stay. From the airport, you can take a van going to General Luna at Php300 per head. You can contact (0938) 1737647 to arrange for your van transportation. For land and island tours, we booked our tours at Php3000 per head for both with Cavys Homestay and Tours through Ate Lucy at (0910) 940 8297. Their packages are already all-in, inclusive of lunch and breakfast. It is one of the cheapest that you can find in General Luna. Sample Itinerary: Day 1. Arrival 12nn ETA at General Luna. Check-in at resort / Lunch at Kermit. 2pm Walk around General Luna town proper. Try the Pan de Surf near the Sto. Tomas de Villanueva Church. Rent a bike 4pm Finalize tours with Ate Lucy at Cavys 5pm Check out Cloud 9. Watch the sunset. 7pm Dinner 9pm Chill out or Party Day 2. Island Tour at Php1500 per head (Bucas Grande, Naked Island, Daku Island, and Guyam Island) / Watch the sunset/ Party at Night Day 3. Land Tour at Php1500 per head (Sugba Lagoon and Magpupungko Tidal Pools) / Watch the Sunset / Party at Night Day 4. Departure 5.30am Surf and Watch the Sunrise. 7.00am Breakfast and Chill out by the beach. 10.00am Buy Souvenir. Early Lunch. Preparation to head home. 12.00nn ETD for the Airport
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#GOT81SurigaoDelNorte: Ten Things That Will Make You Go #SiargaoNaNgaAngHinahanapNgPuso (Part 1)9/6/2018 I remember a couple of years back when I received a mystery travel box from a friend who is trying out a new business idea. The concept was simple - the box contains a mystery destination. Inside it were information about the destination and a couple of basic stuff that you would need for that trip. The idea was to encourage the receiver to go out and explore the mystery destination. My box contained a cap, a metal straw, and a waterproof cellphone bag. My mystery destination... Siargao!  Siargao was a destination that’s been on my list for quite some time now. Siargao is a teardrop-shaped island east of the country. Dubbed as THE "Surfing Capital of the Philippines", its close location to the Philippine Trench make its ocean swells ideal for surfing for beginners to the advance. Only the few and the brave dare explore the islands decades back. Now, the island is slowly getting attention from travelers after decades of being under the radar, not only for its surfing spots but also for its amazing natural attractions. Siargao is a destination that was on my list for a time now so when the opportunity to explore the island on a long weekend came up, it was a chance that was hard to pass up. So I packed my bags on the last long weekend holiday, took a 90-minute flight, and came up with my top 10 list that would make you say #SiargaoNaNgaAngHinahanapNgPuso. #10. Sleep or Relax or Read a Book Sleep?!?!? Are you serious?!? Although there are a lot of things to do in Siargao, the laidback atmosphere of the island is very conducive to relaxation especially if you are used to the hustle and bustle of the city. Siargao slows down time and you get to enjoy the simple things which we often count as a privilege in the city and yes... that includes getting the liberty to sleep anywhere and anytime of the day.  Siargao is so laidback that it is easy to find a spot where you can doze off. Whether you are within the confines of your resort room or lazing around the beach of Cloud 9 or a beachfront resort, the breeze and the atmosphere is enough to lull you to sleep. Cafe Loka, near Cloud 9, is a great place to relax, read a book, or listen to music while watching a Siargao day pass by. You can also hop on a hammock and doze off to the rustic sound of the island. Just relax and enjoy the day. In Siargao, there is no need to rush. All you got to do is to let go and relax. Trust me, you have plenty of time to do anything. #9 Walk Around Town General Luna is a small rural town where walking is a great way to acquaint yourself with its nooks and corners. Its provincial vibe brings back childhood memories of summer vacations in your parents hometown where you walk around and explore during lazy afternoons. It is this same vibe that you get on the island so walking its streets is a 9 for me!  Exploring the town by foot will give you the provincial vibe of Siargao. At the heart of General Luna is the Sto. Tomas de Villanueva Parish Church. Its simple facade glowing in yellow, in the late afternoon sun, and its two belfries stand out in General Luna's skyline. Peering through its steel bar doors, we caught a glimpse of its simple interior. The altar was simple that highlights the cross against a blue backdrop giving it a tropical paradise feel.
Do not be surprised to find small country shops where you can find an array of souvenir items from ref magnets to shirts. You will find most of these shops along Tourism Road, where you also find most of the restaurants and bars. Take the time to check out these shops for items to remind you of your Siargao trip. Just be conscious that some of these shop owners ask guests to walk around their stores barefoot. So be courteous enough to leave your slippers, sandals, or shoes at the doorstep. Exploring Siargao on foot is a great way to discover and relax. You will be surprised at what you can find along the way - a public white sand beach, a great photo spot under the shade of coconut trees, a yummy treat, a great souvenir item, fresh fruits, etc. I enjoyed the provincial vibe while walking around and... guess what? I also got to bring home with me a Sarok Hat which I got from one of the souvenir shops that we checked out. So don't just ride in Sairgao, walk it! #8 Ride a Bike or a Motorbike If there was one thing that I regret not preparing for this trip is learning to ride a motorbike. Locals have shared with us that hiring a motorbike is the best way to explore the WHOLE island. You can set your own itinerary and go out on your own pace to discover the natural wonders of Siargao. This is my next goal for my next Siargao trip.  Locals say that the best way to explore the island is on board a motorbike. But do not fret, there is always the dependable habal-habal if you want to go on a DIY around the island. The drivers know the perfect, the usual, and the hidden spots of Siargao.
Well, there is always the option to rent a bike to go around General Luna. They charge you Php120 pesos per day for the use of the bike. You can leisurely bike to Cloud 9 under the late afternoon sun. And besides, a bike is a good prop for that IG-worthy shot. #7 Chill Out By the Beach When you have the beach, you got to chill and that comes in at number 7. And when I say beach chilling, I seriously mean soaking it out under the sun, getting the feel of sand, and enjoying the cool waters of the sea.  Beach chilling is life so make the most out of it in Siargao. There are a lot of beach spots in Siargao. General Luna is dotted with a shoreline blessed with white sand and there are a lot of beachfront resorts to choose from to chill out. Cloud 9 is a popular stop in Siargao, not only for its surfing and its boardwalk, but it also has a beachfront where you can spend a lazy day while munching on a sandwich and sipping your favorite fruit shake.
Speaking of Siargao beach chilling, you can also avail of an island tour where you get to explore the three islands of General Luna. You can opt to do a private tour if you are a big group or you can opt to get a tour package if you are a solo traveler. We signed up with Cavys Tours for our land and island tours at Php3000 per head. It is the cheapest tour that you can get in Siargao and it is inclusive of breakfast and lunch. Our island tour was a combination of Bucas Grande in the morning and an afternoon tour of General Luna's famous islands - Naked Island, Daku Island, and Guyam Island. Naked Island Naked Island is a white sandbar jutting out from the blue waters of General Luna. The sandbar initially was bare without coconut trees within its perimeter hence its name. I guess we might have to change its name soon because it now has a young coconut tree growing on the island.  Naked Island got its name because it is the only island without any coconut trees… that was before. Be forewarned though that you will definitely be basking under the sun at Naked Island. There are no shade where you can take cover from the sun. Although, you can take a quick dip on its cool waters to cool down. The island's bare beauty is a perfect backdrop for that melodramatic shot. Daku Island Daku is the biggest island in the area and its name is from the Visayan word "dako" that means "big". The island is developed to accomodate the needs of guests who visit. Beach cabanas line the beachfront and small food businesses are also present in the area. You can even buy fresh seafood and have the locals grill it for you. Judging from the development, I reckon that it is an island that is frequented by tourists.  Daku Island’s main attraction are its coconut trees that will test your creativity. The island have a lot of activities to offer. You can enjoy its cool waters or you can opt to find your own corner to read a book under the shade of a coconut tree. You can even opt to play a round of volleyball under the sun or under the coconut trees. There are more activities to do here compared to the other two island so do not be afraid to explore the "big one".
One of its interesting features are its coconut trees that grows in abundance in the area. There is one spot where you can enjoy the gentle sea breeze under the shade of the trees. And with a little creativity, you can probably come up with an interesting snapshot of your Siargao trip. Guyam Island If there is a big island, there is a smaller counterpart and that is Guyam Island. Just like Naked and Daku, the island is blessed with a white sand shoreline and clear turquoise waters.  Guyam Island is a combination of rocky and white sand shorelines. Guyam Island is unique for its combination of white sand and rocky shorelines. The white sand shorelines are bordered by rock formations creating a small beach cove where most activities happen. The rockies are worth exploring and make a good backdrop for photos. #6 Party the way Siargao does! I have always heard that part of the Siargao experience is making friends on the way and on the island. My trip to Siargao proved that making friends during the trip complete the experience. Like what I have shared, it is hard not to get to know people in Siargao because you bump into them at least once while on the island.  Siargao has a very unusual and distinct way of partying. The island parties under the covers.
Parties in Siargao is something to check out and are good venues to make friends. But let me tell you that partying on this island is a totally different experience. It levels up by creating a unique mix of keeping the provincial vibe and partying - and that is what I liked in Siargao. Parties seemed to be hushed up but, once you are at the venue, partying is at full blast. Beyond the curtain of provincial peace and tranquility, the thumping of party feet and clicking of bottles of beer are rocking the night away. By the way, always ask the locals or drivers where the party venues are for that day because party spots are different depending on what day you plan to go out. Post Travel Notes These are the bottom half of the things that will make you go #SiargaoNaNgaAngHinahanapNgPuso. Writing this part was exciting and with the top half coming through in the next couple of weeks, I am pretty sure that part 2 of this travel blog will be more interesting. Clearly, we can already see that Siargao is beyond surfing. It has a lot more on its plate and its vibe make it stand out. The vibe is hard to describe. You just feel it.  The bottom half of my top 10 is already out. Are you excited for the top half? Throughout my stay in Siargao, I tried to nail down Siargao's character but I can't seem to find the right word to describe it as I boarded my plane back to Clark. The island's uniqueness was hard to capture in words but one thing was sure - I fell in love with Siargao. It is the kind of love that captures you, grows in you, and stays with you. It was the kind of attraction that makes you want to come back soon and go through the experience all over again and probably add more. Getting there: Skyjet, Cebu Pacific, and Philippine Airlines have regular flights to Siargao from Manila, Cebu, Clark, and Davao. If you are coming from Manila, I suggest taking a Skyjet flight to Siargao in the morning and take the PAL Siargao-Clark in the afternoon to maximize your stay. From the airport, you can take a van going to General Luna at Php300 per head. You can contact (0938) 1737647 to arrange for your van transportation. For land and island tours, we booked our tours at Php3000 per head for both with Cavys Homestay and Tours through Ate Lucy at (0910) 940 8297. Their packages are already all-in, inclusive of lunch and breakfast. It is one of the cheapest that you can find in General Luna. Sample Itinerary: Day 1. Arrival 12nn ETA at General Luna. Check-in at resort / Lunch at Kermit. 2pm Walk around General Luna town proper / Try the Pan de Surf near the Sto. Tomas de Villanueva Church / Rent a bike 4pm Finalize tours with Ate Lucy at Cavys 5pm Check out Cloud 9. Watch the sunset. 7pm Dinner 9pm Chill out or Party Day 2. Island Tour at Php1500 per head (Bucas Grande, Naked Island, Daku Island, and Guyam Island) / Watch the sunset/ Party at Night Day 3. Land Tour at Php1500 per head (Sugba Lagoon and Magpupungko Tidal Pools) / Watch the Sunset / Party at Night Day 4. Departure 5.30am Surf and Watch the Sunrise. 7.00am Breakfast and Chill out by the beach. 10.00am Buy Souvenirs / Early Lunch / Preparation to head home. 12.00nn ETD for the Airport
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Marc del Rosario
I believe in education, entrepreneurship, and caring for the environment. 
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