THE PARADISE ISLAND OF CANIGAO

Location: Matalom, Southern Leyte, Philippines

Note: This is a part of my 4-day Maasin City Trip which includes: Shrine of Our Lady of the Assumption and the Most Precious Blood of Jesus, Shrine of Our Lady of the Assumption at Jalleca Hills, Our Lady of the Assumption Parish Cathedral of Maasin, Maasin City Tour, Saint Francis Javier Shrine and Canigao Island.

The pristine waters surrounding Canigao islet

This paradise island has been a part of my May 2015 Samar-Leyte-Biliran-Cebu Marathon tour itinerary but since it was our last destination after Dakdak Beach Resort of our Limasawa Tour, my travel buddies begged off to stay longer at Dakdak Resort rather than to travel again to Canigao before we push for Cebu City. Well, this time, as a solo traveler, I've got a chance for a 4-day Maasin Tour and this is it, Canigao!!!

True to its form of a white sand beach

My trip starts from Maasin which I have an accommodation where going to the Municipality of Matalom is 32.6 kilometers along the Bato-Bontoc Road for P28 bus fare with a trip duration of almost an hour or 50 minutes to be exact. Since Canigao Island has been managed already by Matalom LGU Office, its terminal is already centralized at its Santa Fe port. The uninhabited islet is just five kilometers off the shore.

The Santa Fe port to Canigao Island

Approaching the island boarding a boat is such a photographer's delight as the island becomes closer, its beauty is being magnified. As an islet, it has a size of 480 meters across its longest side and during low tide, its long white sandbar emerges but will submerge again during high tide. Its sand bar reminds me of my trip in Kalanggaman Island of Palompon, Leyte.

Boats are available at Santa Fe Port and entrance fee is also paid there with the following rates:

Age Bracket	Round Trip Boat Fare	Age Bracket	Entrance Fee
9 years and above	P55.00	13 years and above	P40.00
4 - 8 years old	P27.50	6 - 12 years old	P20.00

The mountains of Matalom mainland serves as the beach backdrop

The management of the LGU of the islet is good for the tourists since the boat fares are regulated with Matalom Municipal Ordinance Number 07-2014 and no other private boat operators to provide boat service to the island. Other islands vary in boat rates because to charter a boat would depend on the bargaining of the operator and the tourist.

Cottages for rent identified after the names of the fishes like Hito, Talakitok and the like

Its scorching temperature was not bearable but once you dip into the water the temperature will be balanced because it is unexpectedly cold. One can really not resist of the island's turquoise and clean waters with soft sand of the sea bed somewhat massaging the sole of your feet.

Braving the scorching heat of the sun

The islet has such a good extensive coral reef ground and rich diversified marine life. It is known for abundant fishing grounds and scenic coral reef areas suitable for diving. In fact, it was formerly a fisherman's ground.

Cooling off inside the nipa hut cottages

While it was still hot, I had a solo stroll around the island to check what is are the best materials for this travel blog. Surprisingly, the sea breeze gives a cool feeling as it touches my skin. I did this after we had our lunch. We brought food stuff with us where we prepared at dawn.

A part of the islet with massive but flat rock beach line

Strolling around the island give me also an opportunity to collect some colorful shells and had meditative moments since there was nobody I can talk with. That is how I prefer when I am into a new place.

Very much tropical in beauty

Matalom LGU has constructed several cottages to accommodate more tourists

Volleyballers, this corner is for you!

Taking a break from a long walk and admiring the turquoise waters

The blending of the colors of the sky, sea, trees and the sand

The lush green part of the island

The sand bar during low tide

This part is already far from the cottages and I felt scary

Henna tattoo service is also offered in the island

Rooms for rent are also available

Waiting for the sun's heat to subside

The lighthouse facility of the island

Big group of campers can be accomodated here

After a circumferential tour around the island, I am now ready to swim

That's 3:00 P.M. and the sun shines at the other side of the island, and so, I started to swim again

Stayed longer for a swim till 5 P.M.

It has been the policy of LGU Matalom and Marina Coast Guard not to allow trips to the islet beyond 5 P.M. for safety reason and this is strictly implemented. Tourists who intend to stay for an overnight must cross to the island before 5 P.M.

The management has the following equipments and facilities for rental:

Item for Rent	Amount	Item for Rent	Amount
Room	P1,500	Cottage (Daytime only)	P500
Cottage (Overnight)	700	Tent	300
Space Rental for Personal Tent	100	Pillow	50
Blanket	50	Foam	200
Table	50	Chair	10
Beach umbrella set	200	Umbrella	100

HOW TO GET THERE

The nearest airports to Maasin are Cebu City, Ormoc City and Tacloban City. But plying from Cebu City would require you to board a ship from Cebu City's Pier 4 to cross to Hilongos, Southern Leyte for P286 which is around 5-6 hours sea travel of which we boarded M/V Joyful Stars. Then from Hilongos to Maasin is a bus service of P87 for more than 1 hour road travel.

If you are coming from Ormoc City, then it is approximately 3 hours drive for 131.9 kilometers via Baybay-Inopacan Road for a fare of P150. While if you are coming from Tacloban City Airport, then it is approximately 4 -5 hours drive at P270 for 194.8 kilometers via Bato - Bontoc Road and Eastern Nautical Highway.

If you opt to take a land travel via Bicol Peninsula and Samar, take Pintados Airconditioned Bus for P1,688 fare including ferry fare in Matnog (Sorsogon)-Allen/Alegria (Northern Samar) crossing or with the same route with Philtranco airconditioned buses for P1,706 excluding the ferry fare. This is either coming from Cubao or Pasay terminals to Maasin City. The travel time is approximately 26 - 28 hours excluding the waiting time for the availability of the ferry boat from Matnog to Allen.

From Maasin City, you can take a bus for P28 per head going to the Municipality of Matalom Port at Santa Fe which is 32.6 kilometers along the Bato-Bontoc Road with a trip duration of almost an hour or 50 minutes to be exact. From the Sante Fe Boat Terminal, passenger boats are available with rates stated above which is 5 kilometers off the coast to the islet at 15-20 minutes boat travel. Enjoy your travel!!!

SAINT FRANCIS JAVIER SHRINE

Location: Barangay Hanginan, Maasin, Southern Leyte, Philippines

Note: This is a part of my 4-day Maasin City Trip which includes: Shrine of Our Lady of the Assumption and the Most Precious Blood of Jesus, Shrine of Our Lady of the Assumption at Jalleca Hills, Our Lady of the Assumption Parish Cathedral of Maasin, Maasin City Tour, Saint Francis Javier Shrine and Canigao Island.

The miraculous Saint Francis Javier at his Maasin shrine

Saint Francis Javier was born Francisco de Jasso y Azpilicueta on April 7, 1506. He died on December 3, 1552, and the shrine in Hanginan, Maasin City celebrates his feast day every December 3.

As far as I can remember, my host Annamarie Supremo, a native of Maasin City, accompanied me to the shrine where we boarded a "habal-habal" from the city proper to its jump-off point via Soro-soro village riding a private vehicle through an uphill access road until the junction for P200 for the two of us riders just one way with a duration of 40 minutes. We passed through a foliage of trees and wild shrubs and the drive was ascending slowly giving us the overlooking view of Maasin City. The shrine itself was built on top of a hill at 400 MASL or 1,312 feet.

The jump-off point to the shrine

Aside from its name, the locals call the shrine as Dagkutanan (where one lights candle to offer a prayer and make wishes). Before the shrine is only visited by devotees and pilgrims every Friday. However, being known by the saint's miraculous healing power, people visit them anytime of the week. But the most remarkable is during the Good Friday of the Holy Week where believers start trekking as early as 1 A.M.

Just part of the 306 winding concrete stairs leading to the shrine

Because the shrine is becoming known to believers, settlers were evident on top of the hill near the shrine. Notably, they sell candles, snacks, refreshments and other basic necessities to serve the thirsty and hungry pilgrim or devotee. Approximately this length of concrete stairs will take more than an hour to scale towards the top except for those who are already weak and old who will be frequently taking rest every few steps.

A point to rest and catch up one's breath

Unlike any other shrine, St. Francis Javier shrine is just like the size of a chapel. I am just wondering how the pilgrims be accommodated if they come to visit in hundred thousands. Along the narrow concrete trail near the shrine are already houses of the residents.

The overlooking scenery of hills and plains

From an online article I read, it has been revealed that close to 300,000 pilgrims from Eastern Visayas and other parts of the country visit the shrine to thank Señor Francisco for all the favors granted them or to ask favors, according to Fiorello Demeterio, Jr. city administrator. Demeterio said that the local government unit has extended extra police enforcers spread in the area to secure the tourists and pilgrims.

The shrine's altar

I have read a lot of testimonies who experienced the miraculous power of the saint. Some of them students who take licensure examinations, the sick and soldiers. A soldier who has been interviewed attested that he always visit the shrine before going to combat and he arrives safe after the combat operation.

The scenery when trekking via Isagani Village

After we descended from the 306 concrete stairs which serves as the jump-off point or junction, we have not seen a habal-habal and so we decided to trek for more than an hour. It was not exhausting then because we can see the magnificent view of the low-lying areas considering that we were in a higher elevation. We can partly see Maasin City.

A part of the trail down to Isagani Village

The locals said that from the tail end of the concrete stairs or junction down to the national highway is only 2 kilometers. But we really had a long trek and there were some parts which were muddy and some points were cemented. Aside from the breathtaking scenery, the local community where we passed through was just so amazing. We happened to meet elementary pupils who were residents around the shrine and they are studying in Isagani Village which is too steep to scale and muddy at some points coming from their point of origin. But you can see them very happy as they shared their joy of being pupils of the public school.

Finally, we completely descended to the national highway and took a jeepney with a fare of P10 per head going to the city proper. It was again another worthwhile experience.

HOW TO GET THERE

The nearest airports to Maasin are Cebu City, Ormoc City and Tacloban City. But plying from Cebu City would require you to board a ship from Cebu City's Pier 4 to cross to Hilongos, Southern Leyte for P286 which is around 5-6 hours sea travel of which we boarded M/V Joyful Stars. Then from Hilongos to Maasin is a bus service of P87 for more than 1 hour road travel.

If you are coming from Ormoc City, then it is approximately 3 hours drive for 131.9 kilometers via Baybay-Inopacan Road for a fare of P150. While if you are coming from Tacloban City Airport, then it is approximately 4 -5 hours drive at P270 for 194.8 kilometers via Bato - Bontoc Road and Eastern Nautical Highway.

If you opt to take a land travel via Bicol Peninsula and Samar, take Pintados Airconditioned Bus for P1,688 fare including ferry fare in Matnog (Sorsogon)-Allen/Alegria (Northern Samar) crossing or with the same route with Philtranco airconditioned buses for P1,706 excluding the ferry fare. This is either coming from Cubao or Pasay terminals to Maasin City. The travel time is approximately 26 - 28 hours excluding the waiting time for the availability of the ferry boat from Matnog to Allen.

From the city proper, you have the option to take a habal-habal via Soro-soro Village for P100 per head with a maximum of 2 riders just for one way up to the jump-off point of the 306 concrete steps or junction and the trekking starts till you reach the shrine. Another alternative is the shorter way, take a jeepney from city proper and disembark at the entry point near Isagani Village. You can either walk or take a habal-habal and the trail is good for 2 kilometers which will take you to the jump-off point (junction) of the 306 concrete stairs. You can have an alternative whichever is practical of the two when descending back to the city proper.

A GLIMPSE OF MAASIN CITY

Location: Southern Leyte, Philippines

Note: This is a part of my 4-day Maasin City Trip which includes: Shrine of Our Lady of the Assumption and the Most Precious Blood of Jesus, Shrine of Our Lady of the Assumption at Jalleca Hills, Our Lady of the Assumption Parish Cathedral of Maasin, Maasin City Tour, Saint Francis Javier Shrine and Canigao Island.

Where afternoon and evening walk give pure joy

The first time I visited Maasin City was wayback November 2001. That was the time when I was still working with Philippine National Bank. By that time, I only strolled around the city and had not much experienced beyond its city limits. It was in May 2015 that I was enjoyed my visit to this place when stayed overnight in Limasawa Island with our accommodation at Dakdak Beach Resort. I was not able to visit its other interesting places and so in these posts, I am sharing my very recent escapade of Maasin City and beyond.

My host's house in Maasin

A colleague of mine had invited me to join in her vacation to her home town in Maasin and I did not have a second thought of joining her even if I knew that it was purely a family occasion that she was attending.

A prominent figure statue in the town plaza

Prior to my visit, I read again online about a brief history of the city. I learned that it is a fourth class city and the capital of the province of Southern Leyte, Philippines. It has 70 barangays and located on the western part of the province with land area of 21,171 hectares (52,310 acres). It was only on August 10, 2000, when the town was chartered into a city. Maasin is noted for its tropical islands and white sand beaches.

One of my favorite spots in the city

Maasin was initially called "Nipa" when the Spaniards came to impose Christianity for its native settlers. The renaming of the town of Maasin is related to the incident when some Spaniards, who needed drinking water, scanned the shorelines and found Canturing River. They asked the natives in Castillan Spanish while gesturing towards the river, "Que pueblo es este?" Without hesitation, the natives answered "Maasin" (meaning salty), thinking that the Spaniards were asking them how the water tasted. From that time on, the place has been called Maasin.

Saint Joseph College

I was not really concerned of sharing its cityscape but I just found some semblance of establishments we had in Manila that I decided to capture them for documentation to prove that the city has also the share of progress and development.

Just one of the signs of city's progress

Buildings and other infrastructures will absolutely be not built if the a certain place is still so laid back. Its busy streets and bigger volume of vehicles dotting along its streets can tell, it is such a busy bustling city.

Goldilocks already invaded Maasin

Being a lover of Goldilocks products, I captured them to remind me that I need to buy there my favorite "Crema de Fruta" but I have not seen a Red Ribbon outlet there.

Jollibee is everywhere even in the countryside

Well, I will not wonder if Jollibee has also invaded Maasin City. According to Wikipedia, "Jollibee Food Corporation (JFC) has acquired some of its competitors in the fast food business in the Philippines and abroad such as Chowking, Greenwich Pizza, Red Ribbon, Mang Inasal, and Burger King Philippines. As of January 2015, JFC had a total of more than 3,000 stores worldwide,[4] with system-wide retail sales totaling 82.1 billion pesos for the fiscal year 2011."

2GO and Western Union Remittance outlet in Maasin

Mang Andok's Litson - Manok Liempo

A less progressive part of the city

Busy street with vehicles

Waiting for the majestic sunset viewing

The lovers and broken-hearted lane

After the sunset viewing

Time to eat at Alberto's Pizza

It was getting late and so it was time to go back to my host's house

HOW TO GET THERE

The nearest airports to Maasin are Cebu City, Ormoc City and Tacloban City. But plying from Cebu City would require you to board a ship from Cebu City's Pier 4 to cross to Hilongos, Southern Leyte for P286 which is around 5-6 hours sea travel of which we boarded M/V Joyful Stars. Then from Hilongos to Maasin is a bus service of P87 for more than 1 hour road travel.

If you are coming from Ormoc City, then it is approximately 3 hours drive for 131.9 kilometers via Baybay-Inopacan Road for a fare of P150. While if you are coming from Tacloban City Airport, then it is approximately 4 -5 hours drive at P270 for 194.8 kilometers via Bato - Bontoc Road and Eastern Nautical Highway.

If you opt to take a land travel via Bicol Peninsula and Samar, take Pintados Airconditioned Bus for P1,688 fare including ferry fare in Matnog (Sorsogon)-Allen/Alegria (Northern Samar) crossing or with the same route with Philtranco airconditioned buses for P1,706 excluding the ferry fare. This is either coming from Cubao or Pasay terminals to Maasin City. The travel time is approximately 26 - 28 hours excluding the waiting time for the availability of the ferry boat from Matnog to Allen.

Moving from one destination to another in Maasin City is easy. Or if you opt to go out from the city and find beautiful beaches, public transport is available.

OUR LADY OF THE ASSUMPTION PARISH CATHEDRAL

Location: Bishop Vicente T. Ataviado Street, Maasin City, Southern Leyte, Philippines

Note: This is a part of my 4-day Maasin City Trip which includes: Shrine of Our Lady of the Assumption and the Most Precious Blood of Jesus, Shrine of Our Lady of the Assumption at Jalleca Hills, Our Lady of the Assumption Parish Cathedral of Maasin, Maasin City Tour, Saint Francis Javier Shrine and Canigao Island.

Commonly known as Maasin Cathedral

Our Lady of the Assumption Parish Cathedral is one of the Philippines' national historical landmarks. It was consecrated in 1771. As seen today, it has a baroque architectural design which is evident with its facade. The Jesuit missionary priests who initially built the church in the 1700 had named the church then as Catedral de Nuestra Senora de la Asuncion de Maasin.

The cathedral's altar

Being originally built in 1700, the church is believed to be one of the oldest parishes of the country which was established by the series of waves of missionaries, namely: the Jesuits, Augustinians and finally by the Franciscan Order. As revealed by its archive, the church has suffered several destruction and damage over the years, but has been rebuilt many times by the orders succeeding the Jesuits.

The cathedral's interior

Its present-day structure is constructed at 1968 and subsequently became the seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Maasin which covers the municipalities of Southern Leyte, including the towns of Matalom, Bato, Hilongos, Hindang, Inopacan and Baybay of the province of Leyte.

One of the side altars

The cathedral like any other established Spanish town, has been built at the center of the city which is located near the City Hall,schools and other government offices. It is presently close to the establishments of the city, thus, it is accessible and its plaza is even used to host the town's cultural activities all year round.

The colorful giant windows

In my 4-day stay in Maasin City, I attended three holy masses in the cathedral. I used to pass the church whenever I go to the boulevard overlooking the sea where people have a leisurely afternoon and evening walk and enjoy nightlife from the bars and restaurants in that district.

One of the holy images inside the cathedral

The present design which was completely on March 23, 1968 heavily borrows from the characteristics of baroque churches in the Philippines, with its traditional triangular pediment and simple facade punctuated by rectangular niches for the images and windows. However, a seemingly modern style was applied as shown by its rounded, three-layered bell tower which is a common feature among late 18th century churches.

The cathedral after its 7:00 - 8:00 P.M. Sunday mass

From its historical accounts, I learned that by 1920s until 1930s, the parish was placed in the care of the diocesan priests of Cebu. It was then transferred to the Diocese of Calbayog and Diocese of Palo, until in 1968, it became the cathedral seat of the Diocese of Maasin on August 1. Imagine, Calbayog is so far from Maasin. Calbayog City is my hometown, anyway.

The cathedral's convent

Below is the schedule of masses of the Cathedral from Monday to Sundays.

The cathedral holy mass schedule

HOW TO GO THERE

The nearest airports to Maasin are Cebu City, Ormoc City and Tacloban City. But plying from Cebu City would require you to board a ship from Cebu City's Pier 4 to cross to Hilongos, Southern Leyte for P286 which is around 5-6 hours sea travel of which we boarded M/V Joyful Stars. Then from Hilongos to Maasin is a bus service of P87 for more than 1 hour road travel.

If you are coming from Ormoc City, then it is approximately 3 hours drive for 131.9 kilometers via Baybay-Inopacan Road for a fare of P150. While if you are coming from Tacloban City Airport, then it is approximately 4 -5 hours drive at P270 for 194.8 kilometers via Bato - Bontoc Road and Eastern Nautical Highway.

If you opt to take a land travel via Bicol Peninsula and Samar, take Pintados Airconditioned Bus for P1,688 fare including ferry fare in Matnog (Sorsogon)-Allen/Alegria (Northern Samar) crossing or with the same route with Philtranco airconditioned buses for P1,706 excluding the ferry fare. This is either coming from Cubao or Pasay terminals to Maasin City. The travel time is approximately 26 - 28 hours excluding the waiting time for the availability of the ferry boat from Matnog to Allen.

If you are already in the city of Maasin, you can take tricycle to go to the church. If you want to familiarize the city, walking is a good alternative. After all, the city is not that big.