A Travelogue from the Heart

By Karen Ailene P. Benavidez

I am a traveller by heart, and luckily explored five out of the eight great Philippine tourist
destinations only to find out that nothing beats the howling warm, wealth and wonders of Catanduanes.
The beloved island that has for the longest time nurtured my nature for being resilient, grateful and
hospitable, just like any other Catandunganon.
The way to our island abundant in nature and biodiversity, rich culture and pleasant discoveries
is through sailing via MV Calixta or MV Regina in the rough and hostile waves across the Maqueda
Channel or an hour travel via plane from Manila. Perhaps, the Creator made the route nasty to keep
away the unwanted visitors that can ruin the hidden paradise. And if you luckily survived the trip via sea
with or without vomiting, the journey of a lifetime will start from the moment you step your feet in the
island formerly called Isla de Cobos.
The island that has been first discovered by Spaniards in early 1953 has been previously one of
the favorite destinations of storms and super typhoons raging the country. That made every
Catandunganon resilient to hardships that life throws, and value strong family tie.
Every now and then, accommodating smiles and gestures from the people all over the eleven
municipalities will overwhelm you no trace of bitterness from countless malady brought by storms in
their lives. And youll surely enjoy along with our people the diversity of destinations, activities and
events in the island of wonders. Every barangay has a story to tell about the legends, myths and stories
of the past.
A mixture of foreign influences and fusion of heritage and arts have enhanced the uniqueness of
the Bicolano race in the island province. My neighbors are the living testament they are caring,
thoughtful and generous. They are always willing to give a helping hand, thatll make you feel that every
crisis is an opportunity to experience unconditional love from a small community with a big family in the
capital town of the island.
On the other hand, pristine ocean water enveloped by rock formations of Batag Beach shall
delight every beach lover and an ecology advocate wholl love to spend a vacation in a veritable paradise
over a dozen beaches composed by Talisoy Beach, Twin Rock Beach Resort and Puraran Beach Resort
sprinkling the island.
The Luyang Cave positioned under the national highway of San Andres will excite the
adventurous side in you, and shall reveal regal and lengthy underground path full of history. Then,
theres this adjacent barangay called barangay Rizal that mimics the Calvary and Gods crucifixion during
Holy week that can let you experience goose bumps, whenever you see the mixed drops of tears, sweat
and blood cover the body of the actors.
The municipality of San Andres is the submerged part of the island and has also the easiest
access to the municipality of Caramoan and its internationally popular Gota Village Resort and other
beach resorts via Codon port.
Then, a two-hour travel to the northern part of the island via San Andres shall feed your vision
with a variety of picturesque landscapes. The ups and downs of the joyful open road shall make you see
islets lie on mirror flat water. Just like the enchanting sceneries, brilliant tapestry of harmony, woven
from the diverse cultural threads of people along the way will welcome you and will wish you a safe and
happy journey.
As you reach the Hiyop pointthe islands highest reachable peak that magnificently lords the
little New Zealand of Pandan, youll find yourself in awe with the topography of islets, intermittent
patches of calm ocean, colorful Bangka , and a range of vast and beautiful mountain-like curves perfectly
painted below. The breeze of the cool climate almost level with the nippy winter air of Baguio City
during Christmas season, in a tropical paradise shall give you a refreshing break from the hot and humid
Philippine climate.
Then, the downward road from Pandan will lead you to the path of the enchanted pennis-
shaped rock formerly called Ilihan, fiercely stands for like forever against the horizon of Bagamanoc.
That has for the longest time remained gallant against the most powerful rages of storm surge. The
oddity vulnerably thrusting itself to the waters of Pacific has been for the long time the mythical
meeting point of lush sensuality and spirituality for the most of Bagamanoc people. The Eros standing
through the confined water is now called ButoniKurakog, came from a story of a giant who apparently
fell into a deep coma and never woke up.
Beside the marvelous Ilihan Point live the friendly people of Bagamanoc. These people speak in
a melodic tone that will shock your ears at first, but youll find it lovely in the end just like their poetic
light brown eyes. They are always cheerful and helpful.
Meanwhile, the people from Viga and Panganiban will make you forget the unfriendly taste of
bitter gourd as they devotedly cook it with fresh shrimps and farm vegetables. And, you can never forget
the luscious taste ofKinis(crabs) freshly harvested from their ponds.
The SabangMarara of Viga will push your adrenaline rush beyond the limit as you jump into the
lavishing water falls just like the Solong Falls in San Miguel. To add more, the Puraran Beach Resort shall
let you forget the sound of your heartbeat as magnificent Puraran waves coats the yellowish beach
sand.
Perhaps, the maladies and hardships taught every Catandunganon to be a wonderful piece of
the planet. Just like the sceneries, the hostile wind and waves carved into the minds of our people to be
resilient, because afterwards, everything will come into pieces forming a robust and genuine
Catanduanes. And perhaps, the reason why our island isnt that easy to find is that, as my beloved mom
said, splendid fresh orchids are found not in the heart of the city, but in the heart of boondocks and
forests to test the determination of those who really want to see and experience real beauty.