DINAGAT ISLAND: year-end trip

Dinagat Island- youngest province of Caraga Region and is dubbed as the "Mystical Island Province of Love."  The place where the controversial cult Philippine Benevolent Missionaries Association (PBMA) originated. It is the land of the very influential Ecleos. This province offers nice attractions which is ideally good for total relaxation.

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The castle located in the top of the mountain caught my attention the moment we arrived in San Jose Pier around 4pm. We took picture of it using my friend’s 50x optical zoom point shoot camera.

We directly went to Amas Lodging House where we stayed overnight. After putting our things in our room, we headed to White Castle which fascinated us upon our arrival. The mansion is owned by Governor Ecleo. Being mesmerized of how the mansion looks like, I at some point thought that I am snowhite living in the world of fantasies.  It definitely looks like a big house in cartoon movies with pointed canopies that captivate people in mainland areas. I am really running out of words to describe it. Perhaps it’s my time to see such unique mansion. Elegant, inviting, attention-grabbing, nice, beautiful, every human being’s dream, you name it...  It seems like the mansion is labeled with “come on and see me” considering that my eyes can’t resist from looking at it. Just like a typical house, sightseers are not allowed to enter. However, they never forbade us in taking pictures. We were just lucky that the guard opened the door for us to see its splendid façade. We stayed there ‘til sunset.

Our single motor drivers who happened to be our guide told us to see the Holy Land (white castle); it is where the PBMA members gathered. It is also the place where Mr. Ruben Ecleo Sr, founder of PBMA, is buried. We were hesitant at first knowing that we did not wear skirts and white t-shirts because we did not know their basic protocol. But our luck continues as we leaped the place. They allowed us to enter their sacred place despite the fact that I wore sleeveless and knee-level short. Having been aware about the negative feedbacks of the cult, I am honestly petrified as I moved closer to their so called Holy Land. 

We spent our second day mainly in the middle of the sea. We did island hopping. Boat rental for the whole day activity is P2,000.00. Better go there in group to save money. The more, the merrier! 

BITAOG BEACH

LAKE BABABU

Getting there.

*Nearest airport of Dinagat Island is Surigao City Airport.

*Mode of transportation- boats and ferries

*Boat Fare- P100.00

*Schedule- daily 1PM

BUCAS GRANDE, I shall return!

Bucas Grande, Socorro Island- situated in the eastern part of Surigao del Norte and  Southern part of Siargao Island, approximately 2 hours away from General Luna (the place where annual surfing festival takes place.) Socorro is 1 hour pump boat travel from HAVODA Terminal, Hayanggabon, Claver, Surigao del Norte. Furthermore, it is prevalently known for its Sohoton Cave.

Another piece of history is being listed in my journey. This is honestly my first time in seeing and holding a real and alive jelly fish. I was apprehensive at first because I didn’t believe that it’s stingless. But I still got a nerve to hold it with all my senses for the sake of memorabilia. FYI, jellyfishes are really sensitive, thus, no one is allowed to swim with them.

After our meet and greet with the jellyfishes, we moved to our next itinerary which is caving.  We have seen the horseshoe-shape rock formation along the way. We are also feeding our eyes with the lavishness of isolated green undisturbed forests while inhaling the extraordinary freshness of air as we hopped from one island to another.

horseshoe-shape

In an instant my dream of having a fairer skin came true as I drenched myself in the luminous cold water trapped in a huge cave. Yeah, you've read it correctly...it is indeed luminous! My skin goes back to its normal color as I moved out from water. It thought me a lesson somehow and learned a lot of things such as worldly things that comes easily will surely goes easily and it goes the same with “love”. Charr…  

Knees trembling, hands are cold and hair ruffled…I’ve surprisingly defeated my acrophobia by virtue of no choice. We have explored one cave tourist destination where you need to jump into the water for memorable exit compliance. But then again, life is a matter of choice and with this experience, you have a choice; either you waste your time and go back to its proper entrance with no one to guide you or just bravely jump about 15 feet above water level for you to move on to your next destination. Which is which?? I bet you’ll jump. 

Bolitas Cave, if your physique is beyond the normal size, I suggest don’t bother going to this cave. The entrance which also happens to be the exit is too small that everyone is required to crawl just to reach its dead end just to have a short glimpse of those marble-shape stones (locally known as bolitas). Getting there is not easy, but it is worthy! The cave is really unique. Stalactites look like pointed boobies while stalagmites' formations are quite similar to man’s private organ. Hahaha     

“I SHALL RETURN” is the only phrase I could remember from my friend the moment we depart this place. And I seconded the motion.To some (especially the cave enthusiasts), they said Sohoton cave offers more enjoyment compared to other caves in the country. Some even rated Bucas Grande higher compared to other tourists spots. With that, Socorro only proves that it is simply the paradise where you will find peace, serenity of the mind, simplicity of the heart and tranquility of the soul. My P1,100.00 budget for 1 day Socorro Island  trip is truly awesome.