GATEWAY TO EASTERN VISAYAS

Have you been to a place like you were on a cloud nine? Well,
a journey of a thousand miles should begin with a single step.
Good afternoon everyone! Or should I say, Maupay nga kulop ha
inyo nga tanan!
Welcome to Eastern Visayas, the road less traveled, should
definitely be under your radar.
Eastern Visayas is a region in the Philippines consists of 6
provinces namely Leyte, Southern Leyte, Biliran, Samar, Northern
Samar and Eastern Samar. Eastern Visayas directly faces the
Pacific Ocean. It has a total land area of 2,156,285 hectares
(5,328,300 acres) or 7.2% of the country’s total land area.
But what awaits you in Region 8?
For the information of all, the region is known for its
beautiful islands, waterfalls, and caves that are not yet known
to a lot of tourists.
Canigao is a striking uninhabited island in Matalom, Leyte.
It is an ultimate island destination just a 15- to 20-minute ferry
ride away from the town of Matalom. The island is surrounded by
a stretch of sparkling powdery white sand. Everything there is
natural, except for the lighthouse in the middle of the island
and some cottages set up by the Municipality of Matalom that is
now managing the tourism industry of the island. Aside from its
picturesque white sands and serene environment, Canigao island is
also a perfect place for snorkelling, barefoot beach walking, and,
of course, dipping in its turquoise waters!
When we think of long sandbar stretches, calm, crystal-clear
waters, and sparkling white sand beach, we almost immediately
think of other famous destinations in the Philippines, such as
Boracay, right? Well, think again I say! Did you hear about
Kalanggaman Island in Palompon, Leyte? This island paradise
started to capture the eyes of foreign and local tourists alike
way back in 2013 when the cruise ship, MV Europa Cruise Line,
dropped anchor near the island and let its guests – around four
hundred – wander around for a couple of hours. Kalanggaman boasts
not one but two sandbars on either side of the island. In order
to protect its pristine condition, the local tourism office has
limited its number of visitors to only five hundred each day, so
be sure to arrange your trip to the island early. See to it that
you bring your diving gear with you for the island has a lot of
hidden underwater treasures for you to explore!
Do you think Hawaii is the only place with unusually coloured
sands on its beaches? Not in the longest time. Aside from black
and white sand beaches, the Philippines also has a beach with pink
sand. Yes, you heard it right! Pink Beach in Sila Island, Northern
Samar is a testament to this.
Fittingly named Pink Beach, the resort does not only have
pink sand on its shores but amazing rock formations as well. A
solid reddish-brown rock wall that separates it from neighbouring
attractions is another unique feature of this beach. Because of
these amazing aspects, Pink Beach is attracting more and more
attention over the years.
Summertime is the best time to visit this wonderful place
because it is when its pink sands turn vivid pink as if blushing
on the admiration showed by its awestruck guests. Now you know
where to go next summer!
This Mike Angelo Ascano saying, “Life is a journey make the
most out of it.” Once again, a pleasant afternoon to all.