in her comfortable shoes: April 2013

Of all the places that I want to go to, Samar is never in my travel lists. So when my friend (also a travel buddy) approached me in my old desk to join them in taking a trip to Samar, I immediately say YES. This could be my chance to have a glimpse of what Samar has to offer.

Geographically speaking, we all know Samar is bounded on the east by the Pacific Ocean. Well, it made me think that we’re going to experience traveling in a big, deep, blue ocean. I’m afraid because I’m not born to live out of the waters. However this could be fun and exciting, I wouldn’t say YES to my friend if I wasn’t compulsive in the first place.

Before showing you to our nerve-wracking adventures to Samar, I would like you to meet my fellow traveler, adventure seeker, wanderer and whatever “er” you may want to add.

This is one of my favorite photos with the DORAs. Don't underestimate these girls you might surprise how far they can go. L-R Tina Cantos (visit her website at www.ilovepilipinas.com ), Lotskie Odron, Yumny Mariot ( visit her tumblr account http://iamne.tumblr.com/ ) and yours truly.

Capul Island

Capul is a 5^th class island municipality in the province of Northern Samar, Philippines. The island itself with its lighthouse built on the island, served as guidepost through the treacherous waters of San Bernardino Straight.

The name Capul came from the word Acapulco, an old trading post in Mexico. Capul is the only town in the province of Northern Samar with distinct dialect Inabaknon instead of Waray-Waray, the native language spoken by locals of Samar Island.

Capul Watchtower

Located on a hill near the Capul, fort overlooking the town harbor, a stone watch tower was erected to serve as an entry or warning system and a refuge for indigents during Moro raids.

Facing the Pacific Ocean

Capul Church and Fortress

The church of Capul, built during the Spanish Colonial Period, is dedicated to St. Ignatius of Loyola and is surrounded by a square foot with bulwarks of dissimilar designs.

Sunset at Capul Island

Biri Island

This island used to be ‘Tingao’ as referred to in the navigational maps of the Spanish galleon, was the entry point of Luzon and Visayas. As a navigational landmark, the name Biri was derived from the Spanish word ‘barrer’ which means ‘to sweep’.

· Rock Formations

A 45-minute boat ride from the town of Lavazares. Just a 5-minute ride on motorcycle or scooter locally names as ‘habal-habal from the town proper, these magnificent, awesome and towering rock formations sculpted through time by the ferocious waves of the Pacific Ocean and tidal currents of San Bernardino Strait.

6 rock formations; Magasang, Magsapad, Macadlaw, Puhunan, Bel-at and Caranas

This rock reminds me of the Pride Rock from the movie 'The Lion King'


It took me how many minutes to decide on whether or not to take a photo on this rock. Man the ocean is so big!

This cat is something. The cat used to be our tour guide.

Bangon Falls

Bangon Falls is one of the most beautiful and spectacular scenic spots worth visiting the province. Following the stream by ascending to the upper level, one will be amazed to see a circular pond of about 30 meters in diameter, wide enough for swimming and deep enough for diving.

The water that falls from above seems to come from an endless stream which flows a swirling path around the falls resulting from the pressure of its disgorge becoming even bigger in volume and noticeable s the time of the day passes.

Torpedo: Ulot Watershed Ecotourism Loop

Ulot river is a 520 kilometer river, the longest in Samar Island. It is part of the 87,000-hectare Ulot Watershed rambling in 11 towns of the island where the bigger part of the area is situated in Paranas, Samar. Offers a special interest activiteis such as boating, tubing and kayaking along the rugged waterscape and unspoiled crystal-clear waters of Ulot River.