Natural Swimming Pool under the Pagnamitan Bridge

Pagnamitan Bridge connects the island of Calicoan and Guiuan. It is a popular swimming and weekend destination because of the two beautiful natural "swimming pools" below it, which may have been caused by dynamite explosions or some other hole-making force. The depth of these pools can range from 3ft-7ft or more depending on the tide.

(photo by Julius Aranas) The Bridge

(photo from FB) Swimming Pool

How to get here:

- Jeep or multicab. Any Guiuan-Sulangan jeep or multicab will pass by this bridge.
- Rent a tricycle.
- Motorbike :)

Exclusive Interview w/ the Local Wahine Champ: Cindy Balbuena

Cindy is a 17-year old local surfer at ABCD Beach in Calicoan Island of Guiuan. She recently bagged the 1st place in the Odyssey Waves Surfing Competition last September, 2010, with competitors from the Manila Surfing Association and other local wahines. She has been surfing for almost 4 years in the local surfing spot with other local surfers.

Here is an exclusive interview with her about her surfing experience in ABCD Beach:


How did you learn how to surf?
I was taught by my cousin, papa Jun-Jun, during a free surfing clinic at ABCD Beach. It was during a competition.

How was your learning experience?
 It was fun and I enjoyed a lot! But of course, you can never get away with body pain and wounds from the reef. But it was an awesome experience!

What are your favorite tricks?
Roundhouse, Floaters, Cutback.

What do you love about Calicoan?
Not crowded, it's near my house, and the waves are great!

What do you hate about it?
The sea urchins.

How many local are there?
More or less, there are 32 local surfers.

When is the best time to surf in Calicoan?
September and October.

Is it hard to surf in Calicoan?Yes, sometimes. Because the current can be strong or the waves can be really big.

What is the smallest wave you have ever seen/rode in Calicoan?
Waist level..2-3 feet.

Do you recommend Calicoan to other Wahines like you?Yes, because the waves are good. And so that I will not be the only wahine in our place. But bring your own jetski if ever you drown. Just kidding! :)

How will you feel if Calicoan suddenly becomes a popular surfing spot?
I will be bothered because the line-up will become crowded, and people will flock to the place all the time. But it is also fine because it will be less boring, and I will get to meet a lot of new surfers. And we will get to watch new tricks from visiting surfers.


(translated from Waray-Waray)

The Gay Oriented Group of Guiuan (GOGG)

They are one of the in-demand local performers in Guiuan because of their acrobatic and extreme stunts, flexible hips, and funny demeanor. And yes, they are composed of beautiful and talented local gays.

I've watched them perform so many times during town fiestas, barangay fiestas, sarayaw, and even during the campaign. They never fail to surprise and shock me (and the rest of their audience) with their choreography and stunts. They make the stage hot with their signature fire stunts- fire throwing and poi dancing, and their extreme stunt of throwing of performers up in the air. Finally, I am always awed with the fact that they look, dance, and act like real women. I think Vice Ganda will love them if they ever get to perform in Showtime. :)

Catch their performances during special occasions (such as the Town Fiesta in October and December)!

 

Youtube Video of Guiuan Festival 2009

http://hy.armvideo.com/video/view/Wcjq50NcYM4

Guiuan: U.S. Naval Air Base 3149

 Article from: 93rd Seabees Battalion, http://www.seabees93.net/MEM-SAMAR-NCB%20Newspaper-Guiuan.htm

 Seabees First Ashore on Samar

From SEABEE, date unknown, by Al Teitelman, Y3c, SEABEE Staff Correspondent

PHILIPPINES (Delayed)—Now that the Philippine island of Samar is secured, the story of how three Seabees and an American geologist made the initial landing at Guiuan Harbor can be taken out of the “secret" and "confidential” files and the inside story told to the world.

After having suffered under the boots of Japanese cruelty for three dark years, the natives alternately wept and cheered as the first "Americanos" came ashore. They were the first Americans these Filipinos had seen since the Japanese had invaded their homeland.

In their excitement over the Americans' arrival the natives got out their "Welcome General MacArthur" signs and it wasn't until they got a-close-up of the foursome that the Filipinos discovered their error. Finding it was not actually MacArthur, their hero, the natives picked out the tallest man of the Americans and asked him with what branch of service he  was affiliated.

"Seabees," answered the newcomer. He was tall, lanky Cmdr. Bradford M. Bowker, of Concord, N.H., skipper of  a veteran Battalion.

The Filipinos scratched their heads. It is worthy of comment that these people, apparently, were the only ones in the world who had never heard of the world famed Construction Battalions. But they know about them today.

Here's the “behind-the-scenes” story that can now be told about Cmdr. Bower’s mission.

Airfield Needed

Soon after the invasion of Leyte, military big-wigs decreed that a large airfield was a military necessity.  An attempt was made by a Battalion and the 1112th U. S. Army Engineers to build an Army bomber-base airstrip at San Pablo, Leyte, but this project proved unsuccessful.  The tropical downpours, together with the rugged terrain, combined to make it a physical impossibility to build a strip there at that time of year.

Cmdr E. M. Kelly, OinC of a U.S. Naval Construction Regiment, after thoroughly studying U. S. geological surveys of Samar, believed that a site located at the southeastern-most tip of the island would accommodate both the vitally needed airstrip and a large contingent of Navy personnel.

The area chosen by Cmdr Kelly had not yet been occupied by the Americans. Nevertheless, so vital was the necessity for a strip that it was decided to send three Seabees together with an American geologist to make a reconnaissance survey and see if the area would meet the urgent needs of the military.

The Seabee trio chosen for the expedition were: Cmdr Bowker; Lt Cmdr Harold Koopman, of Grand Rapids, Mich., and Charles T. MacDouglass, CCM of New Orleans, La., who was a veteran scout and woodsman.  The fourth member of the party was Dr. J. Gilluly, an eminent civilian geologist, who was attached to the Office of Chief Engineers of Gen. MacArthur’s staff.

The quartet was put on an LCM and was assigned a subchaser as an escort. Carefully the two ships plodded toward their destination. Under cover of night they flunk into Guiuan Harbor the night of November 23rd.

Next morning the quartet was put ashore at Guiuan. While latest reports from Army Intelligence indicated that the Japanese at Guiuan had been driven into the hills by Filipino guerrillas, there was still a possibility that suicide-minded Japanese would attempt to exterminate their hated American enemies - especially since the “invading” party consisted only of four men.

But all fears were dispelled when the quartet came on to the little dock at Guiuan. There were no Japanese there to "welcome" them. Instead they were met by a gala reception committee composed of some 5,000 Filipinos.        

Filipinos Stage Welcome

Long-hidden American and Philippine flags came out of hiding. "Welcome General 'MacArthur" signs were everywhere, while the natives, bedecked in their holiday best, came forward to greet their American deliverers. The guerrillas shot off their rifles and threw their hats into the air shouting the Filipino equivalent of “Welcome, Americans.”

Leading the welcoming committee were two guerrilla chieftains - the Valley brothers. Maj. Manuel Valley had been in charge of the guerrilla forces on the entire island of Samar while Lt. Vincente Valley had been in charge of the guerrillas located around the village of Guiuan.                         .          

Not only were Guiuan townspeople there to welcome the visitors but natives from 40 to 60 kilometers away had, through the native "telegraph system," been notified of the impending arrival of the Americans and had hastened to be on hand for the eventful occasion.

That night was an occasion of great rejoicing and celebrating in the town of Guiuan. A dance in the local schoolhouse, under the aegis of 200 Filipino damsels dressed in their gayest native finery, was the high spot of the festivities.  A veritable feast prepared by the local Filipino domestic science teachers, was also on the agenda at the schoolhouse.

In addition to Cmdr Bowker’s party, also invited, to the dance were officers and crew of the two ships which had brought the Seabees and the geologist to the town    The guests were treated to a royal party.  Musical instruments which had been hidden away during the entire time the Japanese had occupied the island, were brought out for the first time for the dance. Since the generators of the local power station had been stripped by the Japanese, leaving the town without electricity, lights in the dance hall were provided by cocoanut oil lamps and lanterns brought from the ships.

Play Pre-War Tunes

While the orchestra's repertoire consisted mainly of native Philippine tunes, they did know some popular numbers and during the course of the evening blared out with “'Oh, Johnny,” “Alexander's Ragtime Band,” "Beer Barrel Polka” and several American college tunes.

With a comely partner,  Maj. Valley, guerrilla leader, danced the churacha, a lively Spanish dance popular in that area. In the churacha the dancers start out slowly, but gradually the tempo is increased and when the dizzy climax is reached, even the townsfolk outside the dance hall join in the festivities by shouting and shooting volleys into the air.                       .

Cmdr. Bowker was given a partner and he, too, was invited to take a crack at the churacha which he did with many American terpsichorean interpolations.

The next morning was Sunday and everyone went to Mass held in the old Spanish church which had been built more than 300 years ago. Father Guimbaolebot, 79-year-old  patriarch, celebrated the Mass.

Getting back to the primary purpose of the trip, a command car was landed from the LSM and the quartet explored the entire area. A flat area large enough for the site of a strip, together with the greatly desired coral, were found adjacent to Guiuan. Thus their findings verified the theory of Cmdr. Kelly who, with Dr. Gilluly, had been of the belief all along that an airstrip at that particular spot in Samar was both practical and feasible.           

Report Findings

Several more days were spent in reconnaissance and then the quartet returned to the Naval Station at Leyte where they reported their findings to the following three officers: Comm. W. M. Angas, (CEC), USN; Capt R. M. Fortson, commander of the Leyte Naval Base; and Cmdr E. M. Kelly, Oinc of a Naval Construction Regiment.

Two days later these three officers personally came to Guiuan and verified the findings of the initial survey party. The “go ahead” signal was given to start immediate work on the critically needed strip.

Airfield Constructed

Two crack Seabee Battalions were rushed to Guiuan and the project was attacked in typical "Can Do" fashion. Despite heavy rains, in two weeks small planes were landing on the strip and on December 28th—less than a month after the work started—the first group of C-47's landed on the field.

Today, some seven months after the initial Seabee "landing" on this Philippine town, there stands an airfield which, with the exception of Clark Field in Manila, is dubbed the finest and largest air strip in the entire Philippines.

The natives may not have heard of the Seabees when Cmdr. Bowker and his party came ashore last November, but today the Filipinos know all about the ConBats' reputation as they've seen a demonstration of it at first   hand. As for cordial relations, the branch of service first in the hearts of the Filipinos around Guiuan today is the Seabees - the first Americans to come ashore there since the Japanese invasion.

The Strip

The Strip today (we call it the Airport or Landing)

Two years ago, when the gov't has not transformed it into an official airport yet

The renovated Airport

Today, the strip reminds us, Guiuananons, that our hometown had been an important place and served an great purpose during the WWII. The strip today is not as vast as it was originally, but remnants of the original size can be seen in barrios and barangays near the airport- their roads have the same black asphalt appearance.

If the strip had been used for purposes of war a long time ago, today it is used as 1) a jogging area for the locals- the place is swarming with joggers every dawn or dusk 2) a practice field for those who want to learn how to drive a car, motorbike, or bicycle 3) a star-gazer paradise (it feels like you're inside a dark dome of stars) or an observatory for hard-core star gazers, and 4) the landing area for private air vehicles.   

The airport/strip has already been renovated to be used as the official airport of Guiuan. Buildings were constructed, the strip painted, and the sides closed from the public. The only missing thing now is the airplane.

The Immaculate Conception Parish of Guiuan

    “The castle of Guiguan . . . is the best and most regularly planned in all the Visayas. It exceeds in grandeur the celebrated fort of Zamboanga. The Fathers with the aid of the townspeople built the fort for their defense. It is quadrilateral, each side being 70 brazas long. At every corner is a bulwark. On these bulwarks six pieces of artillery can be mounted. Within the fort, which is all of cut stone, stands the single-naved church, large and capacious, and the house of the priest with all the necessary offices. It has four large patios, one serves as a cemetery and affords a commodious space for the schools. The other has a garden where a two-story warehouse stands. The kitchen is found in one of the bulwarks. On the bulwarks facing the sea are mounted six bronze cannons of various calibers, and a large one of iron, plus various lantacas, whipstaff, swivel guns, muskets and other arms which the ministers buy with the alms given by the inhabitants. They also purchase gunpowder and bullets as an annual surety with which they can defend the town from any armed enemy attack” thus Fr. Delgado (1754, 239–40) describes the fortification at Guiuan.

    The Guiuan fort is partially preserved. The southeastern bulwark where the Franciscans built a bell tower in 1854 still stands.  So does another bulwark on the southwestern end, and parts of the southern and western wall.  We gather from Delgado that the Jesuits did not build a bell tower because he mentions the bell used to sound alarms as hanging inside the fort.  Mentally extending the remains of the southern wall shows it once bisected the convento built on the southern side.  Although Repetti identifies this convento as Jesuit, he appears to be mistaken. Why build a convento outside the defensive perimeter? Besides, Delgado remarks that the Jesuits lived inside the fort.  Rather the building on the southern side is the 1872 convento, while we infer that the Jesuit convento or what is left of it are the two rooms directly behind the sanctuary, beneath which the old sacristy stood. This would place the residence within the defensive perimeter, as Delgado states.  Besides, the convento fits Huerta’s description of a stone building.

     The Franciscans apparently added a transept and a baptistry. This is the sense of Huerta’s “reedificada.”  Architectural evidence bears this out. The main nave (Delgado’s single-naved church) is unified in its interior motifs and dimensions. Stucco angels decorate the church interior, and the doors leading to the choir loft bear the emblems of Mary and the Society above their arches. The main nave is more than two meters taller than the transept and the concourse from the transept to the main nave is impeded by a few centimeters of wall, unusual if the transepts were planned together with the nave. The transept appears as an afterthought. The thickness of the church wall at the transept opening is less than that of the rest of the church suggesting that room was made for some structure, very likely a retablo, which was then removed and transferred elsewhere. In fact, parts of that retablo are in the church.

       Guiuan owns numerous altars—a virtual history of the parish. Aside from the main altar two side altars stand along the nave. One bears mixed parentage, a retablo from Franciscan times and a rococo frontal with the Augustinian emblem. Each transept end has an altar. One which houses a templette has florid baroque motifs, probably remnants of the side altar from Jesuit times. The altar table itself is cuplike, typical of Franciscan rococo, similar to the altars in the Franciscan church of Baras.  Could these altars have come from Luzon?

       The main altar belongs to the Baroque style and traces to the Jesuit era.  Divided into a number of niches separated by solomonic columns and encrusted with heavy floral carvings, the impression created is that of being heavy and overwrought.  The carved wooden altar frontal bears the image of the Virgin Mary flanked by kneeling priests in chasuble with the images of Jesuits saints in floral roundels.  Two processional candle holders are shaped like altar servers or sacristans, dressed in cassok and surplice.  One wears a medal with a monogram of the name “Jesus” and the other “Mary.”  A pair of solomonic columns stretching to the ceiling flanks the main retablo.  From a corbel shaped like a human hand hangs a pulley, probably used to raise and lower a sanctuary lamp or probably used to raise a curtain known as manto lanquin (manto from Spanish meaning veil; and lanquin from Chinese meaning black) that covered the altar from Passion Sunday to Holy Saturday.

        An outstanding Franciscan addition is the baptistry located near the church entrance. It is decorated like grottoes—that is, with shells—and coral. Probably the only example of its kind in the Philippines.  Recently, the National Museum of the Philippines documented the baptistery and identified at least eight types of shells used to decorate.  The baptistry alone makes Guiuan church worthy of being considered a “national treasure.”

       The Guiuan façade gives a hint of the treasures within. While following the standard divisions into verticals and horizontals, the use of multiple but slim engaged columns gives the façade a delicacy lacking in many colonial churches.  The decorations over the pediment further adds to the delicate feel.  The original nave had three entrances, one in front two at the sides.  These had elaborately carve hardwood doors.  The two remaining doors are worth studying.  The front door represents the apostles, a side door facing seaward represents the angels.  The missing third door (said to have been sold surreptitiously in the 1980s) may have represented the Holy Family as indicated by the monograms of Jesus, Mary and Joseph on the door jamb.

 - "Guiuan",<http://www.admu.edu.ph/offices/mirlab/panublion/r8_guiuan.html>

 The Church once upon a time

During WWII

The Church today (with the statue of the patroness)

♥♥♥

The Cliffs in Calicoan

(photo by Susan Tan) taken from the side of the cliffs during a high tide; see the waves make love to the cliffs

front view (low tide)

side view (low tide)

yes, you can go near the edge ONLY if it is low tide (you don't want the waves to make love to you, too; and that's me shouting my heart out)

How to get here:

This place is in the island of Calicoan, but a little bit far from the surfing area. A lot of people know about the existence of this majestic place, but only a few people actually know where it is (except for the locals in Calicoan, of course). So, you have to look for it or get a guide who knows his way around.

Here are some useful directions (based on personal experience):

• Drive to Calicoan Island
• If you see the Flag Pole and Park, drive to its left side (right side will lead you to the surfing area and Sulangan Island)
• When your reach the beach, go left; you will see a path, just follow it.
• Along that strip are the cliffs; but you will not see it directly. Park in a place that looks like ruins, and go past the bushes.
• Tada! The Cliffs!
• If you don't get it...well, just contact me. :P

Climb Up Yoga Camp

The Yoga Camp in Calicoan was supposed to be a retreat haven for yogis and people who would like to meditate. The place is perfect for meditating activities because it is situated in the middle of a forest, on top of rocks a lot of feet above the ground, and facing the Pacific, which means 1) you breathe in pure, unadulterated nature 2) you get a beautiful scenery, and 3) there is silence and peace.

However, it closed two years ago because tourism was still sleeping in Guiuan; no one would avail the services of the Yoga Camp. But you can still climb up and look around the Yoga Camp if you want to, you just have to ask permission from the Tourism Officer (in the Tourism Center near the Town Plaza) and ask for the keys and a guide.

into the forest w/ a guide

climb up the hundred stairs

see rock formations along the way

the terrace on top of the world

the view from up there (The Pacific Ocean)

♥♥♥

The Karayapan Festival of Guiuan

Karayapan is an old Waray-Waray word which broadly means "for all" and closely related to the concept of community. Karayapan Festival is a colorful festival depicting how the early Guiuan townsfolk enjoyed nature’s bounties, rich marine life, fertile land, and verdant forest. It is also a thanksgiving to our Patroness, the Blessed Virgin Mary.[adapted from the description in www.philippinefiestas.com]

This Festival usually features a street dancing parade by groups from the primary and secondary schools of Guiuan. The parade ends at the Town Plaza where the various groups compete for the trophy and cash prize. Usually, this occurs in March; however, the schedule was changed to December in line with the fiesta of the Imaculada Concepcion (the biggest fiesta of the year). I will research and post soon the updated schedule of this festival.

Here are some photos of the dance group from St. Mary's Academy of Guiuan:

the ladies with their big fans that has the image of the Lady of the Immaculate Concepcion

colorful costumes and props

the leader holding a small statue of the Lady of the Immaculate Concepcion

grace and colors

jellyfish props :)

 little crabs 

Here is a photo of the group from Homonhon National High School: 

lively ground presentation at the Town Plaza

(photos by Mano Tati Tan)

Ten Reasons Why You Should Try Surfing In Guiuan:

1. The waves are amazing and consistent throughout the year. I was told by an Australian surfer, who has been living in Calicoan for a long time now, that they seldom experience flat spells in the surfing spot, even if it's off season. Another professional Japanese surfer told me that the flattest state the surf spot can ever get is 3 feet. And the biggest waves can reach beyond a triple overhead level. Whoa.
2. Even if the waves get really nasty in the outside, surfers can still play in the inside because the waves tend to reform. 
3. Not crowded. There are less than 20 people in the line-up, which means:
1. you don't have to worry too much about dropping in on someone, or not finishing your ride.
2. less fights over a wave.
3. there are less chances of cracking someone's skull with your fin, or running someone over with your board.
4. less clappers and cheerers of your wipe-outs.
5. you can get the waves you want (not just the left-overs)
6. more wave count!
4. When the main surf spot gets really, really nasty and difficult, you can transfer to another surf spot. There are many spots just a little farther from the Surf Camp and one in Banago, Sulangan. You can ask the locals for tips.
5. No touristy vibe. Just chill and organic and very natural.
6. You can feast on silut (coconut) or tayum (sea urchin) after you surf. The place is surrounded by these delicacies.
7. You can choose between two living conditions depending on your taste. If you want a comfortable, royalty-type experience, and you have the funds for it, you can check in at either of the two resorts in the area- one is very majestic and expensive (Surf Camp), the other one is a little less cheaper and a chiller (Villa). Or if you are a survivor, you can choose to live with the locals! We camp and chill in our small kubo located right in front of the surfing area. We only have one faucet for fresh water, a couple of hammock, a set of coal-black cooking materials, the sea, the coconuts, no electricity, and pure local fun!
8. The scenery is simply breath-taking- the tall green coconut trees, the long stretch of white beach, and the clear and unpolluted blue skies. You have to be at the line-up and look at the beach from there to know what I am talking about.
9. The locals are awesome and nice! ♥
10. Finally, you will witness the most graceful and best wahine ever- Cindy Balbuena; and awesome little big-wave surfer kids- ages 10-7 (they can't even carry their boards on their own hahaha!).

Important Information:

• How to get to Calicoan from the town proper: 
•  You can look for a multicab or jeep heading to Sulangan at the public market (near Viva Commercial Center or Rochelyn Botique). Fare is 30php, and travel time is usually 30 mins. Ask to be dropped at the Surfing Area near Calicoan Villa.
• You can rent a tricycle for a fixed price (you have to negotiate w/ the driver).  
• Private vehicle: 20 minutes travel time
• Walk. Just kidding! But really, some pilgrims decide to walk from the town proper to the miraculous Sulangan Church (which is waaaay beyond Calicoan) as part of their saad or panata. Just saying. :)
• Surf Lessons info:
• Visit the local surf club "headquarters" located at the little kubo after the Calicoan Villa. There should be a sign that says: Surfing Area or Guiuan Surf Club. The club is offering affordable lessons. 200 for board rental +200 for the instructor. 
• The Surf Camp is also offering surf lessons. 500 for the board rental and X for instructor.
• Season:
• Peak season: September-First week of November
• There are waves all throughout the year! :)
• Chill waves during the summer ♥
• We recommend you to visit sometime in December to February if you 1) want to commit suicide 2) are a bigwave rider 3) want to be the only one in the line-up. :))
• Reminders:
• The spot has sharp reefs on the ocean bed. It's not really a problem (well, because we've been surfing there barefoot and we still have our feet) but if you want to avoid scratches and pain, you might want to bring with you a pair of booties.
• The nearest cheap eateries and market are 10 mins away (in Sulangan)- the Villa and the Surf Camp tend to serve expensive but delicious food. Near the surf spot are small sari-sari stores nearby that sell junk food, soda, cigarettes, ice, and a limited supply of red horse and gin. You might to buy stuff at the town proper first. Or you can buy raw meat and ask the locals to cook them for you. Eating with the locals in a boodle fight is a priceless experience!
• Bring a flashlight or a lamp if you intend to stay for the night. Don't worry, you'll be alright even if you sleep out in the open. No criminals or anything.
• Bring drinking water and a blanket. You'll survive with just these things if you intend to sleep over.
• There is a shortage of boards on the spot- especially long boards. So you might want to bring your own board if you have one.
• The Calicoan Surfing Experience is a test of your basic survival skills. You might want to bring a prepared self. :)

 PHOTOS: 

(photo by Julius Aranas) me and cindy getting ready to paddle out ♥

 (photo by Myoho) Calicoan in late June

(photo by Myoho) Calicoan in late June

 (photo by Myoho) Calicoan during the start of the season

(photo by Myoho)

 (photo by Myoho) The only person who paddled out that day

 (photo by Myoho) Kiwi taking off one sunny day in Calicoan

jeep that passes by the Calicoan surfing area

local surfers with the European visitor who donated his board to the club

eating survivor style :)

tambayan area

champions of the local competition, Alvin & Cindy, w/ MSA peeps and the little surfers

(photo by Myoho) Cindy ♥

 Locals in a drinking sesh

boodle fight

local surfers before the inauguration of the Surf Club officers

♥♥♥