The hidden paradise of Northern Samar

The blushing pink shores of Sila island in San Vicente, Northern Samar. (Photo by: lottie salarda)

The last time I visited the island towns of Northern Samar was just last March this year. The trip was in relation to my job as a Solar Scholar Program's field officer, researcher and a volunteer for Institute for Climate ans Sustainable Cities.

It was my first time to travel to an island, riding a pump boat, crossing the sea while watching the (deadly) waves a year after typhoon Haiyan. Admittedly, I hesitated seeing and even touching the sea because of what I have experience during the storm. It seems like it would eat the whole me.

But this time, I gathered enough courage to face my fear of the sea. I, together with Axell, who is working for a big family foundation went to the three islands of Northern Samar. We went overnight in each town. In San Antonio, we were accommodated in Haven of Fun Beach Resort. The place was perfectly beautiful for a summer break or for a family get away. 

The white shores were covered by millions of corals and different shapes and sizes of beads that dominated the shorelines that the bluish water of the ocean kisses every now and then. I felt having peace of mind watching the beautiful morning scenery while having my cup of coffee.

The place was not as populated like any other famous beach resorts all over the Philippines. The sound of silence was very relaxing. There is no stable cell phone signal much more for the internet. If you're willing to go off line for a while this island would be the best place to enjoy the summer off line.

Being off line for a while is very worthwhile as you will experience a stress-free summer vacation. Browsing the social media made you stress for the thousands of stories posted on it every day. Let yourself escape from the world of social media and experience the fun and excitement brought to you by nature and other people.

The next island town we were into was the island of Capul. The island was far different from the other. Capul was the most unique among the islands of the North. Aside from their unique dialect which is called "Inabaknon", the island is also rich in history. 

The historical lighthouse of Capul (photo by: Lottie salarda)

The famous Parola and other remnants which were used during Japanese and Spanish occupation were found there. The lighthouse was perfectly standing right at the heart of the island where you can see the wideness of Acapulco bay. The place was very strategic for war during that ancient times. We took pictures in that historic lighthouse and finally went back to the main town riding a single motorcycle.

One attraction also that would invite one's eye to visit is the town's old church which was built on 1600's during the Spanish occupation. The old church was located at the heart of the small town. It was made of rocks perfectly formed into a place for worship. It's green landscape inside the compound of the church blends with the color of the wall.

The last town we were into was the island of San Vicente. It is a town which has a small number of populations. They only have 7 brgys; 3 from the main town and 4 island brgys and island sitios. I was impressed that their small town recorded zero maternal death since 1976. I wrote a story regarding the good news and luckily it was published at interaksyon.com.

A month after, the Department of Tourism in Region 8 thru their Regional Director Karen Tiopes arranged for the launching of their Summer Fun program which aims to promote rebuild the image of Eastern Visayas a year after Haiyan. I was lucky to be invited at their regional tour to promote our tourism destinations.

I didn't hesitate to sign up for confirmation (of course). Here are the photos which I will never capture if I did not confirm for my slot.

Sunrise in Sila Island.

Members of the local media, travel agency owners and bloggers unite to promte the beautiful island.