Historical Islands in Eastern Visayas visited by Zegrahm Expedition on Holy Week

The Zegrahm Cruise Ship

By: Lottie Salarda

Capul, Northern Samar --- The two historical islands of Eastern Visayas, which is the island town of Capul, Northern Samar and Limasawa in Southern Leyte, were chosen by the group of passengers of the Zegrahm Expedition to visit on Good Friday and Black Saturday.

The group of passengers, who were retirees, were from United States of America, South Africa, Canada, United Kingdom and from all over the world. All of the sixty passengers who visited the islands haven’t visited yet the Philippines.

According to Micheal Moore of Zegrahm Expedition, they chose the two islands in Eastern Visayas because of its history and they also want to learn their different cultures.

“The Philippines has the friendliest people; fantastic food; history and different culture, it’s all here right in this small island,” said Moore.

The retirees were able to enjoy the “habal-habal” ride which brought them to their destinations like the Stone Church, which was first built by the Jesuits in 1596 and the ancient Capul lighthouse built by the Spaniards in 1896 and was completed during the American Period by the US Army Corps and Engineers. It is 143 feet above sea level with a 40-foot tower that commands a panoramic view of the San Bernardino Straight and extending towards the Pacific Ocean. It serves as a guidepost to traveling vessels. The lighthouse is still operational until now.

The name of the island derived from the word Acapulco which has an importance during the Manila-Acapulco Galleon trade.

They also witnessed the “sinakulo” performed by the locals of Capul on Good Friday. Aside from learning the history and culture of the people, they were also able to learn the way of life of the natives of Capul. And especially the language of the locals called “Abaknon” which came from the name of King Abak of Borneo who occupied their island in 1400s.

“We are very happy because of the fantastic outpouring of welcome, the organization and the real genuineness of the people and it melted everyone’s hearts and I’m sure that when they go home they will tell everyone that the Philippines is the best place to go,” he added.

The cruise ship came from Malaysia and it offers an Asian tour for the passengers from all over the world. It’s been sailing for more than two weeks now as of writing.

The Jewish retired Immunologist Ronaldo Schwartz and his wife Joan, who is a Neuroscientist, both 72 years old, enjoyed their Asian cruise and their trip to the Philippines. They were very happy to learn the history and culture of the Filipino people. It was their first time to visit the country together since they have retired in their service as a scientist in the United States of America.

Meanwhile, Department of Tourism Regional Director Karina Rosa S Tiopes saw a great impact of the cruise ship visit to the tourism industry in Eastern Visayas especially in the island towns of Limasawa and Capul.

Last year, the Zegrahm Expedition also visited Eastern Visayas through the help of Sharp Travels, who helps to market the tourism destinations of the region.

Before coming to the region, the cruise ship already visited Bohol, Puerto Princesa, Camiguin, Tikao Island in Bicol and Sibuyan Island.

“Ikalawang taon na dinalaw ang Eastern Visayas ng Zegrham Expedition. Kinagagalak namin na bumalik sila dito after their experience last year naisipan nilang pumunta ulit dito at nalaman nilang maganda talaga ang region at ang mga tao dito ay warm, friendly and very hospitable,” she said.

This cruise is not only for leisure, the expedition has a special kind of guests who wanted to learn about the people, tradition, culture, food and the history of a place. There is a cultural impact because they were able to know the locals through interaction with the community.

“They were able to know us and we were able to know them,” she added.

The Regional Director also stressed the cultural, economic, and promotional impact of the visit to the tourism industry because it is spread in the community.

This 2016 the Department of Tourism is aiming to surpass the more than one million tourist arrivals in 2015. ###