I realized that in this blog’s almost three years of existence, never have I once written about my hometown. That’s because I haven’t been there for so long. Primary reason was the distance. I literally got stranded for a night in Ormoc on the way there after I missed both the last bus and last ferry. However, all these glitches I never mind for as long as what greets me is this beauty….
View of the white sand beach just a few steps away from our family house. I had spent the best of my growing up years here ~ riding boats, catching little fishes during low tide and just frolicking in the water. When I slept at night, I could hear the waves lapping in the shore. Of course, the weather could get really fierce during typhoon season but as soon as everything goes back to normal, there goes the vista again of the clearest green water turning into blue and the perfect summer sky.
I regret taking only my camphone and super-light didgicam as back-up. But somehow, this picture of a fisherman and his multi-colored boat turned out good 🙂
Tangkaan Beach in my hometown catches the eye with its limestone walls, hidden coves and unusual rock formations. It is also getting known as a prime diving destination with its virgin sponge and coral gardens. The lush marine life counts green turtles, schools of surgeonfishes, groupers, eagle rays and batfish among its precious residents.
Don’t know if it’s good or bad, but foreigners are slowly discovering the excellent diving opportunities of the area, even to the point of settling here. Photo shows a group of Frenchmen onboard the “Barracuda Divers” boat.
Also part of The Great Hometown is the inverted spoon-shaped Limasawa Island, where the Philippines’ first Catholic Mass was held. It can be reached by boat in about 30 minutes. More lush coral gardens here and amazing creatures like the barracuda, mackerel, angelfish and napooleons for staunch underwater enthusiasts. The sea walls plunge to a depth of more than a hundred feet or more.
View of the Padre Burgos town pier.
A picture of me with my Auntie Remy, who took care of me when I was very young. I ogled over her two-month old grandson. Babies are sooo cute… made me realize that am ready to be a grandma 😛 A groovy grandma with my own house by the beach someday.:P So long Southern Leyte… till we meet again!
Hi… never been to your hometown, but after seeing the pics, I just might drop by.. looks like a fabulous place to visit.. give some advice on where I can stay please 🙂
that is gorgeous. i can almost feel the water.
Hi Pascal. There’s no hotel or lodging house in my hometown. But the place is so small that you can easily ask for the few resorts which have sprung up in the area. Or sweet-talk somebody into arranging a homestay..it is pretty safe.
Yes it was Dexie. The sun burned my skin but the water was clear as the summer sky. Of course it helps that I maximized the photo:)
This is just perfect! If there were Internet connection there, I could live there. I’ve never been to Leyte either.
That is gorgeous, Ajay!!! So peaceful and relaxing.
Wow! Love the view from your house. And the beach is very pristine. Taga Ormoc ka pala. Di ko ata napuntahan tong beach na to last time. Parang exciting kahit mag snorkle lng. Ang ganda talaga!
Hi Ferdz, di ako taga Ormoc..it’s in Leyte. My place is in Southern Leyte. But I have to agree, the beaches are really pristine and the water crystal clear. You should go there sometime and take awesome photos:)
grabe, ajay!!! I would love to have a hometown like this… sayang di ka laging nakakauwi, no? i hope this time around, mapapadalas na ang uwi mo.
Hei ju,
I have been in Leyte long long ago. Good to know it still looks untouched 🙂
Take care…send me an e-mail when you have time (balitaan mo ako)
Hi Toe. There is cable and internet connection, pero limited pa lang:)
Right Toni. Even the sea looks very peaceful, di ba?
Ate Sienna, you guessed it right. Hope to be back more often..with the kiddies.. sayang naman kasi.
Anna Lyn…yes i know, haven’t been in touch for so long. Catch up on each other soon. Thanks for visiting:)
Hi Ajay , so good to read your posts , always fun and informative .Would love your new blog site , and to hear from you soon .
Thanks Mark. Am glad the posts are informative for foreigners like you who love the Philippines:)
I want to go back to Leyte too! Ang sarap kasi matulog malapit sa dagat.
I’ve spent two weeks in Southern Leyte as well, but wasn’t aware of Padre Burgos (T_T). I’ll ask my Aunties about the place next time.
I was wondering whether you’ve been to the famous “Hanginan?” I want to trek the said place again someday with my future hubby, hehe.
my hometown