It was an unforeseen disaster when Super Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) ravaged the Philippines early November 2013. My Cebu Pacific Air cancelled flight to Surigao City is so petty a problem compared to what happened to the cities in the typhoon’s path. It was a storm the world was watching and the rest of the TravelMindanao team felt a portion of its wrath in Surigao City. Everything went to a sudden stop as we weathered the storm, Cebu Pacific Air easily rebooked my flight for Butuan on another date to catch up with the rest of the TravelMindanao team. Circumstances however led us to Cathe Pacific in Cantilan, Surigao del Sur prematurely for a much-needed downtime.
Detour to Surigao del Sur
After flying in to Butuan, I had to make my way to Bad-as, Surigao to meet up with the rest of the group. A van headed to Claver took us then to Hayanggabon Port. We were supposed to visit a resort in Bucas Grande but Typhoon Haiyan also did some damage there as well. Fortunately my companions are flexible enough to changes in travel plans. We decided to head to Cantilan a day ahead. The cottage owner, Cathe Duero of Cathe Pacific, was kind enough to host us ahead of schedule.
Cathe Pacific
A humble two-bedroom cottage resort by the beach with kitchen, wide-open living and dining area and huge fenced ground to run around, Cathe Pacific resort feels like being in a friend’s home. Nothing fancy but has all the necessary basic amenities for enjoying a beach excursion. It was wonderful to have the place on our own, I could imagine this would be ideal for families as well. We prepared our own food, lazed around on some of the benches, do our mandatory laundry, movie nights in the open veranda and more importantly, enjoyed the waves and beach. The sand is black but fine, it’s the surfer’s wave which is a draw in this side of the coast.
Cantilan Town
A coastal town with rural simplicity. What I really like is the town plaza, sporting it’s world war jet plane high up on a pedestal. There’s also a cozy coffee shop in a corner when we need a good spot to get 3G internet for online work requirements. The market is small but we found it sufficient enough when buying supplies and ingredients for our meals.
It was kind of a slow start of a leg for me when I joined the group but it was a productive downtime after the group got stuck with Typhoon Haiyan in Surigao City. It was fun watching my companions play with the waves or the sand, dinner time felt like we’re one big happy family, sharing chores and laughs. The movie nights kept us entertained. But it seems the group was a storm magnet as another tropical depression was coming close. We made another decision to move out earlier and avoid the storm. Down south we go to Agusan del Sur after 3 nights of stay.
Essential Info
Cathe Pacific – Cottage by the Beach
Bay – Bay Uno, 8317 Cantilan, Surigao del Sur
mobile: 0916 787 2904
FB Page: CathePacific
Many thanks to Cebu Pacific Air, a personal sponsor for flying me to Mindanao. Follow our #TravelMindanao stories at www.travelmindanao.org and FB page TravelMindanow
Ferdz Decena is an award-winning travel photographer, writer and blogger. His works has found print in publications such as Singapore Airlines’s Silver Kris, Philippine Airlines’ Mabuhay, Cebu Pacific’s Smile and Seair InFlight. He has also lent his expertise to various organizations like the Oceana Philippines, Lopez Group Foundation, Save the Children and World Vision, contributing quality images for their marketing materials.
