Stories of Places, People and Photography in the Philippines and Beyond
Cansubong Cave Resort is not the only place to visit at the island of Ilin. Not only is it the biggest island in the group but it also has around 5 beaches, several dive spots and an abundance of shells that the local harvest. And near its northern coast is another interesting island detour before we explore another beach.
The southern tip of Mindoro has been under my radar for quite sometime. I have been to the famous Puerto Galera and even reached Sablayan as a jump off to the wonderful reefs of Apo Reef, but I have a nagging curiosity on what’s beyond these places. With a recent photo and writing assignment to San Jose Mindoro, the region’s hidden splendor was unveiled.
The ferry cruised along a channel as we steadily approached Puerto Galera Bay. The afternoon sun was radiating its warm light on a number of parked boats and yachts along the bay, making them appear golden above the cobalt sea. As the light strikes the ocean water, the surface glinted with a playful array of shimmer, dancing along the waves and ripples as our ferry drew closer into Muelle Port. It’s been more than four years since I last stepped foot on the island of Mindoro. The signs of development were everywhere — the port facilities have improved. The colors seem more vivid and alive this time around. It was much beautiful as I remembered. No wonder this bay has been awarded as one of the most beautiful in the world.
There is more to Puerto Galera than its famed White Beach. Just around 15 minutes drive from Muelle Bay Port to Barangay Sto. Niño and going through the inner roads you find a nice scenic beach adjoining the mainland to the Boquete Island just in front. Its a place where you can enjoy both sunset and sunrise in one stretch of beach.
Last October 25, I was assigned to cover the 10th Iraya Kaaldawan Festival in Puerto Galera, Mindoro. The festival is held every year to give honor to the island’s indeginuos people – the Mangyans. I’m sharing here b-side images that didn’t make it to the publication which will come out (hopefully) sometime soon this month and is ok to share.
It’s been years since I last stepped foot in the island of Mindoro. I remember the rough roads going to Sablayan just to visit the remote islands of Pandan and Apo Reef in Occidental Mindoro. The impressive reefs and underwater life of La Laguna beach in Oriental Mindoro. I found myself on a photo assignment recently back in Mindoro and discovered that there is more to Puerto Galera than its White Beach (which I still haven’t been to).
