San Jose – The Travel Teller

Mystical Islands. Two simple words often coined to describe the Province of Dinagat Islands. Many consider it mysterious. Some believe it magical. While others think it has healing powers. But I wasn’t there to uncover its mysteries. That was not my purpose. I traveled to Dinagat Islands to see and discover the many spectacular natural wonders that I’ve heard from other people. But this journey to Dinagat Islands does not only let me discover its natural splendors but it also allow me to understand why they often call Dinagat, Mystical Islands.

: A Breathtaking Sunset View of Dinagat Island

On my first day that I was there, I chanced to ask my host Mr. Danilo Bulabos, the Provincial Tourism Officer of Dinagat Islands why the whole Province is called Dinagat Islands. He looked at me and started saying, “Only those who doesn’t fear to come to Dinagat Islands can understand fully the Legend of the Islands. Only those whose hearts are pure and those who come to see Dinagat Island as gift of nature to behold can only see the proofs of the Legend.” I began wondering what he meant until I realized I was slowly drowned listening to his story about The Legend of Dinagat Islands.

The serene view of Dinagat Islands during Sunset

Once upon a time in a faraway land, there existed two different tribes that lived in fierce rivalry. The chieftain of each tribe was known to be fearless and proud. The chieftain of the first tribe had a handsome son named Prinsipe Gat, a pure and strong warrior while the rival chief had a beautiful daughter named Prinsesa Dina, an admirable virtuous lady, so unceasingly gorgeous to behold. In spite of their tribe’s feud, Dina and Gat fell in love with each other. Because of their father’s rivalry, they chose to keep their affair in secret. But rumors spread around the two tribes. Soon, both chieftains learned about their secret affair and forbid them to see each other. And like other romantic stories, their enduring love would conquer all obstacles. Dina and Gat chose to fight for their perpetual love and decided to escape from their own tribes. They fled far across the miles and sailed the oceans until they reached a secluded Island Paradise. Here, Dina and Gat lived as husband and wife and together built the family of their own.

The Island had been a good provider to the couple. It gave them shelter. It gave them food. In returned, Dina and Gat nurtured and fostered the Island as their own. They nourished and cultivated the Island they considered a paradise and vowed to protect it for their children and their children’s children.

One day, a fleet of foreign ships carrying armies of hundred intruders were seen coming to the Islands. Seeing the multitude of intruders, Dina and Gat were frightened they cannot fight such huge armies of enemies. They were scared they cannot protect the Island they considered their home paradise. But because of their love for their children and the Islands, they ran to the seas and dove and swam the deep blue waters of the Island. They dove deeper and deeper until both disappeared. Few days passed by, a separate bulge of two Islets sprouted in the middle of the waters where the couple was last seen. The two islets appeared so mystical it formed like giant humans laying down to rest. It became incredibly visible that it was believed to be the remnants of Dina and Gat, the protectors of the Islands and its children.

Babaeng Bukid, believed to be Prinsesa Dina

The first islet was called Lalakeng Bukid and the other was called Babaeng Bukid. And from then on, the whole Island was called DINAGAT, named after the Prinsesa Dina and Prinsipe Gat. Today, people of Dinagat Islands believed that the couple are still guiding and protecting them through presence of the Lalakeng Bukid and Babaeng Bukid. That is the reason why the people of Dinagat Islands manage to survive and endure the tests of time.

Lalakeng Bukid, believed to be Prinsipe Gat

After his exciting narration of the Legend of Dinagat Islands, Mr. Bulabos asked me to indentify which among the many islands in Dinagat is said to be Lalakeng Bukid and Babaeng Bukid. He repeated, “Only those men whose hearts are pure and those who come to see Dinagat Island as gift of nature to behold can see the proofs of the Legend”. So then I looked around meticulously searching for the two significant distinctive figures. And then I pointed my fingers to an Islet nearby and then to another Island. Mr. Bulabos gave me an approving smile and said, “You have a good heart and the Islands loves you”. I smiled back. I was right. It wasn’t a guess. When my eyes laid to those two figures, it knew they were Lalakeng Bukid and Babaeng Bukid. It was overwhelming to know that I was right.

Some of the untouched Islands of Dinagat

That was the Legend of Dinagat Island. A tale that merely proves that indeed Dinagat Islands is a “Mystical Island Province… of Love”.

This Blogger worshiping the beauty of Dinagat Islands

This is the eighth part of “EXPLORING CARAGA REGION: The Travel Series”

After having an astounding island exploration at the Bucas Grande Islands, my journey to the Caraga Region continued.

: Lalaking Bukid, Dinagat Islands

Aboard a passenger van, I traveled for almost two hours from Hayanggabon Port in Claver, Surigao Del Norte to Surigao City. Upon arriving at the City bus terminal, I hurriedly took a passenger multi-cab to bring me to the Ferry Port located at The Boulevard. Getting there, I immediately rushed to the location where boats bound to Dinagat Island are stationed. It was 11 in the morning then. Luckily, the boat was scheduled to leave at 2 o’clock in the afternoon. That was the only boat servicing Surigao City and Dinagat Islands on Sundays.

: Basilisa, Dinagat Islands

A week before I planned this trip, fellow traveler Dr. Emilio Dela Rosa introduced me to Mr. Danilo Bulabos, the Provincial Tourism Officer of the Dinagat Islands. Mr. Bulabos also manages Bahay Turista Mini Chalet, a province-owned chalet considered to be the best place to stay while in the Island Province. Mr. Bulabos will be my official tour guide/host for my entire stay and adventure in the mystical Dinagat Province. That day, Mr. Bulabos was at Surigao City. So we decided to meet at one place and together we headed to our boat. Shortly, the boat started to sail going to our main destination, the Municipality of San Jose, capital town of Dinagat Islands.
The boat trip from Surigao City to San Jose was about an hour and a half passing across the famed Surigao Strait. Dinagat Islands lies on the south side of Leyte Gulf. Leyte is to its west, across Surigao Strait, Mindanao is to its south and Pacific Ocean is to its east. Looking at the vastness of waters of the province, Dinagat Islands is composed of hundreds of breathtaking Islands and Islets waiting to be discovered and explored by travelers like me.

: The view of the Islander’s Castle from the Boat

Entering the waters of Dinagat Islands, Mr. Bulabos started to tell me about the many interesting facts about the province of Dinagat Islands. From him I learned that Dinagat Islands had been a part of the First District of Surigao del Norte Province until becoming an independent province on December 2, 2006. The Province of Dinagat Islands is composed of seven municipalities namely Dinagat, Loreto, Cagdianao, Libjo (Albor), Basilisa (Rizal), Tubajon and its including the provincial capital, San Jose. Among the seven towns, the Municipality of Dinagat is the oldest community formally established in 1855.

: Nearing the capital town of San Jose, Dinagat Islands

Approaching the town of San Jose, I immediately felt the coastal charm of the Province. There was an innate charisma that the Islands possess and it instantly hit me. Group of different Islands and Islets abound the place. Without me knowing, Mr. Bulabos was observing me keenly. He saw me so amazed at what I saw. So then he said. Dinagat Island is called “The Mystical Island Province of Love”. It is blessed with untouched natural wonders from pristine white sand beaches to unrevealed caves and coves, marvelous bonsai forests to stunning group of islands and islet. These gifts of nature are treasures that the people of Dinagat Islands are taking care of. Their love for the Islands developed protecting and preserving its natural wonders. Some of these wonders are until now still undisclosed. Hearing this from no less than the Tourism Officer of the Province, I can’t help but appreciate its people for their efforts to maintain the exquisite beauty of the Islands.
During our conversation, I honestly told Mr. Bulabos the many negative things I heard about the province. I was truthful about my apprehensions. He said all of them in the Island including himself are aware of these bad publicities. But he assured me that my stay in Dinagat Islands will definitely change my perception about the Island and prove those malicious news are false. Hearing it, I felt relieved.

: The Port of San Jose

Arriving at the Port of San Jose, we headed right away to Bahay Turista Mini Chalet, my official home for two days in Dinagat Islands. Bahay Turista is a very charming Chalet that also serves as a Tourist and Culture Center of the whole province. It showcases different handicrafts, various memorabilia and other tourism-related materials related to the Islands.

: This Blogger at Bahay Turista Mini Chalet

: The Facade of Bahay Turista – Tourism and Culture Center of Dinagat Islands

After checking in, Mr. Bulabos took me right away to the must see place in capital town of San Jose, the PBMA Founder’s Shrine. The Province of Dinagat Island is the home of the famed Philippine Benevolent Missionaries Association (PBMA) and the town of San Jose serves as its center. PBMA is a SEC registered, legitimate, non-sectarian, non-profit, humanitarian and a brotherhood organization that came to existence since the early parts of 1960s. It was founded by the late Ruben Ecleo, Sr. its first Supreme President on October 19, 1965. Until today, PBMA is still headed by the Ecleos. The Ecleo’s as well are the political leaders of the Province of Dinagat Islands. The PBMA Founder’s Shrine was a masterpiece created by its members, done out of love and respect for its Supreme President. It is the where the body of the late Ruben Ecleo, Sr. was laid to rest.

: PBMA Founder’s Shrine

: The Shrine where PBMA former Supreme President Ruben Ecleo, Sr was laid to rest.

: Philippine Benevolent Missionaries Association Founder’s Shrine

Another spot in the Province that has become a tourist attraction of its own is the Islander’s Castle that sits atop the hilly portion of San Jose. It is a beautiful mansion owned by Governor Glenda Ecleo. It is not open to visiting public but they allow tourists to take pictures outside the gates of the Castle.

: The Islander’s Castle

: The Islander’s Castle of Governor Glenda Ecleo

Another attention-grabbing landmark is the PBMA President’s House located within the vicinity of the PBMA Founder’s Shrine. It has an interesting wall with carvings of different animals. The carvings on the wall appeared to me like group of different animals parading towards the President’s House. According to Mr. Bulabos, the carvings on the wall have significance to the organization.

: The PBMA President’s House

: Interesting Wall of the President’s House

Came dusk, a very magnificent orangey sunset consumed the whole Islands. From the where I stood, the dazzling color of the setting sun reflected down on the calm waters. It was very dramatic. I couldn’t stop staring the glorious sun gradually setting in front of me.

: Sunset at San Jose, Dinagat Islands

: This Blogger worshiping the stunning sunset of Dinagat Islands

After that quick tour, we headed back to Bahay Turista. On our way back to the Chalet, there are two things I learned that really amazed me about San Jose. Among the seven municipalities of the Province of Dinagat Islands, the capital town of San Jose strictly imposes a “smoking and drinking ban”. It is strictly prohibited on public areas. Smoking and drinking can only be done inside the houses of the residents. Hence, I’d seen no one smoking or drinking the whole time I was there.

: This Blogger with Mr. Danilo Bulabos, the Provincial Tourism Officer of Dinagat Islands.

Back at the Chalet, I immediately prepared my things for the next day’s Dinagat Islands Exploration. From Mr. Bulabos words, the Island Tour will bring me to the pristine white sand beaches, gorgeous rock formations and untouched Islets that truly are Nature’s Gift to the people of Dinagat Island. Those words made me so excited.

This is the seventh part of “EXPLORING CARAGA REGION: The Travel Series”

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Tag: San Jose

THE LEGEND OF DINAGAT ISLANDS

EXPERIENCING SAN JOSE AND THE PROVINCE OF DINAGAT ISLANDS