As you know, the Philippines only has 2 seasons-dry and wet. And by dry season, we mean Summer. Usually, it begins by the month of March and ends by May. It's the most awaited season of the year,mostly by students because it  signals the end of the school year and the start of summer get-aways and adventure. For young professionals like me, I look forward to relatives from abroad or other cities going home, whom I only get to see this time of the year. 

This year, my cousins living in urban cities are itching to go to the beach. Since most of them are into posting photos on instagram or facebook, I decided to bring them to the picturesque Canigao Island in Matalom Leyte. 

Canigao is an islet located in the Philippines, near the municipality of Matalom, Leyte. The area is known for abundant fishing grounds and scenic coral reef areas suitable for diving.

It's similar to other islands found in other areas of the Philippine islands only that it's uninhabited, featuring a lighthouse as it's only significant man-made structure. The beaches have white sand, with sea creatures and extensive coral reef in the surrounding waters making it suitable for scuba divers. The crystal clear blue water and powdery sand of Canigao Island attracts more and more tourists each year.

It took us less than an hour to travel by multi-cab, from my hometown (Maasin City) to Matalom, Leyte. For commuters, there are several buses going to Matalom. A one way ride  will cost you around Php 50.00.

This hidden gem is accessible only via pump boat. We were made to wear orange life vests of course for safety purposes. I'll be updating this blog and will post the fees for the pumpboat ride.

The sky was a bit gloomy when our pumpboat sailed. Thank God, It didn't rain!

Beach-goers enjoying the clear blue waters basking in the heat of Mr. Sun

Another tourist watching the island while waiting patiently to arrive.

Hi there! It's me wearing a blue (swim)suit. My favorite color:)

PS: By the way, I failed to mention that fresh sea foods are also available at an affordable price (I forgot to take pictures of it). If you're a seafood gastronome like me, then it's definitely the place to be.

Love, 

Dear Diary,

I've been dreaming of being able to experience living in a luxurious 5-star hotel all my life! Finally, I was able to stay for 3 days and 2 nights in Shangri-La's Mactan Resort and Spa with my cousins and my sister. Luckily, we stayed in one of its private and exclusive suite the Ocean Wing Room.

It was a dream come true moment for me because I don't get to stay in a paradise-like place always. The scenery was amazing and to describe it as beautiful is an understatement. Here are some photos I took using my phone camera. Please bear with the quality of the photos guys. Maybe I'll be able to share better photos when I'd have a better camera next time.

This is me trying to make a souvenir/remembrance of my stay in Shangrila

Jet-skis are available for adventure seekers

A birds-eye view photo of the place using my iphone

A panoramic view of the beach Beach umbrellas and beach chairs distributed in every corner where you can freely lounge and relax Tropical flowers and plants everywhere This is just a preview of the unforgettable experiences I had in my 3-day stay in Shangrila-Mactan Resort and Spa and there's surely more to come!  Love, The Probinsyana

My family decided to have a family outing. It was one rare occasion and we had to make the most out of it. We decided to spend it in Cacao Mountain Resort. Aside from being accessible, the amenities and ambiance of the place made it suitable for a family gathering. It had 2 swimming pools. There was a water fall nearby that supplied water for both the adult sized pool and the children's pool. The weather made it even more relaxing and laid-back. We can't help but enjoy the scenery - - -luscious green trees, refreshingly cool water and tall mountains surrounding the resort.

The highlight, of course, is this waterfall and this is us simply having fun with it:

It's nice to spend time with your loved ones and bond with them. Family has always been my priority ever since and they mean the whole world to me.

(P.S. I hope the resort will offer a variety of food and drinks so that guests can readily order some dishes. It's something that they lack, which for me is a really important service a resort should  have. It's also a great way to attract gastronome visitors. )

Love,

The Probinsyana

Love,

The probinsyana