January 22, 2012 Impromptu Trip to San Jose Island
It was an ordinary Sunday at Surigao City during our weekly travels to the city. Thanks to the Sunday service vehicle provided by the company. The van was about to leave Luneta Park at 12 noon to the next destination. Sir Rommel told us of the surprise news. He gave an invitation for an overnight stay at his brother's house in barangay San Jose, Surigao City. Decisions were made instantly considering that the following day January 22, 2012 in celebration of Chinese New Year was declared a national holiday. Mario, Mark Ian and I immediately went down the vehicle with no second thoughts. We then went to buy some clothes and toiletries to be used for the trip.
San Jose is located on an island east of Surigao City. From Google Map, check out it's proximity. A small boat came to fetch us by 1PM somewhere near the city ports. Sir Rommel told us that it was the barangays fiesta bisperas.
We passed through some islands, mangrove planted shorelines, and some fish cages. Along the trip, there were whirlpools that can be dangerous. We arrive safely at San Jose port after 1hr of sea voyage. From there, Sir Rommel's mom was excitedly waiting for his return to his hometown with us as guests.
We were treated to different sorts of menu ranging from fish and pork menus. After eating, we went to check around the area. There were peryas and shops selling various kinds of good. The nephew of Sir Rommel then took us to this hill with the words Punta Baluarte on its maroon colored arch.
We were treated to different sorts of menu ranging from fish and pork menus. After eating, we went to check around the area. There were peryas and shops selling various kinds of good. The nephew of Sir Rommel then took us to this hill with the words Punta Baluarte on its maroon colored arch.
With just a camera phone in my hand, I manage to take some photos of the place. There's this castle like structure on top of the hill. There was a written marking indicating that the place used to be Spanish watch tower. View from the top was amazing.
A walk around the small and quiet community will not let anyone get lost. There were a few houses making everyone knew each other. They knew who are the visitors of their place. I managed to take an enlarge map from Google Earth.
Notice the extension to the sea. We saw that earlier upon nearing the island during our arrival. We then check it and found cottages built into the shallow waters. After checking, we went back to our guest's house to change for swimming. We came back with a case of cold beer and pulutan.
The sun set in the western sky and our only light was from the moon above. We decided to head back since tide is already rising. Time check 7PM. Life was so simple on the island. The only problem was poor cellphone signal. We had to go out of the house or stay at the veranda for stronger signal. To give Sir Rommel a family time, Mario, Mark Ian and I went to port side to stargaze and feel the serenity of the atmosphere. That was just an excuse since we have to check our text inboxes. We went back around 830PM.
January 23, 2012 The Ride Back Home
We woke up early today to swim near the beach cottages. We got back by 10AM ashore and bathe in fresh water in the streets fronting our guest's house. That's something rather first again in my timeline. I grew up also in the province but taking a bath in the streets? Haha. By 2PM, we bade farewell and got on this small boat. We passed by several islands again going to Placer town. From the Placer port, we rode a tricycle to the highway and waited for the bus bound to Tandag. The bus came but stopped a few meters letting us run after it. It seemed like a famous scene in a Korean series. Haha. We arrived at Taganito before sundown. So what it's like to be at San Jose? Priceless experience.
"Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail."- Ralph Waldo Emerson