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Tsinelas Detour, Borongan (2026)

11/10/2025

A Grounding Insight

The magic of a Cappadocia morning is hailed as a moment of a lifetime. Yet in October 2024, when I finally stood beneath that sky, it wasn't the ethereal beauty that took my breath away, nor the transcendental sight of a hundred balloons ascending.

What truly touched me was a simple, profound lesson—a whisper that would forever change the way I looked at life.

An Uncertain Excitement

The heart of any Cappadocia journey beats fastest at dawn, waiting for the hot air balloon flight. But the emotional tension begins the night before, a knot of anxiety over capricious winds that so often steal the morning's spectacle. We had arrived to news of cancellations from the previous day, a heavy reminder that our own flight hung in the balance—a decision to be made at the last, cruel minute.

Every traveler went to bed with a thrill mixed with dread. But my own uncertainty was about to be eclipsed by something far more meaningful.

The Unexpected Insight

Before turning in, the final passenger count was taken. To my surprise, my roommate—a man much older than me, his face etched with the quiet joy of a long, happy family life—declared he wouldn't be going.

"I’ve seen it before," he offered, a gentle smile in his voice. "And yes, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You should go."

"But if it's so beautiful," I countered, almost teasingly, "surely it's worth repeating?"

He shook his head. "Once is enough for me. In fact, I didn’t even fly the last time I was here."

"Then let's make the flight this time!" I pressed, suddenly determined.

What followed were the most moving words I have ever heard, a simple declaration that cut through the night's anticipation and landed straight in my soul:

"Doc," he said, his eyes reflecting a deep, unwavering loyalty, "if ever I ride that balloon, it will be the most amazing experience of my lifetime. And I won't do it without my family beside me."

All I could manage was a choked, "Oh… okay."

"But you go," he insisted, his voice warm with genuine encouragement. "It’s a beautiful thing." His words were the last I heard before I closed my eyes, leaving me alone with the echoing truth of his sacrifice.

The Weight of His Choice

"I won't do it without my family beside me."

The simple, powerful line reverberated in my head, tearing into my own careless choices. Forcing myself to sleep was futile; his devotion held me captive. I realized with a shock of guilt that I had never once paused a beautiful moment, never deprived myself of a breathtaking memory, simply because I couldn't share it with those I loved most.

It wasn't just the Cappadocia flight that was now in question. I was suddenly—painfully—questioning the depth of my own values, and how carelessly I had prioritized experiences over people. The thought was heavy, the realization so sharp it brought a sting of tears to my eyes.

Standing on the Ground

I rose before the alarm, silencing its electronic call to avoid waking him. Dresses for the pre-dawn chill, I slipped out into the cold, dark air. At the field, a nervous energy gripped the waiting crowd until, finally, the glorious news arrived: The flights were cleared.

Slowly, magically, the massive canvases began to breathe, illuminated from within by the flames, transforming them into silent, glowing lanterns.

As the morning light broke—a faint, hopeful blush on the horizon—the balloons lifted one by one, their fiery engines painting the dawn sky like colossal, gentle fireflies.

It truly was a magical moment, a spectacle of unmatched wonder.

A Lesson Learned Below

"Let's go!" the driver called out.
I boarded the chase van, driving through the chill of the field, following the ascent of the tiny basket carrying my group. After thirty minutes of this incredible aerial dance, we met them again as they gently touched down. We celebrated with a fine bottle of wine, the air ringing with excited chatter.

"Why didn't you come up?" one of my companions asked, beaming from the exhilaration of his flight.

"Maybe next time," I replied, a true and easy smile now on my face.

"I probably should have joined you down here, actually," he mused.

I simply nodded, a bit dismissively. My heart was full and I already had enough to think about.

15/12/2021

I have long been on the lookout for an interesting plot for a novel, but nothing has caught my fancy so far. Until I started scrutinizing the current line up of our Presidential wannabes. There will probably be no other election richer in back story than the upcoming 2022 Presidential contest. Here is what I got so far (without naming the obvious 😎). I am still trying to figure out a police hero (or villain?) and he is also turning out to be an interesting story as well. Which plot do you think will sell? Which plot do you want to flourish into a full length novel? 😀

1.) Born to abject poverty, he was toughened by rough life in the streets of Manila. His survivor instincts found a niche in the fight world where his boxing skills propelled him to worldwide fame and greatness. Success followed him everywhere since, making him one of the most famous Filipinos of all time. As he seeks the Presidency, he stands on the threshold of his biggest dream - leading his people out of poverty. But inside the scheming world of politics where betrayal and exploitation is the norm, will he be exposed for his naivete and greed? Or will he live up to the promise of being a man of destiny?

2.) A real life rags-to-riches story of a former matinee idol captivates the imagination of a people always in search for a superhero. With his movie star good looks and charismatic street smart persona, he smoothly transitions into one of the country's local political wonder boys. Riding on the magic of a breathtaking overhaul of the nation's capital as its Mayor, he now looks to bring his acts to the biggest stage of them all - the Philippine presidency. Is his show business savvy enough to conquer the equally unreal world of Philippine politics? Or is he pushing his luck too soon?

3.) An unassuming widow lawyer is unexpectedly cast into the limelight after she enters local politics following her much admired husband's death in a suspicious plane crash. She quietly makes a name for herself and rises to be an influential force within her own ruling political party. Following 2 devastating election losses however, their party is decimated and falls from grace. She emerges to be the last woman standing. The moribund party pins their last hope of political survival on her. But is also proving to be the heaviest baggage that is weighing her candidacy down. Will they let her lead them back up to prominence? Or will they drag her down with them?

4.) A scion of a disgraced powerful family comes home after they were driven out of power and forced into exile. He returns to find a remaining strong base of loyal followers despite allegations of mind blowing corruption and widespread abuses during the family's rule. Even with the massive and virulent movement against him and his family's return, he emerges unscathed and the Presidency - and a return of the family to power - is within his reach. Will he chart a new course for the country or revive a dark chapter of our past?

31/05/2021

Makati Island : An Old Favorite's Renaissance

For the longest time, the locals of the municipalities of Sulat, Taft and Can-avid in Eastern Samar, have had an island hideaway all to themselves. Little-known outside of their circle, Makati Island has stood out as a local favorite - an easy escape for daytrips and overnight outings for the residents of the nearby towns.Yet, townsfolk may just now be realizing that their playground is a treasure beyond their imagination. Because surely, this good old happy place is going through its own renaissance, seeing a soaring number of visitors lately. And this time, many of the island's guests come from way beyond the borders of the three towns.

Makati Island is just one of the 4 islets off the shores of Sulat. The biggest and well-known is San Vicente or Catalab-an, with its most prominent resident being the governor of the province. Anajao and Makalayo - the 2 other islets - are also local excursion destinations. None however has the growing number of visitors of Makati, which is slowly gaining a foothold on the distinction of being Eastern Samar's foremost water adventure and party island. Well, maybe next to the Sulangan - Calicoan paradise down South.

The whole of Makati Island is ringed by a white sand beach. Some reef and corals dot the island's shoreline. A lush greenery of palms and indigenous trees line the beachfront and the island's interior. The side facing mainland Eastern Samar has a lovely beach ideal for swimming and water sports. The Pacific Ocean side is a haven for surfers with its curling waves and exciting breaks. Makati Island sure has something to offer whatever one's island fancy might be.

And it just got an upgrade. Big time.

The most noticeable improvement is in the cleanliness and upkeep of the island. The Sulat LGU have had multiple citations for outstanding governance and they have got an Exhibit A with Makati island. A darn good job done here! It will be a big challenge to sustain especially with the steadily growing crowd of visitors going to the island. But hey, they got it off the ground! They sure can keep it going well.

And then there's Ohana.

Ohana Beach Resort recently opened its doors to the public. The beach resort takes its name from the Hawaiian word which translates to "family". And living true to its name, Ohana has something in store for everyone in the family, young and old alike. Rebuilding on what used to be a private beach house, Ohana has redefined the Makati Island experience with its offering of water adventure rides. Kayaks, paddle boards and fun inflatables are available for those who love to frolick by the seashore. Jetski and speedboat rides are sure to pump up the adrenaline of the more adventurous ones. And the super thrilling banana boat rides have left vacationers asking for more. Surfing has always been one of the main draws of the island with the massive Pacific waves on the island's east side. Surfing lessons are also taught by certified surfing veterans. Trekking on the trails that criscrosses through the fairly dense and untouched inland vegetation is another natural treat.

One can also take it slow and easy here. A lazy walk on the beach around the island, the tides splashing on your steps, with the warm sunset backdrop, is a scene you'll find only in the movies. With some luck, one might spot some dolphins playing off the shore, as some locals report to have witnessed. Or you can just choose to roll out a mat or tie up a hammock under the shade of the palm trees, enjoy the cool breeze and the soothing sound of splashing waves. There is no electricity in the island and Ohana is lighted by solar-powered lamps which turn off at around 10pm. So pitch your tents and get ready for an stargazing experience unlike any other. You can also opt to go the traditional way of enjoying Makati island. Gather around a bonfire, savor the company, sing to a guitar and drink the night away.

With Ohana Beach Resort, Makati island adventure is on an entirely different level. You can come here and do nothing. Or do everything. Either way, you are assured to have a grand leisurely time! It had been warmly embraced by locals ever since, and with Ohana, the hug just got tighter! No wonder, Makati island adventurers are fastly growing into one big Ohana of loyal guests.

The possibilities for Makati Island and its Ohana is limitless. Snorkelling and diving can open a lot more spaces to explore. Island hopping trips on motorized outrigger pumpboats spells tons more of adventure fun. Open sea and shore fishing can draw its own crowd. ATV and trail biking promises a different level of excitement.

Yet still, many Makati Island oldtimers turn sentimental and would want to keep some things unchanged. Tsinelas Detour for one, wishes to keep the island off the electrical grid. There's just something novel and personal about off-grid nights by the beach. Its just so Makati Island. So Ohana. Unlike anywhere else.

10/05/2021

Pangi ka ba?
Kasi parang ikaw ang susunod na falls move ko! 😂

📷 Huplag Adventure 🎨 TD

07/05/2021

Home-cooked happiness! 😉🤙

06/05/2021

Good morning! Magandang umaga! Maayong buntag! Maupay nga aga! 🖖

03/05/2021

Freshness galore!
The freshest ingredients transform the usual fares into super exciting gustatory treats!
Here, backyard banana harvest touched by passionate homecooking magically turns into a mouthwatering local delicacy! Such fun bites abound wherever your Eastern Samar adventure takes you!

02/05/2021

LALAWIGAN: A Beach Whose Time Has Come Lalawigan Borongan City Eastern Samar

Ask any homegrown Boronganon from Sawang for an unforgettable beach story, and many times you'll be told a tale that happened in the sandy shores of Cabong. From sentimental Easter Sunday family reunions to loud and rowdy barkada outings to secret nighttime trysts, Cabong beach, at one time or another, hosted not a few memorable occassions in almost every Boronganon's beach life. And being the oceanside islanders that we are, that says a lot. We surely know a good beach when we see one.

This comes as no surprise though as it was really easy to fall in love with Cabong; its' salty breeze aided by the shade from towering palm trees, soothing the warm heat of the tropical sun, rolling waves gently breaking on a sprawling shore of fine brown-black sand, a low sloping beach where getting to swimming depth takes quite a stroll on the gradually deepening waters. This was beach heaven that wiped our time and cares away! Hours passed unnoticed in this paradise and before you knew it, a colorful glowing sunset reflected on a still afternoon sea, yields a relaxing day to an even more refreshing evening.

Indeed, life then was a beach. And that beach was Cabong.

But sadly, not anymore.

To some, Cabong beach will always be beautiful home. But the Cabong that many knew, had already been washed out by rising tides and eaten away by crushing waves endlessly slamming on its now almost non-existent shore. It hurts but the Cabong beach that was so loved by all is no more. Feels like nature took back a jewel we couldn't adequately care for.

Well, long live the new queen!

With Cabong's passing as Borongan's queen beach, several beachfront improvements have sprouted along Borongan's seemingly unending coastline. All are laying claim to Cabong's crown but none comes closer to the throne than Lalawigan.

Located just several hundred meters south of Cabong, with only a stretch of reef and corals between the two, Lalawigan has many of Cabong's well loved attributes. The sprawling beachfront that made many fall in love with Cabong is just as lovely on the Lalawigan side. Its own gently sloping shore is just as inviting but with submerged corals dotting the beach floor, one can't be as carefree as one was on Cabong's smooth sands. It is not a deal breaker though as the reef and corals bring a different dimension to the Lalawigan beach. Lalawigan's shoreline is better protected from the violent Pacific waves which probably spares it from losing much of its beachfront like Cabong did. And the tidal puddles and little pools during low tide are nice added treat especially for kids. A portion of Lalawigan's coastline is also well-loved by local surfers who are captivated by the awesome swells of Pacific waves. Come with a guitar, a gallon of tuba and grill a freshly caught tuna and you'll be teleported back in time. Add the gradually enlarging crowd of local patrons and the fun and spirit that made Cabong a legend is reborn.

There'll never be another Cabong beach especially for a generation that grew old with it. But for a thousand and one reasons, the Lalawigan beach brings back old Cabong memories all over again but with a distinctively Lalawigan flavor. Which leaves no doubt, this beach's time has come.

So what's your local beach story? Buy me a tuba and we'll drink to that.

02/05/2021

GOVERNOR JUAN SULSE PARK - A Welcoming Tribute

Eastern Samar, located far in the country's eastern seaboard, is one hard to reach province. Getting here can be intimidating especially for the uninitiated. Still, a trip to Eastern Samar, especially one passing thru its' midnorthern corridor is literally and figuratively, a breath of fresh air. The route , which is the usual way taken by travellers from Luzon and the northern parts of Samar island, weaves thru the lush greeneries of the Samar Island Natural Park (SINP). With sceneries of unspoilt natural wonders and laid back rural life dotting the way, the travel itself is a refreshing adventure. Descending down the mountains of the SINP thru the long and winding national highway, traversing one of -if not - the largest remaining contiguous forest cover in the Philippines is definitely a roadtrip like no other.

And as the road comes out of the mountains and stretches into the historic town of Taft - Eastern Samar's midnorthern gateway - a befitting warm welcome from the soothing charm of the Governor Juan Sulse Park awaits everyone.

The park is named after the first governor from the Eastern part of Samar Island, when the whole island was still one province. With a garden theme and modern minimalist undertones, the park evokes a unique mixture of sentimental vibes and present day belongingness. Indeed a fitting tribute to one of the greatest Eastern Samareños.

The uplift of the park was one of the first projects of the town's current Mayor, Gina Alzate Ty, who herself is related by affinity to the lineage of the late great Governor Sulse. Completing the project not long after she assumed office, Mayor Ty set the tone for Taft's own adaptation of the "Build, build, build" initiative. Truly, the current infrastructure boom in this municipality is unprecedented. With the unwavering support of the Governor and the provincial government, the Eastern Samar congresswoman, the Vice Mayor and municipal council of Taft, Mayor Ty is slowly but surely realizing the vision of the municipality as the grand gateway of exhilarating Eastern Samar.

Tsinelas Detour

11/10/2025

15/12/2021

31/05/2021

10/05/2021

07/05/2021

06/05/2021

03/05/2021

02/05/2021

02/05/2021

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