Unwind Magazine

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Relaxing stories for your soul

HUGE WONDERSOF A LITTLE ISLAND

False or Falls

Untold secrets of Hagimit

falls revealed

Vice Mayor Amit’s struggle for success

The underdogon top

[ ON THE COVER ]

MODEL FLYN BAGAANPHOTOGRAPHY HERNEl TOCMOSTYLING CARREN LAPINEDMAKE-UP APRIL ACADEMIAASSISTED BY SHAIRA GULTIANO CARREN LAPINEDHAIR SHAIRA GULTIANOLOCATION HAGIMIT FALLS PUNTA DEL SOLSPECIAL THANKS ARJAY DELFIN

Flyn Bagaan is neither too white

nor too dark, just perfectly tanned

for the island’s beautiful view to

soothe your eyes.

Flyn’s make-up was inspired by

the folklores of Hagimit falls and

the beautiful beach of Punta del

Sol.

Editor-in-Chief EJ Fernandez

Associate Editor Ruji Peter AbatLayout Artist Hernel TocmoProduction Manager June OrdanielStaff Writers Ruji Peter Abat

Hernel Tocmo Diana Binsar June Ordaniel

Consultant Ms. Gemima Valderrama-Galang

Photographers Hernel Tocmo Diana BinsarFashion Designer Shaira Joy Gultiano Flordalyn Bagaan

Carren Lou Lapined

Make-up Artist April Joy Academia Carren Lapined Shaira Joy Gultiano

[ EDITOR'S NOTE ]

With the wind on your face and the spray of the sea, you can feel a rejuvenating hush in your soul as if the Island itself is hugging you. Thus the name IGaCoS (Island Garden City of Samal) meaning, “to hug” in Visayan term.

When one is hugged, there is a feeling of being welcome, being at home, and a feeling of being safe around a cradle of protection. This is what Samal is promoting, an Island which have everything, everything that could take your worries away. This is why the government of IGaCoS uses eco-tourism in promoting the island. Unlike tourism which is limited, eco-tourism can let the tourists interact with the community. Because locals are the best tour guides. They can help the tourists so much by showing them the best places to go, what mode of transportation is appropriate, what local delicacies they can indulge their tongues with, and where to spend their night if one day is not enough. But still the question tourists asked the most remain, “where is the city?” Former Mayor Jose Antalan would often answer in a joke, when asked this question, that the city is in their hearts. The truth is, Samal is “an urban center within a rural setting”, because the city government doesn’t approve projects which can pollute the very healthy environment. Also, they don’t allow buildings to be taller than the tallest trees of Samal. This method preserves the looming trees like the century old Balete trees, and the virgin forests. Yes, this is one of the reasons for the word “Garden” in the city’s name. But according to divers who have seen jaw-dropping scenes of the life beneath the surface, the garden is under the sea. With 7 wonderful dive spots, Samal is composed of 73 species of corals. So what are you waiting for? Take a time out from your fast paced, stressful urban life. 118 km of coastline, 9 islets, caves, waterfalls, and 32 resorts, awaits you in Samal. A visit in Samal can make you forget about your worries and your strife. Then just bask under the sun, experience the island, let it hug you and just hug it back.

EJ

[ EDITOR'S NOTE ]

Let IGaCos hug you

EJ FernandezEditor-in-Chief

Editor-in-Chief EJ Fernandez

[ BEHIND THE SCENES ]

Vice Mayor Amit's struggle for SUCCESS

“PRESS should not be the one who’s just going with the flow. They should be LEADERS.

And LEADERS should be

TRENDSETTERS.”

- Amit

W ho would ever imagine that a jeepney dispatcher would be-come the Vice Mayor of the

vivid island of Samal? Vice Mayor Orly Amit is an ultimate resemblance of a rags-to-riches story. His success was sluggish but after many struggles, he has stood up and he is almost close to the prime of his success. His hardships started when his parents sepa-rated. It was one of the most agonizing experi-ences of his life. But despite the suffering, he was able to cope up with emotional stress. He then studied at the University of Mindanao. There he studied for seven long and difficult years. As he finished his studies, he then faced another struggle. He had a difficulty in finding his own means of income. Job opportunities were very short hand and he was desperate to find mon-

ey. That was when Amit took a job of a jeepney dispatcher.

by Ruji AbatThe underdog on TOP

10 UNWIND / March 2009

It was another hassle in his life that he has to battle. But, it was just a test for him to become the best person that he can be. He was so disappoint-ed of himself because he finished a degree yet he just got a low-paying job. So then he started to make a turn to the better as he redefines himself. He realized that the problem was not in him alone. He saw the mediocrity of the political system through himself. As he saw the problem, he then took the few first steps. He gradually rose to fame as he became popular for public services and to think that he belongs to the lower class of the society. He used the skills that he acquired from being a rover scout. Thus, he built his image through the scout’s motto, “laging handa”. He gradually became popular and he was able to earn more money. Amit then realized that it’s time to become a leader. Orly Amit then ran as Councilor for the 1st district of Samal. Amit was not the candidate who would be so flashy during elections. He kept his campaign as simple as possible since his campaign budget was not that big. The only edge that Amit has against his opponent was his conviction of achieving success through service. But this edge indeed earned him much as he eventually won the elections and took the position of councilor. As he occupied the position, he then started projects for the development of their district. He lived up to his words of “public service is my only business.” Many have been delighted by the services

that Amit gave to the public. Amit’s term as coun-cilor was one of the pivotal stage of Samal’s poli-tics from satisfactory to excellent. He then ran for Vice Mayor and as usual, his campaign was simple. Instead of using cars with megaphones installed, he simply just went around the IGaCoS and simply says “it is not me who needs you, it is you who needs a good politician.” These remarks would then pose a great influence in the election. Eventually, the elec-tion ended with Orly Amit being appointed as the new Vice Mayor of IGaCoS. In his current term, he has been continuing to give his services to the public. He organized the Dynamite Fishing Task Force. This organization was formed solely to maintain and protect the aquatic habitat of Samal from abusive fishers. In the recent press con he explained the reasons why he has risen to this point. He simply advised the press that they should not be the one who’s just going with the flow, they should be leaders. And leaders should be trend-setters. He also wore his rover scout uniform dur-ing the press con because he said that he is ‘laging handa”. He is obviously not yet at the prime of his success. Though he is uncertain if he would run for mayor in the next election, it would be a pleasure if he would be the one who’s handling IGaCos. Indeed, Vice Mayor Orly Amit was one of those underdogs who started with nothing and ended up with almost everything.

Vice Mayor Amit's struggle for SUCCESS by Ruji AbatThe underdog on TOP

Amit faces the Mass Communication stu-dents of Ateneo for the Press Conference with (L-R) Engr. Guillermo Adriatico, Info Officer Noel Daquiag, Araceli Ayuste, Anacleto “Jun” Galez.

UNWIND / March 2009 11

Sanctified with rich natural resources and stunning pic-turesque seascape, the Island

Garden City of Samal is a perfect place for every tourist and beach-lover. Officially rec-ognized as a city on March 07, 1998, Samal has become a competitive metropolis not just in tourism but also in trade and industry. Famous for its white-sand shoreline, many beach resorts sprouted all over the island. In fact, 32 beach resorts are now huddled in Samal, but still, the place remained clean and attractive as it is maintained well by the government and with the help of its resi-dents. Many beaches offer affordable accommoda-tions and room rates, which keep tourists visit regularly. Local and foreign tourists also never forget their warm hospitality among their guests. Although the young city doesn’t want to be contested against the renowned Boracay, Samal’s mag-nificent white-sand beaches can be matched up by any famous resorts in the Philippines. Your 15-minute boat ride from Davao City will surely be worth it because of its priceless attractions and natural sceneries. Tracing back Samal’s history, many tribes from Davao, Jolo, and Basilan such as Mansakas, Mandayas, and Muslims have chosen to settle in the island. Composed of three groups, they were identi-fied into one tribe called the Isama. Their rich history has helped them to be independent from Davao City. Before, only Davaoeños and its neighboring towns come to see and experience the spectacular paradise. Today, the magnificent island is enjoyed not just by the Filipinos, but also by foreign tourists. The Island Garden City of Samal will be gradually known not just in the Philippines, but also be compared to the best beaches in Asia such as Phuket, Manado, Boracay, etc. The tiny city in an island has brought out huge wonders of the Isama tribe, the Monfort Bat Cave which has the largest colony of bats in the whole world, and who forgets their impressive scenic beaches. No matter how small or how young the island, unless it has something impressive and attractive with it, people will keep on coming and appreciate the island taken care by its former residents, the Isama.

by Hernel Tocmo

Calm and Clean Hagimit Falls

Tall coconut trees around Punta del Sol

1.8 million bats reside in the Monfort Bat Cave


What supposed to be just an educational trip became a nostalgic experience with the help of Samal’s scenic view.

There are times when someone comes into your life and changes everything, raises your standards, makes you laugh, and makes

you be the real you. As I positioned myself in the backseat of the bus for our Samal educational trip, I saw my memo-ries flashing all across the scenic view of Samal. Looking back in my life, I can’t help but be grateful of the things that came my way. One instance was a few years ago, when in the midst of my dully dreary life, I met Takao. Reminiscing our friendship makes me melo-dramatic. Just writing this takes me back on that rainy Saturday night when I first met him in person at Paradise Island, along with two of his friends.I met Takao through my best friend. He’s a resident in Babak from childhood but he studied college in Metro Manila. His attention-grabbing smile seems to send off a delicate façade, but behind it, incontest-ably, is one tough guy who is driven towards achiev-ing his goals in life. I was a little bit younger and he has always been a “kuya” to me, always giving me advices on love and on life. During our escapades, we also went to Ma-nipalo Island in Pearl Farm Beach Resort. Our day was full of fun and activities under the scorching heat of the sun. We enjoyed riding the banana boat

and we went swimming in the white sand beach. We love the sea food delicacies especially the “ginisang sugpo” and “ginataang alimango”. All the foods were so great that we can’t resist to eat some more. We savored not only the food but also the moments we shared together. Together with the sound of the crickets that night, our conversations went deeper. Hearing his stories and the sacrifices he had to endure in life for the sake of his family made me admire him more. Where others would have walked away out of humiliation and shame, Takao faced life head high, keeping his morals and principles in tack- a living proof that you can never put a good guy down. In life, sometimes we stand outside, waiting for a door to open, hoping that one day that door will open, let us in and be our friend. I once stood outside until a door opened for me, behind it was not only a friend, but a whole new world, a brotherhood, in the arms of Takao’s warm welcoming samaleno friend-ship. Then I realize, Takao taught me a lot of things, not only in life, but about what truefriendship can be like. He is truly aninspiring Samal guy I will cherish forever.

‘Now I understand why they named the city IGaCos through the warm welcoming hug of a Samalenio’ Jun

gIGaCoS

My bestfriend Junjun

Frolick in the beach of Pearl Farm, from left, my brstfriend Junjun, Takao and me.

Me, my bestfriend Junjun and Takao

by June Ramir Ordaniel


False or

FallsFalse or

by Ruji Abat and EJ Fernandez

FallsThere are folklores told by elders that there are entities not of this world who strides the waters of Hagimit falls. Just like people there are good and bad among them, only, they live in another dimension. But once you disturb them, curse will come upon you. One should not make too much noise and use foul language in the cold waters of the area.Some of these enchanted creatures are already foul, and when you use foul language, it only adds up to it offending them. In the early morning when the water and the falls are virgin for the day, one must splash sprinkles of small amount of water as a symbol of asking permission and respect. One may also make the sign of the cross using the waters from the clear flowing streams to ward away the evil spirits. There was even an incident when a local went in one of Hagimits enchanting underwater caves and never surfaced again. People who guard the place believe that it was because he shot a white monkey who was said to be owned by a “diwata” Visayan term for fairy. Others said it was because he took large white shrimps and did not ask permission from the water elemental spirits. A story also tells that one man saw a large shadow looming outside the doorstep of his house then he smelled the foul stench of mud. They say it was a “capre”, an ogre guarding the earth sur-rounding the waters of Hagimit. There are beliefs that these mythical creatures are guardians of the entire location. They guard to preserve the beauty of the wa-terfalls and the majesty of the forest surrounding it. Even though these are just beliefs and folklores, myths and legends used as bedtime stories passed on generation to generation rooting all the way back to their ancestors, one must give respect, if not to these stories, to the waters, the falls and the entire setting.

Untold secrets ofHagimit falls revealed

by Ruji Abat and EJ Fernandez

MODEL FLYN BAGAANPHOTOGRAPHY HERNEl TOCMOSTYLING CARREN LAPINEDMAKE-UP APRIL ACADEMIAASSISTED BY SHAIRA GULTIANO CARREN LAPINEDHAIR SHAIRA GULTIANOLOCATION HAGIMIT FALLSSPECIAL THANKS ARJAY DELFIN

Untold secrets ofHagimit falls revealed

But if ever these supernatural beings do exists it may be guarding another thing besides the natural wonders of the place. When our crew went there for a photo shoot we no-ticed a tent and a tent-like figure which seem to be covering up something. At first glance they seem to be campers lazing away the afternoon under the trees of Hagimit falls. Then a man approached us, he did not give us his real name only his alias, “Dodong Flarida”. Dodong told us what they were really up to. We were surprised that in fact they were treasure hunters searching for a treasure hidden in that location during the Japanese occu-pation. Dodong also said that the Hagimit Falls was actually and underground falls and eventually the cave collapsed thus, exposing the astonishing falls of Hagimit. Their team was headed by Aurelo Sugabo, a licensed treasure hunter who lives nearby in the slopes of Aurora vil-lage. Their guide was a 70 year old man. The locals have said that this guy has touched the treasure himself while his father was hiding it un-der the caves together with a Japanese soldier. When we came, it already has been 4 days since the hunt started and still they haven’t found it. It has been said that the treasure tantamount to a large sum of money. They said that 2 months is already a long span of time before they find that treasure. We don’t know if these folklores and treasures are true. There are things that man can’t explain. Thus, folklores are made. People who have lived to tell these stories have startled many people. That is why folklores seem to be very believable. Sometimes folklores are used to scare children into taking their siesta, go home early, and sometimes to dis-cipline them. It can also be an effective tool to discipline people who visit Hagimit. It will stop people from littering, making loud noises and it can make people respect the place. As for the treasures, there is only one proof and that is if it is already found. Besides, why would the treasure hunt-ers find this treasure if they are already setting their foot on it? They must realize that the real treasure is the Hagimit Falls itself.

The fairy watches over the treasure

I took a bus ride around Samal and despite its remote locality, I found friend-ly people and astonish-ing sceneries. As I looked over the island, I honestly did not ex-pect that much or anticipatefor something so different tocome across. I had read aboutit in the internet (thanks to google), heard it from some fellow Filipinos, and even vis-ited a couple resorts before. But, none of that compares with my incessant Mass Communi-cation trip in Island Garden City of Samal.

After exploring Samal Island, as what many call, I am a curious foreign-er who just can’t help but wonder how on earth is it possible for a very small island to have so many beautiful resorts and gorgeous spots to visit? Observ-ing Samal, I would say that it is not an obvious city for the Philippines’ most luxury ecotourism but in anticipation of its wonderful beaches, I found myself captivated. Unbelievably, I discovered that there are 32 beach resorts built up in this tiny island. Particularly, I really enjoyed my visit to the alluring Fernan-dez Beach Resort, Punta Del Sol Diving Spot, and Marex Villarica Resort. These spots are the perfect summer getaways for everyone especially the beach par-amours. All I can say is, be ready to get tanned. On the following destination, I took the high road to Hagimit Water-fall. This is another terrific stop for the nature lovers. Sensing the fresh breezy air and clear chill water, Hagimit Wa-terfall is a calm and serene place for me to unwind. Moving on, I also visited the Bat Cave where thousand of bats abide in its caves. It is a kind of view that I can not ever observe anywhere else. As an Indonesian coming from Manado City that is known for its eco-tourism as well, I will say that Samal Island can definitely be a huge rival. Indonesia with its richness in culture also possesses numerous exotic wonders. It is just that compared to the Philip-pines, I think the travel expenses involv-ing accommodation, transportation, and food in Indonesia seem to be a bit more costly. To cut my long story short, I’d love to say that Island Garden City of Samal is uniquely the total traveler’s escape. What a tiny island that gave me so much more to explore and experi-ence. The best thing about going here is that I never know what I’m going to see. There are so much more so I let the pictures do the talking. Indeed, it really is my unfor-gettable Samal trip, my perfect Samal getaway.

by Diana Binsar

Fun at Fernandez

The smell was bad but the view was mesmerizing.

The beach is gorgeous at Punta del Sol


Several years since it was acknowledged as a city, the Island Garden City of Samal has become one of the newest tourist destinations in the Philippines. Famous for its white sand beaches, businessmen and investors flocked over the island to put up and compete with other well-known beach resorts in the Philip-pines. Aside from its clean and calm shorelines, the island offers other great places to feast your eyes with their stunning natural wonders.

The best way to get away from stress is by means of relaxation. That’s why this

wonderful paradise in Peñaplata district aims to of-fer pure satisfaction among its customers. A 20-minute boat ride from Sta. Ana wharf is the famous snorkeling site, Punta Del Sol. Abun-dant attractions such as fine white sand beach, cozy rest houses and apartelle, scenic landscaped garden, and their different kinds of underwater species can be found around its surrounding area. For a minimum entrance fee of Php 70.00, you can enjoy their daytour package, while Php 140.00 for an overnight stay. They also offer

One of the closest attractions, Rainbow Breeze Beach Resort is just a five-

minute drive from Babak wharf. It is owned by the former Vice Mayor Austerio “Bebot” Obenza. Its small area still does not count it out from the best resorts in IGaCos since it still offers a very unwind-ing ambiance. Rainbow Breeze Beach Resort offers wallet-safe rates. The entrance fee is just Php 20 and the cottages are very affordable with a rate of Php 150. And for those who want to witness the glowing planktons at night and a comfy sleep with their fam-ily, it would only cost Php 400 for an overnight stay.

Punta del Sol

rooms, apartelles, and function halls in a very affordable price, which ranges from Php 500 – Php 10,000. Total relaxation would never be complete as chilling out and unwind in a perfect paradise called Punta Del Sol.

Rainbow Breeze Beach Resort


One of the most unique resorts in IGa-CoS is the Marex Villarica Resort.

The resort doesn’t only offer clean white-sand beach, since it has also huge beachside fish pond. Marex Villarica Resort is a perfect place for fam-ily leisure and peer activities.You can go fishing in the fish pond and eat what-ever you caught. As soon as you catch fishes, you can give them to the chefs in the restaurant for cooking. You can choose whether it’d be grilled, fried, and many other recipes. The rates in this resort are very accom-modating. With Php 20, you’ll have access to the calming premises of Marex Villarica Resort. The room rates are also cheap with prizes ranging from Php 600 to 1,000.

The home of 1.8 million fruit bats is the world’s largest colony, Monfort Bat Sanctu-

ary. Situated in the heart of Samal Island, the bat cave is the perfect place for nature lovers, biologists, and those who want to have their educational trip. For an entrance fee of only Php 20.00, you can wander around its clean and cozy garden, open-air cot-tage museum, and their impressive bat caves. Bats are known for its strong stinky odor. So, expect to smell millions of stinky bats huddled in four different caves.However, it could gradually change your impression that these creatures also deserve to live and share this planet with them. Bats also seek refuge and need to be cared just like us.

Marex Villarica Resort

Monfort Bat Cave


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