Food historians said that the truly Filipino food devoid of any foreign influences is the kilawin (kilaw or kinilaw) where the food is not actually cooked but soaked in vinegar and spices. It's also the local food particularly liked by Tutubi's friends from France that they intend to duplicate at home later.

Nope, this is not the actual Kinilaw Festival celebrated annually on October 2 in Surigao City. This is the "fiesta" prepared by Tutubi's friends from Cantilan while in Inijakan: a kilawin feast with the freshest ingredients

Tutubi just watched as his friends took out the goodies they bought from Cantilan public market and the others gathered fresh seaweed, called lato, also to make kinilaw, the almost equivalent of the ceviche of central and south America, which uses lemon instead of vinegar.

the freshest ingredients of a kilawin recipe: onions, ginger, garlic, bell pepper and chili pepper. In some parts of Mindanao, coconut milk is added to the recipe

freshly-caught fish kilawin

freshly-gathered seaweed, locally called lato. You eat it by dunking the green thing in spiced vinegar

Now, what are the secrets of the best kilawin recipe? The best way "how to make Kilawin" is to use the freshest ingredients, the right vinegar that's not too sour (tip: don't use commercially available vinegar, try the local ones), prepare it fresh, consume immediately (don't let it stand for more than an hour, and lastly, prepare it with love!

tags:
how to make kilawin, how to prepare kilawin, kinilaw preparation, kinilaw recipe, kilaw ingredients, how to make kinilaw, how to cook kilawin

Labels: Caraga, Filipino Cuisine, Filipino Food, Surigao del Sur

A small island off the coast of Cantilan, Surigao del Sur is gifted with a short yet stunning stretch of fine white sand beach visited by Tutubi on the way back to Cantilan town proper from Inijakan on General Island. In fact, Tutubi was so mesmerized by the beauty of the place that he took an unplanned dip for an hour in the water just to enjoy the place rather than be content with merely taking pictures.

the fine white sand beach of Casarica Island with Huyamao Island in the background





The very clear and greenish blue water beckons all to take a dip and no presence of dangerous under current, water depth is still shallow after a few tens of meters and waves are just splashes (you don't expect large waves here even if the island is facing the Pacfic Ocean since the white sand beach part is not facing the deep blue sea but the coastline of Surigao del Sur)

There are "ruins" of an altar/grotto (trying to mimic Willy's Rock of Boracay?) and a toilet. The local government of Cantilan once tried to charge visitors to the island but was discontinued.


How to get there:

mere ten minutes boat ride from Cantilan town by boat. ou can rent boats for PhP1500.00 good for island hopping to several islands including Ayoke Island, general Island, Humayao Island and Casarica Island.

Labels: Caraga, Island-Hopping, Surigao del Sur

Wherever Tutubi goes, he looks for something new, something different that a place can offer to visitors, tourists and explorers. He laments though that most of the time, most locals don't know the answer but he plods on searching for new "discoveries." In Surigao, he asked around for surigao delicacies, kakanin or unique food and got one good answer: the sayongsong.

The sayongsong, as it turned out, is a kakanin wrapped in banana leaves with looks and consistency similar to puto (rice cakes), it's made in Surigao (and some parts of Caraga region) from glutinous rice, calamansi juice, brown sugar, roasted peanut, as well as coconut milk.

sayongsong: it's like puto with cononut milk wrapped in banana leaves.

Tutubi was able to sample sayongsong when his friend bought a bunch for him to sample, reportedly costing P20 (such cheap price for a filling bunch). You can't find this pasalubong in Surigao Airport, just look for it at roadside stalls and public markets.

Labels: Caraga, Pasalubong, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur

Inijakan Island or simply Inijakan, part of General Island in Cantilan, Surigao del Sur is a private resort and refuge of the true hero of EDSA-- Gen. Charles Hotchkiss (who was then a major when he defied then President Ferdinand Marcos' orders to attack the rebels holed up in the military camps during EDSA People Power revolution).

Tutubi was able to gain entrance to the private property built out of a cove on Inijakan Island (or General Island) through an employee of Cantilan Bank. He was able to spend several hours, ate a full meal mostly of kilawin and grilled fish, before hurrying back to Cantilan town proper before dark.

the wharf of Inijakan closely guarded by a dog


A breakwater or seawall was built to close the cove to prevent fishes inside from going out of the sea. Fishes reportedly seen were barracudas (supposed to be deep water predators), small flying fishes, lobsters and even the expensive and endangered mameng (napoleon wrasse). Lush forest lines the shore with wild plants, monkeys (philippine macaques), trees and birds can be seen flying around.

a racing boat parked at the green lagoon of Inijakan.


a seaweed farm that surprisingly grows lato, perfect for super-fresh seaweed salad or kilawin lato

many corals can be seen without getting wet but signs of dying and coral bleaching are visible. The man-made seawall that prevents water and waves from reaching them may have contributed to the death of corals.

the view from the highest part of Inijakan, where a chapel stands. There supposed to be a beautiful Ayoke Island nearby but was not able to visit by Tutubi. He wanted to see and taste a kolo fruit there

Also located on General Island is the reportedly enchanted Lake Danao where the tide is opposite that of the sea i.e. high tide when the sea is low tide and vice versa. A few minutes trek is needed to reach the lake but again, due to lack of time and clothes, was not even attempted by Tutubi.

As mentioned earlier, this is a private resort/hideaway of the Hotchkiss family of Cantilan but it's open to daytrippers, particularly wedding pictorials (prenups) for engaged couples. Tutubi has no information on contact numbers and rates though but you can try asking from people of Cantilan.

Location: General Island, Cantilan, Surigao del Sur (Northwestern Mindanao)
Coordinates: N9 24 50.3 E126 00 43.4

Labels: Caraga, Islands, Surigao del Sur

The last remaining hours of Tutubi's trip to Surigao del Sur was spend island-hopping to nearby islands of Huyamao, Casarica, Ayoke, Inijakan and General Island.

A quiet beach of fine brown sand in Carrascal town, adjacent to Cantilan became launch site of Tutubi's boat he got for PhP1500.00 from a nearby beach resort.

the fine brown sand Bonot Beach of Carrascal has shallow and serene water with several islets nearby with caves and probably bird sanctuaries.

not too many people on the beach resort except few children and dogs. this is said to be a popular picnic place for locals due to accessibility. Candido White Beach may be better for swimming but farther

the launch of Tutubi's boat

There's a supposedly beautiful Candido white beach part of Carrascal and marketed by Carrascal local government but Tutubi wasn't able to visit and verify the claim. Probably next time...

For the meantime, onwards to Inijakan Island :P

Labels: Beaches, Caraga, Surigao del Sur

A short "pitstop" for Tutubi in Lanuza after another brief stop at the empty Doot Poktoy Surfing Ground.

Marine Park Sanctuary is a fish sanctuary in Lanuza Bay with an outpost by the local Bantay Dagat, a promontory/watchtower plus a sanctuary cafe said to be serving local delicacies but Tutubi merely found snacks, junk food and softdrinks and none of the advertised Lanuza, Surigao del Sur delicacies that would have attracted tourists.

It is however a simple place to gather your thoughts or a "senti" moment

Marine Park Sanctuary, Lanuza, Surigao del Sur

Sanctuary Cafe as seen from the main highway

concrete steps leading to the outpost and get a better view. There's a minimal entrance fee but Tutubi were not made to pay due to the very, very short visit with just a handful of pictures

a short strip of visibly fine sand beach

the "coast guard" outpost

just a view of the sea, Paficic Ocean facing with waves smashing the rocky beachfront

Final comment: marine parks like this should be set up in many areas as possible. A place for fish sanctuary where they can spawn, regenerate and live undisturbed is higly beneficial in the long term for fishermen. No more illegal fishing methods like poison and dynamites.

Labels: Caraga, Surigao del Sur

Touted as one of the best waves and surfing break for all levels, Doot Poktoy, located in the quaint town of Lanuza, Surigao del Sur hosts the annual Doot Poktoy Surfing Festival in November.

Tutubi visited the place early dusk, thus the gloomy pictures to check out the place.

Lanuza town's seawall faces the Pacific Ocean and it's understandable that storm surges or waves during the typhoon season can really bring in the waves, but the renowned waves were absent when Tutubi passed by, and even the crowds, spectators, newbie surfers or skimboarders were not there, to his dismay.

the beachfront of Lanuza, with Poktoy in view plus the small waves that could be harnessed by skimboarding, but skimboarders were not there. The beach seems to be fine gray sand so it's safe even for newbie surfers

the empty spectators place where crowds gather during the annual Doot Poktoy Surfing Festival...

The Boulevard, Lanuza's ocean-facing promenade


Out of curiosity, Tutubi asked a local why was the surfing ground called Doot Poktoy, he got the answer the doot, in the vernacular means to cross, while Poktoy is really the small island or sandbar, thus Doot Poktoy means "to cross" Poktoy.

Related Posts on Surigao del Sur and CCMCL (CarCanMadCarLan):

Surigao del Sur Tour
Best Surfing Beaches in the Philippines

Labels: Beaches, Caraga, Surfing, Surigao del Sur

A cold natural spring turned into a resort by the local government of Cantilan, Surigao del Sur, listed as a tourist attraction with cottages, shower rooms, (supposedly) overnight accommodations and events venue (weddings, debuts, parties reunions et al).

Visited by Tutubi just to check out the place and rate if it's worth going there:


There's just a big pool of cold water from the natural spring, natural mineral water, no people around when Tutubi got there except for a couple occupying a cottage high up the mountain slope (Tutubi noticed them engaging in some "sexy time" probably due to lack of motel or private space in the area).




Guests are required to pay a minimal entrance fee (P20?) but have to traverse about 1.5 kilometers of unpaved road from the national highway.

Location: Parang, Cantilan, Surigao del Sur
Rating: good enough for locals to spend weekends and cool down, not worth the trip for explorers as it's not really easy to get to.

Related Posts on Surigao del Sur and CCMCL (CarCanMadCarLan):

Surigao del Sur Tour

Labels: Caraga, Surigao del Sur

Tutubi has just visited Surigao del Sur, particularly the town of Cantilan, part of the towns of CarCanMadCarLan, a portmanteau of Carrascal, Cantilan, Madrid, Carmen and Lanuza. He did went around the province via Surigao Airport.

Prior to his trip, he compiled a list of "awesome" destinations in the province that include these Surigao del Sur tourist spots, interesting places and places to see and be seen.

Surigao del Sur Beaches:

Bahang-bahang Beach, Consuelo, Cantilan
Cagwait White Beach, Cagwait
Candido White Beach, Caglayag, Carrascal
“Doot Poktoy,” surfing beach in Lanuza town
San Pedro Beaches, San Pedro, Cantilan
Tapasak Beach Resort, Cota Beach, Cantilan

Surigao del Sur Islands:

Ayoke Island, Cantilan
Huyamao and Casa Rica Island, Cantilan
Bat Island, Bongtud, Tandag
Mancagangi Island, Bongtud, Tandag
Liungao "twin" Island, Bongtud, Tandag
Britania Island, San Agustin
General Island, Cantilan (home of Inijakan, pet project of Gen. Hotchkiss)

Surigao del Sur Waterfalls:

Sipangpang Falls, Cabangahan, Cantilan
Magkawas Falls, Lanuza
Tinuy-an Falls, Brgy. Burboanan, Bislig City

Caves /Caving/ Spelunking in Surigao del Sur

Pamutuanan Cave, Brgy. Yatimco, Lianga, Surigao
Campamento Cave, Lanuza

Other Surigao del Sur "Tourist Attractions/Tourist Spots":

Enchanted River, Brgy. Cambatong, Hinatuan,
Malinawa Cool Spring, Brgy. Parang, Cantilan, Surigao del Sur
Enchanted Danao Lake, General Island, Lanuza

Franky, as always, Tutubi was able to visit a few of these of which he found some of them boring, some were ok, one was missing while two others (islands in particular) stood out...just stay tuned for upcoming posts.

Labels: Caraga, Surigao del Sur

For those looking for extra adrenaline rush and muscle-flexing beyond the usual beach bumming, there are many known and unknown places in the Philippines where waves can be found that surfers, both local and foreign, will find challenging. Herewith is a list of surfing spots, both for newbies and surfers looking for "killer waves," gathered from various sources including various travel shows on TV.

Best Surfing Beaches in the Philippines:

Aurora: Baler's Sabang and Cemento Beach
If the ending scene of Francis Ford Copola's movie "Apocalypse Now" was shot in Pagsanjan Falls, Baler's beach was the location shoot of the surfing scene. To get there, board a Manila to Baler bus of Genesis Transport bus (terminal on EDSA, Pasay City) or a flight to Baler via SeAir.

Camarines Norte: Bagasbas Beach in Daet,
A surfing beach in the Bicol Region ideal for surfing lessons with fine black sand. It can be reached by buses going to Daet (Amihan, Philtranco and Superlines) followed by a short tricycle ride to the beach facing the vast Pacific Ocean.

Surfer on a surfboard on Bagasbas Beach

Catanduanes: Puraran Beach, Baras
Known in the international surfing circuit as "Majestic," with its awesome long-barrel waves made spectacular by visiting typhoons

Eastern Samar: Calicoan Island, Guiuan,
The home of The Surf Camp with ABCD Beach has both left-hand and right-hand waves. Surfing season runs from April to November

Eastern Samar: Macate Island and San Vicente, Sulat town
An "off the beaten track" surfing destination without the surfing tourist crowd in the town of Sulat, Eastern Samar is Macate Island (and San Vicente) where about eight feet high waves welcoming surfers can on a deserted beach. To get to Sulat, book a flight to Tacloban City, from Tacloban Airport, get on the San Jose jeep to Duptours terminal or Tacloban Bus Terminal, followed by a van ride to Borongan (via Duptours with regular trips to Borongan via plus another jeepney to Sulat) or bus to Borongan to take you to straight to Sulat, Eastern Samar.

Ilocos Norte: Maira-Ira Beach, Pagudpud
In an secret area in Pagudpud known as Blue Lagoon. It can be reached by boat from Pagudpud's Saud Beach

Ilocos Sur: Kido's Point, Cabugao
Kido's Point, after Cabugao's surfing hero Kido Cabasug, is another popular surfing site in Ilocos Sur.

La Union: San Juan
Perfect place for longboarders. It can be reached by any bus to Ilocos (Vigan, Laoag, Pagudpud) and drop off near the San Fernando-San Juan boundary.

Sorsogon: Gubat Bay, Gubat
Located in the Bicol Peninsula in Gubat, Sorsogon south of Legazpi City, it faces the San Juanico Strait. It has three kilometers of gray-sand beach very good for surfing school.

Surigao del Norte: Siargao Island
Known as "The Surfing Capital of the Philippines" with the world-famous Cloud 9 waves of General Luna town facing the Pacific Ocean. Cloud Nine was named after a chocolate bar that surfers kept in their shorts. The surfing beach offers a powerful hollow right hander hailed as one of the ten best waves in the world comparable to the renowned surf of Hawaii and Indonesia. Besides Clud Nine, there's Jacking Horse, Tuason Left, Rock Island, Stimpies and Pacifico. Best time for surfing in Siargao is from August up to the start of November due to the presence of typhoon swells and winds. Waves are smaller from May to July while December to April the winds are strong with pretty big swell preferred by some surfers.

Surigao del Sur: Lanuza Bay,
With waves as high as 15 feet, it's known "Doot Poktoy." Alternatives to Siargao includes Lanuza Rivermouth, Sabang, Moshimoshi left and right, Badjang-BigStar

Zambales: San Narciso and Pundaquit, San Antonio
Good for newbie surfers, the beaches of Brgy Pundaquit in San Antonio and of San Narciso beckons Metro Manilans due to its proximity.

Skimboarding in the Phlippines:

Skimboarding (or skimming), another water sport gaining popularity is some areas is a boardsport in which a skimboard (a sort of little surfboard) is used to ride on an incoming wave.

Note that the places listed above are also ideal for skimboarding where the towns of Tanauan and Dulag in Leyte is gaining popularity.

Want to learn how to surf without heading for the beach?

For furfing lessons nearest Metro Manila, OceanWaves at Club Manila Eastin Taytay Rizal offers surfing lessons by appointment-only basis. Call 6312805 or 3575452 for details, cost and other inquiries. Facilities include a 14-ft-deep diving pool with four diving platforms and a 20-ft-high waterfall; and a 30-m wide, 76-m long family wave pool that’s only 4 ft deep. OceanWaves is open every day with two-hour surfing lessons scheduled at 8-10 a.m., 10 a.m.-12 noon and 2-4 p.m.

Labels: Aurora, Beaches, Boardsports, Camarines Norte, Catanduanes, Eastern Samar, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Sorsogon, Surfing, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Zambales