Moalboal: Cebu's Hidden Gem
Posted on Thursday, 11 September 2014
Moalboal:
Cebu’s Hidden Gem
By Apolinario Villalobos
For a strange sounding place like Moalboal
which most Filipinos do not even know where such can be found, a shrug is the
usual reaction. But if Europeans and Japanese divers have liked it so much that
they come back year after year, then, it must be something extraordinary for a
place. It is far from Cebu and the road is semi-rugged but still this
exotic-sounding southwestern town of Cebu draws the interest of most foreign
sea lovers.
According to a folktale, the name Moalboal
came from the word “bukal-bukal”, mispronounced by a woman with a cleft palate,
when she thought that a Spaniard for the name of the place, but thinking that
she was being asked here where she fetched her water. Because of her impairment
in speech, she told the Spaniard that that the water came from “moal-moal”.
The folk hero of the Moalboalnons was
Laguno Sabanal, a warrior from Bohol who came to settle in the village with his
family. It was alleged that he was protected by a prayer which in the dialect
is called “yamyam”, that could deter enemies from harming him. It was tested
when the village was invaded by Moros from Mindanao. He told the men of the
village to throw coconut husks into the sea and with a prayer, he made the invaders
perceive them as warriors swimming towards them. In haste, the Moros left and
did not bother the village anymore. When he died, it was said that he was
buried beside a spring near the beach. They used a tree trunk as a marker that
bleeds every time someone tried to cut it.
To be exact, Moalboal is 89 kilometers
southwest of Cebu City and travel time is about two and a half to three hours
over semi-rugged road that winds through quaint uptowns and fishing villages.
It is between the towns of Alcantara and Badian. One actually traverses the
width of the island, with a chance to see coralline cliffs several hundred feet
above sea level and undulating coco plantations. Along the way, there’s also
the chance to mingle with villagers during a “tiyangge” or “tabo” (village
market day) which is held on Thursdays and Sundays during which makeshift
stalls mushroom along the road. At Barili, which is also along the way, one can
have a glimpse of Mantayupan Falls.
There are seven towns that precede
Moalboal. They vary from sleepy to bustling and antiquated to highly-developed.
Moalboal, is itself a quiet town with an unassuming market where most of the
activities of its inhabitants are centered. The concrete municipal building
faces the big Catholic Church which is flanked by high school buildings
fronting the Tanon Strait. Wooden houses line the roads that comprise the
town’s crisscrossing streets which may be unimpressive to discriminating
intruders. But the scene does not picture Moalboal in totality.
Today, the main road fronting the municipal
building is named Laguno, after the folk hero.
One has to take a road westward to Basdiot
where Panagsama Beach is located, to see
more or rather, the “real” Moalboal. Panagsama is just a small community of
fishermen who live in clusters of cottages along the white beach which is also
pockmarked with resorts, most of which also offer dive packages. It Divers and
snorkelers need not go far from the beach to enjoy colorful coral gardens. But
the more adventurous has the option to rent a pumpboat that could bring him
farther out. North of the town is White Beach (Bas Dako) at Barangay Saavedra,
which is also frequented by sea lovers.
A mere forty five minutes away on a
pumpboat is Pescador Island ringed by cavernous drop-offs, replete with marine
life and corals. A veritable dive area, this speck of rock with a thin layer of
soil is also the locals’ fishing ground.
The ‘70s which was considered as the golden
years of the tourism industry in the country, also saw the rise to popularity
of Moalboal whose pioneering habitués were backpackers from Europe. Simple
native huts comprised the early “resorts” without electrical fixtures. Some of
backpackers preferred to pitch their tents along the beach which the locals
tolerated.
Today, resorts with modern facilities such
as bar and restaurant, some even with swimming pool, dot the beaches of
Panagsama and Bas Dako (White Beach). Arrangement can be made with their
management regarding the renting of boats and dive or snorkeling facilities.
A Philippine town or village comes to zesty
life during fiestas. For Moalboal, it’s the Kagasangan Festival that revolves
around the corals, celebrated during the
15th and 16th of May.
Unlike Boracay, Moalboal is serenely laid back, where peace
and quiet moments can be enjoyed – a deserved destination at the end of the
89-kilometer travel over semi-rugged roads. This veritable hidden getaway can
be reached on buses with regular daily schedule from Cebu City. Commuters
should take note that the bus they take for Moalboal is via Barili. These buses
can be taken at the Cebu South bus station. Those who are in a hurry may take a
taxi at the airport, for which assistance from tourism personnel is necessary.
Within the locality and in going to nearby towns, tri-sikad (tricycles), pedicabs and multi-cabs are available for the
commute.
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ReplyDeleteMoalboal, Cebu is a breathtaking haven for those seeking unparalleled beauty and adventure. Every snorkeling experience, from vibrant coral reefs to majestic sea turtles, is a captivating voyage into the heart of Philippine tourism. So, if you want a taste of tropical paradise with a dash of adrenaline, pack your bags and come to Moalboal for a vacation unlike any other - your inner adventurer will thank you!
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