Cebu Pacific promo fares prompted me to book a seat on a maiden flight to visit an island destination often ignored by even the most ardent of travelers owing to its geographic isolation and meteorological challenges. Jutting off the archipelago eastwards to the Pacific Ocean, this wet and rural province of Catanduanes adamantly stands in the way of typhoons. This sheer seclusion has preserved the raw beauty of the place, where nature's elements-- earth, wind and water--collide to create a tropical getaway for those seeking the adventure of roads less-traveled.

From February 14 to 17, some office mates and I explored the most popular attractions of the province: steadfast churches of stone, jungle waterfalls, miraculous sites, and beach hideaways with world-class surf. Having been commissioned by a local travel magazine, I was accompanied by seasoned photographer Erick Lirios to document the charm of Catanduanes.



Luyang Cave, along the Virac-San Andres highway, is the mute witness of the massacre of natives by Muslim pirates in the 17th century. The invaders suffocated the natives who sought refuge in this cave by burning dried "sili" or chili pepper plants at the mouth of the cave.



A farmer found a thumbnail-sized river stone that reputedly had the image of the Virgin Mary etched on it. Through the years the stone miraculously grew to the size of a "stampita". Today, the stone is enshrined in a small chapel in Brgy. Batong Paluay, San Andres, Catanduanes.



On cloudless days, the southwestern beaches of Catanduanes, like Amenia Beach in San Andres, offers view of Mt. Mayon.



On the way to Maribina Falls, abaca fibers are hung out to dry in wayside gardens fronting nipa hut homes. Like the peninsular Bicol, Abaca farming and handicrafts are a major industry in Catanduanes.

More Horizon Perfekt shots here.