2016 is over and I can't help but remember it with awe, fascination, and thrill.

Looking back, the evidences of God's grace and guidance are clearly seen and felt. God has been so good and faithful to me. His blessings were abundant. His strength never failed me. His care sustained me. His grace embraced me. His love inspired me every day.

And now as I am amazed by what God has done to me throughout the year, I remember these words by the prophet Jeremiah,

The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23.

Yes! Indeed, Paul's words are trustworthy too,

But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you. 2 Thessalonians 3:3.

Last year, I published a blogpost about my travels in 2015 entitled, "2015 Travels: 13 Destinations, 1 Mission." This year, I am making this recollection of my 2016 travels with a focus on God's faithfulness to me and my mission work throughout the Visayas islands.

Since 2013, I have been a part of One Year in Mission (OYiM), a young adult ministry of the Youth Ministries Department of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. This ministry focuses on empowering the youth for evangelism, leadership, and community services. And until now after three long years, I am still doing the mission that God has called me to do— to share the love of Jesus and inspire my fellow youth to do the same. So, I keep this motto always in mind: "Forward in Mission."

So now let me take you back to all my travel and ministry adventures in 2016!

March 2016:
> Cavite, Philippines
We attended the Hope Channel Philippines Cinematography and Scriptwriting Workshop at the beautiful campus of Adventist International Institute of Advanced Studies in Silang, Cavite.

With the Hope Channel-Visayas team.

May 2016:
> Cuatro Islas, Leyte, Philippines
Together with some youth leaders, we explored these alluring islands in Inopacan, Leyte.

At Digyo Island, the fourth island of Cuatro Islas.

July 2016:
> Singapore
> Indonesia
> Malaysia

This trip is awesome! One out of the country trip and three countries explored. This trip was made possible through the generosity of Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD) Youth Ministries Department. From Cebu, we passed by Singapore where we had a meeting and shopping. Then, we proceeded to Indonesia where we helped in the preparations of the 2nd SSD Pathfinder Camporee in Bandung. After the event in Indonesia, I went home passing by Singapore (again) and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Photo op at Chinese Gardens in Singapore.

Selfie at Universitas Advent Indonesia (UNAI) in Bandung.

Arrival at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA 2).

August 2016:
> Can-abay, Samar, Philippines
> Tacloban City, Philippines
> Palo, Leyte, Philippines
> Ormoc City, Leyte, Philippines
> Southern Cebu, Philippines
> Vietnam

This month started with a trip to Samar where we graced the EVC Youth Leaders' Summit. Then we had a tour and survey in Tacloban, Palo, and Ormoc in Leyte for the upcoming SSD Mission Adventures this June 2017.  We also toured around southern Cebu stopping by at Dalaguete Beach Park, Osmena Peak, Oslob town proper, Oslob whaleshark watching, Kawasan Falls, and Moalboal White Beach. Then the greatest trip of this year happened! I had the opportunity to go to Vietnam. It was very memorable because of friends and experiences while we were there.

The boat ride to Can-abay, Samar.

At the Yolanda Memorial Marker in Tacloban, Leyte.

San Juanico Bridge

MacArthur Memorial Park in Palo, Leyte.

Chilling at Lake Danao in Ormoc City, Leyte.

At the summit of Osmena Peak in Dalaguete, Cebu.

At the Independence Palace in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

October 2016:
> Iloilo City, Philippines
> Guimaras Island, Philippines
> Bacolod City, Philippines
> Matag-ob, Leyte, Philippines
> Albuera, Leyte, Philippines

The youth in Panay Island invited me to be one of their resource speakers during their WVC Youth Leaders' Summit in Iloilo City. It was a blessed experience too! We also had a side trip to Guimaras Island. Then from Iloilo, I went to Bacolod to witness the NOC Youth Festival. After that, I traveled to Matag-ob and Albuera in Leyte to grace their District Youth Association Camp Meetings.

Group shot with the youth leaders of Panay Island under my module sessions.

A beautiful beach in Guimaras Island.

NOC Youth Festival winners.

Groupfie with the youth in Matag-ob, Leyte.

District Youth officers in Albuera, Leyte.

December 2016:
> Bacolod City, Philippines
> Silay, Negros Occidental, Philippines
> Bago, Negros Occidental, Philippines
> Aloguinsan, Cebu, Philippines
> Pinamungajan, Cebu, Philippines
> Southern Cebu

The last month of the year was a very busy month! The first weekend of December was spent in Negros Occidental as we visited the youth in Bacolod, Silay, and Bago. The second weekend was spent with the youth in Aloguinsan, Cebu where I had the privilege to be their main speaker during their District Youth Retreat. Then before the month ended, the place where I work had a family tour in Toledo, Pinamungajan, Barili, and Moalboal in Cebu.

Lunch with the youth in Silay, Negros Occidental.

The youth Compassion team in Bago, Negros Occidental.

Early morning view at Baluarte Park in Aloguinsan, Cebu during the youth retreat.

My CPUC Family at Hidden Valley Resort in Pinamungajan, Cebu.

Mantayupan Falls in Barili, Cebu.

Snorkeling at the White Beach in Moalboal, Cebu.

Hoooh! I can't believe that 2016 is over and 2017 had started already. Yet I know that this year will be awesome (once again) because God is always faithful!

With God, there is providence and protection throughout our life's journey. #MissionVisayas

*Foreword: I am from Leyte particularly in Ormoc City and we just visited Kalanggaman Island last February 9, 2017. And I am writing this to give relevant information to all travelers who are planning to visit the island anytime soon. Enjoy! :)

Kalanggaman Island is now one of the most famous travel destinations in Leyte. Why? Because of its whitesand beach, picturesque sandbars, relaxing surroundings, and crystal clear waters. The island is really, really good for family picnics, overnight camps, and group gatherings.

Kalanggaman Island is located off the coast of the municipality of Palompon in the province of Leyte. The island got its name from "langgam" which in the Visayan language means "bird." Hence, the island of birds. The municipality of Palompon is also stepping up in its preservation of the ecology of the island as the influx of tourists is steadily growing.

If you want to explore a stunning island destination in Leyte, visit Kalanggaman Island now!


How to book your Kalanggaman Island tour?

You need to book in advance because the municipality is limiting the number of tourists per day and there are lots of people going there especially during the summer, weekends, and holidays. You can call directly the Palompon Municipal Eco-Tourism Council at (053) 555-9731, (+63) 926-816-4005, (+63) 926-816-4007, (+63) 998-555-1421. You can also visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/LGUPalompon. Information is also available at www.facebook.com/KalanggamanBookingSchedule.

When you arrive in Palompon, go directly to the Tourism Office near the pier area and municipal hall. Go to the information desk, mention your booking, and register your names there.

How much are the fees?

> Round trip boat rental for 15 pax is P3,000 / for 20 pax is P3,500 / for 30 pax is P4,000 / for 40 pax is P5,000.
> Day tour fee is P500 for international tourists and P150 for locals tourists.
> Overnight fee is P750 for international tourists and P225 for local tourists.
> You can rent tents at the outdoor shop near the Tourism Office for overnight camping or you can bring your own tents. P250-300 per tent.
> There are also some cottages that you can rent at the island.
> Cottage fee for day tour trip is P250.

When is the best time to go to Kalanggaman Island?

The best time is during the summer season from March-May. You can still visit the island whole year round but you need to book in advance and avoid rainy seasons, northeast monsoons (amihan), and southwest monsoons (habagat).


How to get to Kalanggaman Island?

From Manila: 
> You can take daily flights from Manila to Tacloban or Manila to Cebu.

From Tacloban: 
> You can take a van at the New Bus Terminal in Abucay. The first trip is at 7:30AM. But be sure to be there earlier. (Note: Vans to Palompon are not many). The trip from Tacloban to Palompon will take approximately 3 hours. Fare is P150.

From Cebu: 
> You can take the boat from Cebu to Palompon. The trip is usually at 9PM. Get your tickets at Pier 3. Fare is P200-300. Arrival time in Palompon is around 4AM.
> You can also take the boat from Cebu to Ormoc. Trips are at 11AM and 10PM. Get your tickets at Pier 1 and Pier 3. Fare is P400-500. Arrival time in Ormoc is at 5PM and 4AM.
> You can also take the fastcraft from Cebu to Ormoc. There are many trips throughout the day. Get your tickets at Pier 1. Fare is P500-700. Travel time is 2-3 hours.

From Malapascua Island:
> If you are at Malapascua Island, you can take a boat to Kalanggaman Island. You need to negotiate for your fare. Travel time is approximately 2 hours.

From Ormoc: 
> You can take the van from Ormoc to Palompon at the van terminal near the pier area. The first trip is at 5-6AM. Fare is P110. Travel time is 2 hours.

From Palompon:
> You can take the boat assigned to you by the Tourism staff. Travel time to the island is 1.5-2 hours.

How to get back to Tacloban, Ormoc, or Cebu from Palompon?

To Tacloban: Take the van at the terminal near the pier area. The last trip is at 10-11AM.

To Ormoc: Take the van at the terminal near the pier area. The last trip is at 4PM.

To Cebu: Take the van to Ormoc at the terminal near the pier area. In Ormoc, take the boat or fastcraft back to Cebu.

What to do in Kalanggaman Island?

1. Enjoy the beach. Swim, snorkel, or chill and lie down at the sand.

That's me using the Hull & Stern adventure bag in Kalanggaman Island.

Sunset at the overview in Lantaw Palompon. We looked up because we were flying our drone.

Before you continue on, you can also read my comprehensive guide to Kalanggaman Island here >> Travel Guide: Kalanggaman Island in Leyte.

Just a few days ago, my friends and I went on an epic adventure trip to Kalanggaman Island, a quaint island off the coast of Palompon in the province of Leyte, Philippines.

As what we have planned we will meet at Palompon's Tourism office in the first part of the morning because we will ride the first boat that will ship tourists for an overnight stay at the island at around 10-11 o'clock. But unfortunately, our van from Tacloban reached Palompon almost 11 o'clock and the Philippine Coast Guard already suspended the trips going to the island because of the strong wind and waves brought by the northeast monsoon (amihan).

We were really disgusted. We even pleaded to go at our own risk despite the suspension, but the tourism officials never allowed us. So we decided to give it a try the next day.

For the night, we stayed at the cheap accommodation in Lantaw Palompon.

The next day, we were up early in the morning around 4 o'clock. Because we wanted to be the first group to be transported to the island before the bad weather gets in. Fortunately, the Coast Guard resumed the trips and we were then ushered to the boat by a local guide. We shared the boat with another group. It was an awesome experience to share the boat with some new friends!

Finally, we were on our way to Kalanggaman Island! 


But as we journeyed on, I sensed that the wind and waves were slowly getting stronger. The boat was tossed up and down by the waves. "I know that the boatmen can manage these waves. These are just small waves." I thought to myself.

The waves continued to get stronger and we were drenched with seawater. But thank goodness, I brought my Hull & Stern adventure bag with me on this trip! I put all my clothes and gadgets inside the dry bag just before our boat ride and it was just a perfect idea! I never thought that the seas will be rough during our boat ride.


At last, we were at the island after more than an hour.

Upon reaching the island, I immediately got my camera and took a lot of photos of the island (and selfies too). It was surreal to be there. I really wanted to visit Kalanggaman Island years before and now the time has come.


My friends also enjoyed swimming and taking photos. We also took some drone shots and filmed a short video invitation for the upcoming Mission Adventures on June 5-17 in Cebu and Leyte in which Kalanggaman Island will be the last adventure destination before heading to Tacloban for the mission projects.


Because of time limitations, we just had the day tour in Kalanggaman Island. At 12 noon, we headed back to the mainland. And during that trip, waves were much bigger and stronger compared to the morning trip. Our group was drenched with seawater once again. It was really a rough ride!


But I was at ease all throughout the trip because all my things are inside the Hull & Stern adventure bag. I fully depended on the dry bag to keep my stuff safe and dry. And it never failed me!

Our trip to Kalanggaman Island is so memorable to me! That's why it deserved a blog post!

*Special thanks and affirmation to the team behind the Hull & Stern adventure bag, the world's most traveled dry bag!


This dry bag is really perfect for your adventures- swimming, snorkeling, diving, island-hopping, mountain climbing, river trekking, cliff jumping, kayaking, boating, or canyoneering. You can always bring this dry bag with you anywhere and anytime! The designs and colors are so cool and fashionable too. The dry bag is waterproof because it is made up of strong and water-resistant materials. It is also easy to use and clean. You will never regret to have one for yourself and for your loved ones! I have tried it myself and it was perfect for me!

You can buy the Hull & Stern adventure bags online at www.hullstern.com and you can also order at Lazada and Zalora websites or you can also visit Ripcurl and StokedInc stores.

You can also check out their social media.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/hull.stern
Twitter: www.twitter.com/hull_stern
Instagram: www.instagram.com/hull.stern
Youtube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCzziYuT0LBe3q9Bpff-vyHw

*Foreword: I am from Leyte particularly in Ormoc City and I have been to almost all beautiful places in my province. So, I am writing this to give you relevant information as you plan your visit to Cuatro Islas anytime soon. Enjoy! :)

The four islands in sight.

The best time is during the summer season from March-May. You can still visit the island whole year round but you need to avoid the rainy seasons, northeast monsoons (amihan), and southwest monsoons (habagat). I also recommend that you go there during weekdays to avoid a large crowd

How to get to Cuatro Islas?