I could not come up with a better way of celebrating last year’s Independence Day
than journeying to this isolated island 27
nautical miles west of Panay. Highlighted by a curving stretch of sand bar
encircling an area dotted with pockets of small trees and scattered shrubbery, it was named Seco Island because of its
close similarity to the shape of a human elbow; ‘siko’ in Tagalog.
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| Seco Island. Ang Island na Ma-Swerte |
Getting here is anything
but laidback. We started our sea journey under darkness aboard a cramped up
passenger boat with enough space for us to huddle at the roof of the captain’s hull.
Seating over protruding edges of wood, I labored for the duration of our three
hour sail over calm waters. Under the mercy of the monotonous
sound of the boat engine, I tried to doze off amidst my numbing butt and cramping
legs, only to be awaken by the gleaming redness of the skies on the horizon a couple of hours later.
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| Bullet the beautiful Sky |
While I was stretching my
hands and yawning myself to full awareness, it was then that I caught the first
sight of the island from afar. As it revealed its comely image covered by the
gleam of the early rising sun, the inconvenience of the long arduous sea
journey was instantly replaced by an elated feeling.
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| Wave the flag of 3 stars and a Sun |
Slowly, as we docked at
the shallow waters, the live corals became visible and as one of the boatman dove to
plant the anchor, I quickly recognized the exceptional scene precluding to a
wonderful trip in the making.
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| OK Corals. |
Smaller boats which
accompanied our party consisted of fishermen, residents and LGU members
of the town of Tibiao. Months before, they have circled the date of June 12 as
a perfect day to visit the island of Seco and raise the Philippine flag on the
island – not only to celebrate our more than hundred years of freedom, but also
to commemorate the inclusion of Seco Island in the province of Antique’s
tourism and nature preservation program.
Indie
Day on the Island
As the twin drone camera
flew over and small fishing boats ran loops around the island, a
short program was held where the participating stakeholders’ promised to
promote the island while at the same time - implementing a set of measures to safeguard
its natural beauty. A flag raising capped off the morning festivity which was
followed by a human chain forming the letters of S-E-C-O as the drone camera captured it from above.
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| I wouldn't mind becoming a castaway here with the beautiful Madi Ross |
Along with Kara, Aleah,
Marcos and Dave – fellow travel bloggers who have been to the best islands in
the country, we all agreed at the distinctiveness of Seco Island. A naked
island at its truest sense, we all established the need to weed out plans to
put up infrastructures in the island – to avoid the mistakes done in other
previously bare island in the Philippines. Something, the LGU and tourism staff
also approved upon.
Bounteous
Nature Surround
A local fisherman told us
that the waters surrounding Seco Island abounds with marine resources making it
a favorite spot of fishermen from different parts of Antique. Coral reefs can
be seen as close as four to five feet deep – and the wind that spheres the
island are known to generate a favorable condition for windsurfing and kiting. “Every year, for 3-5 days – windsurfers come
to this island to just ride all day” our host Flord Nicson Calawag of Katahum Tours told us.
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| I am bulkier now than this. Promise |
Marine
Protected Area
Being the site of
bounteous marine resources, Seco Island is considered as a Marine Protected
Area (MPA) as accorded by a local government ordinance. All activities related
to the use of its waters such as fishing and even camping and visiting the
island are regulated. Visitors are required to coordinate first at the local
tourism office in Tibiao, Antique before traveling to Seco Island.
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| White Sands running in circle |
Half a day in the island
wasn’t enough for myself – but it was the only opening on our hectic schedule
traveling around Antique to visit this island. I spent the whole time walking around barefoot and feeling the fine sands under my feet. Upon resting, I opted to lay down under the shade of a small tree as I stared at the visual banquet laid out in front of
me.
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| Drone shots ©Tonzie Gay |
Just after lunch time we
bade the island farewell – and as our boat sailed away, I saw the beautiful
sandbar of Seco Island slowly sunk down from the horizon, as the dark blue
waters gradually concealed it from sight. I looked back at the morning’s happenings and
savored the good experience in my mind. It was indeed, a wonderful time reveling at
the idea of Kruhay (long live) under
the sun.
Book cheap flights to Iloilo and Roxas City
Our trip was sponsored by the Antique Tourism and
Kruhay Tours
Website: www.katahum.com
Facebook: Katahum Tours
Email: fate@katahum.com or
katahumtoursantique@gmail.com
Mobile: +63920 126 1205 (Smart) or +63917 450 3121
(Globe)
