Negros Occidental is home to another destination held up as an exemplar of ecotourism and community development, much like Danjugan Island in its southern part. Sagay City, perched on the northern tip of the province like an ice cream cone overlooking the Visayan Sea, is home to a number of eco-tourism hotspots that does wonders for both its community members and its natural environment.

Over the course of four days, we made our way to every corner of this laidback city, taking us deep into a mangrove forest to a sand bar leading to an artist village where we were graced with the presence of an irrepressible art maestro.

On Suyac Island, where there is a mangrove forest spanning 15 hectares and a mainland covering 1.8 hectares, the local community presently sustains and manages their own eco-park.

The local government tourism units' efforts, coupled with training and support from the Tourism Promotions Board of the Philippines, have resulted in the community adopting sustainable tourism practices.

Visitors to the island are welcomed with a song and dance performance based on local culture and stories. Afterward, trained guides from the community takes the guests through the forest while imparting essential facts about different mangrove tree species, before concluding the tour with a delectable lunch of local fare.

The mangrove forest's nine species of mangrove trees proved their importance during Typhoon Yolanda. One of the elderly members of the community shared that other than fallen trees and damaged roofing, the island was spared from storm surge that proved deadly in many coastlines along the path of Yolanda.

"The mangrove saved our community, we just stayed in our homes, and I even helped deliver a baby boy who his mother named Yolando", she told us in her local language.

"Sustainable Tourism" is a phrase so often bandied about that it has begun to sound like a buzzword, despite the reality that its success requires, at its heart, the willingness and ability to first establish conversation, implement best practices, and get a deeper understanding and involvement of the local community.

Here in Suyac Island however, the LGU and the island residents have shown that "sustainable tourism" is more than just a catchphrase; it is a real and effective way for a community to take pride in its environment, improve it, and create economic independence for itself.

Real people empowerment is bounded by no age range. Thus, why here at the Museo Sang Bata Sa Negros (MSBN), youngsters aged 8 to 12 acts as guides for visitors. Through the years, the museum’s "Junior Guide Program" has helped many youngsters develop a lifelong appreciation for the sea. In fact, one of the first junior guides, who began in third grade, is now taking up a Marine Biology course.

The museum was set up to spread marine wildlife awareness especially among the new generation, particularly the ones who live in Sagay where a large percentage of the local population relies on marine resources for livelihood. During our visit, junior guides who joined the program in their early grade school years toured us around the museum and imparted much knowledge even I never knew beforehand.

"Imagine living in a community where an artist of Nunelucio Alvarado's stature lives?" wonders Helen Arguelles, Tourism Officer of Sagay City.

Indeed, Alvarado's creativity has filtered down to his neighborhood in Bougainvillae, Old Sagay, as evidenced by the brilliantly painted homes, folk dancing skills of schoolchildren, and countless others he has impacted to explore other art forms.

With a few quaint cafes along its long shoreline, the locality has been a must-visit in the city since becoming a creative hub for artists.

Twice nominated for the National Artist honor, Maestro Nune was a staple in Manila's art scene in his earlier years. Many of his paintings can be found in museums such as the National Museum of the Philippines, the Singapore Art Museum, and the Fukuoka Asian Art Museum, to mention a few.

He and his wife Sally now spend their time in his hometown of Sagay in their hand-hewn and painted art studio, creating new works every day while overlooking the 32,000-hectare Sagay Marine Reserve.

The same neighborhood, known as the "community of colors," and where Maestro Nune resides, can be explored from the seat of a "trisikad," a bicycle outfitted with a sidecar that can carry two passengers. Labeled as the “sikad” tours, it is yet another one of the many community-based tourism programs of Sagay City.

Visitors can take a sikad ride through the community to see the colorful murals painted by local volunteer artists under the guidance of Syano Artlink, where Alvarado serves as Art Director.

Shaped like a tongue wagging out of Rolling Stones’ hot lips logo, Carbin Reef is part of the 32,000-hectare Sagay Marine Reserve established in 1999. The sandbar itself hides a gem of marine life in its immediate 200-hectare area. Guests to Carbin Reef can enjoy an array of water activities such as snorkeling, free diving, scuba diving, beach bumming or simply taking drone and Instagram photos.

On our final day before we headed to another province in Capiz, I took our sweet time here in Carbin Reef by just walking the end-to-end tip of the sandbar while flying my drone. As beautiful it is at eye-level, the view from above is equally or even more impressive. I can see clearly why Sagay City and the TPB are working tirelessly to ensure such eco-tourism destinations like the Carbin Reef should be well taken care of and managed properly.

Part of the reason why we were in Sagay was also to cover the three-day Community-Based Tourism (CBT) workshop conducted by the Tourism Promotions Board of the Philippines (TPB), the marketing arm of the Department of Tourism (DOT).

As early as prior to the pandemic, then TPB COO Marie Venus Tan and TPB marketing specialist Alberto Gadia Jr. had planned to hold a workshop in Sagay after being impressed by the city's eco-tourism potential. Through the efforts of Gadia Jr. and the support of current TPB COO Marga Nograles, the workshop caravan finally arrived in Sagay City.

Stakeholders from five eco-tourism destinations in Sagay City attended the workshop conducted by Brand Builder and Idea Accelerator Apple Allison, with support from the LGU led by Sagay City Tourism Officer Helen Arguelles.

Krisma Rodriguez, Director of Tourism Region 6, also attended the workshop and emphasized the importance of providing necessary training to community members in order to tap into the tourism industry not only as a means of earning a living, but also as a "tool that protects the environment if done correctly."

Following the workshop, which covered a variety of topics including Business Development, Brand Marketing, Social Media Marketing, School of Sales and Influence, the TPB also donated starter kits to three eco-tourism associations, including fiberglass kayaks to the Suyac Island Eco-Tourism Attendants Association and Lapus-Lapus Floating Cottages Association, as well as other livelihood materials to the Bouganvillea Sikad Guides Association.

After getting a glimpse of the province last year when I visited Ticao Island for a couple of days, I immediately regarded Masbate as vastly underrated despite its central geographical location as gateway to Luzon and Visayas. That brief tryst had me making a vow of returning soon. As good fortunes had it, I was able to go back recently for a more extensive journey that took me to the mainland of Masbate, Burias Island and at Ticao once again.

Over the course of 11 days, we traversed this province known for its rodeo tradition and discovered its many other gems. Beautiful islands, picturesque countryside, expansive sandbars, charming small towns, crystal clear waters wowed us at every stop, while sumptuous local cuisine, a blend of fresh seafood and juicy livestock meats, delighted our taste buds.

To emphasize Masbate’s connectivity to other islands, we arrived and departed the province not on a plane, but on a ferry and passenger boat. Following a brief journalistic coverage of the Capiztahan event in Roxas City, we sailed from Culasi Port in Roxas to reach Balud, Masbate in three hours.

Named from the almost extinct Pink-bellied imperial pigeon, Balud is located on the southwestern tip of Masbate. One of its two barangays, a small island called Jintotolo became our first stop.

A tiny community celebrating the town’s fiesta welcomed us with a simple feast. This was followed by a short hike to the Jintotolo Lighthouse, which was built in the 1890’s.

The lighthouse, one of the Philippines' 23 remaining Spanish-era sea watchtowers, stands at about 50 feet tall atop a hill and overlooks a beautiful channel where the wrecks of two Japanese ships from World War II—the cruiser Kinu and the destroyer Uranami—rests at the bottom.

The next day finds us driving through Masbate's picturesque countryside, past vast cattle ranches and farms before stopping briefly at Lumawig River Adventure Park for a floating lunch through a mangrove forest.

The rest of our mainland Masbate jaunt had us visiting a farmstead, a hillside retreat and a bevy of breathtaking natural wonders. These includes the crescent shaped Guinlobngan Island off the coastal town of Cawayan, Isla Florencia, with its coconut tree-lined canopy, was ideal for an island lunch, the 2.8-kilometer Kurokabayo sandbar, a spellbinding man-made lagoon in Matayum, a long white sand beach in Aroroy, the heritage Balay ni Bayot house, and Balangingi Island in Pio V. Corpuz on the eastern part of Masbate.

My second time on Ticao Island worked like a charm. This time, I was able to explore one of the island's quaint communities on foot before we drove off via a gorgeous route bookended by a magical sunset on one end and the azure ocean on the other.

I also get to revisit Halea Nature Park and Catandayagan Falls, two of the Philippines' most impressive natural attractions.

Halea is located on San Miguel Island, one of two islands on the northern tip of. Here, one can enjoy a peaceful beach bumming moment as well as go snorkeling and swim with dozens of baby sharks that frequents the cove. Ticao Island is also home to a rare waterfall. The 100-feet plus Catandayagan Falls is one of only around 40 waterfalls in the world that directly debouche into the ocean.

This trip also introduced me to the island’s other attractions that I missed out on my earlier visit. There’s the 244.72-hectare Bongsanglay Natural Park that is home to a dense mangrove forest, including three rare Sonneratia tree species that give the it a distinct status, as well as maze of marshes.

Our last day on Ticao Island was capped by a stopover at Buntod Reef Marine Sanctuary Sandbar on our way back to Masbate mainland. This marine sanctuary is managed by the SAMAPUSI (Samahan ng Mangingisda ng Puro-Sinalikway), an organization made up primarily of former "blast fishermen" now turned "reef rangers".

As the sun slowly sets into the horizon and the sky bursts with a reddish glow, I was reminded of how beautiful the world is, specifically this part of the planet, as excitement surged through me at the prospect of what beauty looms in our next island destination: Burias Island.

A sleeper ferry transported us from midnight in Masbate mainland to waking up to a sunrise in Burias Island. This final phase of our 11-day trip to Masbate solidified my opinion of the province as having the most potential to become a major tourism draw in the Philippines.

After a stuffed breakfast, we hit the ground running by hopping into a double-decked boat and proceeded to our island-hopping tour visiting Burias’ three popular islands of Animasola, Tinalisayan and Sombrero.

The secluded Animasola island off the coast of San Pascual in Burias Island is a sight of pristine beauty, despite its haunting name "Animasola," which in Catholic tradition portrays a "lonely soul" trapped in purgatory. Thanks to its jagged cliffs, powdery white sand, and brilliant blue waters, it transports travelers to a paradisiacal time and place.

Next up was Tinalisayan. After flying my drone for 10 minutes, I quickly packed it up to take a dip at the island's turquoise-colored waters to enjoy another magical moment in the sun. I would have stayed on the water longer to get more sun-tanned if not for the call of sumptuous boodle feast awaiting us on our boat.

On our way to Sombrero Island, we passed by other islands such as Virgin Island and the fascinating rocky islet called Templo Island, which has a crucifix perched on top of its rock-strewn base.

Sombrero Island was the perfect capstone to yet another fantastic day. Named as such because of the odd shape of the island's islet tip, which resembles a sombrero. Sombrero Island, is characterized by an expansive sandbar marking its perimeter leading to the main island lush with greens and home to a few small resorts, and on its tip, the notable hat-shaped rock formation.

As an agricultural hub, Masbate province is dotted with ranches that are home to tens of thousands of cattle and horses. Masbate's rodeo culture developed in this environment. Most of us would be forgiven for assuming that Masbate's "cowboy culture" was ripped from the American wild west playbook, but further research suggests Masbate’s and the American’s rodeo culture can be traced back to the Mexican Vaqueros.

To celebrate the province’s Rodeo tradition, the Rodeo Masbateño Festival is held every month of April to showcase the province's cattle and livestock industry as well as some game horsemanship.

Masbate has more than simply its natural wonders, such as its stunning islands and picture-perfect scenery; it also boasts a rich culture and a culinary scene that will make you gain weight willingly. Who couldn’t say no to gigantic crabs, heavyweight fish, tiger prawns and a heaping helping of scallops? Definitely nobody. I think it is safe to say that this trip won’t be my last rodeo in Masbate.

It has been over a decade since my ex-girlfriend, a friend, and I embarked on a memorable long weekend castaway trip to Calaguas Islands’ Mahabang Buhangin. During that time, the island was known only to avid backpackers. I vividly recall the confused expression on the fisherman's face when we approached him in the town of Paracale and shared our plan to journey to the island.

“That’s far away.” He told us in Tagalog. “What will you do there? there’s nothing there. The island is bare”, he adds. While the mighty waves of the Pacific Ocean were still unbeknownst to us, we chartered his small boat. It didn’t took long before we started noticing the growing swells rocking and jerking our vessel. The three of us; myself, Lauren and Sharlyn immediately went silent reciting all the prayers we know while our boatman and his assistant remained calm all throughout.

That boat ride going to and from Calaguas’ Mahabang Buhangin, along with almost getting toasted by the sun and the beginning of my attachment to Lauren, remained as the highlights of my first trip to Calaguas. After my romantic relationship with Lauren fizzled out a few years after she migrated to Canada, I believe it was time to create a new memory in Calaguas more than a decade later.

Many things have happened since my first trip to the island. From my early days starting to embrace wanderlust in the summer of 2010, I’ve literally and figuratively amassed thousands of miles on the road charting a path escaping the corporate world and becoming a travel writer.

Over time, my travels have expanded to include various destinations across the country and parts of Asia, with the frequency of my trips increasing to two or three times per month. Lauren has chosen to stay in Montreal, while Sharlyn embarked on a new chapter of her life as a married woman and a mother. In Calaguas case, It has since turn into a popular destination among beach junkies. Despite its remote location, travelers have included it in their travel bucket list in the Bicol region.

The once barren island, which used to have only one or two small huts and a tiny well for water supply, has now undergone significant changes. Today, at least four resorts have been built on the island. Yet, despite the major changes that occurred, the island remains beautiful as ever. This became clear to me as soon as our boat docked on the island's notable white powdery sands.

“Ganda pa ren” (It’s still pretty), I mumbled to myself as I sunk my feet into the crystal clear waters and gently weaved my way to the cool fine sands that stretched as far as both sides of the island. While I would prefer the naked Calaguas Island’s Mahabang Buhangin of old, the present day version with its aptly sized rooms, soft beds, electricity, and nighttime air conditioning brings added comfort to visitors. It was a good thing that the few resorts allowed to be built were in an area with a wide setback distance from the beach. As a result, the vast shoreline of Mahabang Buhangin remained untouched and just as pristine as it was before.

Unless you came bringing an Elon Musk’s Starlink kit, your only internet connection is through a 150 peso an hour internet access sold in the resort. Mobile phone charging cost 50 pesos since electricity on the island is powered only by solar panels and a generator set. The power is turned on from 6pm until 6am the next morning thus giving you a sound rest cooled by an a/c through the night. Other than that, it is best to set aside your dependence on gadgets and simply embrace the island experience.

Unlike my first Calaguas Islands trip, this time I got to go on a side excursion to another island in the cluster called Balagbag Island where a panorama view of the surrounding waters and islands awaited us. While the sands of Balagbag are less refined than in Mahabang Buhangin, it compensates for this with its picturesque rolling terrain. A winding trail, lined with tall swaying grass, leads to rocky cliffs with a breathtaking view of the ocean's azure-colored waters and its foamy swells.

After making my way down from the tallest rocky outcrop, I found a flat ground and sat there to take in the view before flying my drone to get a bird's-eye perspective of the jaw dropping landscape. Just before sundown, our little party of travel journalists returned to Mahabang Buhangin. Since it was a weekday, we had the whole stretch of the beach to ourselves.

As the sun gradually sets on the horizon, the memories of my 2010 trip to Calaguas begin to blend seamlessly with my current experience of the place. I find these two remarkable episodes taking place in this stunning part of Camarines Norte as timestamps reminding me of how far I've come — literally as a traveler.