Among the many provinces within the Bicol Area, Masbate province remained unexplored territory for me till just lately. Its remoteness and uncooked magnificence are a part of its attract. I had beforehand visited the Burias Islands and Ticao, and this time, I set my sights on the bigger Masbate Island, beginning my journey from the southwestern tip of Balud, dwelling to the Jintotolo Lighthouse, a lone sentinel watching over the Sibuyan Seas.
From Capiz to Balud, Masbate
Masbate province’s three main islands are indifferent from the mainland, seemingly difficult to achieve. Because of the efforts of the native authorities and stakeholders, strategic ports have been established, connecting the islands to Batangas, Lucena, San Andres, and even Sorsogon to Ticao Island. In my case, we traveled from Culasi, Roxas Metropolis, reaching Balud’s Calumpang Port after a scenic 5-hour journey that commenced at 8:30 am and ended round 3:00 pm.
Cantil, Jintotolo Island
Upon our arrival at Calumpang Port, we wasted no time and boarded an outrigger boat sure for Jintotolo Island. The 25 to 30-minute trip to Bongcanaway Port in Balud was swift, greeted by sweeping winds and comparatively calm waters upon our arrival. The environment was festive, a celebration for the city fiesta in Barangay Cantil, one of many two barangays on the island; sarcastically, the lighthouse is located inside Cantil.
Jintotolo Lighthouse
A brief tricycle trip introduced us to the jump-off level for our hike to the hill the place the Jintotolo Lighthouse stood, merely 700 meters away from the city heart. The tower, rising 51 ft (15.5 meters) excessive, dominated the panorama. Its sq. construction featured an octagonal lantern podium on the high, illuminated now by a contemporary solar-powered lantern, changing the unique lantern. Though the residing quarters had fallen into disrepair, the lighthouse itself remained in good situation.
Initially spelled as “Gintotolo,” Faro de Isla Jintotolo was one of many 24 Spanish Colonial Lighthouses included within the “Masterplan for the Lighting of the Maritime Coast of the Philippine Archipelago.” Inbuilt 1895, the lighthouse was a mission designed by Ramon de Ros, and modified by Primitibo Lluelmo. Guests had the chance to climb the tower, having fun with panoramic views of the island and the Sibuyan Seas.
Visiting Jintotolo Lighthouse required time and effort, making seeing it on my first go to a major achievement. Its distinctive design and rustic attraction showcased spectacular Spanish structure towards the backdrop of Masbate’s pure magnificence.
Because the day drew to an in depth, we sailed again to the mainland, handled to a wide ranging sundown at sea—an ideal ending to a promising first day in Masbate.
The right way to Go to the Jintotolo Lighthouse
The Jintotolo Lighthouse is positioned in Barangay Cantil on Jintotolo Island. Boats can be found at Calumpang Port in Balud to take you to the island, with a journey time of 25 to half-hour. For inquiries and additional info, please contact the Masbate Provincial Tourism, Tradition, and Arts Workplace.
Ferdz Decena is an award-winning journey photographer, author and blogger. His works has discovered print in publications reminiscent of Singapore Airways’s Silver Kris, Philippine Airways’ Mabuhay, Cebu Pacific’s Smile and Seair InFlight. He has additionally lent his experience to numerous organizations just like the Oceana Philippines, Lopez Group Basis, Save the Youngsters and World Imaginative and prescient, contributing high quality photographs for his or her advertising and marketing supplies.
