Tablas Romblon is one of the three major island that makes up the province of Romblon. The other two were Sibuyan, and Romblon, which is the province capital. Tablas is the largest of the three, it has bigger number of population however despite having a large number of occupants, the province capital remains to be in Romblon. Its probably because of the large deposit of marble, can be found in Romblon on which the province is known for.
May 30, 2017 11 AM on a hot summer day, our ship docked on the port of Odiongan, one of the municipality in Tablas. After a two and a half hours via 2GO ferry from Caticlan, we finally reach our destination. We've been planning this trip for years, to be able to visit the hometown of my wife's relative on the mother side. Me, my wife and my son Buwie committed this trip, in once in a lifetime summer adventure.
The island itself is a living representation of simplicity and beauty. The residents were mostly farmers, fisherman or both, and they all know each other. A huge difference if you live in the crowded cities where most likely, you only knew your neighbors up to 3 houses away from yours. And they still communicate in the traditional way; talking. You rarely see them facing their smartphones while talking to someone. And its still not colonized by smartphones, internet and the social media.
We stayed in Baranggay Tuminggad, its 15-20 minutes away from the town and port, and 5 minutes walk from the shore. People in this place start there day early, they wake up at 5 AM to clean there backyard, other go to the shore while having their morning coffee, some do brisk walking and enjoying the morning sea breeze. There are some who throw nets, to catch anchovies and all the people around, help in pulling it, to get the fresh catch of the day. And they share it to all those who help. A tradition we use to call bayanihan, which is very much alive in this community.
They were blessed in
abundance of natural resources, both land and sea; aside from marble
which they can mine, the land is also rich in nutrients. You can tell it
from the green rice paddies, up to the mountainous areas with thick
vegetation, and most of the people grow their own fruits and vegetables
in their backyard. The fisher folks only use small boats, an indication
that the fish can be caught nearby. And they sell it at a very low
price and its fresh.
The place itself is a beauty, and there were many other cool places to visit in Tablas, most of this destination can be reach with a motorcycle.
Diwa Vista Point is a lookout point located in Baranggay Gabawan overlooking the landscape and seascape of Odiongan Romblon. You need to hike for 30-45minutes to reach this place, passing thru rice paddies and concrete stairs up to the top.
Hanging Bridge - we discovered this bridge while at the top of Diwa Vista Point, we saw a river and traced where it ends, then along the way this hanging bridge connect the river banks. Its not that far from the trail head so we decided to check it out.
Tree-house ni Lolo Bolo is one of the nearest spot from where we stay. We happen to come across this place while having food trip in a nearby halu-halo. Its a house made of bamboos with nipa leaves roofing, suspended ten meters above the ground, hanging on huge tree trunks.
Bamboo Farm is plantation in Canduyong, Odiongan Romblon. This place is reachable from the town via motorcycle which takes about 30-45minutes ride. Personally, this is one of the coolest place you can visit in Odiongan.
Binucot Beach Resort is located in the municipality of Ferrol. It is also accessible via motorcycle from the town of Odiongan. This is a white beach resort, with Nipa hut which can be rented for a day. There is a sandbar which connects the small islet and you can explore its rock formation.
Grotto de Banloc is a pilgrimage site near the town of Looc. The grotto stood at the top of the hill and there 's a way of the cross leading to the grotto and along its path were beautifully landscape flowering plants and bonsai. It is very peaceful and calm, there is a feeling of relaxation and refreshing ambiance the envelops the surrounding.
Bambo Eifel tower, yeap, that's right. There is replica of Eifel tower and Big Ben located in the municipality of Looc Romblon, it is inside Bantigue Resort. But unlike the Eifel tower in London, this one is made up of bamboos. There is an entrance fee, but you can take pictures outside the vicinity, just like we did.
Binucot Beach Resort is located in the municipality of Ferrol. It is also accessible via motorcycle from the town of Odiongan. This is a white beach resort, with Nipa hut which can be rented for a day. There is a sandbar which connects the small islet and you can explore its rock formation.
Grotto de Banloc is a pilgrimage site near the town of Looc. The grotto stood at the top of the hill and there 's a way of the cross leading to the grotto and along its path were beautifully landscape flowering plants and bonsai. It is very peaceful and calm, there is a feeling of relaxation and refreshing ambiance the envelops the surrounding.
Bambo Eifel tower, yeap, that's right. There is replica of Eifel tower and Big Ben located in the municipality of Looc Romblon, it is inside Bantigue Resort. But unlike the Eifel tower in London, this one is made up of bamboos. There is an entrance fee, but you can take pictures outside the vicinity, just like we did.
Looc Fish sanctuary, this is a Marine sanctuary in the municipality of Looc. There is a registration area on which they will assign a boat men that will take you to a floating barge. There's a lot a colorful fishes in the sanctuary, there is even clown fish and coral reefs.
Aglicay Beach Resort - is hidden paradise situated in the southern part in the town of Alcantara. From the main road, it is accessible thru a narrow path which only fit one vehicle to pass in one direction at a time. It is a white sand beach cove in the middle of a mountainous area.
It is truly relaxing in Tablas, and I can't wait till the our next summer trip to Romblon.
