The Beauty of Endurance: Malapascua Island

We’ve been walking the shores of Malapascua island since we were in our early years, it has become tradition to travel 3-4 hours from the city to Maya Port—which is literally at the tip of Cebu and the road will end up there—during the Holy Week. We’ve witnessed its virgin shores right before it was donned with prestigious resorts; I remember those times where we would get swaki’s, every time the tide runs low, open it and eat it right away, I remember how we use to ride those small bancas—small wooden boat usually used for catching small amount of fishes—and paddle ourselves to small distances. Malapascua island holds a part of our childhood that we wouldn’t trade for anything else: fun, precious, juvenile moments have been implanted in those shores, its coconut trees dance and celebrated our innocence, and its seashells recorded our laughter and sends a message to everyone who tries to hear what sound it holds.

Different parts of the island are interconnected with small pathways like this one.

The mainland shore is donned with bancas which overshadow the beautiful shore of Malapascua island.

The new generation. Reminds us of the days when we were young.

Two years ago, Malapascua Island was one of the greatly affected islands by Typhoon Haiyan but it took no time for it to mend its shores and restore its beauty despite its scarred demeanor. Typhoon Haiyan never showed mercy to the island's inhabitants; it took with it houses, lives and years of hard work that people have created in just one swift of its winds. But when the storm carried on its way, it carved a path that some of its inhabitants will never see it like how some people see it, it revealed the beauty of endurance; it gave the island an enticing new look and making it more picturesque,

Langub Beach

Langub beach is located on the other side of the island, it boasts the renowned shore of Malapascua because it is not congested with bancas. You can take a motorcycle ride from the main shore to here, although I didn't experience it first hand and don't know how much it costs but try asking the locals how much it usually costs.

Langub beach

The way to Bantigi beach. It's just a 2-5 minutes walk from Langub beach.

Bantigi beach

Ruins

Bantigi Beach

Photos by: Arvee Camacho

Malapascua island still remained beautiful after having endured so much in the past. What I'm surprised about is that it still kept its clean and peaceful ambiance making it an island of relaxation.