Maasin City at Night Photo By: “Jham” Hatayna
Think about Maasin city this summer.
With its laid back charm and rustic elegance, one cannot surely afford to miss the kind of promise this 10-year old city in the Southern Leyte province could guarantee to its visitors.
Maasin city plays a major role for eco-tourism and religious pilgrimage activities in Eastern visayas region.
As its attractions and destinations abound, round-the-clock peace and order are also ensured by its local authorities to maintain security and comfort for everyone.
The famous Guisohotan cave with its underground water and falls at the mountain village of Cagnituan, around 15 kilometers away from the city and about 276 meters above sea level, is considered the best spot for outdoor people, campers, spelunkers and trekkers who wish to conquer themselves by scaling mountains.
Another is Danao Forest Park at Malapoc norte, an uphill village in the city, where the National Boy Scout Jamboree 2010 in the Philippines was hosted.
Monte Cueva, elevated around 172 meters above sea level, is not only flocked by mountaineers but also by religious devotees as a man-made chapel is structured inside the cave.
The miraculous shrine of St. Francis de Xavier located at the summit of Hanginan, an upland village around 7 kilometers away from downtown area, has never been futile in conveying spiritual vitality to its many pilgrims coming from various nooks of the country.
Our Lady of Assumption Shrine Photo By: “Jham” Hatayna
Also, the 36-meter tall Mama Mary statue of the Our Lady of Assumption Shrine atop Jalleca hills in the village of Abgao beckons devotees for another stay in the city. Pilgrims are assured with a sincere friendship and hospitality from Maasinhons or locals.
Maasin Cathedral Tower Photo By: “Jham” Hatayna
Remnants during Spanish conquest in the region also numerous in the city. The Maasin Cathedral located at the heart of the city is a clear and solid manifestation of the religious fervor and presence Christian-like virtues among its settlers.
Maasin Cathedral Photo By: “Jham” Hatayna
Some cultural artworks and historical artifacts during this period are also housed at the private museum of Mr. Salvador “Boy” Abiera, an architect, artist, and a distinguished citizen in the city. (Mr. Abiera is one of the Most Outstanding Southern Leyteños in 2010 due to his immense contribution to the development of the city and province.)
The Abiera Muesum of Arts is located at the back of St. Joseph College-High School campus in downtown area. Noteworthy to mention here is that Mr. Abiera is ever-excited to satisfy every curious tourist who wishes to get a glimpse of his mesmerizing collections.
When physical exhaustion dawns upon the visitors, Maasin city can offer various getaways or sanctuaries for rest and relaxation.
Pugaling Beach Photo By: “Jham” Hatayna
Beaches, resorts, bars, hotels, and restaurants abound in the city– ever-ready to revitalize travelers for their next escapade.
Since Maasin city is a coastal area, the beaches are stretched from one village into another. Other resorts with affordable amenities are flourishing along the villages of Pugaling, Ibarra, Maria Clara and Pasay.
Gloria Beach Resorts and Jaimee’s Hotel and Resort located at the village of Ibarra, some 5 kilometers away from the city, are ready to pamper weary travelers with their wide-array of amenities.
Cafes and music bars like Floi-Quin, The Avenue and Tavern in the city both have therapeutic ambiance and distinct concoctions for those who would like to unwind. These hangouts are also featuring videokie corners and local musicians on their acoustic guitars.
If one has missed his grandma’s cuisine back home or wanted to try something more palatable in the city, try your hand at Kinamot sa Abgao Restaurant. Wide choices of tasty local, Asian, and Continental dishes are also available in other restaurants in the city.
For your lodging, topping the list on affordable yet comfortable hotels in the city are Villa Romana, Ampil Pension House, Maasin Country Lodge, among others.
As to the Filipino custom, a visitor must bring a “pasalubong” or souvenir item/food for his loved ones before heading home. Best “pasalubongs” from the city are its native delicacies like sortidos, salvaros and bocarillos.
Bocarillo is a sweet delicacy made of grated coconut, milk and flavored with mango, jackfruit or coconut; while sortidos and salvaros are home-baked cookies. Its shelf life can last up to one month, depending on the storage.
These home-made and preservative-free products are originally produced at Lilith’s Bocarrilo in Ibarra and Bendith’s Sortidos/Salvaros in Maria Clara.
A pack of Bocarillos, sortidos or salvaro is tagged between 40-45 pesos. One can also get a discount if he orders in bulk.
Indeed a bag of these delicacies won’t hurt any visitor who would like to brag of his brief yet memorable stay in the city.
GETTING TO MAASIN CITY
If one is in Cebu, he can reach the city by a two-hour fastcraft ride to Hilongos from Cebu, and a 45-minute overland trip from Hilongos to Maasin city.
Those who are in Manila can take a one-hour plane ride to Tacloban city. Upon arriving in Tacloban, air-conditioned vans can take visitors to Maasin city in a two-hour ride.
If one however is in need of a tour guide, he may contact the city investment, promotion and tourism office thru: (053) 381-2138 or (053) 381-3917.
But then again, who needs a tour guide in this city when Maasinhons can surely keep their promise?
ABOUT THE WRITER
Ronald O. Reyes is a freelance journalist and a Maasinhon. He writes mainly for Tribune Eastern visayas newspaper in Tacloban city. Email: naldronaldreyes@yahoo.com; mobile: 0930-283-9227; blogsite: www.musingmaasin.blogspot.com
ABOUT THE PHOTOGRAPHER
Menelio “Jham” Hatayna is a professional event-photographer and licensed civil engineer from Maasin city. He is a pioneering member of MANTSA or Maasinhong Abilidad Nagkahiusa Tumong sa Arte, a former OFW and an honorary member of Overseas Pinoy Professional Photographers Society based in Dubai, UAE. Check his portfolio at www.jhamha.multiply.com . Email: jham211@yahoo.com / kivs2001@yahoo.com.