Sicogon Island
"Ang Pinakamagandang Hayop sa Balat ng Lupa" (1974) starring Gloria Diaz was filmed in the island of Sicogon in Iloilo. The island was a popular destination in the 70s. However, due to the situation caused by Martial Law, development in the island was stunted and its popularity faded in favor of Boracay Island.
On our way to the island, we rented a passenger boat for the group, and the waves are still small, although at some parts we were splashed several times with growing waves. Our host said it will only take 15 minutes to get from the port to the island. But it took us over an hour. The boat pilot said it will really take at least 45 minutes if the weather is good and the waves aren't harsh.
Isla Sicogon is a small island in Carles, Iloilo. A part of it was acquired by a big corporation and is currently being developed to be a resort. According to what I've heard, during the onslaught of Typhoon Yolanda in the island, locals resorted to selling their lands so they can survive as the typhoon destroyed their livelihood. Some refused to sell their lands. The people are still fighting for their lands. The tension between the corporation's security and the local authorities is very obvious. Apparently, one can't just go to the island as they please, even for recreational activities. When we got there, the private company's security went over to ask who we were. Not an hour later, another group arrived (I can't be so sure because I wasn't able to take a closer look), and they had a heated conversation with the security, with the former telling that their guests (us) can swim in the beach all we want because the land dispute is still in the courts. While all these is happening, I was just there in the water.
In the afternoon, while leaving the island, the waves have grown bigger. We really feel each move even though this time, we were riding a bigger boat, owned by the cooperative who hosted us.
Isla Sicogon is a small island in Carles, Iloilo. A part of it was acquired by a big corporation and is currently being developed to be a resort. According to what I've heard, during the onslaught of Typhoon Yolanda in the island, locals resorted to selling their lands so they can survive as the typhoon destroyed their livelihood. Some refused to sell their lands. The people are still fighting for their lands. The tension between the corporation's security and the local authorities is very obvious. Apparently, one can't just go to the island as they please, even for recreational activities. When we got there, the private company's security went over to ask who we were. Not an hour later, another group arrived (I can't be so sure because I wasn't able to take a closer look), and they had a heated conversation with the security, with the former telling that their guests (us) can swim in the beach all we want because the land dispute is still in the courts. While all these is happening, I was just there in the water.
 |
| Will never get tired of seafood meals |
