Foreign tourists have fun in Capul
TACLOBAN CITY, Philippines – Armed with their cameras, some 20 foreign tourists took pictures of the swarm of smiling natives welcoming them to the island town of Capul in Northern Samar on the morning of February 18, 2015.
A large sign with the words “Dayuna kam” hangs on the shore -- the natives' way of saying “Welcome!”
These foreigners were among the more than 70 tourists aboard the Caledonian Sky, which is on a 21-day expedition in the Philippines under Zegrahm Expedition.
In Capul, the guests were given a guided tour on historic places and shown the rich culture and livelihood of the people of Capul. During their brief stay, the guests interacted with the locals and gamely rode the habal-habal, the town's means of transportation where they have to back-ride a single motorcycle, as they go from one place to another.
They were also treated to an array of local delicacies, hear folk songs sung and witnessed a folk dance performed by locals. They likewise witnessed how the natives weave baskets and make nipa shingles, which are among the people's means of livelihood, and how they wash clothes at a communal laundry area called Bañadero, still using wooden paddle.
On Facebook, Department of Tourism regional director Karen Tiopes recently posted:
“Zegrahm Expedition cruise ship shore excursion: CAPUL, NORTHERN SAMAR:
Till this very day, the local folks do their laundry at the BANADERO. And yes, they still use the palo-palo.
The womenfolks sang traditional Capulnon songs to the amusement of our guests. No washing machine here, so one of the guests washed his shirt the way the Capulnons do, drawing cheers from the locals.”
On another post, Tiopes said:
“So long, farewell!
It felt good to know that we somehow touched your lives. As one of you said: "Your smiles..you people always smile. We dont usually smile. But now that we got to know you, we are learning to smile."
Zegrahm Expedition promised to bring more guests to Capul next year.”
“The people of Capul posses a rich cultural heritage including a language unique to this small island. After a short walk to the 17th-century fortress, enjoy a performance of dance and songs set to folk music. A stroll past the 18th -century church takes you a coconut farm. The main industry of the locals, learn how coconut is processed. Sample traditional dishes and fresh local produce. Afterward head to the nearby sandy beach to swim, snorkel, or simply relax,” Zegrahm, the cruise ship company, said on its website last year.
An article about the expedition, which was posted on Zegrahm”s website prior to the Philippine trip, said:
“Zegrahm Expeditions, the world leader in small-ship cruising and overland adventures, is pleased to announce a brand-new itinerary to the Philippines in 2015. This 21-day expedition explores the most intriguing islands of the vast Philippines archipelago, offering a host of unique opportunities to expose travelers to the undiscovered gems that make this country so intriguing,”
Other places in the Philippines included in Zegrahm’s itinerary on February next year are Puerto Princesa, El Nido, St. Paul’s Natural Park, Coron, Sibuyan island, Donsol, Ticao island, Cagayan de Oro, Pamilacan island, Camiguin island and Balicasag in Bohol.
The cruise expedition reportedly departed from Sandakan, Malaysia before going to the Philippines.
Capul, which is composed of 12 villages and with a population of about 15,000,is located in the middle of San Bernardino Strait that divides Luzon and Samar islands.
Capul boasts of a century-old lighthouse that had served as a guidepost for the Acapulco-Manila galleon trade vessels during the Spanish era. Sailors then used to get water and other provisions from Capul before going on a long trip to Mexico. It is said that the island’s name came from the word Acapulco.
Centuries ago, a group of people arrived and settled on Capul island. The group came from the South to escape from being converted into Mohammedanism. They named the island Abak in honor of their ruler. Their language is called Inabaknon.
Today, their descendants still speak Inabaknon, a unique language that refused to be dominated by the Cebuano and Waray dialects of the neighboring islands and in the mainland.
In their brief stay, the foreign tourists seemed to have had enjoyed the fun in interacting with the people and in witnessing their rich culture and unique way of life as will in as having seen places of interest such as the town's ancient fortress church and centuries-old lighthouse.
The visitors left Capul latter that same day – with smiles on their faces. (This article was first published in the Manila News Online)
