(I Shall Return to CAPUL)
While flipping the pages of 8 magazine, I saw a picture of a place that was almost like paradise. I was amazed by the beauty of its milieu. I said to myself, I have to see this place. With a snap of a finger I was there.
I’m mentioning about an island that is rich in culture and traditions, CAPUL ISLAND. Capul is an island town situated in the Northwestern section of the province of Northern Samar. It borders the Western end of San Bernardino Strait and with the southernmost point of Luzon on the opposite side. It bounds the Eastern Seagate of the Philippines to the Pacific Ocean.
I’m going to share to you my once in a lifetime adventure, in meeting people and understanding their unique language (INABAKNON). Not to mention, swimming on crystal clear waters and lying on white fine sand.
Day 1 (Lighthouse)
Travelling was always my event but travelling for almost nine hours, it sure sounds more exciting. Together with my friend Marisse, we have to travel via van to Northern Samar. To summarize things up, here is our time travel.
Van: 6 -8:00 A.M. Tacloban City- Catbalogan City
8 - 12:00 P.M. Calbayog City-Allen, Northern Samar
1 -2:00 P.M. Allen-Capul Northern, Samar
When we arrive in Allen, we rode a large motor boat vessel. Actually, the available boat to Capul is only till 11 A.M. but because of too many passengers there was one available that took off at 1 P.M.
It was a one hour, shaky voyage to the island. I was nauseated as the waves hit the boat’s edges. Suddenly, a huge wave came and one of the passengers was wet by the waters. “WOW”, as I and Marisse shouted in awe.
All eyes were on us and Sir Harold said, “Shhh, Diri ka Taga Capul kun mag-react ka sa balud” (You are not from Capul if you react on the waves). Now, that was really a funny experience.
As we arrive in Capul, I couldn’t believe that I’m stepping on white sand beach and feeling the cold crystal clear waters of the island. We rode a habal-habal (single motorcycle) to Mam Milen’s house where we are going to stay for four days.
I enjoyed the hospitality the people of Capul gave us. We enjoyed eating in their house especially their “ATSARA” that was home made by Ma’am Milen. After that, we didn’t want to miss the opportunity to visit the lighthouse.
From pictures comes reality. In front of me was a beautiful panorama of the island. There were huge Talisay trees, wide crystal clear oceans and big footprint of a giant. We enjoyed swimming, collecting sea shells and most of all picture takings.
Tired and hungry, we all went back home.
Day 2 (Cantel Beach)
Another beautiful beach situated in Capul is the Cantel beach. The sand here is finer compared to the sand found at the lighthouse. We enjoyed night swimming and putting up a bonfire.
When we went home, a lot of food was waiting. There were freshly cooked Condensed and Calamansi flavored Gulaman from boiled seaweeds, hot Tsokolate and Tinolang Pusit. Don’t forget the Atsara. Really Marasa ikan-na (it was so delicious)!
Day 3 (Learning Inabaknon)
Mahalap Sangom sika-am dimuan (Good Morning Everyone)! Did you know that the people of Capul only have electricity from 4P.M-12 A.M.? Yes it’s true. Though there was no electricity, we still enjoyed our last day in the island. Hot Champorado was served for breakfast. What a nice treat for a rainy day!
We got the chance to hang out with some high school Abaknon (native of Capul) students. We had exchanges of language. They taught us Inabaknon and we taught them Waray. Examples of Inabaknon are Makababayi (beautiful), Makalalaki (handsome), Maraat (ugly), Danda (girl), Lala (boy), and Ag higugma ta kaw (I love you).
We also went to their church which has a historical mark. The Capul church was believed to be the first and oldest church built here in Region 8.
Day 4 (Home Sweet Home)
Padayto na kami (We’re leaving)! Though it saddens me to bid goodbye to the Abaknons, I will always remember them. I am grateful to the Lord that I was given the opportunity to embrace the island of Capul.
I would like to thank the following people, Sir Aaron, Sir Jeff and Sir Harold. If it wasn’t for them I will not be able to reach Capul. To Ma’am Milen, thank you for the hospitality and letting us stay in your house. To Kuya Allieh, Ate Tata and Marisse, thank you for the companionship and the friendship. Till we all meet again!
To the Abaknons, Dakaw kami agkalimutin (Don’t ever forget us) and Ga ikaw kalimutan (I will not forget you)!
MAHAYA SALAMAT SI TAGA CAPUL!!!
Profile of the Author
AIRRA MAE ASTILLA DACUT
LEYTE NORMAL UNIVERSITY ABCOM INTERN
