I parked my Dune Buggy at the side of the port just in time for the sun to go down. Baclayon shore faces the sunset making for a relaxing view in the afternoon. Even from afar, I could see tables and chairs being set up just across Baclayon Church. In the evening this baluarte turns into boulevard of barbecue stalls and eateries where locals can enjoy lounging around with a drink in hand and enjoy the ocean view. Something I haven’t seen before a couple of years ago when I was in this area.
When one mentions Baclayon, it’s hard not to associate it with the Baclayon Church. I’m sure a lot of people already know about this church as being one of the oldest in the country. Most people go here for the church for the sightseeing, but after that, they zoom away. I was like that a couple of years ago. Baclayon is just that other town most people pass through going to either Loboc or Tagbilaran.
Things have changed now and we have to thank the local community for that. Introducing new adventure activities does help local tourist to stop by and enjoy Baclayon. And after all those adventure, it’s nice to just sit back on of those wooden benches or monobloc chairs along the pier and watch the sun set behind the nearby group of mangroves.
I help myself with some Chicken BBQs and Isaw (Chicken Intestines). I sip on a locally branded cola while I wait for the goodies to be grilled. Since I don’t drink soda that much, I can’t really tell the difference from the popular brands we have. I can see them smoking the mangroves afar. It’s probably to fend off the sand mites commonly known to inhabit the place.
And the chicken and isaw is served. Then a plate of puso was also served. Puso is a very ingenious way of serving rice for me. It’s compact and handy and the rice has this distinct tight texture since it’s held together by coconut leaves. It reminds me of the handiness of Japanese rice balls but better. Common in Visayas region, they would put in a plate of these puso, but I don’t have to eat them all. Just pay what I consumed. Such a clever way to entice people to get more of it.
After chomping on that barbecue dinner, it’s great to just walk around the pier and get that food down the system. I see Baclayon Church and the boulevard from afar well illuminated at night. The town sure is making its presence felt in this chocolate hills driven island.
Ferdz Decena is an award-winning travel photographer, writer and blogger. His works has found print in publications such as Singapore Airlines’s Silver Kris, Philippine Airlines’ Mabuhay, Cebu Pacific’s Smile and Seair InFlight. He has also lent his expertise to various organizations like the Oceana Philippines, Lopez Group Foundation, Save the Children and World Vision, contributing quality images for their marketing materials.
