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Photo Essay: 'Biyahe Ni Drew' in Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro
When most people talk about Mindoro, they mean Oriental Mindoro—the side with Puerto Galera, white sand beaches, and wildlife that made headlines in the news. Its quieter sibling, Occidental Mindoro, is only starting to become popular in the tourism world.
But despite the lack of fanfare, Occidental Mindoro is home to lush scenery, white sand beaches and a rich cultural heritage. Last week, 'Biyahe ni Drew,' GMA News TV's budget travel show hosted by Drew Arellano, visited Sablayan in Occidental Mindoro. Here are photos from their adventure:
The Mangyan are the original inhabitants of Occidental Mindoro. Though they were coastal folk during the pre-colonial period, threats from Muslim pirates and Spanish colonizers forced them inward and into the mountains, where many tribes still live today.
Apo Reef is considered to be the crowning glory of Occidental Mindoro: it is the second largest contiguous coral reef in the world, second only to Australia's Great Barrier Reef. At over 34 square kilometers, it's larger than Makati City!
Occidental Mindoro's rich marine life isn't all about the corals. The pawikan is protected here, and integrated into local tourism—you can swim with them while snorkeling and scuba diving, or peer at them through glass-bottomed boats.
Chicken is more expensive than seafood in Occidental Mindoro. Take advantage of it and try local seafood dishes, like Camalig Restaurant's adobong pugita (octopus); a slightly sour, chewy dish that goes perfectly with a steaming cup of rice.
Chicken is more expensive than seafood in Occidental Mindoro. Take advantage of it and try local seafood dishes, like Camalig Restaurant's adobong pugita (octopus); a slightly sour, chewy dish that goes perfectly with a steaming cup of rice.
More than any sight, though, the true rewards of travel are the people one meets along the way.
While trekking to the Mangyan community, Drew met a tiny grandmother who carried a heavy basket of bananas like it was nothing. Drew offered to switch loads with her and ended up heaving and groaning.
The Sablayeños that the 'Biyahe ni Drew' team met during our weekend there were mild-mannered, friendly and very much aware of the value of nature.
As one Mangyan elder put it: "Simple lang kami, pero masaya kami. Basta sama-sama kami dito."
While trekking to the Mangyan community, Drew met a tiny grandmother who carried a heavy basket of bananas like it was nothing. Drew offered to switch loads with her and ended up heaving and groaning.
The Sablayeños that the 'Biyahe ni Drew' team met during our weekend there were mild-mannered, friendly and very much aware of the value of nature.
As one Mangyan elder put it: "Simple lang kami, pero masaya kami. Basta sama-sama kami dito."
