Island Tour

During the first week in May, two friends, Agnes and Shella and I had the opportunity to to stay at Isla Verde Eco-Friendly Resort, even though the accommodations are not completed yet.

We left Manila in the early morning and traveled by bus to a small beach in Batangas, where we waited for one of the big bancas to take us from the mainland to Isla Verde.


Arriving at Isla Verde, there was a pleasant walk to the resort.

On the Saturday morning of our visit, we decided to explore the isla, and what better way to start than taking a tour with one of the friendly local boatmen.

We began the day walking to meet our boatman, Borne, but decided we were a little tired and Agnes, Shella and I took a ride on a motorbike for the rest of the journey to Borne's place.


We started our boat trip in Punta, Mahabang buhangin, and we had fun traveling in Borne's small banca, while he showed us how beautiful and green the island looks from the sea.

From the boat, we can have look what's under the sea

From the boat, it is like sitting and looking down into an aquarium,  Corals and colorful fishes are
everywhere, and the clear water makes it look like you can reach and touch them.

Light house at Punta Cueva, Isla Verde.

 Borne took us to Punta Cuerva, where we took pictures at the caves and climbed to the top of the light house.  At the beach, the girls enjoyed looking at the different shells on the shore, and admiring the views.
 

Leaving the beach, we went to see some of the resorts
on the island, including the Ozone Diving Camp and Dos Palmas, Verde Island.

Borne, our boatman, with American girl, at ozone diving camp.

It was the best experience for Agnes and Shella and it was the first time they experienced an island tour by motorbike, boat and walking.

Our island tour took about four hours and there are still many more things to see and do next time we visit.

The rise of Kami-Sama.

In April another new project, the construction of a 'Tourou'.was begun and by the time of this post the main part is complete




A tourou is traditionally a Japanese stone lantern and is often found in gardens and around shrines.

Aside from the decorative function of the tourou, it has a spiritual significance to Japanese guests. 

The tourou is built to represent a little piece of Japanese culture and spiritualism on our island home.

Perhaps if a Kami spirit likes the tourou, the tourou itself might become 'Shintai'.  A home away from home for a Kami.

It is the second week of April and things
are moving along at Isla Verde Eco-Friendly Resort.  The second new kubo has been built.

In March 2013 the first of a number of Bahay Kubos was built.  This one is not far from the sea wall.  Kubos will be used for staff accommodation and some will be provided for short term guests. 

A 'kubo' or 'bahay kubo' is another name for 'nipa hut'.  These were a traditional home for the early inhabitants of the Philippines and are still built and used today.  There are many sizes and styles of nipa hut, and those being built at Isla Verde Eco-Friendly Resort are a popular size in rural areas.

The bahay kubo is built from environmentally friendly renewable materials, mostly parts of bamboo and nipa palms.  Because the design and methods used are traditional skills, for men taught the traditional methods, they are quick to build, strong and can cope with weather in the tropics.  The design cleverly allows air to circulate and the materials help cool the little home.

Despite the small size, the clever design allows
room for a double bed, a sleeping loft, a kitchen area, much like the galley on a sail boat, and a comfortable lounge and eating area. 

This was an exciting time at the resort as the new kubos fit perfectly with the Eco-Friendly intent of the resort.