PLGU DdO: Now a local CPD Provider for a streamlined workforce

Davao de Oro Province--- Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is a core towards life-long learning. It integrates professionals for skills and knowledge that is up-to-date and responsive to the need for time.

In the era of hybrid societies where workplaces revamp to adapt in varying situations, it is preeminent to equip and upgrade skills regularly thru CPD, which enables the renewal and updating of skills in the workplace setting.

With fantastic support to the backbone of its progress, the Provincial Government of Davao de Oro has come up with a Continuing Professional Development Program. The CPD program aims to cater to its employees of varied professions, particularly those covered under the RA 1080 who need to earn their required CPD units to renew their licenses with the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC).

Through the Provincial Human Resource Management and Development Office (PHRMDO) headed by Lara Zaphire Kristy N. Bermejo, PLGU-DdO is now an accredited Local CPD Provider with the 'Nursing Program' as its pilot program of the provincial government.

Currently, with the continued fight against the pandemic, it is time that healthcare workers, particularly nurses in the four (4) provincial hospitals in the province, are given training that would amplify their skills in the healthcare setting.

Two CPD Programs entitled as "Basic Life Support (BLS) Course" and "Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Course" were offered by the provincial government in partnership with the Philippine Heart Association (PHA) and Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) last August 16-23, 2021, where 198 nurses from the provincial hospitals participated in the designed online training. Physical training is also part of the two programs, which will resume when authorities permit face-to-face interaction.

Fixated on the goal for a progressive province, the provincial government plans to extend its accreditation as a local CPD provider of programs for other professions. (Jasteen Abella, Information Division, Davao de Oro)

Is the Philippines really a collectivism society?

 

Erwin Anciano

 

Freelance Writer and Aspiring Novelist

The Philippines is totally Collectivist.

But not on the National level like some Far East Asian countries. The Philippines is collectivist on the familial level.

Family is one of the biggest Filipino values. If not the biggest. Filipinos in general will put their family above everything. I can tell you this after decades of handling Filipino employees, and twice that living as an actual Filipino.

A Filipino will spill every drop of his blood if it meant making life a little easier for their family. You just need to look at the OFWs, the unsung heroes who keep the economy of the country afloat.

OFWs will work hard to earn qualifications and certifications, visas and permits to be allowed the privilege of working abroad, to slave and toil in a foreign land with no friends or family, working menial jobs like scrubbing toilets or wiping the ass of stinky old people, all to earn a meager paycheck, 80% of which is sent back home to their families at home, to support a mother and father who can’t work anymore, or to send a younger sibling to college.

Five of my cousins are like this. They went to the US, to England, to Germany just to work a job and send money back home to their families.

You can see the level of familial piety in this country, it is not just in the big things like that, but in the little things. Filipinos don’t leave their family to dry, and sons and daughters respect their elders and follow their counsel even if it is contrary to their own desires.

That is just how Filipinos roll.

Developing unity and consistency in our life

By Fr. Roy Cimagala *

          WHILE Christ was always patient, compassionate, merciful and

the like with everyone, we cannot deny that there were occasions that

he showed anger and expressed some lamentations. He even did this with

his disciples, and especially with those self-righteous leading Jews

of his time and those who converted the temple into a market place.

          In one occasion, while being invited for dinner by a

Pharisee, he was criticized, at least interiorly by those around, for

not observing the prescribed washing before the meal. That’s when he

told the host, “Oh you Pharisees! Although you cleanse the outside of

the cup and the dish, inside you are filled with plunder and evil. You

fools! Did not the maker of the outside also make the inside?” (cfr.

Lk 11,37-41)

          This gospel episode somehow warns us that we are always

prone to fall into all kinds of formalism and legalism without the

proper spirit and motive behind our actions, laws, culture, etc. It

reminds us that we have to be truly consistent and to develop a

certain unity of life that can only be achieved if we are with Christ,

who is the pattern of our humanity and the savior of our damaged

humanity.

          Developing this consistency and unity of life should be an

abiding concern for all of us. Even if we have to contend with many

aspects and dimensions of our life, it is only one life that each of

us has, not two or three. And thus, to build and keep our unity of

life is a daily task of ours. We can neglect it only to our own

serious risk and damage.

          Our life is not only biological that relies simply on our

biological functions. Neither is it just purely physical or material

that requires merely material nourishment.

          Our life has many more important aspects and dimensions that

need to be integrated into one whole consistent thing. There’s the

manual and intellectual, the active and contemplative, personal and

social, the material and spiritual, the temporal and eternal, etc.

          And precisely because of our spiritual nature, we open

ourselves to a supernatural level. That’s just how the cookie

crumbles. Thus, we should also be aware of what is natural and

supernatural in our life, the mundane and the sacred.

          We can manage to have this consistency and unity of life if

we identify ourselves with Christ. Let’s remember what Christ said so

clearly. He is the vine, we are the branches. We can only have life,

let alone, consistency and fruitfulness in our life, if we are united

to him. Outside of him, we can only expect death, inconsistency and

sterility.

          Yes, only in and with Christ can we have the real principle

of unity and fruitfulness in our life. We would be fooling ourselves

if we fail to recognize this basic truth about ourselves.

          This, of course, is a truth of faith, not so much of

science. And that’s where the problem lies. There is a crisis of faith

in the world, especially involving those who rely more on their human

abilities than on belief in Christ.

          We have to correct that predicament by realizing more deeply

that our life is supposed to be a life with God since not only are we

one of his creatures, but a creature that is meant to be his image and

likeness. We are meant to be like God through Christ in the Holy

Spirit. That’s how we can have consistency and unity of life.

* Chaplain Center for Industrial Technology and Enterprise (CITE), Talamban, Cebu City

Email: roycimagala@gmail.com

Two Binibining Pilipinas queens to compete in int’l pageants

 

Binibining Pilipinas Globe 2021 Maureen Montagne and Binibining Pilipinas Intercontinental 2021 Cinderella Obeñita 

by Manila Bulletin Entertainment

Binibining Pilipinas Charities, Inc. (BPCI) continues its traditional farewell for competing queens via a virtual rousing send-off party for Binibining Pilipinas Globe 2021 Maureen Montagne and Binibining Pilipinas Intercontinental 2021 Cinderella Obeñita on Friday, Oct. 8.

Aired via the official Facebook page and YouTube channel of Binibining Pilipinas , the online gathering showered Maureen and Cindy with love and support from their Queen Sisters, members of the press, and their families, as they suit up for their respective pageants, days before their fly off to their respective destinations.

During the send-off, the queens were received by BPCI Chairman, Mrs. Stella Marquez-Araneta, in Araneta City with a warm recognition.  

“My dearest Cindy and Maureen, I wish you the best of luck in representing the Philippines on the international stage. Embrace this opportunity to show the world the best qualities of a Filipina. . .You have the full support of Binibining Pilipinas in your next big adventure. We know you will give your all, so believe in yourself, just have fun, and bring home the crown,” Madame Araneta said.

Cagayan De Oro’s pride, Cindy will be first to compete at the Miss Intercontinental beauty pageant in Sharm El Sheik, Egypt on October 30. She follows in the footsteps of Binibining Pilipinas Intercontinental 2019 Emma Mary Tiglao, who finished in the Top 20. Cindy’s goal is to be the second Filipina to wear the Miss Intercontinental crown after Karen Gallman.

The Batangueña beauty, Maureen will vie for the Miss Globe crown on November 6 in Tirana, Alabania. She follows in the tilt of Miss Globe 2019 2nd runner-up Leren Bautista, and aims to bring home our country’s second Miss Globe crown.

“Fortes in fide”

By Fr. Roy Cimagala *

          THAT’S “strong in the faith” in English. The expression

comes from the First Letter of St. Peter (5,9) and is made also in the

First Letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians (16,13) Both passages are

made in the context of our need to be always on guard against the

enemies of our soul and to be trusting of God’s will and ways.

          We need to make our faith strong and operative because that

is how we can start and maintain our life to be a life with God as it

should be. With faith, we start to share God’s knowledge of things and

his power, and that is how our life should be since we are God’s image

and likeness, meant to share in the very life of God.

          At one point, Christ lamented the common phenomenon of our

lack of faith. “This generation is an evil generation,” he said. “It

seeks a sign, but no sign will be given it, except the sign of Jonah.”

(cfr. Lk 11,29-32)

          If there is no faith, we will never see the things of God

and the rich reality of the truly spiritual and supernatural world, no

matter how much we spin our human powers to capture this reality. Not

even our powerful sciences and technologies can enter into the

spiritual and supernatural reality of our life.

          We have to realize that our faith should not remain only in

the theoretical, intellectual level. It has to be a functioning one,

giving shape and direction in our thoughts and intentions, our words

and deeds. In fact, it should shape our whole life.

          The ideal condition is for us to feel our faith immediately.

Indeed, it should be like an instinct such that whatever we think, say

or do, or whenever we have to react to something, it is our faith that

should guide us.

          We have to understand that it is our faith that gives us the

global picture of things, since it is God’s gift to us, a gratuitous

sharing of what God knows about himself and about the whole of

creation. It is meant for our own good, for us to live out our true

dignity as children of God.

          It is a kind of knowledge that will lead us to our eternal

life. It will make us relate everything in our earthly life, both the

good and the bad, to this ultimate goal in life which is to be in

heaven with God, a state that is supernatural. But it is a divine gift

that we need to take care of. It is like a seed that has to grow until

it becomes a big tree and bears fruit.

          For this, we really need to have a living contact with

Christ who is the fullness of God’s revelation to us. He is the

substance, the content and the spirit of our faith. So, the first

thing that we have to do is to look for him always in whatever thing

we are thinking, saying or doing.

          We need to check our attitudes and dispositions. Do we

really look for him, in the manner spelled out by Christ himself, that

is, with constancy and determination? Christ said: “Ask, and it shall

be given you. Seek, and you shall find. Knock, and it shall be opened

unto you.” (Mt 7,7)

          Of course, we have to understand that a functioning faith is

also the result of being actively guided by the Church which has been

given full powers by Christ to keep and teach the faith with his very

own authority.

* Chaplain Center for Industrial Technology and Enterprise (CITE), Talamban, Cebu City

Email: roycimagala@gmail.com

PAPER STILL MATTERS?

My column in Mindanao Daily News and BusinessWeek Mindanao

OPINION

By KLAUS DÖRING

 

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The frequent whirring of printers in offices - despite the Internet, Microsoft Word, social media (I love Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter), scanners, smart phones applications and many much more - attest to that.

I was very old fashioned in many things. While still typing on an old manual typewriter,  my former colleagues in different publishing houses already used electric units. I loved my antique typewriter. I love it till today. Yes, it's still here at my office in Davao City. I can't use it anymore, because no more ribbons are available in the Philippines. It's fine for me. My electric typewriter is also here. Just beside the manual unit. Those were the days, my love... .

It has been sometimes at the end of the 1990's. I worked in an international publishing house in Berlin with branches in Amsterdam and New York. I still used one of those wonderful electric typewriters - and tried to avoid a personal computer. During that time, I needed to hold paper in my hands. Paper, says the productivity expert David Allen, is "in your face". I strongly agree with David. He said, "Its physical presence can be a goal to completing tasks, whereas computer files can easily be hidden and thus forgotten. I am also returning to paper planners for this very reason. Smile ... .

David Allen, the author of "Getting Things Done", does much of his writing on a computer. So do I meanwhile. But, there are still times when writing with a fountain pen on a notepad. It allows "us" to get "our" heads in the right place. When I tried to learn more from David Allen, I really got surprised, that we have many things in common. Old fashioned or not? I don't care. Here are some facts:

Paper print outs serve an important function. For long texts, a print out can allow a reader to better understand relationships between sections and writings. Paper handouts are still a presence at meetings partly because they are useful for taking notes. Reading a long document on paper rather than on a computer screen helps people "better understand the geography of the argument contained within, "said Richard H.R. Harper, a principal researcher for Microsoft in Cambridge/England and co-author with Abigail J. Sellen of "The Myth of the Paperless Office," published already in 2001.

I also strongly agree with Sellen, saying that using more than one computer screen can be helpful for all this cognitive juggling. But when workers are going back and forth between points in a longer document, it can be more efficient to read on paper.

How about "e-reading a book"? A novel, a drama, whatever? What do you prefer, my dear reader? You wanna know my opinion? I am sure, you can imagine. Yes guys, I still need a book in my hands for my leisure reading. I need to feel the book as well as I need to smell a fresh-printed newspaper. Environment savers might start yelling at me now, though I am one of them. So, where is the edge and borderline?

Paper can be indeed a luscious and beautiful thing - the way we savor fine food and wine, as Steve Leveen, co-founder and CEO of Levenger, said. People complain that writing by hand is slow (yes I am really!), BUT that can be good for thinking and creating! Here we are again!

Yes, it matters still: in defence of the power of paper! What do you think, my dear readers, while holding this newspaper right now in your hands?

20 Most Beautiful Sandbars in the Philippines:

Sand, Longest, Vanishing

By Klara Iskra Añonuevo

Verified Expert

Jump to chapter

• 20. Puting Balas Sandbar (Zamboanga del Sur)
• 19. Manlawi Sandbar (Camarines Sur)
• 18. Sumilon Island (Cebu)
• 17. Panumbangan Sandbar (Sorsogon)
• 16. Palad Sandbar (Marinduque)
• 15. Manjuyod White Sandbar (Negros Oriental)
• 14. Corangon Shoal (Albay)
• 13. White Island (Camiguin)
• 12. Little Sta Cruz Island (Zamboanga City)
• 11. Naked Island (Surigao del Norte)
• 10. Malalison Island (Antique)
• 9. Seco Island (Antique)
• 8. Panampangan Island (Tawi-Tawi)
• 7. Ditaytayan Island (Palawan)
• 6. Bonbon Beach (Romblon)
• 5. Cresta de Gallo Island (Romblon)
• 4. Kalanggaman Island (Leyte)
• 3. Bulog Dos Island (Palawan)
• 2. Snake Island (Palawan)
• 1. Buntod Reef Marine Sanctuary and Sandbar (Masbate)

The Philippines sits roughly 900 miles above the equator and is situated near the Pacific Rim, giving it year-long summer weather that is punctuated by monsoon rains and frequent typhoons. Its unique geography and location have resulted in an archipelago with many natural wonders, the most popular of which are its beaches, underwater coral reefs best explored when diving in the Philippines, and towering limestone caves. 

Less known but equally breathtaking are its numerous sandbars. Just as there are more than 7,000 islands in the Philippines, so are there countless sandbars scattered throughout.

Each sandbar in the Philippines has its own special quirk and charm: some are long and snake-like, others are “naked” and devoid of natural ornamentation, while others still play hide and go-seek with travelers, disappearing when the water level is high only to re-emerge when the tide runs low. Even if you visit a lot of these sandbars, each one is bound to be a unique, unforgettable experience. 

If you're not sure where to start, we've rounded down the 20 best sandbars in the Philippines that should be in your bucket list:

20. Puting Balas Sandbar (Zamboanga del Sur)

Puting Balas Sandbar is a relatively unknown natural attraction until fairly recently, where mostly local fishermen visit the place frequently in the course of performing their livelihood. Located off the coast of the provincial capital of Pagadian City, it is roughly 8KM away from the city center and sits comfortably in the middle of Pagadian Bay. To get there, you’ll need to ride a motorboat from the nearest port, which is about 5KM distance from the shore, the equivalent to a 30-minute boat ride,

It is a naked sandbar that juts at the center of Pagadian Bay almost unexpectedly. The white sand is fine and powder-like, and the surrounding water is pristine and crystal clear, with an endless 360-degree view of the seascape that can be enjoyed from every angle. Go there when the tides are high because this is one of those sandbars that “disappear” during the low tide.   

19. Manlawi Sandbar (Camarines Sur)

Photo by @pdrm_films on Instagram

The Manlawi Sandbar is part of the Caramoan group of islets in Camarines Sur, the largest province in the Bicol region that is about 511KM away from Metro Manila by land, and may be reached via a one hour flight to the Virac airport. This sandbar is at the eastern side of the largest of the Caramoan Island group, namely Lahug Island. 

What sets the Manlawi Sandbar apart is that at its peak, it forms a unique heart-shaped landmass that is only visible during the high tide, which typically occurs at midday when the sun’s rays are at its highest point. 

When visible, the heart-shaped sandbar is about 1KM wide, with powder white sand that is soft to the touch and disappears completely during the high tide, with water about chest-deep in height. At various times of the day, the water grazes the ankles and is shallow enough to walk on.

18. Sumilon Island (Cebu) 

Located off the southeast coast of Cebu near Oslob, Sumilon Island sits on the Cebu straight, an area teeming with colorful reefs and marine life. The sandbar is one of the best dive spots to explore. It has a marine sanctuary located nearby that’s perfect for scuba divers, while snorkeling is also a great way to discover the white sand and fish in the surrounding shallow waters. 

Just like most sandbars, Sumilon Island is a shifting sea-based landmass that changes with the tides and the varying weather patterns. When the tides are higher, the southern tip morphs into a thinner sliver of sand stretching out into the ocean, while a bird’s eye view vantage point reveals a more visible coastal area. Sumilon Island is also part of a private resort called the Bluewater Sumilon, which offers great amenities for longer stays. 

17. Panumbangan Sandbar (Sorsogon)

Photo by Sorsogon Provincial Tourism Office

Panumbangan Sandbar sits on a marine sanctuary where a flourishing marine ecosystem exists. Along with the colorful reefs and schools of fish, exotic seafood delicacies such as “lato” or green sea grapes and sea urchins or “uni” can also be harvested near the sandbar. Located in Pilar, Sorsogon, the Panumbangan Sandbar is about 500KM southeast of Metro Manila and may be reached through a motorboat ride from the Pilar Port. 

The sandbar features a long strip of white sand jutting out of the blue sea, providing visitors with a panoramic view of not one, but two volcanoes, namely Mt. Mayon and Mt. Bulusan, both of which are situated in the Bicol region. Take a dip in the water and explore the fish in the ocean, and then have a hearty meal on the floating bamboo cottages in the surrounding areas, the perfect place to enjoy a delicious seafood meal after a long day of exploring the sandbar.

16. Palad Sandbar (Marinduque)

Palad Sandbar is located several meters off the coast of the north of Maniwaya Island, one of several islets in the municipality of Santa Cruz, Marinduque, a province in the southwestern Tagalog region bordering the Tayabas Bay. Early morning is the best time to visit Palad Sandbar because this is when most of the strip of sand is above water; arrive later and most of it would be submerged in shallow water. Visitors may still wade through the shores and enjoy the crystal clear sea surrounding it during high tide.

The high tide swallows up the Palad Sandbar by 11 AM, so plan ahead to make sure that you catch it above water while it is still at a low tide by riding a chartered motorized boat from Maniwaya Island in the early hours of the morning. Aside from missing the full strip of sandbar from appearing during the high tide, it is best to avoid the crowds that typically converge in the afternoon as well. 

15. Manjuyod White Sandbar (Negros Oriental)

Located off the coast of Manjuyod in North Bais Bay, Negros Oriental, this famous sandbar is may be reached via a 15-minute motorized boat ride from the wharf in Bais. Manjuyod White Sandbar It is often compared to the Maldives because it has the same pristine blue waters and white sand as its famous Indian Ocean counterpart. 

The low tide begins at the wee hours of the morning, so if you want to see the full length of the sandbar it is best to arrive earlier rather than later. 

14. Corangon Shoal (Albay)

Corangon Shoal is a sandbar found in the municipality of Tiwi, Albay, a southeastern province about 470KM away from Metro Manila. Corangon Shaol is sometimes called Egg Yolk Island because its round shape resembles a sunny side up egg, with the drier white sand in the middle looking like the yolk. It is comprised of crushed corals and pearly white sand and may be reached via a 15-minute motorboat ride from the coast of Barangay Baybay.

It is a naked island surrounded by crystal clear turquoise-tinged waters all around it, offering a 360-degree view of its surrounding islets and spectacular seascape. 

The half-hectare wide sandbar is the perfect vantage point from which to view three of Albay’s majestic land formations, namely Mt. Mayon, Mt. Marsaga, and Mt. Malinao. An unobstructed, panoramic view of these stratovolcanoes can be seen from the sandbar, a unique perspective from which to take memorable photographs and unforgettable memories. 

13. White Island (Camiguin) 

Situated a little over 1KM off the northern coast of Mambajao in Camiguin, White Island is a horseshoe-shaped sandbar is uninhabited and is devoid of any permanent structures, man-made and otherwise. One of the top tourist spots in Camiguin, there are no thatched roof huts or coconut trees swaying in the breeze here, just a lump of pure, unadulterated white sand gleaming under the sun’s rays standing right in the middle of the sea. 

As with most sandbars, the U-shaped islet’s landscape changes as frequently as the shifting tides do, although much of it is still above water throughout the day. The best time to visit is in the early morning when the sun is not too hot on the skin. It is a great place to enjoy a panoramic view of two mountains, namely Mt. Hibok-Hibok and Mt. Vulcan, both of which you may visit by joining a  Camiguin tour package. The water is perfect for taking a dip and for exploring some fish and seagrass along the shore. 

12. Little Sta Cruz Island (Zamboanga City)

Little Sta Cruz Island is a strip of white sand located on the Basilan Strait, about 3.5KM south of Zamboanga City. It has a narrow portion leading into a denser area that has thick foliage and mangroves skimming the water’s edge. While the water is clear and inviting, swimming is strictly prohibited, and visitors are allowed to stay for only 10 minutes at a time. This is to limit the water from sunblock or lotion contamination as well as other chemicals that might potentially harm the fragile ecosystem.

A protected marine sanctuary for sea turtles and other endemic marine creatures, Little Santa Cruz is also known for its rare pink-tinged sand that strikes quite an image against the blue, turquoise sea surrounding it. There are local tour guides astride colorful paddleboats who could accompany visitors around the island for a small fee. Nearby is the Great Santa Cruz Island, where cottages, food stalls, and shower rooms are available as well. 

11. Naked Island (Surigao del Norte)

Naked Island is a sandbar found within the fringes of the famous Philippine surf spot in Mindanao, Siargao Island, and is typically included in the day’s itinerary when you join island hopping tours in Siargao, with a jump-off point coming from the pier in General Luna.

The name Naked Island aptly describes this because there are no permanent structures built here, nor are there any inhabitants living on it. The teardrop-shaped sandbar is covered entirely with powder white sand and enveloped around clear blue waters, with a few starfish found near the shore.

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Certain spots in Naked Island have stronger waves, while others have milder currents and are perfect for swimming in the ocean. Some parts of the sandbar disappear beneath the ocean during the high tide, so it is best to visit when most of the landmass is above sea level. Don’t forget to take lots of photographs and enjoy the unobstructed view of the seascape surrounding it. 

10. Malalison Island (Antique)

Photo by @ironwulf on Instagram

This 54-hectare Malalison Island is an emerging beach destination in Barangay Culasi in Panay Island that is situated off the coast of Antique province. Unlike other sandbars, it has a small fishing community living on the island; some areas are covered with rolling hills and grassy knolls. Near the coastline, the seashore is covered in fine white sand and a clear blue sea. 

The sandbar is found at the island's eastern tip, a thin sliver of milky white sand that snakes out into the ocean, forming a sand bridge that connects it to the main landmass. It disappears during the high tide and emerges only during the summer months when the southeast monsoon winds keep the tides low.

The sandbar, which stretches to about 100 meters from the beach, is the perfect spot to enjoy an unobstructed view of Mt. Madjaas and the Antique mainland. The clear water is perfect for swimming and snorkeling around the fringes where marine life is abundant.

9. Seco Island (Antique)

Photo by @marianetagaca on Instagram

This sandbar is located within the municipality of Tibiao, Antique, about 50KM west of Panay Island on the northeast section of the Sulu Sea. Seco Island is only 1.5KM long and is shaped like an elbow, its surroundings covered in turquoise blue water that is shallow enough for swimming. It is so remote that until recently, only fishermen were aware of its existence as it is oftentimes used as a temporary shelter when the waves are too strong to go back into the sea. 

Aside from being an emerging natural attraction where tourists look for its picture-perfect surroundings, white sand, and unusual shape, it is a popular kiteboarding spot because of the strong winds around the island. With wind speeds that could propel kite-boarders up to 150 ft above the water, Seco Island possesses the perfect conditions for extreme water sport enthusiasts to perform daring tricks and aerial maneuvers. 

8. Panampangan Island (Tawi-Tawi)

Photo by @bryehero on Instagram

The longest sandbar in the Philippines can be found in the municipality of Sapa-sapa, Tawi-Tawi, on Panampangan Island. Located along the Basibuli Shoal on the Celebes Sea, its sandbar extends to a little over 3KM into the ocean. From a bird's eye vantage point, it cuts a striking image of a fine white sand bridge reaching out gracefully into the blue-green turquoise waters that surround it. The mainland on which the sandbar extends from is punctuated by lush greenery, coconut trees, and the same powder-like white sand along its coastlines. 

There are huts and cottages for guests wanting to spend the night here, which is good to know as it is also quite far from the mainland. Coming from the jump-off point in Tawi-Tawi, it typically takes 2 hours to reach by outrigger boat and less than an hour by speedboat, but it is well worth the trip as it's a rare chance to set foot on this spectacular natural attraction.

7. Ditaytayan Island (Palawan)

Ditaytayan Island is located at the center of the Calamian group of islands in Culion, Palawan, off the coast of Coron Bay. As one of the farthest to reach among the islets in the region, it is best to join any of the Palawan tour packages available to make the trip worthwhile, as other beach destinations are typically included in most island-hopping itineraries exploring the area.

Its triangle-shaped sand bar extends a few hundred meters into the turquoise blue ocean, with striking white sand that is surrounded by shallow waters and marine life beneath it. The water is cool and inviting, perfect for warding off the heat when the sun’s tropical rays become too intense, especially by mid-day when the sun is at its peak. The place is not as crowded compared to other popular tourist spots in the region, so you’re bound to get the perfect tropical island paradise picture while you’re there. 

6. Bonbon Beach (Romblon)

Located in Romblon, a province in the Mimaropa Southwestern Luzon region, Bonbon Beach is just 3KM from the town proper of Poblacion. Compared to most sandbars, it is easier to reach because the beach it is connected to is adjacent to the town proper, so there’s no need to charter a boat from that jump-off point. The privately-owned beach has a majestic sandbar that disappears during the high tide and re-emerges otherwise. When it is visible, the white sand forms a bridge that connects the mainland to another islet off the coast, Bang-og Island.

Bang-og is a tiny, uninhabited island filled with thick greenery. It looks like a mound of grass from the sandbar and may be reached by foot when the sandbar is not submerged below sea level. The water can rise waist deep so it is best to plan your trip if you intend to visit the mysterious Bang-og when you visit this sandbar on Bon-bon beach.   

5. Cresta de Gallo Island (Romblon)

Photo by @eric_traveljournal on Instagram

It’s easy to imagine being stranded in a remote tropical island when you set foot on Cresta de Gallo Island: located in the middle of the ocean in Romblon along the Sibuyan Sea. It takes anywhere between 45 minutes to almost 2 hours to reach by motorized boat from the mainland in the town of San Fernando.

 It is best to go there when the water is calm; the strong waves could make the journey quite bumpy. There are no shops or hawkers around, and it is completely deserted save for a few other tourists you might bump into while you’re there. 

This 4.5-hectare island features a long, winding sandbar that connects two larger parts of the island and another strip of fine, sugary white sand extending off the other end of the larger landmass. The denser areas are covered in trees, and the water surrounding it is pristine and clear, perfect for swimming and lounging by the shore. 

4. Kalanggaman Island (Leyte) 

This sandbar in Palompon, Leyte, was named Kalanggaman because it is shaped like a bird, which is what the root word ‘langgam’ means in the local dialect. When this mass of white sand shifts along with the changing tides and moving sea levels, it appears as if the two ends of the bird-shaped island’s wings are flapping mid-flight.

With its 795m sandbar that extends at both ends and aqua blue ocean water surrounding it, Kalanggam Island is a popular local attraction that draws many tourists to its shores.

There are accommodations like tents or huts available for tourists looking to stay overnight, while cottages may also be rented for day-trippers, but there are no permanent inhabitants on the island. The water is calm and perfect for swimming, and the tide is at its lowest in the morning when most of the sandbar emerges from the sea. 

3. Bulog Dos Island (Palawan) 

One of several islets that form the Calamianes group of islands in Palawan, Bulog Dos is a compact island with a ribbon-like sandbar that is linked to Malaroyroy Peninsula and the rest of Bulalacao. It appears above sea level in the morning and slowly settles lower into the sea bed as the day progresses, so it is best to visit earlier in the day to see it in its full glory.

Aside from the crystal clear waters and powder-like white sand, the island is known for its unusual rock formations near the shore. Venture further off into the shallow waters, and you’ll find marine life teeming with reefs, corals, and colorful fish, the perfect spot to go snorkeling.

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• Read our article on the best hotels and resorts in Coron

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If you go inward toward the center of the island, take a short trek up a small hill to get a majestic view of the seascape and the surrounding areas around Coron. There’s also a luxury resort at the adjacent island, which is walkable during low tide when the sandbar is visible. 

2. Snake Island (Palawan)

Photo by Department of Tourism

This majestic strip of fine white sand of Snake Island connects the mainland beach into a tiny islet situated several meters from the shore. It is named after the snake-like shape that is clearly visible during the low tide, which cuts a striking image against a background of lush greenery, crystal clear waters, and stunning rock formations that surround it.

A stop to Snake Island is included in most itineraries of several El Nido island hopping tours offered within the vicinity along Bacuit Bay and is one of the best ways to explore the area. 

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• After walking across the sandbar, proceed onward until you’re at the bottom of a small hill that is surrounded by a lush mangrove. If you choose to walk toward the top, you’ll have a majestic view of the sandbar and the surrounding area. On your way back, go swimming around the calm blue sea where reefs, corals, and marine life can easily be seen in the shallow water. 

1. Buntod Reef Marine Sanctuary and Sandbar (Masbate)

Photo by JM Nga VLOGS

This spectacular sandbar earns top points not only for the fine white sand and crystal clear water surrounding it but also for the ease and convenience of reaching it. Aside from being part of numerous Masbate island hopping tours, Buntod Reef Marine Sanctuary and Sandbar is roughly 1KM off the coast of Masbate island, just a 20-minute boat ride from the city center.  

Another reason it's at the top of the list is that it is a well-maintained natural attraction. Covering almost 100 hectares of protected reef and mangrove forests, it has several low-impact facilities for tourists, such as cottages and huts for rent.

Walking on the sandbar during the low tide leads to the mangrove sanctuary, where the water is so clear and shallow you can see the bottom. There are warm and cool parts around the water, making it a great place to swim and cool off beneath the shade of the mangroves surrounding it. 

Explore the Most Beautiful Sandbars of the Philippines

With its majestic sandbars that disappear with the tides only to re-emerge with the shifting waters, the Philippines is an archipelago filled with natural tropical attractions that cannot be replicated anywhere else. Along with these temperamental sandbars and spectacular beach destinations, the marine life in its surrounding area is a colorful underwater world teeming with corals, colorful fish, and beautiful reefs. 

If you find yourself in a beach resort that has a sandbar nearby, don’t hesitate to book a boat ride to visit it. You’ll be rewarded with the unique experience of standing on a tiny tropical island while enjoying an unobstructed view of the beautiful seascape it encompasses. Read more articles about the islands and beaches of the Philippines to discover more about the beautiful tropical destinations in the country.