(News Feature)Cruise tourism unveils unique stories of Capul, Northern Samar

CAPUL, Northern Samar, April 2 (PNA) – The visit of 60 foreign tourists in this island town on board of cruise ship unveils the island's unique history and culture to the world, a top official of the Department of Tourism (DOT) said.

DOT Regional Director Karina Rosa Tiopes said that shore excursion in Capul was different from cruise tourism offered in other places because it focused more into knowing the local culture and tradition.

The town was the capital of Samar from 1848 to 1852. The name Capul came from the word Acapulco, an old trading post in Mexico.

Capul also has distinctive language called Inabaknon, different from the native language used by other residents in Samar Island that is Winaray and Bisaya.

The language is considered to be 8th of the rarest dialects in the Philippines. It is similar to the dialect of the Badjao people of Sulu.

Prior to the Galleon Trade, the island was formerly known as Abak after the name of the chieftain of a group of people that migrated from the south. Their name of their language was also derived from the name of the chieftain.

Couple Ronald and Joan Schwartz from the United States described their visit as "very different and very informative".

The couple who will celebrate their 50th year of marriage next year are both scientists. 

In Capul, places they toured were Tore de Capul or the Capul lighthouse that was built in October 1893 and was first lit on December 1896; the 16th century old Capul Church and Acapulco Beach.

The Capul lighthouse, located in Titoog Point in San Luis village on the northern tip of Capul, serves as beacon and guidepost for Acapulco-Manila galleon trade vessels passing through the treacherous waters of San Bernardino Strait.

Visitors can be mesmerized by the view of San Bernadino Strait and from afar, they can also view Mt. Bulusan of Sorsogon.

The National Historical Commission of the Philippines declared the lighthouse as a historical sitein 2012.

Capul Church or the San Ignacio de Loyola Parish Church is a church fortress first built by Jesuits friars in 1500 using nipa and hardwood. 

A stone church was later on constructed by Franciscans friars to serve as fortress from Moro invaders, who are into slave trade.

The Acapulco beach is where galleon ship docks during Acapulco-Manila Galleon Trade. The name was derived from Acapulco a major seaport in Mexico that was important for galleon trade.

The tourist also experienced riding habal-habal ride, the transportation system in the island.

"It was very challenging ride but the driver was very good," said Joan who had a minor surgery before their trip to country due to broken wrist.

Locals also served the best foods and delicacies to tourists.

Phyllis Lisanti, a retired faculty member of a nursing school in New York and her husband, Joseph, a graphic artist enjoyed tasting local food.

The couple also loved how locals welcomed them when they arrived in the island.

"The people open their hearts to us," Joseph shared.

Lawyer Carmen Mascort, from Barcelona, Spain said that she was thrilled visiting the island and meeting people.

"We are glad to be here and we love the Philippines," she told a throng of children, who welcomed them at Acapulco beach.

Also part of their shore excursion was the entertainment provided by children of Capul singing two local songs.

Highlight of the visit was the distribution of school supplies to elementary students.

Tiopes explained that the distribution of school supplies was part of Sharp Travel and M/S Caledonian Sky introducing their clients to their social and corporate responsibility.

Around 400 students elementary learners received school bags with school supplies. Roofing materials were also turned over to Capul school. 

Tourists who toured the island on March 25, were on-board of M/S Caledonian Sky brought by Zegrahm Expedition and Sharp Travel, the same firms that brought tourist to the island last year.

The easiest way to go to Capul is to fly to Calbayog, Samar or Catarman, Northern Samar from Manila. Travel by land to Allen, then take the boat to Capul. (PNA)
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