The surf camp in Calicoan Island

Summer is always the season everyone looks forward to. Most people want to go outside the city, go up north in the cold climate of the Cordillera mountains; in the tropical getaway island of Aklan or at the tip of Cebu's north province. But none in my circle or acquaintances, so far, have ever mentioned of spending their summer adventure in an island bounded by the Pacific Ocean on the east and Leyte Gulf on the west - The Surf Camp at Calicoan Island in Guiuan, Eastern Samar.

After a rough weekend covering Central Visayas Regional Athletics Association (CVIRAA) Meet 2006 in Tagbiliran, Bohol, I received an invitation by Smart Telecommunication to join them for the Smart Click launching in the historical town of Balangiga (Eastern Samar) and to experience the mystical paradise in Guiuan (Eastern Samar) over the weekend.

On board the Roble Shipping Lines "Heaven Star" in Pier 2, which departs nightly at 10pm, I had pleasure from every single moment - hanging on the corridor while gazing at the stars and rekindle ties with old friends and meet new acquaintances over Video Karaoke. A boat trip which I thought would be a bore turned out to be quite fun when I partied with friends till we docked in Ormoc City at 3am.

As I disembarked an expedient sight met me: Duptours Vans. They take the route via Tacloban City - a two-hour travel. And guess what? Affordable and reasonable fare.

When I reached Tacloban City, I was amazed to see Duptours with their own terminal and again it was very convenient. After getting my ticket, I just sat on the bench till we boarded the van for my final destination in Guiuan, Eastern Samar.

I thought I would doze off in my seat as I listened to soothing Café Del Mar music on my discman but the awesome sight of the countryside perked me up. Like the famous San Juanico Bridge, the ricefields, the rock formations by the sea in barangay Legaspi in Marabut. I just envy the folks who live there as paradise is just at their backyard.

Before reaching Guiuan, we passed by the historical town of Balangiga. This was the town where the massacre of American soldiers took place inside the church in 1902. Folks here are not ruthless, for those who didn't know the story like me. History records that they were forced to massacre the American soldiers because the latter were abusive of their power as colonizers.

After a three-hour trip, I finally reached the bustling town of Guiuan. After a 30-minute ride from the town proper, I set foot on the spectacular and idyllic Calicoan Island.

As I entered the beautiful carved entrance of The Surf Camp, I couldn't help admiring the seven luxurious cottages inspired by Thai, Balinese, Indonesian and Filipino architectures. The infinity pool has an unparalleled view of the Pacific Ocean.

With impressive landscaping, unexploited tropical forest, pristine white sand beach, crystal clear water with both left-hand and right-hand waves which is ideal for surfing - the place is heaven.

At night, as I sat on by the bench facing the Pacific Ocean, I relished the sound of the waves crashing into the rocks and the perpetual serene sight of the ocean with the stars shining like diamonds in the sky. It was a breathtaking experience.

The long trip really paid off. It was like going home to your family after a tiring day at work.

I am just glad Smart Telecommunication gave me this opportunity to discover a simply amazing escapade at The Surf Camp of Calicoan Island in Guiuan, Eastern Samar.

For more inquires about The Surf Camp, you may email them at info@calicoansurfcamp, log on to www.calicoansurfcamp.com and contact them at +63917-530-1828 with fax number 032- 345-3138.