Some people travel because they want to look at the scenery or some of nature's wonders. Some do it to experience sports like surfing, hiking, zip lining, etc. Others do it to put their buns out in the sun. That's not me children, that's not me. I'd rather be trapped inside a library, a museum or other historical structure. It's always amazing to be in a place that helped shape the lives of people. Anything ancient calls to me. But ghost stories freak me out, okay, so let's stop right there.

The Faro is one of those places that I've been wanting to visit ever since I set up camp in the North. I experienced this place under the heat of the 2 o'clock sun and boy oh boy was I out of breath while descending those steps. But first, I thought this place would just be close to the town's center. News: it's not. The Faro is located at the northernmost tip of the island. We took a habal-habal ride for what seemed like forever. And we're not talking about a smooth ride huh. It was bumpy with a lot of ups and downs and good views of cliffs. Yikes! I'm aware that the manong driver is a pro went it comes these winding roads, but still!!! Anyways.

According to the inscription, this lighthouse has been guiding seafarers passing through the San Bernardino Strait since the 1890's. That's a lot of history there, and lot's of lives saved too, since judging from the strong current, this strait isn't an easy breezy place to navigate. The recognition from the National Historical Commission declaring it as a National Historical Landmark in 2013 is well-deserved. You can read the rest here. ⇩

And because of that, I couldn't resist my daughter's wish that we climb up the lighthouse tower. I forgot I had a fear of heights; I was curious too. Regret came raining down on me as soon as we were on the  third step of the spiral staircase, but my daughter was oblivious to it. Climbing the stairs was the least boring thing she'd done all afternoon. It was a short climb but it got steeper and steeper towards the top and I swear to God I thought we were going to fall off! 

From down here I got a clearer view of the sea and the rugged coastline. I bet it would be a lovely experience to walk around the whole place if the sun isn't burning up. Sunset, anyone?

There's is also this rock formation on one side which seems to resemble a huge foot. In fact, it's locally known as the Big Foot. My daughter believes it's a giant's, just like the ones from Giant Country in BFG.

How many times have I wanted to go to Capul Island but never really made it? Countless, I would say. And it's not like its very far from where I live: just an hour's boat ride. Wait up, maybe that's the key word there: BOAT RIDE. I'm not afraid tho, it's just that I don't know how to swim and I easily get seasick. Let's not put two and two together for they are lame excuses, I know. Which is probably why I finally decided to throw 'em away this summer and took the chance since life gave a golden opportunity. 

The island municipality of Capul is located in Northern Samar, about 45 minutes away by boat from the ferry terminal at Allen. There are four island towns in Northern Samar, namely: San Antonio, Capul, Biri, and San Vicente, respectively. I was already able to visit San Antonio in 2016 and since then I have been wanting to reach the other island towns too. Finally it happened this year and I couldn't be happier.

The first spot that we visited was actually where our boat docked. The place is called the Abak Beach and it's breathtaking. You know what I felt when I saw the place? I felt like I made the right decision to get on the boat, waves and seasickness be-damned. Totally worth it. Celestine was with me and I was so sure that she would have a blast. 

A little tidbit from Inquirer.Net: Originally, Capul was called Abak. According to folklore, its present name was derived from “Acapulco.” During the galleon trade between Manila and Acapulco during the Spanish colonization, many boats would drop anchor at Capul, waiting for the current to flow outward to the Pacific Ocean before they start their long voyage to Acapulco in Mexico.

Capul has a unique language called Inabaknon, instead of Waray-waray which is widely used in the Samar area. I tell you guys, Inabaknon is a league of its own. I'd very much like to learn it but it's not like Cebuano, or Bisaya which shares similar words with my Waray-waray. Due to few speakers, the language is highly endangered.

So, now we know where this place got its name. Anyway, on to the exploration.

First on the itinerary is the picking of shells. *cough cough* This must be the reason why our baggage was heavier on our way home. Full of seashells and other knickknacks.