Perhaps, nobody would believe me if I’ll say I haven’t gone back to Barangitaw Beach for the last 44 years. This is one of the most popular peoples’ beaches in Sulat, Eastern Samar.
A natural-born Sulatnon (like me), who is used to swim in this rocky beach of rustic beauty with super cool and crystal clear, yet salty water, couldn’t probably wait and endure for so long without going back to this nature’s hidden paradise.
As I exactly knew it since my younger years, Barangitaw is the only public beach here where local tourists continuously flock into the place to unwind, relax and escape the hustle and bustle, and the reality of urban life, and exist for a moment without any disturbances.
One of the “must-see” tourist destinations, Barangitaw, is indespensably part of our growing up as a bonafide “Candaracolnon,” the native moniker for the locals.
And so, when the opportunity came, and we were afforded time to re-mingle again with some friends and relatives, it simply put some irresistible sweet smiles on our faces. Finally, we can get another chance to take a glimpse of Barangitaw that we have missed for too long.
Unlike before, when there was still no feeder road access to Barangitaw, all picnic goers need to do is walk for about an hour just to reach the area. But nowadays, a well-paved concrete 5-mtr width access road is already connecting the beach to the village proper.
So, its accessibility is no longer an issue. Motorcycles and even 4-wheel vehicles can already be used in transporting beach combers. Hence, at present, Barangitaw is once again teeming with picnic goers from the Poblacion and nearby barangays.
Men from all walks of life can be seen hanging around, enjoying, and having the time of their life. Some are eating together, drinking and dancing, while others are climbing the rocky cliffs and from up there, show off their innate diving skills down to the deep blue water.
Obviously, the younger ones with higher adrenalin rush were seen mostly frolicking in the crystal-clear waters.
Watching all this happenings from a distance, left me in awe. I couldn’t help it but reminisce the good old days. Those times when we were still regular habitues of Barangitaw. Seeing these kids throwing droplets of water on their faces, I laughed in silence and smiled, then whispered to myself saying: “been there, done that!”
And at the same time, thanking our ever-generous God for the chance of experiencing once upon a time, such kind of a simple, but satisfying and fulfilling childhood!
