From the Giant’s Head and Belly Sprung Olotayan Island, Roxas City’s Only Island-Barangay

Anyone tired or near burn-out from the clichés of 8 to 5 weekday routines could get the must-sought after respite that Olotayan Island has to offer. A day or two spent here means quality time with yourself, the people that matter most to you, and with Mother Nature. With the poor signal, absence of electricity, and abundance of Mother Nature’s bounty, you’ll find moments in this tranquil island an opportunity to reconnect with yourself (if the noise of the city has been sapping the sanity out from you).

Let your mind focus on the idea that the best things in life are also the simplest, the humblest, yet the best. Olotayan Island is the only island-barangay in Roxas City but it’s totally a whole new world in here. While Roxas City is bustling to the point of being noisy sometimes, Olotayan is your placid destination, thanks to its rustic view and isolated idyll, free and distant from the frenzy of the day-to-day routine and the trappings of modern civilization. Here, the essentials (food, shelter and clothing) are abundant, made possible by the fresh bounties of the sea. Watching TV at night or singing karaoke—if electricity or the generator is available—are a luxury already, a bonus to hard working folks after they call it a day. The kids still go out to play, while the elderly call it a pastime to enjoy chitchat with the neighbors. That’s how predictable—yet seemingly worry-free the life here is.

Olotayan’s name is as legendary as the island is enchanted. Story has it that there once was a powerful giant so terrifying he would wreak havoc in Northern Panay. The locals prayed fervently that the anitos decided to bring an end to the chaos by striking the giant with lightning. The giant was instantly chopped into pieces , his body parts spread across the sea, which turned into islands. Isla Higantes is believed to be the body of the giant. The head (ulo) and stomach (tiyan) became Olotayan, while the eyes (mata) and ears (tainga) are the present-day Mantalinga island, which is closer to Roxas City. The butt became Tuwad island in Brgy. Libas, while the feet became Sapatos islands.

Olotayan is a sanctuary for coral reefs and tropical fishes. Its white sand beaches and gently sloping coastlines make the place a destination for those who love snorkeling and scuba diving. It has four sitios: Puting Balas, Lo-ok, Sawang, and Capaculan. Puting Balas is the most popular among the tourists because this is where Olotayan Beach Resort is located. This is also where visitors are docked. However, we were taken by the boatman to Capaculan, where Brgy. Captain Manuel Aninang, offered us a cottage in his resort for free. I find Capaculan prettier than Puting Balas, because of the imposing curve of its shoreline and the towering mountains that make it romantic for afternoon photo shoots or just a simple stroll. What makes it more interesting is that the place is secluded. There’s no signal, so I was able to enjoy watching the still water, crystal clear enough to compete with Boracay’s. But what I’ll buy in the place is the tranquility, since guests are very few so the place is all yours for the taking. My friends and I rested awhile at the cottage while having lunch. Then, we strolled to the path walk that cuts across the hills, leading the locals to the other side of the island, the barangay proper.

On top of the hill awaits the imposing view of the Sibuyan Sea and a nearby islet that I forgot to ask what the name is. Unlike Boracay, which is just a pump boat away, Olotayan has no drunk party-goers or crowded hotels standing side by side. The white shoreline brightens with its luminescence. This is Olotayan. Worth visiting. Worth coming back to. Worth protecting from the encroachment of man’s abuse and modernity’s fast-pace predation. And to cap this, it would be a gem of a success to preserve Olotayan’s beauty while improving the standard of living of the locals. Sooner than later, I hope so.

How to reach Olotayan? When in Roxas City, ask the tricycle driver to take you to the Banica wharf. You may contract a boatman for a vice-versa ride to Olotayan for around P1,500 (good for 4). He will give you options on what part of the island you’d want to be dropped, then be specific to inform him what time do you want to leave the place, so he could come back to pick you up for Roxas City. You can stay in the island for overnight. There are a handful of cottages for rent. Coordinate with the City Tourism Office or Brgy. Captain Aninang beforehand so you could make arrangements ahead of your holiday.