It was a rainy weather as we landed in Catarman Airport in Northern Samar; the hour-long flight aboard PAL Express’ Q400 turboprop was marred by occasional turbulence as we pierced through dark clouds along the flight path. Flying at 20,000 feet, the lower altitude provided some nice views of the terrain below us. But for almost the entire duration, this being a 5:30AM flight, the cabin was in silence, passengers only began to stirred as the aircraft wheels touch down on the runway. After a hearty lunch, the group took to Brgy. Rawis, an hourly ride from Catarman across rice fields and sandy shores, into Laoang Island, the site of NCCA’s technical assessment of the different structures for possible heritage declaration. Laoang Island is accessible by a 10-minute banca ride; these small outrigger boats are the inhabitant’s main transportation in crossing the 300 meter channel that separates it from the main land. A bridge was suppose to be build, but due to lack of funds, it was never started; nevertheless, this has given locals the opportunity to earn income from ferrying people and goods alike. First stop was St. Michael the Archangel Parish Church – built in the 17th century […]