Adventure, Amazingness, Ancient Wonders, Landscape, Miracles, Nature, Philippines, Scene Stealers, Serenity, Travel
Published on April 10, 2012
Comments 15

A dip into the blue abyss

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This photo, since it was published many years ago, has been the most viewed and commented on in my Pbase photo gallery,  my most popular site which garners more than a thousand views per day.  Rhonson, an award winning photographer, didn’t take out his camera, but as though hypnotized, immediately went for a dive.  So I got my money shot instead (I made sure to precariously position my leg dangerously hooked onto a jutting tree trunk by a cliff, while the other leg was balancing my awkward pose).  This image has been published several times. 

If you truly love Nature, you will find beauty everywhere.  ~Vincent Van Gogh

Proudly located in my awesome island, this little known town of Hinatuan is blessed with a hidden treasure –a stunning blue lagoon nestled within a mountainside and protectively covered by a forest.  Its dark tinge comes from the Pacific sea pouring in from a deep underwater crevice. To local folks, it is said to be enchanted. Full of rich marine fishes swimming in the deep blue, no one is said to have ever caught one. Once you take a dip in the cool, clear waters, you don’t want to come out.

It has long been christened as The Enchanted Blue River.  It has its mystical tale, too, as I interviewed the old caretaker who regaled me with its spell on people (bless his departed soul).

I wrote articles about it in the newspaper and magazines since I stumbled upon it in 2003.  My photos have been published several times.  People became curious and visited it as well.  It ceased being the locals’ best kept secret.  Since then, the tourism in this sleepy municipality has changed tremendously.  More so when a film crew shot a fantasy movie on location here.

I sincerely hope its mystic has not faded, though.

My full story of its enchantment can be read here  which will lead you to my photo gallery as well.

Now here’s another of my money shot. Our designated driver from the tourism office, Jun, also followed Rhonson and went for a dive!  If you think the guys were fearless, wait till you see the local kids do this all the time.

Jun dives in Hinatuan River © Jojie F. Alcantara 2007

Jun dives in Hinatuan River © Jojie F. Alcantara 2007

Me on the edge of Hinatuan River, photo by Rhonson Ng 2007

Me on the edge of Hinatuan River, photo by Rhonson Ng 2007

15 Comments

  4. lizziecracked says

    wow – I have been staring at it for awhile – that is AMAZING.. like an optical illusion.. it;s like that sidewalk art they do where it looks like chasms opening in the concrete – have you seen it? but this is real… beautiful.. hope you are well 🙂

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    • Jojie Alcantara says

      Yes, I too stare a long time at those sidewalk art 3d creations but alas, only in photos and emails that go around. And yes, this river is really a miraculous creation, thanks. Hugs to you!

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  7. ladywithabirthmark says

    I saw a picture of this from a friend who lives in Davao too. This was her background and I fell in love with it! I’m making a point to visit Davao soon. Fingers crossed! 🙂

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Reach out and make me smile! :-)

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