BANTAYAN - Origin of
a name. BANTAYAN as the name implies has a very interesting history as an
island group.
During the time
of Governor Sebastian Hurtado de Corcuera ( 1635 - 1644), the Visayas were
continually harassed by the Moros. Consequently, tall stone walls and
watchtowers wer built in the different parts of the archipelago, for refuge and
protection of the people from the moro aggression. The tall walls surround the
convent and the church including half of the area where the Public Plaza now
is.
These watchtowers were loacally
known as "BANTAYAN SA HARI " , meaning, " WATCHTOWERS OF THE
KING" "KING OF SPAIN". The watchtowers served as look-outs for
the incoming moro pirate vessels. In the course of their vigil after the moros,
it became the common expression for them to say, BANTAYAN! BANTAYAN!, meaning,
"KEEP WATCH! KEEP WATCH! , and that was how this island-group got its
name. The presence of the relics of those watchtowers till today, attest to the
well-fitting name BANTAYAN.
Bantayan Island is located in the northern tip of
Cebu. It is well know for its fine white sands and crystal clear waters.
Considered as one of the most attractive tourist destination in the
Philippines, its wide sandy beaches stretches long enough for a morning jog or a
romantic walk as the sun sets. The island is a mixture of many things. It’s an
ideal place for relaxation and self-exploration. It’s a favorite hiding place
to those who need a break on the busy and fast changing world. Whether
snorkeling, windsurfing or playing in the sand. Bantayan has all the
ingredients mixed with fun, sun and silicon to be a shining tropical paradise
in Asia.
Bantayan Island is
essentially a fishing island group. It is reported to be within the migration
route of fish coming from the equatorial belt of China Sea. Bantayan is blessed
with abundant fish because of its strategic location.
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