By Hilda Austria/Philippine News Agency
SUAL, Pangasinan — Some 30 minutes away from the town proper of Sual is a white sand beach overlooking the hilly island of Cabalitian, with clear waters and rock formations—the Instagram-worthy Masamirey beach.
Masamirey is also the sitio’s (community) name, which is part of Barangay Baybay Norte in this town.
The drive going to Masamirey is also worth enjoying with pine trees along its concreted and zigzag roads that reminds one of Baguio City.
Tourist Hazel Ann de Guzman, 23, said they were able to take pictures of the scenic view of mountains and seas visible from the upper part of the road going to the beach.
Nanay Angie, senior citizen residing in Masamirey, admitted that tourism in their sitio gives them additional income.
“It was two years ago when tourists’ influx started. It was when a resort (Masamirey Cove) here was built and promoted through the internet,” she said.
Soon enough, the demand for sitting areas and other amenities for tourists increased much to the delight of residents.
“We started building cottages for day tourists and now even for those who wanted to stay overnight. We also built bathrooms and comfort rooms, which we offer to tourists for a few amount of money,” said Edwin Tolentino, a cottage builder and owner here.
Cottages can be rented at PHP500 for the day and PHP1,500 for overnight stay. Comfort rooms and bathrooms can be used for PHP5 to PHP10 per person, respectively.
“But if you are staying at our cottage then, bathroom and comfort room use is for free,” he said.
Snorkeling or use of goggles is one of the recommended activities in Masamirey beach to see fishes, sea urchins, and sometimes star fishes, among others.
“There are Lapu-lapu and Malaga fishes in the sea. Sea urchins are also prevalent in the area, especially during summer season. People’s main livelihood here is fishing,” said municipal tourism officer designate Divina Tanda in an interview Friday.
Several trees, mostly umbrella trees, are giving shade to the beachgoers. Masamirey’s waves are gentle and it is not too shallow nor too deep making it perfect for swimming even for kids.
The residents also look after their guests to ensure their safety.
Meanwhile, water supply in Sitio Masamirey comes from the nearby mountain which could be drawn by pumping-a well that according to the residents is clean and fresh. Electricity is not a problem.
In fact, even the nearby Cabalitian Island has electricity.
Beachgoers in Masamirey could also explore the Cabalitian Island, which is 15 to 20 minutes away by boat that would cost PHP700-PHP900 depending on the number of passengers.
“We expect more people to come here especially on holidays. We are happy when there are many tourists because it is an additional income for our family,” Tolentino said.
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