Beginning today we will be introducing a place in the Philippines on every Maharlikan event from the eye view of our organization members.

Biliran, Leyte (Sherilyn Angcog-Anstadt)

The best story teller is the one who is coming from the region itself. Biliran is an island belonging to the province of Leyte, Visayas region. Biliran is well-known for its fishery. Tilapia, Bangus and Baga-baga are some of the catch in the pukot (fishing nets) of Sherilyn's father after 3 days of panagat. Purot-put and pusit are also included in the catch. Ranging up to 50 kahons (a wooden container measuring about 75 x 75 x 75 cm) are the load of the catch which arrive the shores of Biliran, where the fish-craving inhabitants are already awaiting. The port then turns to a busy market with full of laughter combined with cheering and bawling.

Biliran's Fiesta is in November and all families celebrate this occasion in tidying up their houses at first. Relatives from near and far come to visit and Lechon, the national favorite, must not fail at this time of event. In the evening basketball courts turn to a disco place, where bayle and kuratsa take place accompanied with huge amplifiers and self-made hi-fi equipment.

Not to forget to mention the Board-walk of Biliran. This is a tourist attraction where in locals are getting more fund of it recently. The Board-walk is a bridge, which penetrates Bilirans mangrove forest. Even picnic can be done there.

Besides fishing Biliran is an agricultural area from the very beginning. There are 2 to 3 rice harvests in the a year at the pasakan (rice paddies). Fruit forests and vegetable gardens are not only sustaining the needs for daily consumption but also take part in purifying the air of the region. Mangoes, bananas, nangka (jackfruits) or lubi (coconut trees) are native in this region. Balanghoy, kamote (sweet potatoes) and kapayas (papaya) make the mouths of some German-Filipinas water.