We had visiting guests from California over the weekend and it was an opportunity for us to finally get to visit and see for ourselves a not-so-open secret anymore of a quiet hideway in Southern Leyte.

Traveling straight from the US of A, our guests arrived at NAIA early Saturday morning, then took a connecting flight for Tacloban. So after lunch at Rafael’s Farm in Babatngon we were off for the 3 1/2-hour drive to Macrohon, Southern Leyte.

We had a brief stop-over at the country’s tallest bridge, the Agas-agas Bridge in Sogod, So. Leyte, and we finally reached Kuting Reef around 7PM just in time for a sumptuous dinner.

After a long day, most of which was spent on the road, Kuting Reef was simply a cozy, relaxing haven to dig into.

The food was great; service was good and the staff are friendly and accommodating.

Those wanting to escape from the usual routine of web surfing and mobile phone SMS would love it here – mobile phone signals are almost non-existent, save for a few spots where one can freeze and do FB sneaks using the cellphone.

I had no doubt I would survive a weekend without the internet… and I was right. What I was more worried about was when they turned on the huge projector screen and started showing “Just for Laughs” video…

Uh oh… could videoke be not far behind and ruin an otherwise quiet, perfect evening???

Well, the gods heard my prayers: no videoke here. Great. I hate videoke.

With special thanks to Raquel Nazario Espiritusanto who made this visit happen. Thanks, Rocky!

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It was a different experience we had when we passed by Agas-Agas Bridge – the country’s tallest bridge – over the weekend on our way to Macrohon, Southern Leyte.

Since its inauguration almost a year ago (see: http://gerryruiz.wordpress.com/2009/08/10/the-agas-agas-bridge-the-countrys-newest-tourism-attraction), I could only recall very hot, sweltering days while being in the area.

Last Saturday was different. It was almost sunset when we passed by the bridge and upon disembarking from our vehicle I was  disheartened not to find any chances of a great sunset shot as low-lying clouds was quickly enveloping the whole area.

With a slight drizzle threatening to develop into a major soaking experience, we felt suddenly like being in a different place not unlike some cold, temperate countries. And the atmosphere was suddenly cool and refreshing.

Wow!