When the sky touches ever so lightly the ocean, where their ends meet and there is little to no distinction between their blues, it is when you see and feel that indeed there is magic.

It is quite haunting and magical at the same time when you witness the two very different elements too close to each other; it feels unmatched, like it is meant to be.

The sky and the sea together? Couldn’t they be more beautiful?

Herbert Lopina, tourism officer of Baliangao, Misamis Occidental, described his beloved town, Baliangao, as simply beautiful.

"Baliangao is beautiful, peaceful, and you can enjoy, you can unwind. Once you visit Baliangao, parang [it is like] this is the place I am wanting. This is the place where I can find my peace," he said.

Baliangao is a coastal municipality in the province of Misamis Occidental with a land area of 81.72 square kilometers, or 31.55 square miles. It constitutes 4.07% of Misamis Occidental's total area.

Tourists will visit Baliangao for its raw and unabused waters, and one-of-a kind rock formations and islands.

"Very white sand, and the water is crystal clear water. Di din sya delikado sa mga tao kung gusto nilang maligo kasi parang close kasi 'yung ocean na 'yun. Walang masyadong hangin. Safe siya for kids, safe for senior citizens [It is not dangerous for people if they want to swim because it is closed to the ocean. It is not too windy. It is safe for kids, safe for senior citizens]," said Lopina of Cabgan Island in Baliangao.

When it is low tide, the sand bar widens and gives off a beautiful landscape. Due to its pristine white sand, Herbert has dubbed Cabgan Island the "Little Boracay" of the province.

"Ang ganda ng tubig, kulay blue, napakalinis, ang sand is napakaputi at powdery din siya [The water is beautiful, colored blue, very clean, and the sand is so white and powdery]," said Herbert.

The town also takes pride in Naburos (Pregnant) Island, renowned for its remarkable diving spot. The island has exquisite coral reefs and a sanctuary that serves as a protected area.

With the support of the provincial government, municipal mayor Haneya Theresa Yap-Chiong is dedicated to developing Cabgan Island and Naburos Island. Plans include building infrastructure such as a diving site and a boulevard on both islands.

Meanwhile, Robert C. Macalisang, barangay captain of Naburos Island, received a check worth P100,000 from the provincial government to augment the needs and expenses of the barangay.

"Kami sa Barangay Naburos, naka-award mi sa LTIA, Lupong Tagapamayapa Incentive Award, gitagaan mi ni Gov og premyo nga P100,000. So dako kaayo akong pasalamat ni Gov sa paghatag ana nga kantidad. Makatabang ra pud namo sa among expenses ang uban pud adto ibuhat og project ipamalit namo og mga butang sa barangay [We in Barangay Naburos have been awarded with the LTIA, or Lupong Tagapamayapa Incentive Award; the governor gave us a prize of P100,000. So we are so thankful to the governor for providing that amount. It can really help us in our expenses, and the remaining amount will be for projects and the purchase of things needed in the barangay]," said Macalisang.

Tourists can also explore other areas such as Tamban Cove, Oklahoma Island, with brown sand; Sperm Island; and Ovum Island, among others.

The captivating beauty of Baliangao has so much to offer, each deserving its own time and attention. (JMOR/PIA-10/Misamis Occidental)