Where We Stayed at Pilar Siargao Island - Homestay Accomodation

During our one and only visit at Pilar Siargao, Surigao del Norte with a cousin joining the Gamefishing Tournament years ago we were accommodated at one of the said "Homestays" in the municipality intended for the event. The Homestays are the municipal government's arrangement with worthy homeowners to allow for paid stays for the visitors. There were no hotels or establishments in that place for accomodation. So, the local government there came up with the brilliant idea to address the needs of the moment. It was also a means of income generation for homeowners. I was explained by one of the municipal insiders that Homestay owners underwent seminars and fulfilled certain license requirements for them to be eligible to serve visitors.

When we arrived at the Pilar, we were directed to the municipal hall where lunch were served and Homestay assignment was arranged. We were then led to our temporary home for the length of our stay with meals and basic necessities included in the package. At that time, the packaged stay was around Php1800 per day. Note that everything that comes to the island have been transported by motorized bangka and would curtail additional burden and costs to residents there. So, the price was understandable. Let's take a look at we got from the Homestay arrangement:

The newly-renovated house that qualified as one of the Homestays.

The house view inside the concrete fence.

The living room with furnishings made from indigenous materials from the island.

At the other corner of the living room.

Our air-conditioned room accommodation fit for three visitors.

The best area in the homestay was the small hut terrace facing the sea and mangroves at the backyard.

My cousin, fellow visitors and I would love to hang-out in this place with scenic views. I'd spend some idle time sitting here with a beer on hand.

The views of sea, mangrove plantations and distant greenery elevations are best early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

Many thanks to these folks who served as our cook, housekeeper and landlady. I couldn't forget the culmination servings that included Lechon de leche (roasted piglet). Too bad, I was too engrossed with the island cuisines that I forgot to take the pics.