Masao Beach

Butuan City, despite being rich in history, is admittedly lacking in beautiful beaches (and other sceneries) unlike her nearby towns and cities in Caraga region. When you want to go to the nearest beach in Butuan, Masao is it. It has black sand, with natural and unnatural debris scattered all over the shoreline- and hordes of people during weekends.

So what makes Masao beach still worth going to? Well if you're visiting Butuan, you'd want to have your photo taken at the entrance of the beach where figures of Spaniards rowing are presently depicted in concrete statues. Masao, amidst great debate, is Magellan's landing site. Philippine history buffs would want to see this place despite what I mentioned above.

Aside from historical significance, Masao is one of the most convenient places to view a Philippine sunset unobstructed by cityscapes. Sunsets are always spectacular, and Butuan sunsets are especially so (yes I'm biased.)

But the most important reason why my friends and I go to Masao instead of nearby towns in Buenavista, or Nasipit or Cabadbaran, is the food. Fish and meat are grilled simply yet deliciously by food stalls/ vendors in Masao. Meat and fish are fresh- simply marinated in salt and yet becomes one of the most memorable lunch or dinner you can have. There are sellers also hawking salvaro, ice cream, peanuts plus musicians going around playing their music to willing and unwilling ears which somehow still makes Masao beach fun and a nice place to relax during weekends. That is if you can tolerate the less than pleasant view of trash on the beach. Which makes me want to get to the point of this long and winding post:

Who wants to go to Masao with me to clean it? Anyone can point me to the right person who can help? This weekend or anytime I wake up very early I will really go there and clean that place up. Grrrrr. Masao could be a really nice beach despite the rickety shacks and black sands as long as there are no pieces of garbage lying around.