Hidden Gems: best Sunset Views in Cordova

Just how fitting it is to start and end your day, gazing at the sun? Regardless of whether the day went well or not, the golden hour will always be a big sigh of relief.

But when was the last time you spent a simple yet profound moment with our brightest light?

Was it a week ago? A month? Or perhaps you’ve forgotten altogether?

See, here’s a cliché pep talk:

I know we are not getting younger, and that time is pretty fast, a date with the sun is probably a waste in your hectic schedule, but I do hope you’ll realize at one point how important it is to kind of settle down for a moment, halting every societal norm with deadlines.

We live in an era of a demanding world, where we keep up its pace with our drive to excel and hustle to the maximum extent.

The feeling of being a failure, of not being able to keep up, the draining days spent working seemingly without purpose, and the darkening will to continue or not—these thoughts weigh heavily on our minds.

As we venture through life, dark thoughts often become one of our invisible nemeses; the voices at the back of our minds contradicting our positive outlook.

Sometimes, they win.

That's when we need bright lights more than ever to remind us not to give up. These lights can come in many forms—words of encouragement from those around us, the twinkling stars, the vast ocean, the steadfast trees, and even the literal sun itself.

The way I fight it, believe it or not, watching the sunset is one of my coping mechanisms.

It’s more than a natural object that rises and sets.

It instills hope within me.

It keeps reminding me to try again.

I’ve reached a point where I’m on the verge of giving up on my dreams and aspirations due to the harsh realities of life and my current helpless standing position, of where I’m at life in all aspects.

My light is dimming, but not completely extinguished. Every time I glance at the sun, it keeps my little candle well-lit. I’m one of the living proofs that this natural gift helps us not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually as well.

I will not gatekeep these underrated spots in Cordova, Cebu where breathtaking sunrise and sunset views are offered.

Let’s win our battles together.

Allow our eyes to see something greater in a very simple and effortless way.

Our little town in Cordova might sound boring to those who live in the city. We don’t have fancy clubs or out-of-this-world tourist spots. But if you're looking for something on the mellower side—a feeling of tranquil province just a few minutes' drive away, a slow-paced vibe—these spots are worth a visit:

DAKIT - DAKIT

A “Dakit” is a Cebuano term of the balete tree characterized by its trunk made up of overgrown roots. A typical symbol of magical stories of Philippine Myth. But when you repeat “Dakit” twice, it’s a different meaning. "Dakit-Dakit" is another old Cebuano word that correlates to pointy rocks near the seas. Interestingly, I can’t find its direct English translation online. Nevertheless, we've naturally adapted this word over time. I usually hear it from our local fishermen, so it's safe to say that this term really speaks to something about the sea.

The "Dakit-Dakit" I'm talking about is a dub of a newly extended pathway located along the shoreline of Barangay Catarman. I anticipate that this spot will soon become a local trend as it offers a direct calming view of the coastline in Cordova.

It is also near to the Bantayan Bay, a public beach in the town that is making a fuzz online.

During the day, it's just a plain stretch. But as soon as the sun sets, it transforms into a park where connections spark at their best.

It's a perfect spot for dates, barkada meetups, practice driving, longboarding, this is also a great route for runners and those who enjoy walks with their pets, as it connects to the iconic Centennial Road. Additionally, there are also local street foods available to complete the soothing tropical vibe.

As the sun transforms the ambiance into a fiery orange, it's so romantic to see a place where genuine smiles are truly painted on people's faces—smiles that go beyond a wage increase, a viral moment or an online casino win.

Photo by: Hernan Tura

Photo by: Hernan Tura

Photo by: Hernan Tura

Photo by: Hernan Tura

CENTENNIAL ROAD / RORO

This iconic landmark in Cordova is a gathering place for runners of all kinds—elite athletes and casual enthusiasts alike—who come together to celebrate wellness and an active lifestyle. It’s also a staple road for bikers.

While it does offer stunning sunset views, personally, I find the sunrise view here to be truly breathtaking. Facing the direction where the sun rises, it's undoubtedly one of the perfect activities to start your day and set the mood for movement.

One of our common dilemmas as humans is mustering the energy to wake up every day with an active mind, ready to conquer the day. There are times when we feel tired and down. Running is one way that helps us stay active not just physically, but it also propels our mind towards our goals. While it can be challenging to discipline yourself to wake up early for a run, the feeling is entirely different once you get into the rhythm of it.

Picture this:

You wake up early for a run at Centennial Road, and the sun is smiling brightly, prompting you to smile back despite your sweaty face and exhausted legs. You exchange waves with other runners, join a public dancing exercise, and indulge in some traditional puto and sikwate right after—or perhaps a cup of coffee from a cart nearby.

Photo by: Kezia Mondonedo

Photo by: Kezia Mondonedo

Photo by: Lester John Tumulak

KAMAMPAY BEACH, BUAGSONG, CORDOVA

It is not dubbed as “The Place of Bakasi and other Seafoods” for no reason. As a local living in this barangay, trust me when I say that our little beach offers a stunning sunset view perfect for photographers aside from its abundant seafood blessings.

I prefer taking shots of silhouettes during the golden hour. Since most of the time, the water is only a foot deep, I definitely would go down to the sea to have a better point of view with no jarring objects. You get to submerge with the local livelihood of fishing, locally known as “manginhas”, which translates to fishing in the shallows.

Capture the essence of the old way and traditional fishing, witness the locals’ catching seashells like planting rice in the wide water. You can also do some little wildlife photography here since the peacefulness of the place attracts birds.

Shadows, leaves, waves, and more—this is the very spot where I learned the art of appreciating the natural small things often missed by others who are focusing on bigger things, and how its metaphors relate to our views in life.

In the intriguing stories of their shadows, the gentle sway of leaves, and the rhythmic crash of waves against the shore, I found profound lessons about the beauty of simplicity and the importance of paying attention to the details around us. These seemingly insignificant elements of nature hold their own stories and importance, reminding us to slow down and appreciate the wonders that surround us.

These spots are mostly located along the coastal areas of Cordova. They are free of charge, making them accessible to all. It's particularly fortunate for Cordovanhons, as it only takes minutes to visit these. However, if you are from outside the area, I highly recommend giving these a try on weekends or during your preferred vacant times.

The sun rises each day, casting a warm glow upon the world, so too we can approach each new horizon with renewed positivity.

And as it sets, painting the sky with vibrant hues of orange and pink, let us embrace the significance of transitions and endings, knowing that they pave the way for new starts.

Gaze at the sun as a guiding light illuminating our paths through life’s ups and downs.

A great reminder for us to always seek hope, even in the darkest of times.