Spot Stays: This Pet-Friendly Airbnb Is Your Home in Eastern Samar's Surf City

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Casa Engracianna
0224 Detour Road, Barangay Alang-alang, Borongan, Eastern Samar
Rates start at P1,750

At a Glance
Rooms: Industrial minimalist design, cozy vacation home feels
Food and drinks: Not yet available, but the kitchen is accessible to guests
Staff: Quintessentially Boronganon—sincere and accommodating
Why you should stay: It's just a bridge crossing away from where the action is at: Baybay Boulevard, where you can engage in various sea and beachside activities. Here's your chance to learn how to surf or skateboard.

(SPOT.ph) Borongan (pronounced "Boróng-gan"), the capital city of Eastern Samar, is a rising tourist destination. The waves of the Pacific Ocean slap onto the shores of the birthplace of surfing in these parts. It's a great place to learn the sport since you'll land on soft sands. Plus, they have licensed surf instructors at the Surf City lifeguard station.

Various recreational activities are done along the 2.2-kilometer stretch of beach: football/soccer, baseball, kite-flying, and skating (at the paved skate park). Don't hesitate to join in.

But the adventure and exploration do not stop there. The lush forests yield waterfalls that flow out to four river systems, and the nearby islands are teeming with colorful and thriving marine life—with Monbon Island on the cusp of becoming the next marine sanctuary to explore.

The more than decent surf breaks dotting the province make Eastern Samar the surfing capital of the Visayas. Aside from surfing, there are so many places to explore, be it in the water or on dry land.

Borongan is a great jump-off point for adventure-filled days. It is in the province's center and has a fully functional airport, with flights connecting it to Cebu on Mondays and Fridays.

Casa Engracianna, located at the mouth of the Lo-om River and very close to Baybay Boulevard, is the perfect cozy home for your stay, whether exploring this provincial capital or going beyond, to other towns.

Rooms at Casa Engracianna in Borongan

The functional design of each spacious room features details that families and friend groups will appreciate. Co-owner Rupert Ambil drew inspiration from his and his family's travels, designing it with comfort, accessibility, and affordability.

Constructed within the family compound named Engracianna—combining the names of his late father's mother and wife—Casa Engracianna was a pandemic baby. "Our family spent that period here, and we thought: 'Why not build a place where our friends could come and stay?'" Ambil told SPOT.ph. Pretty soon, they listed the property on Airbnb.

Casa Engracianna covers about 1,500 square meters, including ample parking space or—if you bring along your pets—a great area for them to frolic and play with the four friendly dogs that call the place home, too.

There are a total of four guest rooms in separate but adjacent solid concrete structures: two family rooms and two barkada rooms.

The family room (P1,750), which has a queen bed and a pull-out bed, can accommodate up to three adults. An extra bed can be set up (at minimal cost) for a child. The barkada room (P2,750) has two bunk beds and comfortably sleeps four. Extra beds can be added (at minimal cost) for up to two children.

Each room has a television (with Netflix), a bedside lamp, a folding desk and chair, a closet, and some open storage space, plus an ensuite toilet and hot and cold shower.

Though the property is on the road, the rooms are quiet sanctuaries.

What to Do at Casa Engracianna and Nearby Tourist Spots

Since it is so close to Surf City, it's not uncommon to spot, for example, Philmar Alipayo and the rest of the surfing team from Siargao staying here during surf competitions.

Kayaks are free to use for guests, so you can skim over the meandering and peaceful river. Don't have a surfboard? Ask about loaning one that's appropriate for your level.

As you enter the gate, you'll notice an area where you can rinse off.

The property is airy, benefitting from the sea breeze. All around, there are trees, including rambutan, coconut, and a single igot (lipote) tree—an endangered fruit similar to duhat (Java plum). During downtime, you can spend hours sitting under a tree reading, surrounded by birdsong.

The large social hall has high ceilings and can comfortably seat up to 50 persons. You can bring some food to enjoy here or cook in the kitchen and have a picnic under the trees.

The Borongan Cathedral, dedicated to the Nativity of Our Lady, is only one kilometer away. The annual Padul-ong Festival culminates in a grand procession on September 7th, accompanied by praying, singing, and dancing on the streets as well as on boats.

If you need some gear, there's a Sandugo outlet at nearby Real Street where you can stock up.

Also not too far away is the public market, where you can choose from a wide selection of fresh fruits and vegetables, freshly-caught bounties from river and saltwater, and locally-sourced meats. Add to that, schools of dried fish varieties.

More or less in the middle of Baybay Boulevard, you'll find the tourism office where you can get help to arrange for tours of Ando Island, Divinubo Island, and Hebacong Sea of Clouds, among others.

Near the corner of Real and Cinco Streets, you'll find Arman's, a pasalubong store with savory and sweet snacks from all over Samar.

Where to Eat in Borongan

Almost the entire two-kilometer stretch of Baybay Boulevard is lined with food stalls offering everything from fried street food to steamed dumplings, fruit shakes to milk teas, and grilled meat. At sunset, you can buy balut from vendors walking up and down the beach.

Over at Real Street or the National Highway (parallel to the boulevard), you can taste a town institution: Domsowir Hotel and Restaurant's take on fried chicken, topped with chopped peanuts and grated cheese.

Get morning merienda like sweet potato- and cassava-based snacks or the town's signature salukara (pancake made with rice flour) from vendors stationed behind the outdoor stage near the cathedral.

If you happen to be in town on a Sunday, take your pick from a good number of lechoneros who sell roast pork by the kilo—raised by families in their backyard—all over the poblacion area.

Closer to the inn, get your caffeine fix in an ultramodern cafe with a relaxing view at Dirty Grinder Coffee.

Casa Engracianna is at 0224 Detour Road, Barangay Alang-alang, Borongan, Eastern Samar. Rates start at P1,750. You can book through Airbnb.

Also read:
10 Exciting Things to Do in Western Samar
10 Fun Surfer Hostels Around the Philippines

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