Travel Guide: Hanginan, Maasin City, Philippines

A friendly community 400 meters above sea-level, this quaint Barangay offers breathtaking views of Maasin City & the Bohol Sea, great Bibingka (rice cupcakes baked in tin can ovens), & of course, one of the most famous pilgrimage sites in Eastern Visayas; will give you a wonderfully soulful experience as you enter the shrine of St. Francis Xavier, whose image is sought by many as it is told & witnessed to have healing effects when touched, & he is said to intercede our most sincere prayers to the Lord Almighty.

HOW TO GET THERE

From Tacloban City

From Tacloban City Bus Terminal, board a bus/van bound for Maasin City, Southern Leyte, disembark at their bus terminal; travel time takes around 3.5 hrs, fare at Php220.00.

From Maasin City

There are two ways to climb Hanginan, for adventurous travelers, you can hike it up, down from the foothill at Brgy. Isagani (Option A), or you can ride/drive a concrete paved road up from Brgy. Sorosoro (Option B).

Option A (via Brgy. Isagani)

From the terminal, board any motorcab-for-hire and ask to be dropped off at Brgy. Isagani, Maasin City, at the foothill of Hanginan, fare's at Php15.00.

Hike up Hanginan will take around 45 minutes, on a steep 3-kilometer trail, which is worth it considering the calories you burn, & the spectacular views that is Maasin City from 400 meters up.

Option B (via Brgy. Sorosoro)

From the terminal, look for green colored motorcabs (their route is Brgy. Sorosoro, Maasin City), & ask to be dropped off at their local Habal-habal (single motorcycle taxis) terminal, fare is Php11.00.

From Brgy. Sorosoro, the Habal-habal ride will only take you around 5-10 mins. to reach the stairway up to the Shrine, fare is Php60.00, or Php120.00 back and fort, & the driver will wait, & then bring you back down Brgy. Sorosoro after.

There is still a small climb up the stairs worth a few drops of sweat before you reach the Chapel, it'll take around 10-15 minutes.

WHAT TO DO THERE

Say your prayers, light a few candles, and never miss a chance to touch St. Francis Xavier's image at the Chapel.
ENJOY THE VIEW, take a selfie or a groufie, and appreciate God's wonderful creations.
Try their BIBINGKA, get them while they're hot, at only Php5.00 each (Php60.00 a dozen + freebie).
Take home a few souvenirs, a printed shirt, or just a few keychains, it's up to you.