Back in March last year, I decided that the sensible thing to do in rural Masbate was to go for a “relaxing” walk along Mercyfull Way, from the Lantangan Motorway all the way to its dramatic dead-end at Sitio Nonoc. This involved hills, lots of them, and a road surface best described as “dirt, occasionally pretending to be a path”, winding through lush tropical rainforest scenery that looked like it was calmly plotting my demise.
Along the way were proper, postcard-perfect Filipino houses, dogs that may or may not have been judging me, a few bovines minding their own business, and at least several thousand toads who clearly hadn’t been informed this was my peaceful walk. It was all very serene, assuming you ignored the ever-present risk of being taken out by a falling coconut or crippling yourself by not watching where you put your feet. Minor details, really. Despite all that, it was a cracking walk — quiet, beautiful, and absolutely something I’d do again without hesitation… possibly with a helmet next time.
Images all copyright of Google and used as per their terms and conditions.
Lantangan is a barangay in Mandaon, a municipality in the province of Masbate, Philippines. It is one of the 26 barangays of Mandaon and has a population of approximately 2,776 people, based on the 2020 Census. This makes up around 6.29% of Mandaon's total population.
The name "Lantangan" is believed to have come from "Gantangan," which refers to a traditional wooden box used for measuring rice. The term is derived from "gantang," a unit of volume used in the Philippines, which is equivalent to a gallon or 16 cups.
Lantangan is located at coordinates 12.1841°N latitude and 123.2721°E longitude, with an elevation of around 25.1 meters (82.3 feet) above sea level. The barangay is known for its natural beauty, including caves located on Mount Pingganon, a feature that has drawn attention from local media.
Corrections and additions welcome.
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Mercyfull Way at its delightful little meet-and-greet with the Lantangan Motorway in Lantangan Proper. It begins with a charmingly brutal incline, thoughtfully designed to test the emotional stability of fully loaded trikes. Thankfully it’s been cemented, because if this thing was still dirt, it would probably double as an extreme sport and/or a local spectator event.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Only short sections are cemented, I guess mostly where the regular wet weather would damage the road and make it hard to pass. A good example of this can be in parts of the Lantangan Motorway which has deteriorated badly in recent times.
Photo: Brad Peadon
The long tropical walk has just begun.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Another steep section that has been concreted..
Photo: Brad Peadon
Above and below
I’ve always had a soft spot for the classic Filo-style homes tucked amongst the coconut trees. There’s just something about the way they blend into the landscape like they’ve politely asked permission from nature before setting up shop. Equal parts rustic charm and practical living, they somehow manage to look both beautifully simple and effortlessly photogenic.
Photos: Brad Peadon
Above and below.
Possible the most photogenic looking street I've ever walked down.
Photos: Brad Peadon
Above and two below.
Another selection of local houses.
Photos: Brad Peadon
Beautiful, despite the ever present danger of kamikaze coconuts.
Photos: Brad Peadon
Above and below.
A small causeway sitting about mid-way along Mercyfull Way — perfectly harmless looking during the day, quietly minding its own business and giving absolutely no hint of the nightlife scene it apparently hosts.
One evening while heading home late, we discovered the place had transformed into what can only be described as an all-you-can-hop toad convention. There were toads everywhere, slumming around like they’d booked the venue months in advance and forgotten to send us an invitation. Naturally, during our respectable and sensible daytime walk, not a single one was present… presumably all tucked away somewhere sleeping off their busy social schedule.
Photos: Brad Peadon
We disturbed a local doggo.
Photos: Brad Peadon
Now it is a carabao we are disturbing.
Guess the animals are just not used to camera toting foreigners strolling by :-)
Photos: Brad Peadon
And so the wander through the lush, postcard-worthy chaos of Lantangan comes to an end, leaving behind a camera full of tropical scenery, charmingly rustic structures, curious livestock, and a renewed appreciation for the simple joy of not being flattened by falling coconuts. The place has that rare ability to make you slow down and soak it all in — partly because it’s beautiful, and partly because you’re constantly scanning the treetops like a paranoid extra in a low-budget disaster film.
Lantangan isn’t just about the scenery, though. It’s the quiet rhythm of daily life, the friendly but slightly judgemental stares from dogs and bovines, and the houses that seem to grow naturally out of the landscape like they’ve always been there and always will be. It’s peaceful, it’s stunning, and it’s just unpredictable enough to keep you alert, hydrated, and occasionally questioning your survival odds. In short, a thoroughly enjoyable wander that I would absolutely recommend — preferably while wearing a helmet and maintaining a respectful distance from anything coconut-shaped hanging overhead.
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Nhing, Tins & Esther.
Gerry & Betty
Jonarie Artocillo
Sunset Villa - Lantangan
'Artocillo Family & (Known) Friends' Group.
Group only for friends and family - random weirdos please stop applying as you shall be blocked and reported.
The questions need to be answered when applying so the aforementioned weirdos can be found. That's what the questions are there for (not rocket science).
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Lantangan Fiesta Week 2025 - Part 3
Lantangan Fiesta Week 2025 - Part 4
Lantangan Fiesta Week 2025 - Part 5 (Brgy Gabi)
Lantangan Fiesta Week 2025 - Part 6
Lantangan Fiesta Week 2025 - Part 4
Lantangan Fiesta Week 2025 - Part 5 (Brgy Gabi)
Lantangan Fiesta Week 2025 - Part 6
Your link to all the things we have to entertain you.
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