A Kind Morning At Cebu's Longest Shoreline and Its Lapyahan Beach

There is always a feeling of peace and nostalgia in a morning by the sea, a sense of relief that no other part of the day can replicate. The waves and breeze seem to cleanse both body and mind, preparing you for the long day ahead. I seldom take morning walks, but lately I have been visiting familiar places more often than usual, and this morning felt like one of the best.

Early at six this morning, I had a visit to the nearby public beach in our town to breathe and relax my mind after being sleepless last night as insomnia visited me. I worried my body would get tired the whole day because I did not get enough sleep, so I decided to visit Lapyahan, which I have mentioned in a couple of posts on Hive but never gave a proper feature. I realized that maybe this visit deserved its own spotlight, especially because this beach carries so many memories from visitors who have stayed here for fleeting hours, including me.

I got good sunlight while walking along the main highway to the coast, and by the time I reached the sand, I had more soulful energy than I expected. Maybe the coolness of the sand and the breeze from the unrolling waves gave it to me. Luckily, I brought my camera to capture some photos for today’s morning walk.

This is the entrance part of the public beach in our town we call Lapyahan Sa San Remigio. It has gained wide attention from visitors from the city and other islands. In fact, famous personalities and media have shared their time here because of the beach’s clear, shallow waters, white sand, and beautiful sunsets. As much as I want to visit for sunset, I usually avoid the crowd that gathers at this time, whether families or friends. Despite being a public square, this beach remains respected and treasured like one in private. It is considered a gem of our town and is included as a tourism destination of our town San Remigio.

The entrance area is landscaped with various plant species and touches of creativity to add vibrance to the place. Once you enter the square, the beach and horizon open up, with some coconut trees and wood-made cottages in view.

Lapyahan Sa San Remigio is the landmark of the Lapyahan coast— longest shoreline on the island of Cebu—and the center beach of the coast. This sometimes confuses tourists when both the coast and the beach are referred to by the same name. This beach was a lively place, and yes, it still is beautiful, but before the earthquake and two typhoons last month, the square was full of booths, cottages, night parties, and people. I just can't feature it in its most beautiful aura. Regardless, this is Lapyahan in its current state and I hope you'll get to enjoy it.

“Lapyahan” means “seashore” in English, which is believed to be the beach’s original name, as no history can be found about its name. But before we called it Lapyahan, referring to it as the "public beach" was in our convenience until we acknowledge its proper name "Lapyahan". Family gatherings, birthday celebrations, or simple solo dates are common here, and it is odd to see this empty. It has always been the first choice for locals seeking a seaside escape and has become a safe space over the years for San Remigiohanons. I cannot count the number of times I have been here, but the familiarity never stops me from appreciating its beauty and the calm it gives me. It has witnessed my family’s weekly gatherings, my first night as a college student, my loneliest days, and the friendships I have made. It keeps past years of my life beneath the white sand, and I am thankful for its presence.

Lapyahan grew even more popular when local practices and gatherings began to take place here. Religious activities, such as baptisms and candle lighting during Holy Week, are held by the San Juan Nepomuceno Parish Church. Speaking of Holy Week, the beach becomes chaotic and festive, with people from all walks of life celebrating the holiday. People do not spend this holiday on the beach because some believe that on holidays like this, people need to be cautious and aware of the sorrounding just like at Black Friday.

Panginhas, the practice of gathering shellfish during low tide, is also common here. Locals search for fresh seafood to fill empty stomachs and to gather sea produces. Community gatherings like tabo, or market days, allow vendors and farmers from the town to sell their produces in one place — and these two are honestly some of my favorite events at Lapyahan Sa San Remigio.

We also have the Lapyahan Festival, similar to the Sinulog Festival, dedicated to the shoreline's identity and it is held in this green square. During this festival, different barangays compete through street dancing and ritual performances honoring the coast and San Remigio. Community activities, such as cleanup drives, also makes San Remigiohanons unite in this beach in caring and nurturing for our shoreline.

There is no entrance fee at Lapyahan, but authorities do enforce rules against indecent behavior, including littering or inappropriate public exhibitions that affects the harmony and gatherings of the visitors. Everyone is expected to enjoy this gem destination respectfully and peacefully.

Although entrance is free, amenities are charged at reasonable prices to maintain and improve the beach. Cottages range from 300–500 pesos, as do tables and grilling stations available from time to time. Kayak boats and banana boat rides are also available for visitors seeking a more enjoyable experience. Approximately $3.45 per person is the charge for the boats but sometimes they do promos and discount if the boat is fully occupied. Notice how the sun shines in the first photo. It was so soothing and it feels great to be receiving that kind of warm and light at the start of the day.

When night parties or gatherings occur, this colorful stage in the center of the square is used. It is a stage for everyone — a place where people dance, sing, and laugh, often wet from swimming. So much life has happened here, continues to happen here, and will continue for years to come. For sure, after Christmas, people and tourists would possibly flock here, but still following safety announcements from authorities due to sinkholes recently appearing in the seabed.

Earlier today, there were only a few people around, and at times the space felt completely empty. The sun was bright, the clear water mirrored the blue sky, and a few seagulls glided far from human noise. It was a beautiful morning at Lapyahan even if I have visiting here my whole life, but it just still feels like a first time, and I know I will visit it again, maybe when insomnia visits me first, as this time, it effectively restored my energy for the whole day. Life truly feels better when you start your day with your Ikigai, doesn’t it?

Before ending this blog, I can't leave you wondering how to get to the beach of Lapyahan. Getting here is simple. If you are in Cebu City, which I assume, go to the nearest North Bus Terminal and ride a bus with the "Hagnaya/Lambusan" sign in front of it. Since Lapyahan is near Hagnaya, all these buses heading to Hagnaya pass by it. Get off at the sidestreet near Lapyahan, or use the San Juan Nepomuceno Parish as a landmark. Either way, you will be close to the beach, and locals can guide you the rest of the way and enjoy your stay.

There is a shared feeling among visitors here about Lapyahan Sa San Remigio that keeps calling us back like a lullaby in our ears. Not literally for sure. I just can descibre it being gentle this way. I guess because this space has become more than beach for me or for the tourist who have come before me. It has witnessed our cultures, gatherings, milestones, and the Lapyahan experiences that no one can erase. No matter how many times I visit Lapyahan, it never fails to recharge me and amaze me. Whether it’s for a solo morning walk or a festival, this beach always feels welcoming and every visit one makes here reminds why it’s one of the gems in the town of San Remigio and of its people’s hearts.

How did you find Lapyahan Sa San Remigio? Is it warm and vibrant? Is it welcoming and exciting? Let's discuss it on the comment section and try to tell each other's opinion/s.