ALLEN, Dec. 12 -- Biri Island welcomed 80 tourists from the Australian cruise ship Coral Geographer on Dec. 12, marking the vessel's third visit to Eastern Visayas.

The visitors explored the island's iconic rock formations -recently declared a National Geological Monument- and sampled local delicacies like danggit (sun-dried rabbitfish) and fresh scallops.

"They are very beautiful, unique geological formations. I like the way they tilted and how the waves come in," John, a retired U.S. serviceman from San Diego, California, who previously lived in the Philippines, said.

The tour also included a visit to the 300-hectare La Laguna Mangrove Eco Park in Lavezares, where guests were welcomed with traditional songs and dances before trekking...