Carabao Island, Romblon

Dear ,

So yeah, I've spent my birthday touring this little island. What better way, huh? We rented a habal and spent half the day figuring out the map, getting fined by a local barangay for "ignoring" a sign, getting out of a dead end, looking for bike trails, asking the friendly Romblonans for directions, braving out rough(!) roads, eating kikiam at the viewpoint, getting roasted under the 3pm unforgiving sun, hunting seaglasses, talking about the world and the milky way, and -- chasing the sunset.

We finally settled in this sweet little beach.

This one's for the books.

Love,

Kuding-Kuding Point, Carabao Island

Here’s a supposed to be a very photogenic point, with the turquoise-est of waters, but since we got here at noon, with the harshest light (i love superlatives!), this is all i can send you. The route here was not easy, must need a daredevil rider and a wild soul.

Love,

Hambil Beach, Carabao Island, Romblon

This is Hambil Beach - one beach that i'm excited to see, that one i lost sleep about. Beautiful, with ferocious winds, big big waves. Stretches to eternity, but is surprisingly empty.

Love,

Sta. Fe, Romblon

Dear ,

So, I wasn't able to get that much sleep on my first night. It had been raining on and off, and the wind's howl was deafening. I'm supposed to catch the only boat to Hambil in the morning, but this weather could spoil everything for me.

I had a wonderful (but quick) breakfast at Aglipay (their Tocilog was gooood!) before speeding up to Sta Fe port. And this greeted me: an overwhelming calmness.

Love,

Alcantara, Romblon

Now since I can't swim in those waves, I must, at least, climb one of them hills! It was a short but giddying climb, and the view from uphill was impressive. See that massive cloud? Noticed how it seem to contain the colors? Well it held off my stars and the milky way come night time, too. Why????

Love,

Alcantara, Romblon

This far side of the resort is photogenic though, with those big waves crashing against those dramatic jagged rocks.

Love,

Alcantara, Romblon

Dear ,

Hey it’s been a while! So finally I made Romblon happen.

However Day 1 "plans" were already spoiled by trike drivers who would rather drive to Alcantra because Binucot is farther and "isolated." I wasn’t expecting trike fares to be this steep here (can’t argue though, towns here are far from each other!). So I was already worried about my wallet the minute I set foot on the island. Against my will, we flew to Alcantra where Aglicay Resort is situated. Resort is vast, they have their own hills! I was still lucky to secure a cheap room even if i just walked in. Bad thing is: it's on the hill side of the resort, so ready or not, impromptu workouts will have to take place.

The Aglicay side of Tablas is windy, and yes, you guessed it, i didn't like it. Harsh winds, big waves, ugh! Was really scorching when I got here but a few hours after i settled, it started raining. *slow clap*


Love,

Yellow Doors, Tacloban

 

But like everything, it can’t be all that shitty. I headed back to the city lest I wanted to get stuck in the company of Marce and friends. So rain and all, I found my destination: an unassuming little lodging alongside posh and dandy hotels.  When i stepped in, i knew immediately why Marce happened. Love at first sight is real.

 

Damn Kalanggaman, so elusive. I’ll be coming back for you definitely. And you better be worth it.

 

Love,

Palompon, Leyte

 

Well apparently, someone else made plans to see the Visayas region the same day as my Kalanggaman visit. A storm called Marce picked Cebu as her pitstop canceling all boat rides to and from all parts of the Visayas. So all the planning and months of contained excitement gone just like that just bec. someone else decided to gatecrash my late summer party. Heartbroken, I alighted the boat. Then it started to rain. *sigh*

 

Love,

Seaside Park, Downtown Tacloban

 

Hello

 

So the long wait is over. After so many months of Kalanggaman fancying and daydreaming, the day has finally arrived. I am finally seeing that photogenic island. So while passing time and waiting for this ‘shabby chic’ eatery to open, i’ve decided to explore around a bit. Here’s a pic of the peaceful Cancabato bay in the unforgiving afternoon heat. No threat at all.

 

Love,

My Charming Home in Port Barton

 

Hi ,

 

This charming cottage served as my home for days in Barton. I just fell in love with it. As a matter of fact, this, and the friendly dogs, are those that i’m going to miss the most.

 

Lovely Barton. They’ve been nice, really.

 

Love,

Other Side of Port Barton

 

The far end of Barton proves to be rocky. Noticeably absent though, are my seastar friends. No seaglasses either. *sad face*

 

Love,

Port Barton, Palawan

 

Hey there,

 

So Barton is really friendly. Maybe because the locals are not really used to seeing Filipino visitors that whenever they meet one, they treat them like long-lost relatives or something. Even the dogs here are calm and friendly.  I noticed too that locals treat everyone here equally. And everywhere you look, someone is doing something in peace - running along the shores, just watching the waters, reading a book,  baking himself under the unforgiving sun - everybody just minded their own businesses. 

 

And sunsets are nice here too.  This is an unobstructed view of the beach from my veranda, where afternoons were spent coffee-drinking, people-watching, halo-halo eating and postcard writing.

 

Love,

Port Barton, Palawan

 

Hi ,

 

Hey it’s been a while! So my only ticket for the year brought me to Palawan. I was contemplating on going back to El Nido or try Port Barton. And since this is going to be a solo trip, I decided to be a well, a bit bold and went for something new and unfamiliar. Port Barton is a quiet, friendly and lazy town in San Vicente. And I have read somewhere that PB is a more laid back version of El Nido. You know that “laid back” thing always gets me. So Port Barton it is.

 

I chose a cottage in front of the beach… and this is my super calm view every morning. Not bad Barton, not bad at all.

 

Love,

 

Hello ,

 

From the beautiful Bohol and it’s ever welcoming palm trees in the background, til next time!

 

Love,

Pastels in Panglao

 

…day ends looking like this. Couldn’t be more perfect, don’t you think? Pastels Paradise. 

 

Love,

Newfound Friend

 

Hey new friend! I still have to know your name, but you were as pretty as my starfishies.

 

Love,

Sunset in Panglao

 

In the afternoon, the water moves farther and farther away from the shore. This is probably my favorite part of the day, because my favorite sea creatures (star fishies!)show up and rock the sands, and the sky gradient is just – beautiful.

 

Love,

Bolod, Panglao, Bohol

 

Hello ,

 

Where else (in the world, tell me)can you get this beautiful lines and blues?

Bolod, Panglao, Bohol

 

Hello!

 

It’s been a while! My ticket brought me back to Bohol at this time of the year. Leaving a very wet Manila, this is what welcomed me. The blue skies were like on icy fire, if there’s such a thing *shrugs*. I’m overwhelmed. 

 

Love,