Coffee Thursdays
5 Philippine destinations
The wanderlust in me could find every good reason to explore or get away from it all. Wandering around the country brings a fulfillment of joy and discovery of our natural and cultural beauty. Furthermore, I don't have a desire to just travel; my perennial search gives a meaning to my affair with curiosity, to experience everything new around me, like it is always the first time. This 2008 as I rest my backpack and traveling shoes I summed up my personal top 5 destination picks of my Philippine travel.
- Batad Village, Banaue: Exploring the Cordillera region finds my pursuit for the world acclaimed rice terraces. Truly, these cascading landscapes over the rugged mountains resemble a stairway to heaven. I am lucky to encounter Mang Ramon homestay in Batad, where I lived with the locals, slept in a century old mud hut and experienced genuine Ifugao tradition (rice planting, wine making, etc.) as the community shared their proud culture before my very eyes. This remote village is two hours away from Banaue town by transport and requires another two hours of hiking skills over the steep ridge into the bowl shaped valley.
- Apo Island, Negros Occidental: Known as one of the smallest volcanic islands in the country, it is also home to wonderful diverse marine sanctuaries. Thanks to the effort of the locals and Siliman University Marine and Biology Department, the whole island is dedicated to preservation of our marine wealth. I am blessed to swim with schools of giant jackfish, anemones and sea turtles above the orchestra of colorful live corals. It is a reminder to all of us that man and nature can co-exist in a beautiful significant way.
- Baras Island, Jordan, Guimaras: With only 15 km south of Iloilo City, the simple resort offers the weary soul comfort of a stress-free environment. The rooms are strategically located above the limestone rocks which offer the view of refuge and the calm sea. I grab lickety-split my snorkeling gear to see the interesting coral formations and swim to nearby underwater caves and solitary shores. What makes Baras different is the old charm of unpretentious, quiet and natural foliage of an undisturbed beach island.
- Sagada, Mountain Province: One of the country's difficult to reach regions mainly because of poor roads and unstable conditions. The nomad in me couldn't be hindered. I am greeted by picturesque view of mountains and valleys adored by pine trees, dramatic outcrops and a peaceful community. The journey is breath-taking scenery and not for the faint-hearted. In Sagada resides the work of the cosmos with the order of the town and the impressive caves, waterfalls, hanging coffins and tribal traditions which are much preserved. One of the greatest moments of my life is sitting with my warm native coffee enjoying the fresh climate and observing a different world in serenity and peace.
- Bacuit Archipelago, El Nido town, Palawan: Who said traveling to El Nido costs a fortune? I only paid 300 pesos/night for a bungalow cottage in the heart of the pristine beach. The view of limestone formations and enchanting lagoons recalls the intrepid traveler the definition of paradise. The quaint fishing town offers a myriad of cozy cafes, budget inns and friendly people. By hiring a motorboat or kayak to explore the other island's secluded beaches, you can own a piece of utopia for a day.
I am back in Iloilo City and retreat to my so-called usual life; I have witnessed the beauty of our country and each destination was never just a place, but an adventure and experience of learning. I then realize how beautiful it is to explore and travel and return to a familiar place called home.
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