Day 6: Farewell Yato, Hello Alubihod & Guisi Beaches

John with his new pair of slippers

Around 9:20am, I told them that I’m ready to go back to Cabalagnan. So the eldest son started the boat’s engine and off we went to the town. I bid good-bye to my new family and friends (things that happened while I was on the island started to flashback on my head). I brought with me Joven and John Robert (my 2 guides at Yato) because I want to give something for them. I gave Joven P50 as a token of my gratefulness and brought John Robert to the nearest store to buy him a new pair of slippers (I noticed that his slippers was always snapping whenever he walks). I would never forget John’s grinning from ear to ear when he first wore that new pair of slippers. I believe that simple act made a big difference and hopefully would bring beyond Yato Island.

Now I want to chill beside the beach so I ask the locals where the best white beach is. Everyone is pointing me to Alubihod Beach, where Raymen Beach Resort is.

So here goes my travel itinerary and travel time:
Yato Island to Cabalagnan: Pumpboat (15 minutes)
Cabalagnan to Poblacion (Desi-otso): Van (45 minutes including waiting time)
Poblacion to Alubihod: Jeepney (< 10 minutes)
Alubihod to White Beach (Raymen Beach Resort): Motorcycle (10 minutes)

Entrance fee to Raymen Beach Resort is only PhP10, but before I paid I examined the place first, I noticed that a lot of people swimming and singing the video-oke, I guess this place is not for me- so touristy. I also asked the staff if they would allow an overnight stay with my hammock. They said no. I have no choice but to find another place.

Guisi Beach: Secluded and Scenic

They pointed me to Guisi White Beach, added attraction for me would be the 2nd oldest lighthouse in the Philippines. I take that as a go. So here’s my second itinerary and travel time:
Raymen Beach to Alubihod: Motorcycle (< 10 minutes)
Alubihod to Guisi Crossing: Jeepney (20 minutes)
Guisi Crossing to Guisi Beach: Motorcycle (15 minutes)

At the Guisi Crossing, I met Bodok, a motorcycle (habal-habal) driver who brought me to Guisi White Beach. He asked me what time will I return to Jordan (the Capital Town of Guimaras)? I told him that I will find a place to stay in Guisi Beach, a place to set-up my hammock for a camping. I told him that I’m looking for a free place and explained to him about the PhP250/day challenge. He is cool with the idea and offered a place for free- a small “kubo” where they hang-out in the afternoons. I just talked with the owner of the “kamalig/kubo,” Ate Arlene (I explained to him that I’m doing a challenge and I cannot afford a place rental). Alas! I now have a place to stay, a place to set up my hammock.

My humble nook at Guisi Beach, Day 6

I spent the lazy afternoon staring at the beach in my swaying hammock. I also had opportunities to chat with some locals hanging out at the “kubo.” It’s getting late in the afternoon and problem is there is no available food in the

The kid's part of the afternoon's catch

area. Good thing, I spotted 2 kids who just came with their harvest. I ask if I could buy some fish for dinner. I bought P20 worth of fish, some charcoals and a match. I will have grilled fish for the night. How about rice? I went to the nearest store and ask the owner if they can cook rice for me. She agreed and it turned out that she is the mother of the kid of whom I bought my fish. The mom ask his son to deliver the cooked rice. So I have a free delivery of my order. Cool!

It started to rain gently as I am building fire to cook the fish. I now have to apply what I learn in scouting- proper way of building fire. It was like Survivor! After an hour I was able to cook my dinner. The caretaker of the “kubo” was good enough to give me some potable water and salt for the fish. Thank you! The fish was too much so I save some for tomorrow’s breakfast.

About 9:00pm, Bodok returned with two friends. We had some chat and I learned that I was talking to an official researcher of Guimaras Province. He knows everything from land area to population, history of the lighthouse to the tourism programs being develop. I learned a lot that night and I had to visit him in his office the next day to say thanks.

FOODS I ATE

Dalagang Bukid for breakfast (top) &various fish for dinner (before and after)

PLACES I VISITED

Alubihod Beach and Guisi Beach. Alubihod (Alubihud/Alubijod) White Beach has experienced a lot of developments already. There are cabins, canteen, kiosk and aalmost everything you need, in other words, very touristy. I like it more at Guisi beach for the laid-back feeling, more secluded and peaceful. While Alubihod has white sand, Guisi has golden-yellow sand. See the pictures below for comparison:

Raymen Beach Resort, Alubihod

Kids preparing the nets, Guisi Beach

PEOPLE I MET

Yato Island's Future

They are not camera-shy

Smiles from Guisi Beach

Important Travel Notes:
Food and Water: Please bring enough for your planned stay.
Cellphone signal: Smart only but very low.
Electricity: None.
Bring insect repellant, mosquitoes and other insects abound.

Day 6 Expenses in Philippine Peso
P35 Slippers for John Robert
P50 Money given to Joven
P13 Coke
P30 Van (Cabalagnan-Desi-otso, Poblacion)
P10 500ml water
P7 (Desi-otso to Alubihod)
P20 Motorcycle (Alubihod – Raymen Beach Resort)
P20 Motorcycle (Raymen – Alubihod)
P26 Lunch (1 order of gulay and 1 cup of rice)
P10 Jeepney (Alubihod – Guisi Crossing)
P20 Motorcycle (Guisi Crossing – Guisi Beach)
P20 Fish (7 pieces)
P12 Charcoal and match
P20 Rice
———
PhP293 (US$6.48) . Yes, I wasn’t able to live within my P250/day budget on Day 6. But its okay, I have an excuse because I saved enough the past days. Over-all I still have P114.50 excess after 6 days.

On the 7th day, I will have some rest. Find out what kind rest is that. Also, will I be able to taste the sweetest mango in the world even its not in season?