Visayas and Mindanao Nostalgia

Nostalgia

Yesterday, I was looking out of the airport window and I was trying to reminisce the memories of my short stay in the Visayas and Mindanao. Then the almost 2-hour DVO-MNL flight made me nostalgic about all the things that happened along the way. I wanted to share some with you.

Location Independent Lifestyle

I’m back home after more than a month of being on the road. I left my turf August 7 and tried doing a “location independent lifestyle.” I went back home just to give my “pasalubong,” do laundry and change my set of clothes. I will be on the road again tomorrow (to Sorsogon and Northern Samar).

Hard to Say Goodbye

Its sad to say good bye right? That was on my mind the past week when I’m about to leave my “second home” in Davao Oriental. Affront, I smile, but deep inside I say “I wanted to stay longer.” But I have to move and go. Okay, maybe this post is a little bit sentimental (I don’t want to do that) but I have to write these things so I can read it again 10-20 years from now. I guess I’m writing this for myself. Sorry as this will not be a travel guide.

I just want to share some interesting stuff I did while I was traveling in the Visayas and Mindanao.

First I want to show my actual route:

Manila – Cebu City – Dumaguete – Siquijor – Dumaguete – Cebu City – Surigao City – Cantilan, Surigao del Sur – Davao City – Mati City, Davao Oriental – Davao City – Manila

You can view the interactive route via Tripline by just clicking the PLAY button.

Maybe a list of some stuff and snippets will do. As always I want to write from the heart.

Cebu City.

I arrived in the queen city and was welcomed by my good friend Charity, I was glad because I can always couchsurf in her place, plus her housemates Rea and Shyne were great hosts. On my first night, we went to Casa Verde so I can try their signature Baby-back ribs which was a steal for less than Php300. I was also surprised that the waiter gave us two free chocolate moist cake; Charity told me that the waiter has a crush on me. hahaha

My 2-day stay in Cebu was spent eating and eating. I also tried the sinful spicy boneless lechon.

(From Cebu City, I rode a bus to Santander and crossed to Sibulan then to Dumaguete for Siquijor)

Siquijor.

I went to Siquijor because I just love the place and the laid-back atmosphere. Most Filipinos are having second thoughts the moment they hear of Siquijor. Images of witchcraft come to mind, add the tagline “Mystical Siquijor” and people would definitely look for an alternative destination. But I want to tell you that Siquijor is not like that.

Siquijor is a province blessed with awesome marine life (everytime I snorkeled, Nemo the clownfish is there). The Tulapos Marine Sanctuary in Enrique Villanueva was a treat to my eyes.

 

I stayed for 3 nights at JJ’s Backpacker’s Village, inside a tent where I just paid Php200/night. How about waking up every single morning with a view of white sand beach with coconut trees around. Paradise isn’t?

The last day was spend touring some if the usual spots like the Century Old Balete Tree, Lazi Church & Convent, Cambugahay Falls and Kagusuan Beach with a travel blogger friend, Eileen of Possibly Pinay.

(I traced back my route, Siqujor – Dumaguete – Sibulan – Santander – Cebu City. From Cebu City, I rode an overnight ferry to Surigao City)

Surigao City.

I again arrive in the rich and amazing islands of Mindanao. My fave when faced with choices: Luzon, Visayas or Mindanao.

My stay was quick, I just had my breakfast then off I go to Cantilan.

(3-hour van ride Surigao City to Cantilan)

Cantilan.

The road trip was depressing as I saw how the foolish people become as they Fuck Nature in Surigao. Anyway, it was balanced with nature-loving Cantilanons (they don’t want mining in their backyard) who were celebrating their town fiesta when I arrived. I spent 4 days in Cantilan, catching up with my good friend, sissy Cathe. All I did was eat, eat and eat. Lechon baboy overload and before long, I was loosening my belt. I lost my 6-pack abs in a matter of 4 days. haha But it was good to meet the locals and share stories.

I also had an opportunity to share my 100 Days journey in Hotchkiss Learning Center, trying to encourage highschool students to follow their passion.

(I hitchhiked from Cantilan to Tagum City, then rode a bus to Davao City)

Davao City.

I have a good friend in Davao City, Isa, who always open her nice house when I’m in the city. My days are spent meeting friends, couchsurfers and partying. Well, what do you expect, we are joining the celebrations during Kadayawan Festival, we are one with the jive and it makes us feel alive.

 

(From Davao City, I went to my final destination- Mati City, Davao Oriental on a 3-hour van ride)

Mati City.

My favorite spot in all of Mindanao just because. I actually want to live here. I stayed for 3 weeks in Dahican Beach, blending with the local surfers and skimmers- Amihan Boys. Before long, I was speaking and living like them- surfers. My days were longer, time is not important and “chill” is the best word to describe the whole experience.

I’m here because I’m writing my book “ISANGDAAN Journey” which hopefully will be published early 2013.

 

My breakfast and lunch were usually squids prepared differently- grilled, adobo or kinilaw. Fish was also a staple and we had lots of rice. It was a good experience to eat with my bare hands most of the time. I also enjoyed eating “dukot” or “tutong” in Tagalog, that almost burned rice found at the bottom of the cauldron.

I was skimboarding, carving, paddling, snorkeling, swimming and beach bumming. On my last day, I joined a fishing vessel and slept under the stars for an overnight of fishing “matangbaka” and “tulingan.” We caught more than 200 kilos of fish and they gave me 4 kilos for my share.

Some friends also visited me while I was in paradise and I believe they enjoyed the whole beach life experience. Thanks to Marky, Cathe, Tanya, Liam, Chris, Charlie, Paula, AG for visiting Dahican beach. And yes, I made lots of friends durng my entire stay, mostly from Davao City.

I always sleep seeing the stars or “aniniput” fireflies light my night while being lulled by the Pacific Ocean waves. The photo below shows where I spend my past 3 weeks:

(From Mati City I went to Davao City and then to Manila)

DURATION OF THE TRIP: August 7 – September 11, 2012

Blogs about the road trip:

Siquijor: Another Day in Paradise

How to Travel Cheap in the Philippines

Surigao Nature Fuck: The Most Depressing Road Trip Ever

2nd Year Blog Anniversary and ‘ISANGDAAN Journey’ Book Updates

 

Thank you reader for sharing my story. My life would not be this awesome if not for you and your support. Before I end, I want to tell you to that “its not to late to follow your passion.” I did more than 2 years ago and now i’m enjoying every single minute of my life.