Enrollment is once again looming in the air back at Silliman. In my part, i was so early that i went there before schedule when in fact the enrollment was this week. And because of the unfortunate events that happened in my academic life this summer, I enrolled a business subject, 2 foreign languages and fine arts where i got to be classmates with my sister. (Sort of cool but not cool, but still cool. hehehe; a milestone in our relationship as brother and sister).

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On other hands, i was back in dumaguete. It's kind of depressing there at this moment. Still zero population. but none the less, i still see old faces who some are very fortunate in their studies unlike me and some who are unfortunate, like me. Starting to miss the old "stagnant" summer life in Ormoc.

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On Saturday afternoon, i got to go to a place along the east coast of Negros. The place was a 2 hour travel from Dumaguete, called Guihulngan. It was nice to travel their across the many towns of the east of negros oriental. We travelled along the lonely, wide sugar cane and rice fields of Amlan, Some unique structures like an old abandoned mini train, to the quiet towns of Tanjay and the scenic sea cliffs of Bais and other parts. To the right along our travel, across the sea was the island of Cebu. My sister, mother, cousins and the rest of the folks went there to have a session with a quack doctor. I don't believe in any of this but i tried because there was no harm in it anyway. As soon as each of us  sat down with this grey-haired old fellow, he started to give advice on old remedies from body pain to diabetes and etc. During my part, he pointed hard at my head just above the forehead. He was assuming that i feel this tingling feeling in the throat. There was this feeling somehow because i still got a stubborn phlegm from the fever. He said something about taking menthol candy and lemoncito juice. Next he put his hands around my wrist on a pressure point. i got irritated when he said something about my brain. that it was not doing it's job well in studies and that i got problems in school. It was amazing that he got some parts right. Yes he's got a point but who isn't when you are a nursing student in Silliman. He is just generalizing the common problems to me. I admit that i was not applying myself last semester. But i promise i will do my best for my redemption this year. But i got no hard feelings to the guy... This is his living.

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On our way back from Guihulngan, we stopped by on a bakery shop at Manjuyod owned by a distant relative of my cousin (The Garupa's). We were given snacks and soda. i got full on the whole trip but it was nice. I got to see how they make fresh bread. It was this huge working area which reminds me of my grandmother's old hut in Kananga in Leyte years back. Anyway, it was nice conversing to distant relatives. I can tell that Cebu is very near from here because i can hear a very familiar radio station playing in the backround. It was M.O.R. Lupig Sila! (because back in Dumaguete, you can't hear any radio stations from Cebu such as M.o.R, Y101, Monster... not unless you listen live from the internet). To travel to Cebu City from here, it was an hour pump boat ride and 2 hour bus ride.

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It was getting dark and the sun was setting. Rain started to pour and the road on the way to Dumaguete was dark. On the left side, you can see the mountainous terrain of Cebu across the wide expanse of sea. You can't help but wonder that just over that chunk of land is Leyte (my home island) and Bohol... On the way, we stopped by to take some pictures but one structure that stand out was this old unique small Catholic church in Bais City. There was a mass going on and has just ended. The church folk has just finished talking to the priest and some members proceeded outside. As i entered this holy ground with a cousin and an uncle, i can't help to feel like Robert Langdon in The Da Vinci Code... marvelling at the architecture of the place. And the sculpture of varnished wood-carved brown saints in front of the altar. The windows has this small-squared rough glasses in primary colors. The worship area was in amber lighting. It was like a small American wood church back in the 1690s at the time of the Witch hunts. Back at civilization, we had a nice dinner in Sibulan at my Uncle's.

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Monday morning, There was a sign of a good day coming. I am at this time on a boat to cebu. The horizon was painted with a nice amber-orange hue. the day was breaking. it was a unique morning i ever saw in my entire life. Rushing to supercat, i decided to take the 4-o-clock ride to ormoc so that i can still hang around to watch X-men 3: The Last Stand. I decided to visit an old high-school friend in Cebu. It was around 7 when i got at his apartment near Cebu Doctor's University. he was fresh from sleep. we got a good talk and a nice breakfast. I took a good bath there.

At 11:30, i met with a lady friend and we travelled to SM. On the way, i got to chat with her and she told me of a great popcorn stand that has the best popcorn. So i tried. On the way, i got familiar with the streets of Cebu. I actually find Cebu City very small. If only it had no vehicles, no traffic in the streets and i only have a bicycle... i think i can manage to ride around easy and quick from Cebu Doc to Osmena to E-mall to Metro Gaisano to Sm, etc... I notice the schools were busy with elementary and high school students. (Of course, today is the start of school in the lower levels while college is next week). On the left side one time, there was this snake charmer holding at this cobra. At Sm, traveller's lounge, i met this old teacher in Silliman who closely flunked me. She's a good teacher, she's just doing her job.

So we watched X-men 3. I used the free tickets that i got from a promo i got from buying a merchandise at Sm before. So it was a free movie. (a movie usually cost P120 per head) We were the first ones to enter the dark movie house of Cinema 8. The movie was good but not that good. Though there was more effects this time and lots of death with the main characters and there were also new mutants. Kitty Pryde (Shadowcat) was cute. As for me, i enjoyed the movie. It is A-ok! After the movie, it was McDonalds for us... my first time at McDonald's...hehehe. can you believe it?

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What a great day today... i met with friends, i saw a movie, i had fun. everything was there to kick me once again back to reality. So i got the 4pm ride in Supercat. The whole trip i slept. i woke up with this nice beautiful sunset off the coast of Isabel and Merida... and back once again to Ormoc... to give closure to a great summer.

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The Invite

July 27. Saturday morning, woke up rested & satisfied. It was a cloudy morning in Dumaguete City. I was waiting for my aunt to call. They (uncle, aunts) were setting up to go to the beach to celebrate the birthday of 2 of my cousins today. So I tagged along because I haven’t been anywhere near the sea lately. Not since like 2 months ago. The trip there was 15 minutes from downtown Dumaguete. We went along the outskirts of the city, along the busy streets of Sibulan, passing the lonely airport. And so we arrived at this place. There were few bamboo cottages facing the beach, and were P500 pesos per roof. A sign says “Agan-an Marine Reserve”. It was noon at the beach and the crowd started to multiply. My uncle’s side of the family started to come one by one. Eventually, it all began with good food - rolled Cheese, the all-time favorite Kinilaw, Spicy local Chicken Curry, Dinugu-an, Lechon, and everything… to sum it all up, I was full.

Shallow Reef

I had no peer to go along that time, and there was no one to join along for the sea except some kids in the family. So I went by myself. It was high tide that time but it was very clear that the coast was one vast shallow bed of gray/yellow, fine sand. It stretched far into the sea. You can even walk for a few kilometers from where the sea touches the beach and you're still on the surface. Good for the kids, and for the adventurous…they can venture out farther into the water, which I did. From the left you can see the Southern part of Cebu. From the right, the sleepy island of Siquijor. Just beside was the landing asphalt road of the airport. Every now and then, you can see planes taking off and landing as well. I took my time swimming free, feeling the place, the people, and the sight of a peaceful view off the horizon at a distance. There were few people of my age that were obviously not from here and had just joined the water, playing, and old women in their b.suits flirting with the crowd, and this weird old guy doing the Egyptian dance on the beach…very funny guy;p.

Skimboarding 101

On the other side of the beach, I met this school colleague who was with his friends that time. He was doing this new fad in Dumaguete shores (and lately in my hometown, Ormoc)… skimboarding. It was like surfing but doing it in shallow waves on shore. I was given a chance to solo the skimboard all by myself for a short while, while this colleague of mine was at sea. I had the basics from him at first… first few tries, It was nasty. couldn’t balance and I even had scratches in my knees and bruises after. After several tries, I got the hang of it. It was a good experience - like skateboarding (which I did during a little phase back in highschool...it was also nasty...hehehe;p) Renting a skimboard here was P50 per day…not bad.

Culture Clash

The weather started to change. Dark clouds were now hovering the seascape. The ocean was like boiling water now and had this surreal atmosphere. I returned back to my place in the sea. I was going through the waves, feeling the cold and the rain. This time, there were only a few who remained and the kids were now gone. While in the water, I got to converse with few of these foreign crowd and made some new friends. I got to chat with this kid who was from Belgium. He was half Pinoy. One thing I noticed about half breeds mixed in pinoy blood is that, they have this longing of the pinoy culture and way of life, and I sensed that from this kid. Later on, I got to chat with this guy of my age who was from Scotland. He was also half pinoy mixed with Scottish blood but he was more of like pinoy. very distinct in this Scottish accent. Today was also his birthday. Our talk was short-lived but I had a good time with them. Conversing to them, reminded me of my cousins in Switzerland who came to meet with us for the first time just this March. This gave me a good promise that someday, when I’m making it big overseas, I might wander around Europe even with a tight budget, just to experience this side of the globe.

A Bittersweet Conclusion

I was in exploration mode at that time so after a while in the water, I went back into the surface, going further the coastline. It was now low tide. Along the stretch, I pass by few lonely, small resorts. Going further you can see the infamous, Mt. Talinis from here… staring at the wide open sea. I pass across some dry, tall mangroves... The highlight of this short trek was the sight of wide expanse of wet desertsand reaching all throughout the beaches of the east coast of Negros Oriental. Eventually I turned back and trekked back home. I had this happy mood after as I went back but there was also a little gloom... It was turning dark…you can’t see the ocean this time anymore…only the sight of the distant southern part of Cebu, now starting to have this glow from its small town lights. Dinner was served that night at the cottage…and eventually all went home… And Soon I slept after a surge of new sights, sounds taste and feel that day - Waiting and hoping for an adventure any time. Zzzz;p

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Apo Island. Apo Island is a 72-hectare volcanic rock situated in the Mindanao Sea, home to more than 800 people, of whom three hundred and fifty (and increasing) are children.  The island offers the best diving around. On the southeast, the sanctuary is a gradual slope with a shallow wall. Thousands of tiny fish cluster around the bushes of black corals in crevices, and there are lapu-lapus, surgeons, some beautiful stony corals, and a collection of various species of clownfishes and anemones. Apo island is accessible by a 35-minute boat ride from Zamboanguita. The Apo people are simple fisher folk mostly dependant on fishing and the fishing way of life for their income food and life style.

Opportunity Knocks. It was a rainy afternoon outside the lonely streets of the downtown area when I jumped at the chance to go to “The Island”. I came across this Japanese girl who is a friend. She was with her pips from Japan who came here to visit the Philippine Islands. And I got so excited the rest of the day.

Lost In Translation. It was a sunny Wednesday morning. 8:30am, and I woke up late than usual because of being busy the night before. I hurriedly prepared myself and went to catch with the rest of the Japanese gang in the busy dirty market where they bought goods. I got introduced to them and I gave a warm and friendly attitude (the way that I am always. ;p) even though I don’t really understand them at all. All I have is “kunichiwa”, “arigato”, “sayonara” & “ajinomoto” in the dictionary..hehe ;). These guys were of my age. But they were mild mannered people too. They were actually no different to us Pinoys except their language, the way they style their hair and some few stuff maybe but that’s it. I was just passive and going whatever they dig at that time, respecting that they were here to have fun and not to entertain someone. Coz they mean business.

Down South. We got to the Diving Agency somewhere in Piapi where a jeepney was waiting for us. I got into the vehicle and gearing up for what’s ahead. I was the only Pinoy in the whole trip. The trip down south was a good start as we went along the towns of Bacong, Dauin until we reached The Malatapay Market at Zamboanguita. It was a good 20 minutes more or less to get there. Malatapay Market was very active with people selling local goods, fruits, meat, fish and more especially on Wednesdays. In the farside was a beach-- The port going to our destination. Just across the sea, it was now visible, rising from the waters stands a turtle-shaped land—ApoIsland…But Before we get into things, the gang stopped by to buy food for lunch. These Japanese guys were fascinated by the Lechon that were circling around on one side, and they decided to buy a good part of the swine. While waiting, I got to connect with some of these Japanese girls with my crooked English. They were actually very charming and very welcoming and friendly. If only I could speak Japanese. I’d impressed them more. Hehehe. 

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The Jump Off. Everybody went into the big outrigger but I decided to ride the small outrigger canoe with my friend and this girl named Yoko and the “wise” old guy of the bunch who they call “vice president”. He’s around 50 or 60...You could imagine the whole day. The sun hovering in this blue sky, the deep  blue sea very calm at this time as we near the island. The waters near the beach was crystal blue with some corals very clear from the boat. A blue ship has just arrived along. It was the Greenpeace boat, coincidentally visiting with us that day. There were local people and kids on shore waving a banner that says “MARINE RESERVE: HOPE FOR THE OCEANS”. Some locals even fussed about Kris Aquino being their in the boat and some camera crew filming.

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Docking. This is it. I touch land in Apo. I could not believe that I was here. The excitement was up in the air. Huge monoliths of rock were very apparent around and white coral sand. I could not resist myself to take pictures coz everywhere, it’s just like a postcard or a desktop wallpaper in real time in front of me.

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Into The Blue. We got back into the boat and cruised around the other side of the island. You can’t help to notice the high strategic jagged edges of the island. A sign of its volcanic past when it was formed from mainland Negros island (so the old folks say), though there were no volcanoes around (i think). The island itself is not yet over commercialized and there are just less than 5 resorts/diving shops maybe around but all in the goal of protecting its seas, land and the culture of this simple island life. So we were stationed in this quiet side of the island. Without so much time, everybody geared up for a snorkel. This is it, I will now check out what is considered one of the best dive site and coral reef in the Philippines and the world. I was very unfortunate to have just my own goggles without the breathing tube and fin. But it was alright. I might as well do it the old school way, just as our ancestors done it before. So I finally jumped to the big underwater rush. And I can’t believe my eyes. An alien world is just below me. It was 2-stories deep of clear and some dark areas of water. Full of color of different shapes and size. It was a city down under. An ecosystem thriving with different species of corals, fishes, sea snakes, slugs, underground caves. Whoaaaw! It was an experience of a lifetime! I am filled with an adrenaline rush this time. But all the while, I was careful because they say sharks and other danger occasionally come visit in the shallows. I took my way going around the area. Some fish were not afraid as I approach them. Sometimes I even come face to face with them like the clown fish. Their were parrot fish as well which I remember my father would grill whenever we go to the beach.

Lunchtime. We head on another side of the island & stopped on a small fishing village,Purok 7: Baulo. We had “Kinilaw, which the Japanese like,Lechon and hanging rice. I really have to get in there & get my share of food because it is not like in the Filipino culture wer somebody readily offers you to come eat and you on the other hand hav this “hiya”. The food was good, enough to nourish me throughout the day...

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Island Life. Afternoon, I get to feel the island through this small fishing community. The islanders are already used to the tourists who come and visit. It is undeniable to think I can live a life as an islander. Life is much much simpler, very laid-back, without the fuss in the city and urban life. Electricity only comes throughout the day but at 10 in the evening, everything shuts down and the island is wrapped with darkness with only the lights of space shining in the night sky and the lamps of the cottages around.

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King Of The Hill. I went deeper into the village and discovered some cemented steps ascending into this hill. Without hesitation, I made my way to the top and to my amazement, i found the best view ever!! A great panorama of a horizon overlooking BoholSea and to the right was a blurry island of Siquijor. I could see the Greenpeace ship from here basking in the sun. To the right was a convergence of a marsh just near the shore. I even notice a continuation of the steps going down. But I was not prepared for that. I haven’t told my friend where I was going so I decided to cancel the idea of going inland. (They say, it takes 20 minutes to cross the island to the other side by walking).

Lost. At some time, I noticed a rocky edge on the far right of the beach. I decided to go explore. It was packed with boulders blocking  the other side. So I decided to cross and climb these huge rock formations. After that dangerous attempt, I finally got to the other side. The sight...was pure paradise. It was a secluded beach full of coconut trees with a mysterious, isolated hut on the far end. There was also this small corner which is sort of a cave and I was tempted to hang for a while by myself and just imagine if I was stranded alone... like that movie with Tom Hanks in Castaway (2000) . It was a lonely feeling, very far from my comfort zone. There were microorganisms thriving in the area and I was damn careful. At some time when I decided to go further and enter the secluded beach, I had to cross a slippery group of rocks by the water. But I slipped in my step and scratched my right leg and it was nasty. During the fall I saved the camera that I was holding from the water but I sacrificed my phone which was in my pocket all this time. The 1100 Nokia phone was now dead with some beeping sound in its final minutes. As I stepped on the sand, I fell down and lie myself on the ground. Feeling the pain and the blood rushing down my right leg-- absorbing every sensation felt at that moment.... It was getting late and I was scared that people might be waiting for me on the other side. I decided not to take the rocky boulders again because it was risky. I started hurrying myself, and explored inland, trying to find my way to go around. I felt that I was now lost. I paced myself and found out this small man-made pathway. I had a gut feeling that this might lead me back to where I came from. I went deep through the forest very cautious. I was now walking through unknown territory and who knows what danger might lurk. I was worried coz my phone now was useless. My mind flashed images of cannibals, pirates, criminals or crocs because I was near a marsh. Just when I noticed this marsh, I remembered that i saw a marsh converging to the sea from the top of the hill I had gone earlier. Then I assumed I was on the right path and knew my way. I stopped when this deep well blocked my path and just near was a broken down hut. I then knew I was near civilization. I noticed that there were steps going up that were carved from the soil, I was scared to go because snakes and spiders might be around the area due to some weird sounds I hear. But I got the courage and as soon as I got further…lo and behold! the stairs that I saw before when I did cancelled the idea to go inland. It was now leading me back to the hill that I had gone before. I was so ecstatic. I made it!. I was even so thankful to God. If I had not gotten in that hill before, i would have not found my way around...With some last minute shots, I rushed down to that village and saw my Japanese friends already on the boat, worried for me. The boatmen even decided to swim around to look for me. I was so sorry for them. I was just plain stupid. A very adventurous stupid. Hehehe ;p

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Homeward. I returned to my small boat with my Japanese friends. I was very happy to see them. The boat started to cruise back to mainland Negros. It was kind of sad to leave the island so early. I wanted to stay for the night. I felt that I have just touched the surface of Apo Island and there’s so much yet to discover. I even haven’t got to the lighthouse during the stay... Probably next time... The island now grew smaller and smaller from my sight. It was seeped in mystery this time. Along our way, the sea was active with huge waves. I was so wet with seawater splashing and it was clear that my Japanese friends also enjoyed. We all knew the language of fun... Much to my excitement, my right slipper jumped out of the boat and into the sea. Damn! I lost two of my stuff. First, my cellphone and now my footwear. I guess I had to sacrifice a part of me for the island…It was an experience I’ll never forget. A little adventure that will stick into the rest of my life… Still, it was all worth it…I came, I saw and I conquered.