"Now more than ever do I realize that I will never be content of a sedentary life on the surface, I will always be haunted by thoughts of being drenched elsewhere"….
Year 2009 has been fruitful without doubt, and as it draws to a close I believe it won’t be too gibberish at all to recount the wonderful memoirs – heart warming and worth reminiscing – in one of my great loves.
It’s been a rewarding year in terms of travel and dive trips, there were changes and time management became an art at home and at work to accommodate the whims of wanderlust. On this account I would focus more on my diving pursuits which I become engrossed with, I would say I dealt it more seriously this year with the objective of preparing for Dive Tubbattaha 2010! I was heeding with my mentor saying I must dive as often as possible and go advance, in other words – to stretch, to grow and be ready for more challenges and adventures in diving.
So, here’s my list of what I’ve done and where I’ve been, my 9 things in 2009:
Dove more than 20 times this year (20 is much considering time & expense considerations), almost having a dive trip each month
Discovered Balicasag, Moalboal, Duka Bay, Green Waters, Anilao, Dauin & Bacong sites
Revisited Agutayan Island, Samal Island and the wrecks in Coron waters
Finally took my Advanced Open Water Diver Course with DiveSpecial
Discovered the mysterious, challenging and amazing night dive! and learned beach entries
Participated PADI sponsored underwater clean-up in Duka Bay and getting involved in underwater preservation and protection
Meet friendly DMs and new diver acquaintances
Learning underwater photography though still needs much improvement
Gained a buddy who shared my deep passion for diving and underwater life
There is always something new in every dive – learnings, discoveries, lessons – making me a better diver each descent. I took note also on my mentor’s comments and corrections, asking my mistakes every time I surfaced if I dive with him. Indeed, there has been lot of improvement – I felt more comfortable in the depths and I’m getting deeper (114 ft as deepest!). I can now dive sans elegant dive boat, I agree with Mario – water entry with the paddle boat is more interesting and challenging and it won’t hurt my back! 🙂
There still more to do to better prepare me for our mission, and I need to acquire dive computer soon, it’s really necessary. I’m taking up soon also EAN certification and as my mentor was suggesting – Rescue Diver Course. Much have happened in 2009 but there’s much work to do for 2010.
I would like to give thanks and credit to two people who are now my good friends, these friends who inspired and gave me courage to go on and hope for the best in my diving pursuit. Mario – my dive instructor for OW and AOW, my mentor – ever kind and patient with me though strict, as my professor I would only get B minus by his standards! 🙂 He who always assist me in my needs and concerns in diving. And of course Angel, travel and dive buddy – my constant companion in all my amazing dives this year, whom I shared wonderful memories in my underwater escapades. I traveled with him almost every month – actually he spoiled me with all those get aways, I love it though! 🙂 I felt blessed and honored to have these two noble men who shared their time with me, cared for me and extended a hand in any way they can – they were with me in this year’s journey.
I can only wish for a fruitful and productive diving in 2010 with God’s blessing!
I was just too eager to visit one of the country’s most dived destination and it’s been on my list for some time. Time has changed perhaps for me, my goal is that there must be at least one dive trip in a month. So, this September just in time for the international clean-up day and with a long weekend we arranged for an Anilao get-away! It was just perfect to refresh a full week at work…
Again, I wanted just to sneak away from town and be transported with less fuss but as always someone would just came up just as surprised as you are, I found myself talking to my officemate but gratefully sans work issues. The flight was smooth but as we hover over the metro preparing to descend I could see the smog covering all over, although there was sun but it was shady. It felt disappointing seeing the sight, in few minutes I’ll be subjecting myself to health hazards – that’s the city!
Getting a taxi up at the pre-departure area, I went straight to LRT-Buendia to meet up Angel, and after taking our early lunch, got into a Batangas bound aircon bus. It was bit a long trip due to traffic jams, picking up and dropping passengers. The rain poured when we got to Bauan on a jeepney, with jams again have to find another route. When we reached the town square, we got into a trike dropping us at another trike terminal going to Pier Uno. It was still raining and we are soaked already, alas it was steep going down to the resort so we have to walk our way on that abrupt walkway – the trike simply can’t manage it! Descending the path, carrying our bags, rain pouring and trying to manage we wont slip off – ah, this is traveling is all about! We arrived late already and it was getting dark. We failed to participate in the clean up activity!
Pier Uno
The resort is a secluded place with few low buildings that houses the rooms, a dining hall with on-going works, a modest pool, dive shop, and a small deck at the water front. We got into the Red Rock – a dainty pink room suited for girls :), feeling relieved to have a warm place for refuge. I got a dive guide book from Angel 🙂 which I keep on poring now and then during our stay. DM Peen & company – Angels’ contact – came to meet us for some pleasantries but was sorry we missed the cleanup. After some rest we got down into the dining hall for dinner, we are bit earlier as there wasn’t much guests yet which is better I think. We’re bit famished after the trip and the warm food was just enough to refreshed us. Later, we got down again taking a peek at the party, meeting up with other divers – they said there’s a raffle, that’s what we’re interested about! But alas, almost everybody got a prize but Angel and I didn’t.
Mainit Point & Apples
colorful lionfish
Wake up early the next morning to set up the underwater casing for the cam and to put on my contacts – some preparatory procedures before diving. About 7am we got down to have our breakfast, and by chance joined Rodel who’s talking that he wanted to have a shore dive early morning since he’s leaving for the city. We waited for the group thinking it could be sooner, just too excited to be in the waters! It was too long we decided to snorkel near the resort’s front. Finally, we left past 11am cruising to Mainit Point, ourfirst site. Our DM said the current could be tricky, so we need to follow a path away from the current – we are all six with only one DM – how absurd! We descend and truly amazed of the colorful paradise, so rich with micros – Angel and I feasted with many sightings, there was much photos to take! In between, our DM signaled to me for Angel, his tank almost gotten off from its band. We ascend after 47 mins and my air down to 40 bars. We descend for our second dive at Apples after our surface interval, just nearby Mainit. There was such abundant marine life – colorful corals, basket sponges, gorgonians, crinoids, cucumber, anemones, and more. The colorful frogfish caught our fancy! Angel took all the photos he want until the battery went dead! We ascend after 53 mins with my air down to 80 bars. Angel and I wanted for third dive but itwas late already. We cruised back to the resort riding on the waves, smiling of the rich encounters we just had.
At Apples for a pose...
As soon as we got our things in the room, we got into the dining area for our too late lunch and too early dinner. We savored our food slowly wanting to fill our hunger – we’re so famished and tired! As always I went last at the bath so I could take time for rinsing the gears. Time to pack and settle things, as Angel was at the front desk I went up to him so we could settle the bills and inform for our too early check out the next morning. I started to read again the dive guide while Angel was poring on his notebook. We viewed the underwater photos, trying to identify the fishes from the book – so wonderful to just view the amazing creatures we encountered. We were amused that we don’t even took the time to open and watch the tv. We got down again to the dining area for hot drinks, I needed one before dozing off.
Getting Back
I slowly arise when my alarm went off at 430am the next morning, after my prayer and bath routine, I packed finally – so much stuff to arrange and pack. Why do women got lot of things to pack? And guys don’t – Angel is still on bed while I spent about 30 minutes packing my gears and stuff! We finally went out to check out after having our hot drinks – it would still be a long way to the metro. It was still dark and we’re fortunate that the resort’s transpo was available to bring us to the town, we got into the aircon bus hoping there wasn’t much jams on the road. Indeed, we arrived early at the metro at 830am, we took the jeep going to IPO – our meeting place- (Jen & Raquel’s Office). We’re having brunch with them including Ruthie .
It was good to see them again especially Ruthie who haven’t joined in the trips for more than a year already. We shared stories, laughter and the yummy food at Buddy’s, we talked about our next trips for the group which is definitely next year. After the byes we ended the meeting and left for the airport early with Jen. I was for more surprise when I got to the airport – I sighted Eduard of BAI who was too surprised to see me! Then later after I checked in and on my way for the terminal fee, I sighted Ms. Sol (MRDP) who was as surprised as I am . We talked about work again… But it’s good, because we can relate our concerns for MRDP, of course there’s laughter too and of course trips, they’re scheduling for Turtle Islands! Can I come ? I want to watch the little tortoise’s crawling on the white beach…
The flight back to CdO was smooth and we touched down on the wet runway, a heavy downpour just stopped before the arrival. It feels good to be back home after a wonderful weekend at Anilao with Angel. Oh well, our next month’s trip is set already – back to Calamianes to dive the wrecks! I can always count the Lord’s goodness in every end of my trip, He always arranged things for me in perfect order – always!
I first heard of Moalboal about three years ago from my cousin Sheila from Deutschland who’s visiting us for a holiday, I remembered asking her it’s location. I learned then, that it’s a remote place in southwest Cebu and best known by divers. I was thinking it would be a good destination for fun dives and even for just a get away. So, Angel and I included this in our dive trip plans as part of Tubbattaha 2010 preparation. I never got the chance to explore Cebu’s countryside, with all my trips were at the city either attending conferences, meetings, conventions, get away or as stop over to other cities in the Visayas.
Viva, Cebu!
So one downcast Friday morning I sneak out of home when everyone is still asleep and catch the early flight for Cebu. I enjoy mysterious trips 😛 , it gives me a feeling of randomness like chasing liberty! And it is always a challenge to discover one new place, I can’t resist the sceneries in the countryside. The cheery weather greets me as we touched down the Mactan International Airport and I found Angel & Mike waiting for more than an hour already. 😦
We went straight to south bus terminal and got into a Bato – Barili Ceres bus, the summer heat beating and it was too hot and it seemed like forever before it finally left the terminal. Last month, I went south of Cebu passing the towns of Minglanilla, Naga, San Fernando but this time upon reaching Carcar, the bus went west to the mountainous side to the towns of Barili, Dumanjug, Ronda, Alcantara and finally Moalboal. I thought there’s no need to tell about my trip to friends back home but my friend Agnes surprisingly called up and after few plesantries she was aking where am I and who am I with! Arrrrgh…. I wanted to end the call immediately.
I remembered Carcar is famous of special ampaw, indeed when we got down town peddlers were selling this delicacy. But I remembered most the old acacia trees lining up the road, the branches reaching and meeting up like an arch – so bucolic and beautiful! It’s just unfortunate we can’t get photos but just watch in awe. Going south is mountainous but the roads were well maintained so the trip was smooth (unlike back here home when roads are in repair contributing traffic jams). But I didn’t notice much agricultural production areas except for some limited rice fields we passed. Reaching Moalboal, we got down near the intersection with the big acacia tree just as what was described in the book – a tree with all sorts of directions. We got into the tricycle for Panagsama Beach about 4 kilometers away – after haggling the fare. 😛
Going through the narrow street in Panagsama, we finally reached the Moalboal Backpacker Lodge ,the owner was there to welcome to us – and true enough he’s a German national as he sounds over the phone when we talked! The lodge was just homey as I think and it was simply what we need. Our room is downstairs and close to the shower, toilet and kitchen – just my preference. We’re so famished we headed to the nearest restaurant for our lunch after we settled our things, and just as we thought the food were bit pricey… As planned we went to Savedra Dive Center (5 star PADI dive center) which is just about 50 meters from our lodge, to confirm our dive schedule, prepare our gears and possibly met up with our DM. We tried to haggle Ms. Abeth: possible night dive which Mike haven’t tried yet; lower rate for 3 day dives – gear rents for whole day not per dive; and priority site in Pescador Island. We can’t do the night dive since we need a dive instructor which will cost us more, so we settled for 3 day dives with lower charges! 🙂
Exploring Badian
Next town is Badian, a secret get away too with a beautiful island, which is home of the opulent Badian Island Resort & Spa, and the famous Kawasan Falls – a falls I heard long, long time ago and wanted to visit. While we still have the afternoon free, we planned to have a side trip to make most of our time. The tricycle was waiting for us when we got back to the lodge – the summer heat got us so we need the cool waters to refresh us. It was about 24 kms. to the site, it was a long trip with the tricycle. There was a church at the entrance of the park, and the trek along the river took us about 25 minutes until the falls and pool.
Just seeing the falls and hearing its gushing waters was so tempting – so cool! The guides told us it’s an advantage not to go there on weekends, because there would so much crowds, much noise and one can’t fully experience the nature’s beauty and serenity. True enough – lesser people, less queue for the bamboo raft, less noise thus with great pleasure. We finally get into our raft after some waiting, I was thrilled getting near and under the falls – the waters was cold & strong! It was just what we need to cool down from the summer heat (no, not summer anymore!). And we went inside a crevice just enough for the raft to pass through and we need to lie flat – something rare! Just like kids we soaked ourselves, played with the waters and enjoyed so much the free massage from the falls!
Badian Island is also a good dive site with the luxurious Badian Island Resort but don’t have much time to visit the place. We get back to Moalboal bearing the tricycle noise , 😛 until we reached the lodge. We tried to explore the whole stretch of the street in the night trying to find some place to eat farther away but we ended up near the lodge – enjoying the pork barbecue and veggie salad – at a cheaper price. 😛
Looc, Pescador Island, Kasai Point and some Surprise!
We wake up early as our first dive is at 7:30am, and we need to be there earlier. The weather was bit downcast and I consider it better so there won’t be too much heat. There were other divers too mostly foreigners. I tried to watch closely the crew assembling the gears at the back shop. We were assigned to Yosil as our DM who I learned later to be one of the most keen divers especially on micros, and very efficient on buoyancy control. We cruise for about 15 minutes to our first site at Looc which is across a sandy white beach. We descend on a drop off wall – good sightings especially the big green turtle perched on a hard coral with two fishes on its back. I tried to catch the attention of Angel & Mike so as not to miss it! Then after about 30 seconds, it swam away – so schon!
There were gorgonians in different colors as well as star feathers, I tried to look closely for crinoids but none or maybe my eyes failed me. There were groupers, batfish, butterfly fish, colorful nudi branches among others. We do some bit of clean up – found plastics in corals. I sighted about 2 fish cages, one of those things I don’t like to see underwater – an insult to the marine wildlife. Can we just leave them alone? We are only there to enjoy the sites not to harm them! We had our safety stop in a white sandy area with full of soft & hard corals, colorful sponges and juvenile fishes. Angel and I explored the area – found a pipefish which just stayed near and was fascinated with the flounder. We hardly noticed it as it was of same color with the sand. We surfaced after 45 minutes with my air at 40 bars.
After our quick breakfast (cappuccino and local breads) at the lodge we get back to the diveshop for our next descent. We’re bit excited since we’ll be exploring Pescador Island but I told DM Ms Lindy to get away with the current. J She said we’ll be going north, then east and swim back where the boat will wait for us. She warned us not to go deeper 20 meters. We were the last group to descend – each in different spots. We swam into a drop-off wall covered with colorful corals, sponges and feather stars. Then the large thick school of tamban (sardines) – millions of them, we watched it in awe, my first time for such sightings. I guess fishing them all won’t fit in the dive boat. We saw sea turtle again (smaller one), few tuna, a frogfish in camouflage, pipefish, sea cucumber among others. We found again at least four plastics in the corals which were taken away by the DMs. We went again to a sandy area for our safety stop exploring around. Ms Lindy pointed out to us a blenny which seemed to be tamed – it didn’t swam away. We surfaced after 46 minutes just in time when Angel’s air gone zero! He shared Larry’s (another DM with us) octopus for the ascent.
We cruised back to Panagsama for our lunch break, we ended at the far end of the street in a secluded restaurant but overlooking the waters. We got back to the lodge for some power nap as our last descent would still be at 2:30pm. Torsten was there like a gracious host asking about our dives and telling us stories of his own dive experiences in the area.
Our last stop was Kasai, little farther than Looc about 25 minutes cruise to the site – we were still with Ms Lindy & Larry. Our deepest must be 18 meters only as warned by Ms Lindy – she pointed out I dropped by 2 meters at the 2nd dive. : P Well, I really needed a dive computer! I think you’ll never get disappointed in any dive site in Moalboal – there’s so much abundance – teeming with marine life. Groupers, lionfish, pipefish, frogfish and more – not to mention the gorgonians, sponges, soft & hard corals. But we found again fish cage, a string entangled in corals and some rubbish – Angel & I got plastics. We had our safety stop again on a sandy area full of colorful corals – just need to be careful not to harm them, indeed buoyancy control is necessary. We explored around, found pipefish again, a small eel, a crab shell (?), bubble corals, colorful anthias and more. I tried to check Angel’s air and signaled for ascent after I got the OK sign from Ms. Lindy. I emptied my BC from air and swam up raising my right hand looking up…
After a coffee break, settling bills, brief talk with Ms Lindy and goodbyes, we went off to the lodge – it was such a full day. It was great advantage to have a nearby accommodation. I needed some time in the bath to wash off all the salt especially my hair. Mary Ann informed me that Torsten is inviting us for dinner with no reason. But when he arrived, he said he’s preparing a small dinner because one of us is the 100th guest of the lodge! Surprises of all surprise – a sumptuous dinner plus to be featured in news on their website! 😛 Angel & Mike were amused when I told them both that we’re having dinner with the Siggelkows – wondering who’s the lucky 100th! Such a blessing – wonderful sites, new sightings, bit of underwater clean up, safe dive plus a free sumptuous dinner – the Lord is good. And Angel was saying he was pining for grilled back ribs which exactly what we had! Simple wishes – simply answered with no cost…..
Leaving Moalboal & Heading Home
It was raining the following morning but has to go downtown for the mass (it was Sunday), and I don’t need to complain about the rain and it’s not a reason to skip the mass. I had no time to have it in Cebu, more so in Cagayan de Oro as it would be too late when I get home. It started already when we got to the church but just in time for the 1st reading. Surprisingly the rain stopped already when the mass ended. We hastily get back to the lodge – had our breakfast, brief talk and goodbyes and some photos with the Siggelkows. We promised ourselves another dive trip to explore more of Pescador Island and Airport next time, also to frolic in the serene white beaches around Moalboal.
We took again the Ceres bus back to Cebu, going through the same route – I took pleasure in the churches we passed along the hi-way and of course I don’t want to miss the old acacia trees in Carcar road. It seemed like the trip was shorter going back to Cebu. 😛 We took a cab when we got out of the terminal but Angel & Mike alighted since they were going the other way. I need to go to the travel lounge to fix things – much that I wanted to visit the Sto. Nino Shrine and Redemptorist Church but don’t want to run out of time, I even failed to call my friends – Willyn & Ms. Angel. After a quick late lunch (I felt no hunger) I left for the airport for an early check in, I don’t want to be rushing again! The flight was on time and full, sitting on the plane my homework running on my mind – I have a presentation to do the next morning in the Monday mini-program! It was raining when we arrived CdO but thankful it wasn’t foggy for the landing.
Home at last but can’t help smiling that my get-away was another wonderful one. I always gain favor from the Lord and I couldn’t thank enough. I had more trips to look forward in the next months and for sure full of surprises and new discoveries…
Being hectic for the past weeks and lot of pressures seeping in, it didn’t stop our plans for some quest of exciting leisure that Angel and I have been planning to get into. We have been dying to dive together in MisOr waters plus the advanced water rafting we have been talking about since last year in Coron. I had been chattering about wonderful underwater sites and lately I have discovered that night diving is so exciting, mysterious and challenging. These are too wonderful not to share with Angel who’s been always up to underwater discoveries as we prepare for our Tubbattaha 2010 mission!
Rushing my Friday activities, official and personal was some kind of challenge, we got visitors to attend to, then I have to attend a prayer vigil at 7pm– to think it was raining hard that night, I need to rush home to pack my gears! So I wake up the next morning early to pick up our visitor from the hotel and send off at the airport, then by chance pick up Angel too at the airport. I was glad because we’ll be diving at Agutayan Island as arranged by Mario J – a rich marine sanctuary in Jasaan. It’s been almost 2 years since I dove there and I would say it’s one of my fave site – I had my first deep dive there @ 105 ft even if I’m just OWD certified, this was too where I sighted first giant clams and 4 glistening barracudas!
Revisiting the Agutayan Sanctuary
Agutayan Island – sand bar, more aptly!
We drop off at home while waiting for 10am meeting time, catching up things especially on our scheduled next trips. More so with the night dive later and morrow’s advanced rafting! J Rushing to Baloy, we found Mario J waiting for us… We arrive at Kimaya port an hour later after we dropby at the palengke for our food, the beautiful Sakayan waiting for us. The sunny weather was too perfect for our get away, we cruised to Agutayan for about 30 minutes. I chose to set up my own gears to get use to the procedures as Mario keep reminding me that I’m now on advance level – so I need to be efficient with all these things! I need to wear compass to practice my navigation…
After the briefing, we descend for our first dive – it feels good to be in the waters again, swimming & floating in silence. We fish feed (sorry, but it feels wonderful fishes come near me), Angel watching me from behind. We linger for a moment then off going around – school of fishes, sponges, sea fans, lion fish, anemone & clown fish, puffer fish, sweet lips, some grouper, nudi branches, those electric blue juvenile fishes, and more… I forgot to watch my compass :P, keeping in tow with Mario. One of my weights was taken off for balance as well as Angel. We went shallower and after 40 mins passed, Angel surfaced ahead of us with rest of the crew. I lingered for another 10 mins with Mario as I still have enough air. We started our ascent just under our boat, raising my right hand as I swim up like a true diver! J We went 105 ft, such a feat for Angel!
We had early lunch during our surface interval to make most of our time and chatting the time away. We had our next descent at the AR area and giant clams. I was hoping to find again the barracudas but we were shallower this time. We had an encounter with the trigger fish who wanted to attack us as we passed her breeding area. The clams I noticed get lesser – I heard some of it was stolen from the sanctuary during the typhoon last year. But I saw smaller clams, hoping it would multiply soon – too wonderful to watch the specie. The ARs were bit disheveled perhaps due to the typhoon and last time it was too colorful with the soft corals on it. The surrounding is still rich with marine life though. We surfaced together after 55 minutes, Angel’s air consumption improved after his weights were reduced to three.
We had a much longer surface interval this time as we will wait to get dark for our night dive – this will be my first time for 3 dives in tow after my advanced lessons. I was excited for the night dive with Angel. I tried to convince him that he will be allowed to do it even if he has not taken the exercise yet. J We asked PJ if we could go to the white island to explore it, Mario said we will do beach clean-up. Such a pretty idea, an environmentalist attempt to do something useful while enjoying the splendor of the site.
We got bottles, tansans, plastics, drinking straws, candy wrappers, etc – such a beautiful site to be marred with rubbish! I tried to walk through the white island, Angel got some photos then we lingered for awhile while sitting on the beach – watching the beautiful Sakayan and the far away Camiguin Island. So serene, so beautiful – feeling free surrounded by nature – sand, sea, sky! We hastily get off for the boat when it started to drizzle…
When it get dark, we got unto our gears leisurely – I decided not to wear my gloves. Mario found it necessary to have a briefing, reviewing signs underwater plus important reminders like look around for buddy and companions, check your gauges often, don’t point your light to other divers, try to be observant of night critters. The waters was choppy as it was late already, and I felt uneasy in the waters – Mario had my BC replaced so I had to get back unto the boat which was bit tough. Anyway, we finally descend having PJ as my buddy and Angel with Mario. As we got down, we had our lights pressed unto our bodies and wave our hands in the water – amazing sight! Silvery things like tiny stars before us… J
We were in the same site with ARs, as expected the vista was like a different world – dark with only our lights illuminating for us. This time I tried to look around for my companions – Mario, PJ and of course Angel, check my gauges – my air is not a concern actually. We search for moray eels, unusual fishes under the ARs, passed by a big gorgonians, pipefish?, puffer fish, porcupine fish (a favorite), a crab with unusual shape, anemone and clown fish, sea cucumber. We curiously search under the ARs, then we sighted a swimming nudibranch – wonderful sight! J I tried to reach for Angel’s hand when I felt some current somewhere. But truly it was such a magnificent encounter – exploring underwater at dark is something mysterious, wonderful, majestic! Finally, Mario signaled for ascent – I stayed close to them as we swim up. We surfaced away from the boat and the waters still choppy! The boat came over as we swim back to it – it was not easy for me because my BC keeps on deflating and worst my right fin got loose so I took it off fearing it might get lost! So I was swimming with my left fin only – it was tough! We went 65 minutes at 50 ft deepest – wow! J As soon as I got unto the boat I rushed to the rest room – I threw up!
We got into Kimaya port and drove back to the city – I was tired and felt so sleepy. We arrived almost 10pm already, need to check in at the guest house for Angel. I was famished as I threw up twice, so we went off to Night Café for dinner. We explored Cdo bie nacht by walking to the Divisoria area – we went through throng of people looking for a place to dine, we finally settled at the barbecues. I chose to do it kinamot – well, it was something never did before but it was worth it. I don’t want to find myself sitting there eating al fresco with such surroundings, but it was good… We got into a trike for home and called it a day – indeed it was such a long day! We need to retire sooner for morrow’s another adventure…
Wild Cagayan de Oro River
Angel drop by as we head for Divisoria, we need to be there at 8am but he wanted to walk going to the meeting place, we arrived late already and the group have been waiting for us – it was good they waited for us (I got 5 missed calls but didn’t notice it!). We got into the jeepney bringing us to Uguiaban near the bridge. We were joined with others (a couple & 2 guys) in one raft, and have Baldo & Ricky as our river guide. I was just excited and could feel the rush – finally, after more than a year of waiting! The run is 18 kms with 21 rapids, and will take 4 hours from Uguiaban to Kabula.
Angel and I chose to sit in front, we agree it’s more fun to feel first the rushing water on us! J The water was brown but still I love the sights along the river, green mountains, blue skies, lush vegetations. Nothing beats nature’s beauty and going thru the rapids is so adrenaline rushing. Our aim was never to be thrown into the water, paddling thru the rapids is challenging… We had a stop over midway, for a break and had photos. We took time also at the calm part to jump out and swim in the murky waters.
Rafting once more!
Well, we enjoyed so much the rapids and no one fell into the waters! J We arrived kabula almost 1pm, and went straight to the resto for our lunch. We are all famished, it felt like forever when we wait for our food. We took our lunch leisurely trying to savor our food, I’m thinking about dining with pleasure….
We got on to our transpo for down town, dropping by at Rafting Adventure office for our photos. I felt dirty and all I wanted is to wash off and take rest. Angel and I went home by trike and settled to attend the 5:30pm mass. I doze off after a rush bath, waking up late at 5:15. Rushing things, Angel came who wake up late too despite the alarm! It was raining, and we rushed to XU – the mass just started when we arrived.
Foodie enthusiasts…
We drop by home before dinner, I just need to change and picked up my notebook. Angel wanted to dine somewhere like Margie’s – something like to cap our weekend adventures! 🙂 We went off to LKK mall walking – another exploration of CdO bie nacht on the other side… We settled at Bigby’s (Angel like its ambiance) and tried to investigate its menu trying to find something to our liking – and we end up with Passion Fish and veggies in butter. The servings we found later was too much I cant finish the whole thing! Well, dining taking our time while browsing the net – taking pleasure what we have before us – life is beautiful! 😀 We discussed too our next months’ trips for itineraries, arrangements, schedules – we got skeds until September! We finished off as Angel needs to rest sooner for his morrow’s early flight, we walk again back home.
My weekend has been full, it’s a great weekend with Angel actually. There’s that feeling of newness, ready to take on the challenges everyday at work, at home, in the community. I’m looking forward for our next trip especially our aqua adventures…
My sister and I planned for a summer trip to Sohoton Cove, we promised ourselves to once again relish the hidden splendor of this favorite spot alone. We shall be exploring a new route via Claver to get away with the long trip through General Luna to maximize our time. We wanted to see more of Sohoton’s other pride – the caves, lagoon, white beaches and islands. And we carefully scheduled it after the Holy Week, as we will spend the holy days at the farm – coming home – ou r tradition every year . But surprisingly, Angel asked to join us. I thought he would be joining the group tour we’re planning for our travel friends. I can’t find any valid reason to say no, I just thought it wont be too bad to have someone with me and Cherry in our private get-away trip.
So after a quiet and relaxing sojourn at the farm, I rushed back to M. Calo on Easter Sunday to prepare for the trip – few chores to do for the rest of the day. At lunchtime I called up Angel to check if he arrived already and gave him directions for M. Calo. We talked about our trip and left him in the sanctuary of his room for awhile for a good rest – he just came from his Jomalig voyage. Kay and I hastily went to the supermarket for our needs, then did the backyard garden until Susan called up. I joined them at Razon’s after I dropped at Gaisano Mall for Odessa’s request. It was kind of treat after Karin’s (my inaanak) high school graduation. They dropped me home a little past 7pm so I could catch up for the last evening mass (in English). Kay and Angel joined me to attend the mass.
We got back home by foot and run for few things and suggested to Angel to further explore Butuan by night. We went to my fave café – Margie’s Kitchen – one of city’s pride. 🙂 I was thrilled to let him try our much loved cookie monster and food for the gods! It wasn’t a mistake we went there – he love Margie’s and was sorry we have to leave before it closed at 1am.
Deep blue waters, green islets, blue skies!
We woke up early as agreed as we need to leave at 5am, we need to catch up an early bus for Surigao City. The bus finally left at 6am and it went smooth until we got our breakfast stop at Kitcharao. We dropped off upon reaching Bad-as to get another transpo for Claver. It would be something new as I haven’t tried this route, we waited for awhile for a bus to Tandag until the man I talked to suggested we took the jeepney bound for Carmen, Surigao Sur. Our contact kept on texting and finally reached me when we were in Gigaquit. We had a stop though at Parang where there were fresh melons on sale. We finally arrived at the stop for Hayanggabon Port, Dodo waiting for us.
We took the boat for the Sohoton cruise which was about thirty minutes, fortunately we were blessed with a very good weather. We were transported to our lodgings in the lagoon to deposit our stuff, it was about lunch time. We took our baon and leisurely had our lunch at the dining hall overlooking the calm waters – so beautiful! Angel, Cherry and I enjoyed our lunch talking amidst the serenity of the lagoon – and I was lost in thoughts on our adventures for the rest of the day.
Afternoon Adventures
We didn’t want to waste our time so after putting things in order, we got to the boat and left for the Sohoton cove to start off. It was sure on low tide and again as we got into the entrance and maneuvered through it, I had that familiar feeling of being transported into another place – so mysterious. We toured around and swam into Hagukan Cave to view the rock formations and swam in its clear waters. We waded inside the Magkakaub Cave, viewed its unique stalactites & stalagmites, rock climbed on it’s wall towards the exit for the big jump. We lined up, Angel first but he wanted me to go ahead, but in the end he jumped! 🙂 Then Cherry with wobbling legs came next, then finally me but again I gathered enough courage to do so (after having done twice)… We lingered for a moment snorkeling in the clear waters, there wasn’t much fish life though.
White beach all to ourselves!
We went next to La Fortuna Beach – a secluded white beach north of Sohoton with beach huts. It was such a great spot to just laze around, we played with Spirit – a lovable spitz who stayed and put up with our antics. We throw him into the waters and impressed by his swimming prowess! 🙂 Angel and I snorkeled viewing the wonderful and beautiful corals – the area was filled with colorful hard corals in all sizes. We lingered longer at the spot and while waiting for the boat, we took our baon (bread, bananas) when we got famished a bit. And when it almost got dark, we got into the boat and sailed back into the park’s reception area. We talked with Dodo about the park, their needs and the PO’s activities. We discussed about sustainability, preservation and protection of the coastal resources – while waiting for our dinner. And it finally came, we were so famished already but it was such romantic because they don’t have electricity – so we’re having dinner in kerosene lamp! 🙂
I was asking Dodo if we could go to the posh Club Tara – to inquire about their diving (there’s no other available diveshop in the area) and of course to see the place. The boat took us – we ended up boating in the dark night. What about boating with the fireflies around? It was simply majestic! We were ushered when we got to the resort, they have security protocols – we need to have IDs before getting into the premises. It was an exclusive and luxurious place. And we were aghast that it will cost $80 per site to dive with them, and the DM warned us that there isn’t much fish life – only corals, wonderful as it is. He was asking about our previous destinations, feeling sorry that we would only be disappointed as the fishes around the area are juveniles. After some pleasantries we bid our byes with them. We sailed back to the park with the moon shining – glorious! 🙂 Finally we were brought to the guest house – it has been a long day… We took turns at the bath, Angel inside the room while Cherry and I went upstairs for another room. We finally got unto our bed. You can hear the cicadas in the silence of the night. It was dark…
New Adventures!
I was up early and after my prayers got out side to take early morning photos in the lagoon, it was down cast and started to rain. We packed our things as it was getting late already with our schedule, the rain wasn’t stopping after all. We took our boat and went to the reception area for our breakfast. We discussed again with Dodo about Sohoton’s needs. I told him the spots we have planned for the day.
Waiting boat…
Our first adventure is exploring the Tojoman Lake – lagoon filled with friendly stingless jellyfish. We were early so the lake was all to ourselves. We got down to swim and snorkel, playing with the brownish jelly fish – in different sizes – thousands & thousands of them! Angel was just too excited swimming with them. I swim with them looking at them closely – they’re pulsating as if breathing or maybe shouting! 🙂 The boatman motioned for our return but I still wanted to stay, Angel gave me another 15 minutes… Swimming with the jellyfish is my favorite in Sohoton!
When we returned at the reception area, we got into the pumpboat with Dodo for Tiktikan Lake. Fortunately the rain had stopped, and we enjoyed our boating at the lake viewing the old mangroves and the elusive resident mother bangus. They have huts and a coop store maintained by the PO. We trekked the trail up and down and get back into our boat, we need to get away with the low tide or we will get stuck in the lagoon. We got next to Bolitas Cave and Crystal Cave – I have been wanting to explore these caves long before. We got first to Crystal – viewing the white rock formations that sparkles, with lighted candles it’s even more sparkling. Now getting into Bolitas is more challenging, it had a small entrance and so you got to lie flat and maneuver your body to get through. I need to be careful or I could get scratches and bruises from the sharp stones, it was bit difficult but we all made it. We lighted our candles again, and went through – white round pebbles abound inside – it’s a wonder how it got there. Then a balinsasayaw keeps on flying darting back and again, our guide tried to catch one and Angel took some photos of the illustrious bird that emits saliva for their nest for a very expensive bird’s nest soup at Chinese restos. The guide told us that the other end of the cave is another barangay with the mangrove plantation – it will take about 2 hours to go through the whole stretch – maybe next time we can do it, I thought. We went out and going through again the small entrance was a test of patience, agility and strength. All of us were laughing as we tried our way out – I felt so dirty when I finally got out. I quickly washed myself in the lake waters.
The placid Tiktikan lake…
We got into the boat again and Dodo led us to Lim-ao Island where another secluded white beach welcomed us. I needed to swim to wash off all the dirt. The waters were bit choppy but we went to snorkel again and viewed the colorful corals in different sizes. We lazed in the white beach, swam and snorkeled, and finally got into the boat when we felt pangs of hunger. We took our leisure lunch at the reception area and got back into the guest house for a quick bath. Again, we were at the reception area to bid byes to the staff and of course to settle our bills! 🙂
Noon fishers on our way…
We cruised for Hayanggabon Port with Dodo and Reggie beaming and grateful for the wonderful time at the cove. When we got to the port, we waited almost an hour for the bus to Surigao. We decided to go down the city so Angel could catch glimpse around. I called up Gay who promised to pick us up at the terminal. As Gay didn’t know of any coffee shop in town, we went to the Tavern Hotel instead, to have our dinner there. We talked and talked – you know Gay! 🙂 We had a leisure walk at the Boulevard to get the Surigao City by night experience, before we finally left for the bus terminal. We boarded the 10pm last trip bus for Butuan feeling so tired.
We arrived home past 1am already, thankful for a safe trip. It was good to have Angel with us, he wasn’t an intrusion after all – he put up with Kay’s & my chatter, shrieks, loud laughter and silence as well. We have shared much during the two-day trip, we had a great time and promised to be back again. There’s still so much to explore at Sohoton…
the owner was there to welcome to us – and true enough he’s a German national as he sounds over the phone when we talked! The lodge was just homey as I think and it was simply what we need. Our room is downstairs and close to the shower, toilet and kitchen – just my preference. We’re so famished we headed to the nearest restaurant for our lunch after we settled our things, and just as we thought the food were bit pricey… As planned we went to Savedra Dive Center (5 star PADI dive center) which is just about 50 meters from our lodge, to confirm our dive schedule, prepare our gears and possibly met up with our DM. We tried to haggle Ms. Abeth: possible night dive which Mike haven’t tried yet; lower rate for 3 day dives – gear rents for whole day not per dive; and priority site in Pescador Island. We can’t do the night dive since we need a dive instructor which will cost us more, so we settled for 3 day dives with lower charges! 🙂
Badian Island is also a good dive site with the luxurious Badian Island Resort but don’t have much time to visit the place. We get back to Moalboal bearing the tricycle noise , 😛 until we reached the lodge. We tried to explore the whole stretch of the street in the night trying to find some place to eat farther away but we ended up near the lodge – enjoying the pork barbecue and veggie salad – at a cheaper price. 😛
And Angel was saying he was pining for grilled back ribs which exactly what we had! Simple wishes – simply answered with no cost…..
Life in the Great Beyond 
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