I am writing this quick post (as I have to do my freelance writing gig, ASAP!) to have a break on the airport series coz I’m about to do another one on arriving at NAIA Terminal 2 (which will make this blog a Philippine Airports promotion page). So this one now is on my 2-hour bonding with the Butandings (local name for Whale Shark) of Donsol, Sorsogon during my solo trip to explore Bicol and the rest of Region V in March 29 to April 2 (more on this next time, ok?!).

I needed to consume my vacation leaves since they are not convertible by the end of the Japanese Fiscal Year (March 31). I initially wanted to conquer Sagada. But I had a field work just the week before to Banaue. Ok, I know these are two totally different places. But hey! It’s both cold. So I wanted to try something different. And well, the whale sharks or also referred to as gentle giants (the ones I saw were like two jeepneys long or something; and they’re like just passing through, seemingly mindless of you messing with their turf!).

Anyway, I think this officially marked the start of my summer (I miss Tikling and I swear to come back and explore the three other beaches next time!) and my love for backpacking. I guess I got inspired by the stories of the six backpackers I met (Josh, 23, USA; Allan, 30’s, UK; Annaliz and Bart, almost 30-ish couple from Belgium; and Stefan and Thomas, mid-30’s, Switzerland–they are backpacking for a year!!!) and the traveling buds Richard (Filipino) and his international volunteer friend David.

Well that’s it for my quick post. And, as it is one, it’s just some sort of a teaser. I will make more posts on this entire Butanding interaction experience for the travel, the town, the backpackers I met and of course, the main blog which will include a video.

Happy wandering (at least imagining what it must be like if you haven’t tried yet)!