I know it’s already five months overdue but still, I would like to write a personal post about my 26th year, highlighting the travels I’ve had and the people I met along the way.
Contrary to my 25th year’s travels which were mainly as a solo backpacker or with a travel buddy, 2013-2014 was more of a group travel kind for me. It’s also during this span of time that I’ve met several important people in my life — from CouchSurfing acquaintances to really great friends, and from total strangers to favorite companions and partners in crime. And yes, ’twas also late last year that I met someone whom I’m looking forward to have more travels and adventures with.
When I did my first solo backpacking trip in March and April of 2011, Tikling Island was among the highlights. While I was researching, I read a blog which referred to Tikling Island in Matnog, Sorsogon as among the most pristine she has ever seen. And she was right! A very long shoreline stretch, cool rock formations, and nice trees. I imagined that’s how Boracay would have looked like back in the 80s when it has not yet been developed into the beach capital that it is today. Anyway, I’m not sure how Tikling Island looks like now since it’s been years but I’m guessing there had been developments already. If I were you, I’d head down to Matnog and make sure to enjoy Tikling Island, it’s fine white sand, strong waves hitting the rocks, and lush vegetation before it becomes a seashell short of what it used to be.
One of the things I am looking forward to upon returning to the Philippines is the summer season! As a tropical country with 7,107 islands (yep, you read it right!), Philippines proudly boasts of white sand beaches, turquoise blue waters, and palm frond shorelines!
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?!).
The Butanding says Hello! (sorry for the bad pic or light or whatever. but imagine how close I was to actually accidentally (since I can't see what's in the display screen) get this one. well, at this distance, CRAZY CLOSE I dare say!
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!). Continue reading Bonding with Butanding (teaser!)→
Life is short so take a leap of faith. Let’s wander, explore and discover. Come and journey with me.
The Diarist Wanders 