The Lost Sputnik- Travel Blog

Lost Sputnik turns 1!

2008-05-31T01:29:00.000-07:00

Exactly one year ago, I embarked on a journey that made a big impact in my life.

I went around the Philippines for two and a half months with no concrete itinerary in hand. I was literally living in a suitcase, well a backpack to be exact.I went from one place to another and didn't really know where I wanted to go. Pretty much the same as how my life was back then. I really didn't know where my life was headed to. I felt like I was just doing things for me to get by but with no specific goal whatsoever. I felt empty. I felt angry.

During that time, all I wanted to do was to be away from everyone and everything. To get lost somewhere and hoped that I would find myself one day.

Luckily and thankfully, I did.

And looking back now, I can't believe how far I've gone.

I read a few articles I've written before and I couldn't picture myself that way anymore. The emotions I've felt while writing all the things in my blog at that time seemed so distant or strange to me now. It's probably because I'm in a better disposition now. And I couldn't be thankful enough.

Hopefully, things will stay the same.

I'm taking it one day at a time. Enjoying every bits of it.

Trying to keep positive at all times.

Til Then,

The Lost Sputnik

Catching up..not quite

2008-03-11T19:37:00.000-07:00

I haven't updated this site for the longest time since I left the Philippines. I've got a pile of photos from my recent trip to bangkok and phuket, but just haven't had the time to upload it. I promise to do it within the month. Anyway, I've been quite busy with work. I'm directing a tv show here in singapore called Fashion Forward. Check this out.

http://5.mediacorptv.sg/shows/variety/view/1660/1/.html

Will post photos of singapore soon too.

The Lost Sputnik

Leaving on a jetplane

2007-12-24T00:39:00.000-08:00

I'M BACK.

I changed the banner a bit, before it read "Philippine Leg", now I made it "Southeast Asia". I have mentioned before that I'm planning to move to singapore to work right? Now, it is finally official, I'm leaving for Singapore tomorrow. But before I do that I'm dropping by to visit Bangkok, Phuket and Krabi in Thailand. Being based in Singapore will enable me to travel to other southeast asian countries like Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos etc. So I'll be posting articles and photos of my travel real soon.

So wish me luck!

Til then,

The Lost Sputnik.

PAL PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST FINALISTS

2007-11-16T22:24:00.001-08:00

hey guys,

Check this out, the finalists for the PAL Photography Contest

http://www.palphotocontest.com/enthu_portrait.html

I didn't win but it's all good as the competition was pretty tough, the finalists were equally awesome too.

"Mother and Child" By: Ronald L. Rillo

2007-10-27T22:55:00.000-07:00

Hi all,

I mentioned earlier that I got in as finalist for Philippine Airline's Photography Contest, I was finally able to confirm which entry they have chosen. It was the photo of a mother and child on an outrigger amidst the towering ships in Cagayan De Oro. The awarding is on the 10th of November at MOA. I hope I get the top prize he he! nah being in the finals is enough!

Bora by Jet

2007-10-27T20:52:00.000-07:00

Last October 21-25, I directed a TVC for Asian Spirit in the Island of Boracay. I'm not a big fan of Boracay (yes, unfortunately), but during my short stay in the Island, I came to realise the charm it possessed that made a lot of people frequent the paradise. Aside from the crystal clear water and pristine white sand that the Island is known for, what makes Boracay special are the people, both locals and visitors. They are very warm and accommodating. If it was in the city of manila, I don't think they'd easily entertain people theyve never met. The Island has it's own culture--the beach culture that can't be found anywhere else in the Philippines. Probably comparable to the beach culture in bondi beach or gold coast. You'll never run out of things to do in boracay, from water sports to simply having a good massage on the beach. The strip of restaurants and bars are endless and mouthwatering. If ever I go back, I'd probably go not as a backpacker but tag along with my friends. The island is better with friends around you than being on your own.

Thanks to Asian Spirit, for the airfare and free board and lodging at Pearl of the Pacific.

Here are some of the photos during the shoot:

Lost Sputnik got something to rave about

2007-10-15T11:34:00.001-07:00

hey guys,

Just wanted to share some good news. Recently, I joined the PAL photo contest and luckily I got in the finals for the 'Enthusiasts Division - The Beauty of the Philippine People / Portrait Award'

I submitted photos from the 'the lost sputnik' travel I recently had a couple of months ago.

I'll post the photo as soon as find out which entry l submitted was chosen. I don't know which one yet. I'm guessing it's either the mother and son (badjao) or the kids in siquijor.

Announcement of winners will be on the 28th of October, Mall of Asia.

So wish me luck.

Winning it would be a bonus, I feel so lucky to land the top 12 out of 2,800 entries.

I'm so ecstatic right now.

here's the article:

1st Philippine Airlines Photo Contest Finalists

Philippine Airlines proudly announces the finalists of the 1st Philippine Airlines Photo Contest. Last week, five judges selected the finalists and winners out of some 2,800 entries submitted by professional , amateur and junior photographers nationwide. The 1st Philippine Airlines Photo Contest is the first and most prestigious competition of its kind this year, with winners from the Professional, Enthusiast and Junior divisions receiving over a million pesos in total prizes.

Here are the finalists (In random order):

Professional Division - The Beauty of the Philippine Scapes Award:
Erwin T. Lim , Mark Wendel Dela Cruz, Ramon F. Castillo, Benny Bondoc, John Javellana, Rodney Niduaza, Samuel De Leon, Ronie N. Poblacion, James Park, Leonardo Sexcion, Ferdinand M. Singh, Roberto Mendoza, and Carlo Carlos.

Professional Division - The Beauty of the Philippine People / Portrait Award:
Rosemarie Razon, Carlo Carlos, Walter C. Villa, Joseph R. Yamane, Rodolfo Manabat, Romulo Domagas, Dennis Magdamo, Rodney Niduaza, Rolando Jumawan, and Raniel Castañeda.

Professional Division - The Beauty of the Philippine Culture Award:
Ruel Bimuyag, Donald Tapan, Carlo Carlos, Bobby Timonera, Michael W. Li,
Arnold Jumpay, Erwin T. Lim, Rosemarie Razon, Raniel Jose Castañeda, Carolina Bustamante, Sixto M. Agraviador, Mark Wendel Dela Cruz, Jethro Rafael, and Jesus Tinapay

Enthusiasts Division - The Beauty of the Philippine Scapes Award:
Susan Celzo, Ernest Kurt C. Tan, Victor Alvarez, Merlie Biona, Antonio Rojas, Jr. , John Marcel Lainez, Roselyn F. Roldan, Jacob Maentz, Vincent Vilaroza,
Teodoro Labay Pelaez, Lhor Santillan, Joylove Delgado, and Judith Carlos.

Enthusiasts Division - The Beauty of the Philippine People / Portrait Award:
Leonard Pe, Pacita Tiong, Mark Sandoval, Hannibal Zenon Ong, William Lee Chin, Jacob Borres, Rustom Banal , Jr. , Jose Paolo Sanchez, Josaias De la Cruz, Ronald Rillo, McLloyd T. Jumpay, and Hersley-Ven D. Casero

Enthusiasts Division - The Beauty of the Philippine Culture Award:
Antonio Rojas, Jr., Jesse M. Narrazo, Joaquin Ruste, Lemuel Ragaza,
Maritoni Nanini, Jojie Alcantara, Maria Catalina G. Jumpay, Leslie Go Alcantara,
Rustom Banal, Jr., Pacita Tiong, Ronalie Beltran, Allan Ong, and Japoi Cequina

Junior Division - The Beauty of the Philippine Scapes Award/ People / Portrait Award/ Culture Award
Eouia Aum Dueñas, Marirose Angeline Lim, and Marilaine Claudette Gapal,

The awarding ceremony is tentatively scheduled on Sunday, 3pm-5pm, October 28, 2007 at the SM Mall of Asia. All finalists will be notified by emails so that they will be there to await the announcement of the contest’s nine lucky winners from the Professional, Enthusiast and Junior Divisions.

The 1st Philippine Airlines Photo Contest aims to promote Philippine ecotourism, as well as encourage photographers of all ages and skill levels to develop their talents. The competition is for the benefit of Philippine Airlines Foundations ecotourism projects, and is presented in partnership with EPSON and SM Supermalls. Sponsors include I-MAG Photography, Mabuhay Magazine, philphotography.net, El Nido, Marithe Francois Girbaud, The Tides Boracay, The EMBASSY, Gadgets Magazine, Speed Magazine, Action & Fitness, Graphic Expo and OWG Creative Centre.
Co-organized by OneWorkshop,Inc., and Eastgate Publishing Corporation.

Til Then,

The Lost Sputnik

What has the lost sputnik been up to?

2007-09-25T08:38:00.000-07:00

It's been a long while since I've written something here in my blog. I've been pre-occupied with work, so it's been really hectic. I needed to work heaps again so I'd be able to catch up with my savings (I travelled for 2 months and a half, so there's a lot of catching up to do) and plan another adventure. So what am I up to? I'm giving myself til the end of october before I move to singapore. Since, I'm pushing through with that plan, what I might do is to travel on weekends from singapore to nearby countries--yes, the backpacking way again. Traveling to other countries on a budget. I'm so looking forward to that. Wish me luck and watch out for that.

Btw, I'm joining PAL's photo contest. I'm submitting some of the photos I took from the lost sputnik adventure, some of it are actually posted here. Wish me luck. You guys should join to, deadline is on saturday! visit www.palphotocontest.com

cya

til then,

the lost sputnik

Travel Fair for the backpackers

2007-08-30T22:08:00.000-07:00

hey all,

Just wanted to let you guys know that there would be a Travel Fair in SM Megamall on Sept 7-9 2007. Be sure to drop by to book or buy your tickets to wherever you want to go! It would be the best time to plan your future trips as there would be a lot of cheap rates! See you there!

The Lost Sputnik

Lost Sputnik in Mabuhay Magazine (August 2007 Issue)

2007-08-11T20:37:00.000-07:00

Yes, I'm finally back in Manila. While on the plane back to manila, I got so ecstatic seeing our article and photos in Philippine Airline's Mabuhay Magazine. It's just the perfect way to cap a looooooong journey. Looking at the articles and photos made me nostalgic in a way. It made me feel proud for what Tina and I have accomplished, it's just three pages in a magazine but the stories behind the article and the photos are priceless. I've so much things to share about my sputnik journey, my reflections and top favourite destinations in my trip but I thought I'd share to you guys first the clippings from Mabuhay Magazine where Tina and I contributed articles and photos. Again, Congrats Tina!

Til Then,

The Lost Sputnik

El Nido Paradiso

2007-08-05T03:31:00.000-07:00

This is by far the best island that I've seen in this whole lost sputnik trip. Words are not enough to describe how spectacular the islands that I went to a while ago. Even if I tried, I would run out of words to describe how beautiful the islands of palawan are. So I'll let the photos speak for itself.

Welcome to Paradise!

Wasn't that just amazing?

Til Then,

The Lost Sputnik.

El Nido, Palawan

2007-08-04T03:24:00.000-07:00

Before I tell you about my dreadful bus trip to El Nido, let me just share to you the story of Mang Nonoy, the tricycle driver who had been so nice to me during my stay in Puerto Princesa. He showed me around Puerto Princesa and had constantly given tips on the cheapest ways to get to El Nido and Port Barton. While on the way to the bus terminal, Mang Nonoy, quickly shared his life story to me. He was born and raised in Palawan all his life and he has no intentions of leaving his town. He worked as a tricycle driver for 25 years now and according to him, he can't imagine doing anything else but this. He liked the idea of showing visitors around his town. Also, he provided for his family with his three-wheeled motorycle all alone. He was able to send his kids to school and live a fairly comfortable life. He also shared to me that he lost his eldest son three years ago. It was such a tragic accident, I can't believe it happened to him. His son was on his way home, caught a jeepney in the city but unfortunately the jeepney was packed, so his son decided to just ride on the roof of the jeepney (this is a normal practice in provinces). The driver was careless, he drove so fast and didn't notice the wire that hung on the street. Mang Nonoy's son got his neck strangled and fell off the jeepney. He filed a case against the jeepney operators and driver and eventually won the case. He got compensated, the company of the jeepney is now paying for his two other children's education. He wasn't happy about it as he knew that this can never replace his son, but he at least wanted something good to come out of it, so he thought of his other children. I felt so sad after hearing his story. The way he looked while sharing his story and from his voice, I knew that he was still hurting. It's such a terrible thing to have lost your loved one from an accident that could've been avoided.

Mang Nonoy on his Element

Anyway, on a lighter note, let me share to you my longest bus ride in this trip so far. I hopped on the bus headed to El Nido at seven in the morning today.I psyched myself that the travel time shouldn't be a problem for me as I've been travelling for a while now and somehow I'm used to it. The estimated time of arrival to El Nido was at two in the afternoon, but we arrived at half past four in the afternoon. The roads weren't as bad as I thought it would be, a few bumps here and there. The agony began when we suddenly had to do so many pit stops, the bus had problems with the tires and the breaks. The bus made this loud sound whenever it tried to stop. It wasn't major or anything, it didn't alarm me at all. But it took so much time, it started to get really hot inside the bus. And to add to that someone broke her plastic bag full of dried fish so the smell of it lingered inside the bus for hours til she got off. Thankfully, I had the window seat so air was free flowing. I think it was dreadful for me as I've been anticipating El Nido so much. It wasn't as bad as the bus ride to Bantayan and Malapascua island but I was so excited to get to El Nido. I told myself that if there were lessons to be learnt in this trip, endurance and patience would be on top of my list.

And after nine and a half hours, we're a few meters away from the town of El Nido. I could already see the large limestone formations that surrounded the island. My heart skipped so fast, I thought I'd have a heart attack. I was like a kid anxiously waiting for my birthday presents. And when we finally got close, all I could say was, 'HOLLLY...WOOWW!' I coudln't contain my happiness when I saw the view from where I was seated. I can't believe that after so many hours, here I am in El Nido.

The view from my room. Isn't it awesome?

The loooong trip to El Nido was definitely worth it. As soon as I got off the bus, I felt like I have been boosted with energy and ready for another adventure.

It's just my first few hours here in El Nido, more to come.

til then,

The Lost Sputnik.

Puerto Princesa, Palawan

2007-08-02T23:18:00.000-07:00

I arrived at Puerto Princesa, Palawan on a gloomy tuesday afternoon that seemed like it’s almost ready for a heavy downpour. I almost got disappointed as I didn’t like rainy days. Photos aren’t as vibrant when it’s too overcast. But as soon as I got out of the plane, I couldn’t help but notice the enigmatic view of the runway. The mountains that almost seemed silhouette-like and the lush greeneries around it served as a backdrop of the airport. It’s one of the best views I’ve seen from all the airports that I’ve been to in this trip.

I also found it impressive that the tourism office in the airport is efficient. The people manning the booth are very informative as they try to answer each of your questions patiently. I asked one of the guys if he’d know a cheap hostel that’s close to the city and in a heartbeat I was off to Duchess Inn. Duchess inn is situated a few minutes away from Rizal Boulevard, one of the main streets in the city of Puerto Princesa. The room that I had was fairly simple. It had the things I wanted in a room, a bed and an electric fan. I’ve lived in a dorm before so a shared bathroom isn’t an issue for me. And for 150 pesos a night, how can I complain right? Another good thing about this city is that tricycle drivers are so informative! Apparently, the tricycle drivers are required to attend seminars conducted by the local tourism office of Palawan. This is the only city that I’ve been to that had everything organized. Amazing! Kudos to Mayor Hagedorn!

Puerto Princesa is a relatively cheap city. Usually, getting a tricycle from other airports would cost you a few hundreds, but here they’d only charge you fifty pesos. The distance from the airport to the city is quite long so fifty pesos isn’t that bad. As for me, I learnt my lesson before so I caught one outside the airport and only paid thirty pesos. Food is fairly cheap too, a meal would be somewhere around sixty to eighty pesos.

I didn’t let the bad weather ruin my stay in Puerto Princesa, so I started my tour right on the same day I arrived. My first stop was the Vietnamese Village. It’s quite far from the city but the tricycle driver was willing to take me there for only eighty pesos. The Vietnamese Village had a number of refugees from Vietnam during the Vietnam War. But now, there are only seven families left in the village, most of them have moved to Australia or elsewhere (according to the tourism facts). Apparently, only Vietnamese or Filipinos who have married Vietnamese are allowed to stay in the village. The village wasn’t that maintained unfortunately, although you could still see remnants of the village such as their houses, a small temple, a catholic church, street signage that had written Vietnamese characters on it, a bakery that is still owned by a Vietnamese family. From walking around the village, I realised that Vietnamese people aren’t as different from Filipinos. Their houses looked pretty similar to ours, their way of living are pretty much the same with Filipinos (farming, fishing, etc) and yes, even the way they look.

The next day, I went on an island tour in Honda Bay. Honda bay is one of the most visited tourist spots in Puerto Princesa. It has a thousand plus islands along the bay, but I only visited three, Pandan Island, Snake Island and Starfish Island.

The three Islands that I’ve been to had cream to white sand beaches. The beach was impressively clean, it seemed to be well taken cared of. The Water is crystal clear and perfect for snorkeling as fishes are very visible despite the absence of corals (make sure to bring loaves of bread to feed the fishes). If you were to ask me which one’s my favourite, I’d have to say Snake Island, I’d like how the island is shaped like a snake. I liked how you can cross from one part of the island to the other part by walking along the white sand bar. I also liked the huts that are placed along the shore as I had a good hour or so to just sit and read. It was very relaxing, perfect for those who just wanted to have a quiet time.

The next day, I was told that the underground river tour shouldn’t be missed while in Palawan. So I booked myself to an underground river tour and hopped on the van to get to Sabang, a small port where you’d have to take an outrigger to get to the underground river. It took two and a half hours to get to Sabang. The road to get to Sabang was bad but tolerable. The view compensated with the bad road, as I kept saying wow while on the way. Mountains that are made of limestone covered most of the area. I was told by our tour guide that the underground river is inside the mountain that is now popularly called St. Paul as when you get inside, it seemed like you’re inside St. Paul’s Cathedral in London.

While on the way the underground river, we were welcomed by dolphins swimming right beside our boat. I was ecstatic as it was my first time to see dolphins in their natural habitat. It was a bonus for me as I didn’t have to pay extra for dolphin watching.

Little did I know that I don’t only get to see dolphins but wild monkeys too! While at the façade of the underground river, wild monkeys were running around the area roaming around freely. Freaky looking monkeys! We were told not to show our food as these monkeys are snatchers. They could easily get the food out of your hand and might even bite you if you try to fight with them. I thought it was so cool to see them that close but I was scared as one of the tourists tried running then a number of monkeys ran after him. It’s like a walking Ebola running after you! Hahaha! Yeah, I’m laughing now but I was sh*t scared while it was happening!

The underground river tour only takes half an hour to forty five minutes. It was such a great experience as it’s another first for me. It was amazing to see stalactites and stalagmites that close, I felt like Indiana Jones for a second, but realised that I’m not when I almost had the boat flip over when I tried dodging a bat flying towards my head (I was holding the light so I think they got attracted to it). The stalactites and stalagmites were awesome as some of them were naturally formed like different images of things, people, animals, vegetables and even religious figures. The only source of light we had inside was the battery operated light on the boat that I was tasked to maneuver as I sat in front. The smell inside made me sick and the flying mosquitoes annoyed me to death, but despite all these, the things I have seen inside are definitely worth all the trouble. Despite my being claustrophobic and all, I painstakingly went on the underground river tour as I knew I had to see it. And it was definitely worth it!

In the next few days, I’d be roughing it a bit. See, I couldn’t afford a plane ride to El nido, so I decided to take a bus or jeepney (no aircon) for 8-12 hours depending on how the weather is and the number of passengers getting off different areas. I thought it would be better to cut the trip into halves. My first stop would be Port Barton, 3-4 hours from Puerto Princesa. I plan to explore the area for a few days before I take the bus to El nido which would take another 4-6 hours. So wish me luck, hope I get the best seat which is the roof top, like these people!

Wish me luck!

Til then,

The Lost Sputnik.

Beggars of the Sea

2007-07-31T06:02:00.000-07:00

I’ve been meaning to post these photos for quite awhile now. I felt like I didn’t have the words to go with the photos just yet, so I deferred it for a while. But it had only been now that I was able to muster the words to truly express how I felt about the experience I’ve had with the Badjaos in Cagayan de Oro. I’d really want to share this to everyone, so let me take you back to when I first stepped foot on Cagayan de Oro.

On a tuesday morning, aboard the Cebu Ferries Ship, Tina and I witnessed a heart-wrenching sight. Amidst the towering ships parked along the port of Cagayan de Oro, are the Badjaos on their outriggers patiently rowing back and forth at the side of our ship begging for money or for anything you could give them. At first, it was just a lonesome outrigger with three adult men and two younger men on it. It seemed to me that they were just fishermen who happened to be fishing near the ship. But a few moments after, a flock of them appeared to our sight. There were no fishnets or whatsoever to indicate that they were fishermen. It was then that I realised that they were not fishermen but beggars. It was deafening to hear them beg. I couldn’t understand what they were saying as all I could hear were the mumbling and the crying of the mothers and the babies. It was heartbreaking to have heard the loud cries of the young kids and even babies that laid almost naked on the outrigger with the sun’s glare on their fragile bodies, while their mother or father dove into the ocean each time a coin was thrown at them. The expressions on the other children’s faces were blank, as they don’t seem to fathom what was happening around them. The 'crowd’s favourite' was the father who had his baby cling tightly on his neck while he dove into the sea. I felt scared for the baby as he could easily loose his grip on his father’s neck while underwater. I was saddened to see other passengers of the ship treat them like they were in some freak show. The passengers purposely had thrown coins aimlessly so the Badjaos have to jump out from their outriggers and dive into the ocean. They laughed and applauded each time the Badjaos get to catch the coins. I gave out a big sigh each time I heard the cheers of the passengers. I hoped that they would realise how dangerous it could be especially for the children. It was inappropriate, I felt. It was not even a laughing matter. It was totally degrading. It was like being in a zoo, people throwing food at animals.

Up to this day, I can’t believe what I have witnessed. I realised what extreme poverty can do to people in order to survive. These people chose to risk their lives and the lives of their loved ones for a few coins. I could not bear to just stand there and do nothing. So while on the way out of the ship, I grabbed my bag full of snacks and threw it directly in one of the outriggers. It’s the least thing that I could do at the very moment.

I don’t even know if these images I took can encompass what I have witnessed that day, but think of it as merely representations of what was there that had affected me deeply.

'Lostsputnik' in Clickthecity.com

2007-07-30T00:02:00.000-07:00

I thought I'd share this with you guys as I find it really funny having someone write about me.

July 23, 2007

Ronald L. Rillo

Our denizen for the week is Ronald Rillo, a freelance broadcast producer, photographer and film-maker. Ron is currently backpacking around the Philippines and sharing his discoveries and experiences through writing and photography.

Passionate about traveling, photography and film-making, Ron thought of combining all his interests by creating a online travelogue (at http://lostsputnik.blogspot.com) by blogging about all his discoveries and reflections through writing, photos and videos.

Ron started his backpacking adventure around the Philippines over a month ago, and with only a limited budget in hand, he decided to take the cheapest modes of transportation and staying at very cheap hostels.

Spontaneous, adventurous and living for the moment, Ron loves discovering new places and immersing himself in new cultures. "I just let the road take me to wherever," he says.

He loves going out of town and while in the city can enjoy a range of activities, from nights out, to chill-out days, or eating out his favorite restaurants. Wherever the night would take Ron, the most important thing for him is enjoying the night with great company.

A free-spirited traveler, Ron would rather make the world his oyster and capture all his backpacking experiences through the lens of his camera, than be stuck in the city as a producer in a local television network.

To read more, check the site at http://www.clickthecity.com/denizens/?p=111

Correction though, the last paragraph didn't come out right, I don't remember saying that I felt like I was 'stuck' in my job as a producer in a local tv network. The writer probably got the wrong impression. Defensive much? haha!

Camotes Islands

2007-07-29T02:53:00.000-07:00

I’ve never heard of Camotes Islands until I’ve reached Cebu, and when a cab driver had suggested me to visit it. He said Cebuanos frequented the Island especially on weekends as it’s close to Cebu. So, I browsed through a bit of information about the island on the net, and in one of the sites I visited referred to it as a developing island as it’s not as commercial as the others. This aroused my curiosity, as I like beaches that aren’t too busy and chaotic-unexplored. So the next day, I hopped on an ocean jet ferry and headed to Camotes Islands.

After two hours, I arrived the island half past seven at night. From the pier, I took a habal-habal to get to Santiago Beach Resort. I didn’t get to see much of the island while on the habal-habal as some areas were pitch-black. With the faint light coming from the resort, I could see the wide and long stretch of sand fronting the resort, although I couldn’t really tell if the sand was white or black.

The next day, I was so eager to see the beach so I woke up really early to catch the sunrise. And to my surprise, the shore wasn’t that wide after all. It was low tide at night so when I looked at it last night it seemed like the shore was wide. The beach was not as I have expected it to be, there were areas where rubbish are scattered everywhere. It also didn’t help that it was the ‘Habagat’ season, so seagrass added to the pile of rubbish. Yes, it is a public beach after all but I didn’t expect it to be that filthy (in some areas). It’s sad to see such a nice beach with so much potential only if the local patrons would have the heart to look after their own rubbish. I’m hoping that the government of Cebu would do something about this while it’s not yet too late. The habal-habal driver told me that Camotes Islands will be launched as a tourist spot sometime 2010, the locals should get their act together and clean up their beach! Seriously!

I didn’t want to swim in the beach in front of the resort so most of the time I went to the other resort called Mangodlon Rock Resort (also owned by Santiago Beach Resort) to go for a swim or just simply relax in the sun. Mangodlon Rock Resort has a better beachfront and cottages sitting atop of huge rock formations. The sand is also on a cream to white shade but the shore and water are so pristine, it was inviting to go for a swim. The beach is well maintained as the area is much smaller compared to the other one.

The other resort wasn’t that bad at all as opposed to how I’ve described the beach earlier. It has one of the greatest view decks overlooking the ocean (at least from where I sat I couldn’t see the rubbish scattered along the shore) and other neighbouring islands. I stay on one of the concrete balconies with the roofs made out of nipa sheets while I wait for the sunset. It had a great view as it stood tall on top of a cliff and the breeze just passed freely. I spent hours just writing and reading until sleep arrived.

My visit to Camotes Islands was still worth it despite a few disappointments. The island is blessed with great beaches, caves and lakes. If you come to Cebu and you want to do a bit of exploration that isn’t too far, then put Camotes Islands to your list.

How to get there?

From Cebu, take the ocean jet ferry from Pier 1. It will only cost you 250 pesos one way. The trip will take 2 hours. From the port of poro, take a habal-habal to get you to Santiago, where most resorts (there’s only 3 at the moment) are located.

Where to Stay?

If you’re on a budget stay at Santiago Beach Resort, they have non air conditioned and air conditioned rooms that ranges from 500 (single-double) to 4,000 (family rooms). I only paid 350 a night as it’s off-peak this time of the year.

If you want to splurge a little, then stay at the Mangodlon Rock Resort, rooms have air conditions and price ranges from 1,700-2,500. Unfortunately, prices do not change even if it’s off-peak.

To book to either of the resorts, call +63-32-3446899

Back to Bohol

2007-07-29T00:39:00.000-07:00

In light of the Sandugo Festival, a major event held in Bohol every year, the organizers of the said event have created the ‘Creative Industries Trade Fair’ for the very first time-a venue to showcase the beauty and the craftsmanship of each towns of Bohol. My good friend, Bianca, was assigned to design one of the booths. Bianca have invited Marty, also our good friend, and I to help her out with the design of the booth. They flew from Manila, while I took a ferry from Cebu.

This is going to be exciting, I thought to myself while on the ferry to Cebu. It was like being in highschool all over again. In our highschool, cheering competitions are big events so we really plan ahead and designate tasks. Most of the time Bianca and Marty are assigned to handle the design of the bleachers while I’m in-charge to lead our batchmates during cheering practices.

When we attended the first meeting along with the organizers and other ‘artists’, we felt so intimidated as most of them have concrete concepts already and have actually blueprinted their designs, while Bianca, Marty and I were still trying to grasp what the event was really for. Bianca and I kept glancing at each other, asking what we were doing here. And to add to that, we were the only ones in the group who didn’t grow up in Bohol--let alone speak the dialect fluently. There was this meeting once when Marty and I had to represent in behalf of Bianca because she had to do some errands for the resort. First few minutes of the meeting, we understood a word or two since most of them tried to speak in ‘taglish’ but they probably got tired of it and spoke in bisaya. We sat there, smiling and trying to look like we get what they mean. It was hilarious. I was actually nodding most times especially when they looked at me, though I don’t really understand half of what they’re trying to say. Hahaha!

Bianca was assigned to design the booth for Cluster 3. Cluster 3 is composed of 6 towns situated along the Abatan River.We spent the first week going around the towns assigned to us, gathered information we needed and took photos of tourist spots of each towns. We need to highlight each town in our booth, so we needed a lot of information. Thankfully, Bianca and her family had the right connections. We were able to get information from the government officials of some towns that definitely made our research easier. Marty and I felt like we toured around Bohol and took a different route, not the touristy route. It was another great experience for me as I came to know more about Bohol.

The next few days, we spent afternoons frequenting hardware shops buying the materials we needed. And we’d burn hours and hours of sleepless nights working on each of our projects.

You wouldn't believe how fast 'team antiquera' was able to put up our booth.
Finished Product!

Cluster 1- this one is nice too, I liked the underwater theme.
This one is pretty cool, the artist had a diorama of the hanging bridge found in Loboc River.

Marty kept telling us confidently that we’d have the best booth and true to his words, we did have the best booth and the only ones who finished just before the deadline. Our greatest gratitude to the ‘Team Antiquera’, who helped put up our booth. They were the same team who helped build Amarela Resort, so we were rest assured that we’d have a very competent and efficient team. Also, to Bianca’s Dad, Uncle and Auntie who helped us in each way possible. I remembered Tito Doy telling Bianca not to get too stressed as she has a very strong support system- her family and friends are with her to help. And that’s absolutely true, we breezed through the whole project. One day we were brainstorming and the next thing we know it’s all over and done with.

Congratulations to our team! Job well done guys!

Of course, we couldn’t leave Bohol without enjoying the beach of Bohol, especially for Marty who has never been to Bohol. Bianca gave us a treat, a trip to Balicasag Beach for a bit of snorkelling and to the enigmatic Virgin Beach. I’m sure Marty’s happy now since he got the tan he’s been wanting since the day he arrived. We also got to spend time with our other friends, Mila, Bags and Kaye. To cap our 2 weeks stay in Bohol, we celebrated Bianca’s 25th birthday. Marty and I bought Bianca’s favourite chocolate roll from Goldilocks and ate it for lunch on her birthday. At night, Bianca had a simple dinner for her family, friends and staff of Amarela.

The time I’ve spent in Bohol for the 5th time now for me, was again worth while. Thanks Bianx for the nth time!

Til Then,

The Lost Sputnik.

Got a haircut in bohol, got my ears cut too!

2007-07-26T23:27:00.000-07:00

Sunset in Bohol

Just a quick update. Yes, I went back to Bohol for two weeks. I was asked by my friend, Bianca, to help her out together with our other friend, Marty, for the Creative Industries Trade Exhibition. I'll write about it and post photos of our booth next time. I'm currently at Camotes Islands, the internet is taking ages. Watch out for Camotes Islands pictures too!

Oh and yes, I did have a haircut after travelling for 2 months-finally! I got it in a mall in Bohol and unfortunately it was bloody well not too much but still my ears got cut. It was a tiny cut, but still it bled. I kept my calm, and just candidly told the barber to just go on and finish my haircut. haha! I couldn't react, I can't get mad at him, his boss was right behind him and I didn't want him to lose his job. oh well!

Til Then,

The Lost Sputnik.

Farewell to the Other Sputnik, See you again!

2007-07-26T23:17:00.000-07:00

And so the other sputnik’s journey ended, for now, at least. Tina, the other sputnik, was my only company travelling around Visayas and Mindanao for the past month. I could not thank her enough for tagging along with me.

Tina, tagging you along was definitely worth it. You just don’t know how much I’ve learnt from you and how much I’ve enjoyed your company. I’m keeping all the fun and not-so-fun memories of our trip safe in me. I know someday we’ll look back and be proud of ourselves for taking this once in a lifetime journey. Thanks for the patience and the understanding. The trip had definitely made our friendship stronger. Til, then T! Miss you!

The Lost Sputnik and the Other Sputnik in a pedicab in Bantayan

So this is it, I’m travelling on my own from this day on. Wish me luck. To more adventures, cheers!

Next Stop: Back to bohol to help my friend Bianca with an Exhibition in Bohol, Camotes Islands and Palawan. Watch out for it!

Til Then,

The Lost Sputnik.

Au Revoir!

2007-07-26T23:16:00.001-07:00

I thought I was going to cry the time I met Ron in Dumaguete at the beginning of our journey. I didn’t. Not until I was to take my flight back to Manila.

Taking this one month tour was a big feat for me. I thought it wouldn’t be easy to pull through and yet, looking back now, it kinda was. I’m thankful Ron’s travel plans came at a time when I realized I should be taking big steps towards doing what I want and getting back to the dreams that once sustained me and the things that made me feel passionate about writing and living. I was grateful my husband understood, and I praise God for putting everything to place.

There was not a moment in the trip when I regretted my decision to come along. What I had a lot of were moving moments when I got to see snippets of my old self. And soon that vision of the old me had somehow blended into the new. I felt myself again, but more grounded. Though I am no longer as dreamy as I once was, I felt a surge of passion rushing again and I love it.

Thanks R, for taking me to this journey, for being very patient with me, for taking good care of me, and for being such a dear, dear friend. I wish I have touched your life as much as you had touched mine.

Until our next journey,

T

Bantayan Island and Malapascua Island

2007-07-26T22:32:00.000-07:00

BANTAYAN ISLAND

Bantayan Island is situated fff-aaa-rrrr north of Cebu. Yes, I deliberately stretched the word FAR for a reason. The trip to the island was dreadful as it took forever just to get there, a gruelling four to five hours. It didn’t help that we caught a non air-conditioned bus raging on dirt road and a bus driver who honked his horn like he owned the road to himself. All you wanted for such a long bus ride was to at least get a few hours of sleep to kill time. But it was in no way possible to achieve that in the situation we were in. Just can’t. I felt like I was bathing myself in dusts and fumes. In my head, I told myself that this island had to be worth it for it was such an agonizing trip.

We arrived the port of Hagnaya, looking distressed as if we just came from a battle. I wiped my face with wet tissues, and collected all the dirt on my face. It was appalling looking at a white wet tissue turned almost black. We hopped on a ferry that will take us to Bantayan Island. This time it was better as the ferry was air-conditioned. An hour later, we arrived Bantayan Island. We were welcomed by the pristine beach and crystal clear water of Bantayan Island. What a relief, I said to myself. The arduous trip was definitely worth it after seeing the façade of the Island.

Bantayan Island’s appeal to me were beyond than the white beaches that surrounded it. I loved how small the island is that you could go around the barrio just by walking. A short habal-habal ride would then take you to other towns. There’s not much to do in Bantayan Island, but the quietness, the serenity does something to you. It’s so inviting you don’t want to leave the island anymore. I even considered renting a humble house just walking distance from the beach for only 1,800 a month. We stayed for two nights in the Island. In the morning and afternoon we’d spend it just frolicking around towns and beaches. We capped each night with a couple of beers and doze off to sleep.

Bantayan Island is definitely something to consider if you’re tired of the hustle and bustle of the city and seeking for some r and r. I’d definitely come back to this island, no doubt about it.

Malapascua Island

From Bantayan Island, we moved to Malapascua Island. It was a different route we took as we didn’t come from Cebu city. So we caught a jeepney from Bogo, a town near Hagnaya, to take us to Maya port. Just when I thought that I had the most agonizing bus trip to Bantayan Island, the jeepney ride to Maya port was yet another story. This time it was more uncomfortable as the seats of jeepneys aren’t really built for comfort. The trip took two to three hours. Worse than the other one I tell you. Thankfully, the view from the jeepney were captivating, at least it got me amused for a few seconds.

We arrived the port of Maya and hopped on an outrigger to Malapascua Island. It only took half an hour to get to the Island so it wasn’t that bad. Tina told me earlier that she’s been told that Malapascua Island can be compared to Boracay during the 80’s. I have never been to Boracay during that time so thankfully I had nothing to compare it with. When we got there, the beach didn’t seem appealing at all. Outriggers were parked too close to the shore, it seemed so packed almost no place to bask in the sun along the shore.

Thankfully the next day, with the abundance of the sun, the island redeemed itself. And shown its beauty to us.

It wasn’t that bad, althought Tina said it cannot be compared to Boracay during the 80s. At the other side of the island, the sand was blindingly white and the water was clear and blue. We only stayed for a night, so I can’t really say that I saw most parts of the island. But I heard that Malapascua Island’s reputation to foreigners was that it had a number of great dive spots. Maybe when I learn to dive, then I’d come back to Malapascua.

How to get there?

Bantayan Island- From the North terminal of Cebu, take the Ceres Bus Lines that goes straight to Hagnaya. Bus fare is from 50-80 pesos. The bus ride would approximately take four to five hours. Quite a long trip if you come to think of it. From the Hagnaya Pier, take the ferry that will bring you to Bantayan Island. Fare is 65 pesos including terminal fee (10 pesos). The boat ride will approximately take an hou

Malapascua Island-From the North terminal of Cebu, hop on the Rough Rider Bus or Ceres Bus Lines that will take you straight to the port of Maya. Bus fare is 50-80 pesos. From the port, take the boat to Malapascua Island. Boat fare is 50 pesos. Boat ride will approximately take half an hour.

Where to Stay?

Bantayan Island

Kota Beach Resort
Kota Beach Resort’s beachfront is so pristine with a white sandy beach. Cottages are for as low as 800 pesos. To book call +63 32 254-2726/ 254-5661

If you’re looking for a cheap place to stay, there’s a decent lodging house near the beach. For only 500 pesos a night, you room with a double bed, electric fan and your own toilet and bathroom. For an extra 300 pesos, you get a room with an air-con.

Lodging House- To book, call 09103712053

Sugar Beach Resort is also something to consider as it offers a long stretch of pristine white sand. Here are the rates:

I didn't get to have Sugar beach resort's number and so as it cannot be found on the net. But once arriving you can tell the habal-habal driver to take you to sugar beach resort, they have a lot of cottages so it's impossible not to get a cottage.

Malapascua Island

There are a number of resorts in Malapascua, most of them fronting the beach. Rates are from 800-2000 pesos. But while in Malapascua, we were told by Paul, the canadian guy we met in Camiguin to stay in Danos Resort. They have electricity during the night and the cottages are cheaper only 600 a night. Malapascua Island is only powered by a generator, so there are certain hours where there is no electricity.

To book call, 09156661584 or 09273817894.

Til Then,

The Lost Sputnik.

Great expectations

2007-07-20T21:47:00.000-07:00

It was my last week to travel before I head back to Manila and my energy was already running low. We were supposed to take a side trip to Surigao and Siargao before heading to the Queeen City of the South, but more traveling and less frolicking no longer seemed so tempting. So we packed our bags and took the ferry straight to Cebu instead.

I really wanted to spend my last week of the Sputnik journey in Cebu because it’s the only other megalopolis in the Philippines that I haven’t really been to, except for that one hour taxi tour my friend and I took around Mactan while waiting for a connecting flight to Davao eight years ago. I planned to roam around the city at least and then head to two of its famous beaches.

What I didn’t realize was how it would be too difficult to travel around Cebu without your own car. By this time, not only was my energy running low, I’ve also almost reached the budget limit I’ve set aside for the trip, and taxi rides in Cebu could get really expensive. This being the case, I ended up limiting my touristy pleasure to two of its biggest malls, an international media company I have always been interested to see, and a couple of its evening hotspots.

Our trip to SM Cebu introduced us to a lovely Thai restaurant called Krua Thai. I was stunned at how they actually invested so much time and thought—and money—in the interiors of a restaurant that was only going to be inside a mall. It has the perfect ambience and a truly authentic Thai feel, you’d actually forget you were inside SM.

They have Thai decors all over the place, elegant-looking tables and chairs, and waiters and waitresses dressed in traditional Thai costumes. I was scared at first that the food may not be able to match the look of the place, but not only did we enjoy our bagoong rice, pandan chicken and sweet and sour spare ribs, we were also pleasantly surprised at how affordable the meal was.

Our tour at Big Foot, an international film school and production house based in Mactan, was very educational and a bit intimidating for someone who also works in the media. They have the only final cut theater in the Philippines used to simulate how a film would actually look and sound when released for commercial viewing, a post-production set-up with fiber optics inside the walls for simultaneous editing, and an impressive soundstage that also has the only camera in the Philippines that is similar to the ones used in Hollywood.

I wanted to feel the vibe of the Cebu nightlife, but while my spirit was willing my flesh was getting weaker by the day. My spirit even followed suit when we tried to heed my brother’s tip to go to Vu Du, a supposedly hip club in a place that is Cebu’s little version of Libis. Well it did seem to be a really hot bar because throngs and throngs of young Koreans were lining up to get in when Ron and I got there. We thought it would be better to just move on and so we did.

Thanks to Ron’s friend Eva, we were able to enjoy a few drinks in a quiter bar a few blocks away. Formo suited my taste better and was perfect for my mood at the time. The place have a very elegant look and feel. They have a wide choice of cocktails and they play chill-out music that makes a good background for a nice chat, which was the only thing I could really afford to spare some energy for at the time.

When we headed out to the outskirts to see two of Cebu’s famous beaches, it seemed that we were back on our tracks. Cebu’s high traffic and noise became a little disorienting for us after weeks of staying in quiet provinces and beaches. We love the fact that Bantayan Island had a very laid back feel, which made us feel so comfortable again. Most of the restaurants in the island were meant to cater to tourists and yet there weren’t much foreigners around when we came. The bars were quiet, except for a few Koreans and some white guys who seem to have made Bantayan their temporary home. It was nice to just walk around, whether during the day or nighttime.

Malapascua had more foreign guests though. They are mostly divers, who seemed to enjoy the place more than we did. There wasn’t so much happening in the island when we were there, only dogs fighting along the shore. I find the beach in Bantayan more beautiful, maybe because I was disappointed by the fact that Malapascua didn’t meet my expectation of it being like Boracay in the 80s, which was what some people say about the place. But Ron and I got to enjoy some quiet time sitting by the shore, drinking beer while looking at the moon’s reflection on the beach, on our only night there. That moment was great enough to make our trip to Malapascua definitely worth it.

The CDO white water rafting adventure!

2007-07-13T18:46:00.000-07:00

The sputnik adventure would not be complete if we didn't do anything extreme. So when we got to Cagayan de oro or CDO, it was a must to try the famous white water rafting along the cdo river. On a very early saturday morning, Tina and I prepared ourselves to an extereme adventure that both of us haven't tried yet. We met up with the other adventure seekers in front of Mcdonalds along divisoria, signed the waiver which seemed so scary it's as if we agreed to let ourselves get killed and finally headed to the cdo river. The trip to the cdo river only took twenty to thirty minutes.

When we got to the river, I had a glance of the first rapid we have to go through and all I felt were pure excitement. We wore our safety gears and grabbed our paddles as if we're about to go to war. After all the instructions that were given to us, we hopped on our boat and started to paddle towards the first rapid. Adrenalin rush started to kick in as soon as we reached the first rapid. "Foward!" the team captain shouted and we paddled as hard as we could. The rapid was really strong. It felt like the boat was going to flip over. But our team were coordinated enough that we didn't flip over, not even once. We had to pass through fourteen rapids, five of which were wild some were chicken feed. haha! We also got the chance to dive into the river. It was so much fun as I've never tried swimming in the river.

I was really glad I got to experience this extereme ride as it was something I'd never forget. It made me proud that I was able to go through without thinking of backing out. Next time I visit cdo, I'd be more than willing to try the advanced level where rapids would be wilder. To our next extereme adventure, Cheers!

Til Then

The Lost Sputnik

Braving the Rapids

2007-07-06T07:45:00.000-07:00

I almost didn’t go. After almost three weeks of non-stop traveling, my energy level was fast approaching the warning point. I really didn’t think I could still handle an extreme adventure. Especially one I had to sign a waiver for.

But there was very little to do in Cagayan de Oro—well at least nothing much that excited me as a traveler. So if I didn’t take the bait of experiencing their most popular tourist attraction, I wouldn’t have anything else to write about the place.

We had to wake up early to meet up with the other white-water rafting tourists near McDonald’s in Divisoria. By this time, Ron knew well enough that I have such a dour mood in the morning—especially when I didn’t get enough sleep, and my energy seems to be in an all-time low—so he didn’t even bother talking to me or arguing with me when I made it very clear that I needed to take my breakfast and couldn’t care less if all the other tourists were already waiting.

I didn’t even try to feign enthusiasm for this new adventure, and sincerely, I was scared about how dangerous it could get. But thankfully, my mood started lightening up in the jeepney going to the mouth of the Cagayan River. The landscape along the way was really awesome. We also stopped by a tourist post to wait for the others and were invited to try out the canopy walk and the zip—a 20 minute adventure inside a rainforest. But I headed towards the souvenir stands instead. I got two trinkets for my friends and was good to go.

The river where we shall be braving the rapids clearly marks the boundary between Cagayan de Oro and Bukidnon—the first one’s the left bank and the other’s the right. This was again emphasized to us when we were given precautionary measures just in case we fall off the raft. When the guide says swim to Cagayan, we should know that we should be waddling towards our left.

Because Ron sat in front, I had no choice at first but to sit beside him. But after almost falling during our battle with the first rapid, there was no other choice but to trade places with a braver soul. Fun starts picking up by this time, and sometimes our guide (who seems to be channeling Brownman Revival’s lead with his heairstyle and sunglasses) would make us stand as we approach a rapid just to heighten the excitement.

During breaks from the rapids, our guides would also allow us to take a dip in the river. I don’t really like swimming in deep water, but I had a life jacket on and the water’s really tempting, so I jumped out of the raft with the others. Ron had to make sure though that I always stay close to the raft, and would call my name everytime he fails to see where I was. Dad!

After several rapids, I knew I would have regretted it if I hadn’t joined Ron for this adventure. It was, to quote a dear friend, “heaps” of fun. And it was quite cheap too, especially with the crab and shrimp feast that greeted us after the ride. By this time, my only dilemma was how to go about my next ride: I knew I had to take my husband here, but this means going through the beginner’s stage again, which is not very tempting since I know I’m definitely ready and raring for a bigger challenge. Bring on the rapids!

(T)he Other Sputnik

Camiguin Escapade

2007-07-06T07:23:00.000-07:00

How to get there?

From Cagayan de oro, take the Ceres Bus Lines to Balingoan for 50-75 pesos. The trip approximately takes 2 hours. From the Balingoan Port, take the ferry to get to Camiguin for 107 pesos. The ferry ride takes 1 hour.

Where to Stay?

Jasmin by the Sea

We highly recommend this if you're in for some affordable and cozy accommodation. Cottages here are for 600-800 pesos, good for 2 persons. Dorm type is only for 350 pesos (shared bathroom). Make sure to have a few chat sessions with Melinda, the owner of the resort. She's a legend!

Unfortunately there's no early booking in the resort, but it's worth trying to give them a heads up that you're arriving.

Call +63 088 387 9015

There are a number of resorts along the stretch of mambajao, so finding for a place to stay won't be a problem.

What to do?

You could never run out of things to do in Camiguin. Start of by renting a van (1000-2000 pesos for 3-5 hours) or habal-habal (500 pesos for 3-5 hours) and do the island tour to visit the famous landmarks of the island.. If you're up for a climb then there's a number of volcanoes to trek. There's the old volcano, new volcano, Mt. Hibok-hibok and many more. The sunken cemetery is perfect for picturesque sunsets. The sto. nino cold spring and a few hot springs would be good to experience if you haven't tried it yet. The island has two waterfalls that are definitely worthwhile to see. If you're craving for white sandy beaches then a trip to the white island is for you. It's just a few minutes away by boat from mambajao, it's perfect for watching the sunrise and sunset. Rent for the boat would cost you around 300 pesos (roundtrip).

Camiguin

2007-07-05T00:30:00.000-07:00

Our trip to Camiguin came in earlier than expected. When Tina and I arrived in Cagayan de oro we realised that we’re not in the mood for the city lifestyle yet. So, we packed our bags and caught the last ferry to Camiguin late in the afternoon. Camiguin is situated just an hour away by ferry from the port of Balingoan of Cagayan de oro. It’s the best ferry ride we’ve had so far as it was so relaxing it seemed like we were on a sunset cruise. We sat at the seats near the railings of the ferry, listened to Tina’s music in her ipod and watched the sun set peacefully. We arrived Camiguin half past seven. Unfortunately during that time there were no jeeps or tricycles heading to Mambajao (where most of the beach resorts are located). So we didn’t have a choice but to rent a van for 350 pesos that would take us to Jasmin by the sea, the resort where we stayed.

When we got to the resort, the jovial Melinda, the owner of the resort, welcomed us. The resort had that homey feeling to it. It only had a few cottages and they also offer a dorm type of accommodation for only three hundred fifty pesos a night. The room was comfortable and spacious enough for the two of us, so we decided to stay in the dorm. We shared bathrooms with the other guests in the resort, which wasn’t that bad as it’s kept clean all the time. We liked how intimate the resort was. It gives you the chance to get to know the people in the resort and so as its other guests. We called it a night a bit early, as we were so tired from all the travels we’ve had that day.

The next morning, we arranged an island tour with the resort. The only island tour we could afford was through a single motorcyle or the habal-habal. Our first stop was the famous old volcano. I’m not sure as to how many steps you’d have to take just to reach the zenith of the volcano but knowing that they had set up the Stations of the Cross along the trek would only mean that you’d have a challenging trail to the top. I’d have to say that it was a bit tempting to climb the steps as for sure the view from the top would be amazing. But I wasn’t feeling too well at that time so I had to pass. And so as Tina, her body was still aching from the trek she had to do to see the waterfalls in Bohol.

We also dropped by the sunken cemetery. The cemetery had sunken when the Old Volcano erupted in 1871. From the view deck across the cemetery, you’d see a white cross standing still in the middle of the ocean, and what lies beneath it are tombs that are now make-shift homes for the fishes in the ocean. Apparently, the sunken cemetery is an ideal place for diving and snorkelling. But when we got there, the water didn’t seem appealing at all as it was a bit murky, probably because of the constant downpours.

Then, we went to the Sto. Nino cold spring for a swim, well maybe not a swim-but a dip in the pool. The water was so cold, I can’t imagine doing freestyle laps around the pool. I was shivering! I think I only lasted for a few minutes while in the pool. But it was my first time to dip in a cold spring, so I found it pretty cool.

Yup that's me after the shock, didn't know it was going to be that cold!

Then we moved to the Katibawasan Falls. This is by far the tallest and leanest falls I’ve seen while on this trip. At least for this one, it’s less risky getting to the basin of the falls compared to the Casaroro falls in Dumaguete. But I realised that it lacked the fun of carefully stepping from one rock to another just to get close to the falls. They almost had everything concrete; it made it seem like just an ordinary pool with a gigantic falls beside it.

From the habal-habal, I was in awe to see how the island was blessed with so much natural wonders. On my left was Mt. Hibok-hibok, it served as backdrop for the whole island. And at my right, is the horizon of a clear blue ocean. It was so beautiful. You don’t get picturesque views like these elsewhere.

Lastly, we went to the Enigmata Tree House. If we had another day to spend in Camiguin, we would’ve stayed here for a night. The resort is like a gallery for anything artistic. Showcasing different forms of art. At the façade of the resort, a huge sculpture of a woman with a body of a turtle is placed neatly. The rooms that are made out of wood and bamboo are built around the tall trees. The doors, walls, cabinets are painted with different images that gave colour to the tree house. The tree house in itself is one massive sculpture. It’s as if it was built without a blueprint in hand, only through instinct and pure creativity. The place is so conducive for anything that requires stimulation of one’s creativity.

The next day, we were scheduled to go to one of the two white islands in Camiguin late in the afternoon. But it poured really hard so we just decided to just reschedule it for the next day. We had a grand time hanging out with Paul, an awesome Canadian guy we met at the resort and Melinda, the owner of the resort. Paul taught us how to play poker and shared a few drinking games. It was my first time to play poker and luck was at my side and won a hundred pesos. Not bad huh?! Haha! We spent the rest of the night drinking and laughing our hearts out. It was so much fun! Melinda was so nice to have given us a bottle of Tanduay rhum. I think we finished the whole bottle in just an hour or so. Paul’s drinking games can get you drunk by the second! And much later, we finished at least five beers each. Melinda was so much fun to be with, her funny antics flowed in so naturally. No wonder people keep coming back to her resort as she makes you feel at home like family.

On our last day, Tina, Paul and I went to the white island. A sand bar lying just a few minutes away by boat from mambajao. Camiguin doesn’t offer white sandy beaches but don’t fret as it has two pristine white beaches not too far from the island. The white island, the one closest to our resort is a long stretch of white sand surrounded by shallow waters good for snorkelling and just plain basking in the sun. One can choose to spend the rest of the day there as picnic huts can be rented for only 50 pesos. It’s a great place for a picnic! We spent a few hours in the island as we were scheduled to leave Camiguin at lunch time.

The time we’ve spent in Camiguin was definitely worth it. The island offers you something different compared to the other islands as it offers you picture-perfect views of volcanoes, beaches, waterfalls and many more in just one island. But what makes Camiguin truly special are its people as they are genuinely friendly and free-spirited.

Til Then

The Lost Sputnik

Melinda by the Sea

2007-07-03T04:02:00.000-07:00

Remember that old Jose Mari Chan song, “Stop and talk awhile”? It has somehow become our official theme song for this trip. We’d sing it to entertain ourselves during long ferry rides, while walking in some busy street, or even during quiet nights by the beach.

What Ron and I love best about traveling, besides discovering new places, is meeting all sorts of people from different places and cultural backgrounds. Most of the time, these encounters could suddenly make even a somewhat lackluster place exude remarkable charm. In our case, these encounters gave our otherwise uneventful trip to Camiguin some form of great fascination.

We stayed in a modest resort called Jasmine by the Sea, which we think should be most apltly renamed as “Melinda by the Sea,” after the name of its new owner, Melinda—the resort’s best asset as far as we’re concerned.

Melinda, a former pre-school teacher in Camiguin, took over the ownership and management of the resort in reverence to her Swiss husband’s last request before he succumbed to cancer about six or eight years ago. She lives there now with their daughter and a few relatives who also help her mind the business. She has intended to keep her resort as small as possible to make sure she could personally attend to all her guests and make them feel more like vacationing friends than paying tourists.

By the time I’d go out in the morning, I’d see Melinda already chatting with some early birds who were having their breakfast in the resort’s small restaurant. Some of them are neighbors who frequent the place for the sumptuous meals served by the resort’s humble kitchen. Their pork fillet with mashed potato is really good, comes in big serving, and very affordable.

Melinda usually just sits by the bar the whole day, gladly welcoming anyone who’d love to have a chat. One minute, we’d hear her bantering in Visayan with her staff. The next minute, she’d be explaining tours in English to a guest, and suddenly converse in straight German to another. When she can’t find her words, you’d see her gesturing as she makes up funny sounds and end almost every sentence with a laugh.

In what I perceive to be a sleepy little province, Melinda brings on a high-spirited charm. Ron and I could sit for hours just listening to her stories about her late husband, her new love, how she struggled to keep the resort, what she thinks about the local tourism in the area, and how she loves talking to her guests. She’s so full of life and her life is full of interesting adventures. We could even sit for hours listening to her retell her tales to other guests.

Paul, a Canadian guy who’s also a guest in the resort, was just as fascinated with Melinda as we were. He was also obviously as enchanted by laid-back Camiguin and its people. He has easily befriended some locals and foreigners who have come to live in the province, and would tell us stories he’d hear from them after a day of traveling around the island in his rented motor bike.

There was one morning he came back with a flat tire. He was scared that the rental shop would charge him big bucks for it, until again, Melinda came to the rescue. She asked one of her staff to take the motorcycle to a vulcanizing shop, and asked Paul to give the guy P50 to pay for the labor. Paul couldn’t believe his luck as he sits and enjoy his breakfast while some guy takes charge of his problem, and found it also unbelievable when the guy came back with a fixed tire and P20 change for his money. Honesty is very valuable especially for tourists who are mostly traumatized by various forms of scams. I’m so glad that Paul was able to leave Camiguin without such traumatic tales.

During our last day, Melinda personally drove us to the terminal in her jeep that holds as much character as she does. It’s a well-polished stretched owner jeepney that has velvet upholstery with animal prints. It carried as much spunk as its owner and we wouldn’t have expected it to be less so. We were so proud to be driving along with Melinda in her jeepney, and felt even prouder as we see Melinda driving like some kind of a famous celebrity in the streets of Mambajao waving at her many acquaintances along the way.

At the terminal, we hugged and said our farewells. Melinda asked me to come back and bring my husband along. Paul couldn’t believe he was finally leaving and was very reluctant to do so. We have not seen as much of Camiguin as he had nor have we met as many people as he did, but I could somehow relate to his sentiments. Lacking in the usual beach attractions Ron and I usually look for in the places we visit, Camiguin doesn’t have much to get a hold of our hearts. But Melinda, her humble resort, and her island’s laidback charm are enough to make us pay another visit.

Bohol, here I come again!

2007-07-01T20:37:00.000-07:00

View from the Tagbilaran-Panglao Bridge

If there were a place that I sought the most for my holiday destinations, it would be no other than Bohol. I was first introduced to this beautiful island through a very good friend of mine, Bianca. Her family owns a quaint boutique beach resort in the east of Panglao Island called, “Amarela”. I was invited to visit Bohol sometime July of 2006 and from then on I’ve frequented the island. Each time I went for a visit I have never failed to discover so many new things about the place and people of Bohol.

Bianca with the Lost Sputnik

And true enough; in my fourth visit to Bohol, I finally went pass the stage of what most tourists do. I came to understand a bit more about Bohol, its people and its heritage.

Tina and I were lucky to have been accommodated by Bianca and her Dad, Tito Doy. We could not thank them enough for having us stayed in Amarela for almost a week. Learning a bit about the culture and heritage of Bohol was easy, as Tito Doy loved his hometown so much; the insights shared to us about his childhood in Bohol flowed naturally. Staying in Amarela was the best place to be for our purpose. The beach resort itself tells so much about Bohol.

Amarela could easily be given a 5-star rating for its facilities and amenities, but more than that I believe that it deserves such rating as it showcases the heritage of Bohol. It’s more than just a beach resort. All he intricate details in the resort has its own story to tell, which makes the place even more special. The paintings that were nicely hung on the walls are from Tito Doy’s collection of many years, some of the paintings were given to them by some guests in exchange for few nights in the resort, or painted by local boholano artirts, or either by Bianca or her artist friends. Also, on the foyer table, an old wooden eggbeater is neatly placed. It came from Tito Doy’s old home in Antiquera and was used by his family back when he was still young. The big solid doors in the entrance and some latices in the resort were from old houses around Bohol. Most of the wood-carved furniture such as dining tables and chairs, bed frames and even beach chairs were made in Tito Doy’s hometown, Antiquera, a small town in Bohol popular for wood carving and hand woven things.

It was a must for us to visit Antiquera, but unfortunately I’ve fallen sick the day we were scheduled to go, so I wasn’t able to join them. It would’ve been nice to see the workshop and meet the people behind all these fantastic furniture. Tito Doy shared to us that some of the guys in the workshop used to be ‘habal-habal’ drivers and now have developed a talent for woodcarving. Thanks to the photos taken by Tina, Margaux and Bianca. At least I was able to see the gist of Antiquera even through photos.

I’m always awed each time I come to Amarela as I have witnessed how it had blossomed to its full splendour. And now that I’ve learnt more about the stories behind the resort, I felt like I was also able to learn more about Bohol and its people as well.

Also, while in Bohol, we visited the Bohol Deaf Academy. It’s an institution ran majority by Americans that provides primary and secondary education and most importantly livelihood for the deaf and mute people of Bohol. In the earlier days before the Academy was built, the deaf and mute kids are treated like they were autistic, as the family members didn’t know that they were either deaf or mute. So, there were neither proper guidance nor care given to these kids at that time. Thanks to the Academy, these kids are now given the equal chance to live their own lives and are given opportunities they deserve. They are given the education to better equip them in the future. Most graduates of the Academy rightfully belong to the workforce already, making them feel that they do have a part in this world to partake. Some of them work for the Academy, the garden café and restaurant and hotel diamond. These structures were all built by the Academy to provide jobs for their graduates.

Apparently, majority of the sponsors of the academy are Americans. We were even able to meet 30-40 volunteers from America who stays in Bohol for two weeks building more dormitories and facilities for the academy. I was moved to see how sincere the volunteers were in helping these people. At the same time, it was sad to find out that there isn’t much Filipinos involved with their projects. I think as fellow Filipinos, we ought to help them like these American do. There isn’t enough awareness and importance given to the deaf and mute people in the Philippines despite their growing number. I think it’s about time for us to do our share and help them in whatever way we can.

This Bohol trip was truly unforgettable, not only that it was part of my sputnik adventure but because it has opened my mind to things I have never thought of or even gave importance to. I’m definitely looking forward to my next Bohol trip as I know that there are more to learn and love about this place.

Bianca, Marguax, Tina and I at the Alona Beach

Til then,

The Lost Spuntik

How to get there?

There are daily flights via Cebu Pacific or Philippine Airlines that goes straight to Tagbilaran (Bohol) from Manila. It will only take an hour to get to Tagbilaran by plane. Be sure to book a few weeks ahead to avail the cheaper airfares (1,200-2,000 pesos with tax already for one way). If you’re coming form Cebu or Dumaguete, there are daily ferry rides that go straight to Tagbilaran. The ferry ride would only take about an hour and a half from either Cebu or Dumaguete. Fares are 500 pesos from Cebu, 520 pesos from Dumaguete.

Where to Stay?

Amarela Resort, Panglao Island

To book or to check room rates visit www.amarelaresort.com

Dao Diamond Bed and Breakfast (owned by the Bohol Deaf Academy)

Room Rates
$14-$20 for standard/double
They also have dorm types for 300 pesos a night

Contact Numbers:

Tel: (63)(38) 411-5568
Fax: (63)(38) 411-5568

Email:
ideaphil@bohol-online.com

Website:
http://hosted.ase.net/5090382.html

What to do?

Bohol has got almost everything one would fancy in a much-deserved vacation. The island has an abundance of white sand beaches and clear blue water for those who love to bask in the sun or just frolic in the beach. It also has a number of rich marine sanctuaries for the divers and snorklers to enjoy. For those who love river cruises, the long stretch of Loboc River is something to be experienced as it offers a very relaxing and enjoyable ride. For the animal lovers, the tarsiers (the smallest primates in the world) can easily be seen in their natural habitat near the Loboc River. A visit to the famous chocolate hills is something awe-inspiring as it’s just amazing to see hundreds of them right in front of you. A swim in the basin of Mag-aso waterfalls would be something worthwhile to do if you’ve never done that yet. Lastly, a barrio tour would be an awesome thing to do while in Bohol. You’d be able to see how people live their lives. It’s a new and enriching experience especially for those who have lived all their lives in the city.

Crashing in a First-Class Resort

2007-06-27T23:03:00.000-07:00

Traveling with a very limited budget can be such a drag. For Ron and I, this meant getting only the cheapest accommodations available. We have stayed in a motel still fresh from the tryst of its last short time clients, with an air conditioning unit blowing a gush of dust mites by the second, because it only costs P380 a night. We have bumped rumps trying to fit ourselves in single beds that many hotel owners seem to have taken as double. And we’ve had bathrooms without window or any kind of exhaust system, floods when you take a shower, with broken wooden curtains as doors, and with faucets and showers too rusted to make way for an abundant flow of fresh running water.

So just imagine my sigh of relief and disbelief, when after all the scrimping, the wall-hugging attempts for a fresh shower, and the many allergy attacks I had to suffer in what had only been a two-week low-budget travel, Ron and I finally got to stay in a fully air-conditioned twin-bed suite, that is elegantly designed, with cable TV, Wi-Fi, soft cushions and duvets you wouldn’t want to get out of, real paintings by the bed and even inside the bathroom, and customized toiletries in a first class hotel, with a great view, warm pool, and white-sand beach—ALL FOR FREE.

We owe this sudden change of luck to Ron’s friend, Bianca, and her dad, Doy Nunag, who happens to own Amarela in Panglao Island. The resort had only been operational for a year but exudes the charm of old Bohol and stands as the only resort in the area that truly represents everything good about the province. Thanks to its owner who has always taken pride in his Boholano roots.

The massive wooden doors in the entrance as well as those in the lobby, the lattices, the railings, and the floorings in the resort were from an old house Tito Doy had fond memories of while he was growing up. The house usually had the biggest wooden belen, which many locals go out to see during Christmas time. He saw the house’s rundown state during one of his visits to the province and decided to save and preserve its charm by taking what’s left of it and use the pieces to compliment the resort he was then still conceptualising.

He collected antique furniture from everywhere around the province and employed former habal-habal drivers from his hometown, Antiquera, to refurbish his finds or create faithful replicas using old logs and scraps of wood found for him by his many friends and workers. The ladies of the town, which is also known to be the basket-weaving capital of Bohol, also added their ingenious touch to the lamps and other small fixtures in the resort by wrapping them with woven nito strips.

Tito Doy then commissioned his old high school classmate, Tonio Indino, to make wooden carvings of interesting decorative pieces, such as Bohol’s very own tarsier and the resort’s longest-staying guests, the geckos. Soon, his mom also started to bring in an old eggbeater and other interesting antiques that his father used to randomly collect when Tito Doy was growing up.

Paintings of local Boholano artists also get their much-deserved space in the resort’s many walls, along with the many paintings that the owner have collected all these years, the many pieces freely given by friends who visit the resort, and those that were painted by Bianca, who has obviously inherited her dad’s appreciation of art.

The resort also serves good old Boholano comfort foods such as the unbeatable combinations of suman and ripe mangoes and champorado and dilis; hot chocolate from melted cacao tableas; halo-halo; and stingray in coconut sauce.

The best advantage of our stay here is to actually meet most of the people who were involved in making Bohol look truly a first-rate province through this first-class resort. We visited the town of Antiquera, and saw the make-shift work area where the hired carpenters work on their make-shift machines; met Tonio, who was then busy making wooden souvenir pieces for the resort in the shape of seahorses and geckos; and met Tito Doy’s mom, who I assume, was the person responsible for developing in him the appetite of a true Boholano.

After a couple of nights, Ron and I had to transfer to the Presidential Suite with Bianca and her very amiable cousin, Margaux, since all of the other rooms will be occupied by a touring group of Taiwanese. We stayed there for three nights. From the balcony, we’d stare at the beach that gets very inviting for a swim during high tide and truly interesting to watch-- with locals fishing for sea urchins-- during low tide.

We’d swim in the pool after every dip in the beach. Then we’d either watch TV, write, take our pick from the resort’s wide collection of books and DVDs, or share meals with our hosts.

In the afternoons, either Bianca or Tito Doy would take us for a drive to neighbouring towns: We had Halo-halo in a Montana Cowboy-style restaurant serviced by deaf and mute locals in Tagbilaran. We visited the school for the deaf and the pension house that helps fund it.

We took in the rustic charm of the nearly 200 year-old Casa Rocha_Suarez at the heritage town of Sitio Ubos. We marvelled at the hand-painted ceiling, elegant detailings, and coral stone walls of the cebnturies-old church and convent in Dauin. We watched the birds flock to nest on the bare branches of the old trees in the plaza at dusk.

We had good barbecued liempo at Leopoldo’s and had a saccharine feast at the Bee Farm. We had some drinks at the touristy strip of Alona Beach. And went on a trek to the very secluded Pangpang Habog falls in Antiquera and watched the kids dive into the cold pool of the more popular Mag-aso Falls in the same town.

After our six-day stay in Amarela, Ron and I felt pampered and rejuvenated. Our stomachs were constantly filled with sumptuous food, our body de-stressed in the comforts of great accommodation, and our mind continuously stimulated by new learnings and discoveries. We left Bohol with a renewed enthusiasm and energy for further travels, and sincere gratitude to Bianca, Tito Doy, Margaux, Jojo, Yaya Ida and everyone who made our five-star complimentary stay in Amarela truly worth the detour from our supposedly lowbrow trip. It was everything we thought we truly needed, and more.

A Visit to an old friend in Dipolog

2007-06-25T18:04:00.000-07:00

When I planned my sputnik adventure a couple of months ago, I already had in mind that I’m dropping by Dipolog. Faith, a very good friend of mine,lives there. I thought it was the perfect time to reconnect with an old friend, as we haven’t seen each other for a year.

Faith and I go way back. We’ve been friends for about ten years now. We were in the same batch that went to Seattle, USA for a three-week exchange student program. It was both our first time to travel on our own, without our family and just be with other high school students from different schools. We’ve shared so many memories travelling around Seattle, sitting-in at a public high school and living with a foster family. It was definitely something for the books as the experience helped shape the person that I am now. In the short span of time we’ve shared in Seattle, we were able to build a friendship that will last a lifetime. We were able to keep our friendship intact despite the years that had gone by.

I felt a bit nostalgic on the way to Dipolog. I realised how time passed by so quickly and we’re now living different lives. Faith has her own family. She has a loving husband and a very beautiful daughter, whom I have never met. As for me, I was fortunate enough to have finished my degree in Australia a year ago and now working in media. So many things have changed in the past ten years so I was anxious to catch up with her again like the old days.

We arrived at the pier in Dapitan by noon. Faith patiently waited for us at the parking lot for almost half an hour, as the travel time took longer than expected. It was refreshing to see Faith again after a very long time. She still looked the same, just the way I imagined. If there’s one thing that reminded me of her all this time, it would be the clothing brand ‘Roxy’ as it seemed like she has every design and colour of it. She doesn’t wear anything else but ‘Roxy’. So there she was sitting at the driver seat, wearing a white roxy shirt, jeans and flip-flops. Her first words to me were, "Ronald, you’re so dark already bwahahaha!" Yes, that’s how we say hi to each other. We laugh our hearts out first before asking how we’ve been. Just reminded me of the times before, when we’d be laughing all day and night, along with Tita Cecil, our group leader in the exchange program in Seattle. I surely miss those days.

We then went to Dipolog, which is about ten to twenty minutes away from Dapitan. I finally got to meet Faith’s other half, Jonas. We had lunch at their friend’s house and then went to Faith’s home, where we crashed for the night. I also met her adorable daughter, Chloe, who definitely looked like her Mom and Dad. There was an instance, where I took a photo of Faith and showed it to Chloe, she then grabbed the camera and kissed the monitor and said ‘Love you mama!’ She was the sweetest! It was so moving to see Faith with her daughter as I was witnessing her being a Mom for the first time. I realised that we’re no longer teenagers; we are grown-ups now with our own responsibilities and obligations.

The next day, Faith was so kind to have coordinated a trip to a fishing village near Dipolog called Selinog Island. I’ve never been to a fishing village so I was ecstatic to go. And the thought that we’re finally going to an island that tourists don’t frequent had definitely made me look forward to it even more. It’s something off the beaten path I suppose. The boat ride took an hour from Dipolog to Selinog Island. The sea was so calm and relaxing, so the cruise was definitely enjoyable. Looking at the island from afar, all I could say was ‘Wow!’ as the island looked so pristine with it’s white sand and blue water surrounding it.

The population of the island is pretty small with only 848 people. The predominant source of income in the island is fishing. Electricity in the island is scheduled as a generator powers it. Outriggers were parked near the shoreline and fishing gears and nets were neatly placed on the shore. I said to myself, “This is definitely a fishing village”.

I was amazed to see how the people in the island live their lives--simple yet fulfilling. The fishermen starts their day usually at the wee hours of the morning, as it is the best time to fish. If they’ve had a good catch then they’d sell it to the fish markets in the mainland. The wives of the fishermen spend their morning making hand-woven mats or cleaning their humble houses. While the kids as young as ten-years-old fish in the morning too. In the afternoon, you’d find the fishermen relaxing at the beach, sheltered by roofs made out of woven coconut tree leaves. They occasionally have a few beers and maybe hit a few notes in the karaoke. If you come to think of it, it’s a very slow life they have in the island as compared to the city life where everything seems to be so fast, you can hardly breathe.

The view from where I sat was a stretch of white sand bar and calm blue ocean floor. It was beautiful. The warmth of the sun and the sea breeze were so relaxing I fell asleep atop a pile of fishing nets.

Later that night, Faith decided to check us in at Dapitan’s famous beach resort called ‘Dakak’. Our Dipolog trip wouldn’t be complete without visiting this beach resort. I’ve been to this resort before and I’m glad that they’ve maintained it pretty well. The pristine beach still remained as beautiful as it was before. Although I’ve noticed that the water is greener now, as it used to be in a shade of blue. But the constant downpours might have made it look green. Nevertheless, the water was still crystal clear.

The three days we’ve spent in Diplog were too short to catch up with an old friend. But I’m really glad I dropped by as it was great to see Faith again and finally meet her family.

Dipolog and Dapitan are surely places that everyone should visit. These places are rarely talked about yet they have every right to be explored.

Til then,

The Lost Sputnik

The Shrines of Our Times

2007-06-23T07:39:00.000-07:00

It’s been a sweet coincidence to find ourselves in Jose Rizal’s old home in Dapitan at the very day of the annual commemoration of Philippines’ independence from Spain. Ate Glo advanced the celebration a day earlier, the same day we stepped on the port of the “shrine city”.

Rizal lived as an exile in this town for four years before his trial and consequent execution in Bagumbayan. The old compound, where the national hero used to reside, faces a panoramic view of Dapitan Bay. His life-size statueis the first monumental landmark in the area to greet visitors. Scattered across the historical grounds are sawali huts, which are faithful replicas of the houses where Rizal once lived with his family, treated his patients, taught young locals, and sheltered his chickens.

Faith, our host who is the daughter of former Dipolog Congressman Roseller Barinaga, has nothing much to say about the shrine. She has toured too many visitors to this place her entire life and has probably come to realize that there’s really nothing much to tell about the park that one cannot read in history books. Imagine our surprise, and sudden fit of laughter, when Ron suddenly confessed that he thought it was where Rizal was actually executed.

Most streets in Dapitan were named after places, people, and things connected to the national hero. There was one named after Josephine Bracken, an American girl Rizal met, fell in love with, and later married in Dapitan. Maybe during their courtship stage, the charming Pepe would ask the young Josephine to attend mass with him at St. James’s Church, so that he could later wow her lady love with his very own grass rendition of a Mindanao relief map--said to be designed based on the hero’s brilliant memory—from across the street.

However, I’ve noticed that Dapitan’s take to its title as “shrine city” has somehow gone beyond merely being a city that gives tribute to some of our national hero’s most memorable days. Based on the many banners posted all over the place, the title seems to have already been stretched to mean the shrine city to the efforts and establishments put up by the town’s most powerful political clan. The largest of these shrines is a humongous local resort that has a good stretch of white-sand beach, two pools, a golf course, a chapel, a large garden for wedding receptions, restaurants, bars, a game house and numerous big cottages.

Dapiitan seems to have also stretched its title a little further to accommodate the buena familia’s tribute to those they seem to hold dear, such as the new Libis-type recreational compound they named Gloria de Dapitan. The compound has a high-end steak house and an equally high-end bar, boutiques, a carousel, a poker house, and a circular arena for cock derbies.

But what I came to love most about Dapitan, is it’s also a shrine city to the good old “kamayan” tradition. Except for the breakfast we had in Dakak, I couldn’t recall any other time in our two-day visit there when I ate using spoon or fork. I must have added a few pounds savoring every meal with my bare hands. Every dish—from kinilaw to barbecues, from ginataang alimango to bottled Spanish sardines—were finger lickin’ good.

We truly had the most unforgettable meals in Dapitan, thanks to Faith’s overflowing generosity: the grand dinner of crabs, squid, crispy pata, sinigang, tinola ang kinilaw at Kamayan ni Manay (the temporary home of Lab Kamayan, Dapitan’s most popular seafood restaurant); our lunch with the locals at Selinog island, where we had a feast of grilled flying fish and Montano’s Spanish sardines (locally made in Dipolog); and our barbecue dinner at Sunset Boulevard, which was Dapitan’s version of Manila’s Baywalk.

But while it seems that I have only been paying tribute to the city of Dapitan with accounts of the experiences Ron and I had there, what I really want to do most is to pay tribute to the hospitality shown to us by our hosts in Dipolog. Our rich experiences, though mostly situated in Dapitan, would not have been possible without the kindness of Faith and her family. They have accommodated us in their home for two nights, made our stomachs constantly happy with sumptuous meals, arranged for us a rare trip to the beautiful remote island of Selinog, and treated us to an overnight accommodation in Dakak.

They have proven to us that the proverbial Filipino hospitality is still very much alive, especially in the most remote provinces of the Philippines where it is readily offered without any other agenda. How I wish more Filipinos could be living shrines to this good old trait.

Siquijor

2007-06-23T07:38:00.000-07:00

How to get there:
Take a Delta fast ferry from Dumaguete (or Tagbilaran). The fare is only P160. From the Siquijor port, you can take a multicab or tricycle to your resort. We were charged P150 for our tricycle ride to the Coral Cay Resort in San Juan.

Where to stay:

Villa Marmarine
Cheapest Cottage Price: P1,200
- no aircon, with cable tv, one double bed, loft with two single beds, gas range, cooking utensils

Candanay Sur, Siquijor, Siquijor Island, Philippines
Tel. No. 63.035.480.9167
Mobile: 0919.465.9370
Email: dagman38@yahoo.co.jp
Website: www.marmarine.jp

Islanders Paradise Beach & Restaurant
Sandugan, Larena, Siquijor, 6226 Philippines
0063 918 3320 906
0063 919 5907 516
parabeech@aol.com

Coral Cay Resort
Cheapest cottage price: P750-800
-garden room with one matrimonial bed, fan
Solangon, San Juan, Siquijor, Philippines 6227
0919 269 1269
scoralcayresort@yahoo.com
www.coralcayresort.com

Kiwi Dive Resort
Cheapest cottage price: 450-800
Beside Islanders Paradise Beach and Restaurant in Sandugan

What to do:

Take a tour of the island (can be done in a day). The best beaches are in Sandugan and Salagdoong in the town of Maria. Siquijor has a few falls and caves to visit as well. If you want to tour the island contact, Fulgen Jamito Mobile number: 09208154747

Help the students of Siquijor

2007-06-23T07:31:00.000-07:00

When Toshito "Dagman" Harada, a retired Japanese teacher, first arrived in Siquijor, he discovered that at least half of the exisiting public schools in the province have no toilets or water supply. There was even a school in Pisong that only had 13 students from Grades 1 to 3, all sharing one classroom and one teacher. Most of these students stop studying after Grade 3 since their parents could not afford sending them to other schools to further their studies.

Dagman has since dedicated his life to help out these kids. He has sought the support of the Rotary Club in Japan to work with the Rotary Club of Siquijor Island to initiate projects for school children in the depressed areas of the province. This has resulted to the construction of restrooms and water systems in various schools.

With his "help-the-children-of-Siquijor-Island" campaign, Dagman has also been extending his appeal for help to common Japanese citizens by publishing his petitions on Japanese newspapers, inviting Japanese broadcast journalists to visit Siquijor, and even by standing at Japanese local train stations to ask for donation as he holds a box saying "Help Siquijor".

Dagman is now based in the province, where he has a resort called Villa Marmarine. Part of the income he gets from this business goes to the funding of the scholarship grants that he is extending to selected students of Siquijor. Three of his scholars are now taking up college in Larena while another one’s taking up nursing in Cebu. He hopes to send 10 more grade school graduates next year to college, and even more in the future.

You can also help Dagman help the children of Siquijor. You may get in touch with him at:

Villa Marmarine
Candanay Sur, Siquijor, Siquijor Island, Philippines
Tel. No. 63.035.480.9167
Mobile: 0919.465.9370
Email: dagman38@yahoo.co.jp

Spellbound

2007-06-17T06:00:00.000-07:00

We braved a visit to Siquijor with a certain degree of caution. We made a mental note not to take food or drinks randomly offered to us by strangers and to try our very best not to argue with anyone. Though most Siquijodnons are already caught in the reel of modernity, those we met still could not deny that witch doctors still live in the province, ever able to concoct potions that could either heal or kill. A staff in one of the resorts we stayed in honestly admitted that even they still get scared sometimes.

The thing that Ron and I soon realized is that despite all the talks about witchcraft and magic spells in the province of Siquijor, hardly anyone ever mentions that which has truly lured many tourists to dare a visit and eventually stay in the island: the magic brew of Siquijor’s saltwater scent, white-sand beaches, cool and clear ocean, and welcoming smiles. Take them all in and the result would be enchantment beyond belief. This was the potion that has kept Ron and I spellbound even up to the time of this writing, and probably years and years after our first visit. No exaggerations here really. We were truly dumbfounded by the beauty of the place.

I remember feeling so happy one morning as I was lying down on a native hammock, which was tied on to a couple of coconut trees atop the cliff from which Villa Marmarin sits overlooking the ocean. With my eyes closed I listened to the sound of the wind as it kissed the shade of leaves above me—a hushed cluttering that seemed like rainwater trickling down the rooftop during a minor drizzle. But it was a clear day, and as that lovely Streisand song goes, I felt truly part of every mountain, sea, and shore, hearing words I’ve never ever heard before.

That day, I woke up with the sunlight just coming in our bedside window. As I looked out, I saw Manong Fulgene, our hired driver cum guide in Siquijor, waiting for us to wake up. We met him at the Siquijor ferry pier, along with a swarm of multicab and tricycle drivers offering us their services. He won over the throng with his 150-peso price offer for a tricycle ride to San Juan and a promise to drive us through various resorts until we find one we like. He was also the one who took us to Villa Marmarin in the capital town of Siquijor during our second day on the island.

That particular morning, he was supposed to take us to the pier where we should be catching a trip back to Dumaguete for our onward trip to Dipolog. But Ron and I just couldn’t muster enough strength just yet to leave our beautiful resort, our large cottage, the beach, and the chance to listen to the story of Dagman (pronounced Damang)—a retired Japanese teacher who owns Villa Marmarin and has dedicated his years in retirement to help out the students in Siquijor. I told Manong Fulgene to just come back the next day because we had decided to stay another night.

The day before this, Manong Fulgene gave us a tour of the island. We didn’t get to see much because his tricycle had a flat tire and fixing it took up the entire morning. We were stranded at Enrique Villanueva for almost two hours and we just sat there as an old man fixed the tire. We didn’t feel even a bit irritated despite the long wait, which I found really surprising. If travelling makes me more patient, understanding and sensitive to other people’s plights, then let’s comb the world!

We were only able to stop by two places during our afternoon tour, but they were all that we wanted to see. He first took us to Siquijor’s public beach, Salagdoong Beach Resort in the town of Maria—a five-star beach for a measly 10-peso entrance fee. The water was so clear and the view was just awesome. The food from the canteen was also very cheap, and you can even while away time practicing your karaoke skills for just five pesos per song.

After shoving Ron’s confidence to the side with his rendition of Raymond Lauchengco’s “So It’s You,” Manong Fulgene then took us to the string of resorts fronting the long white-sand stretch of the Sandugan Beach. These resorts offer cheaper accommodations that’s why more tourists frequent the area. We would’ve stayed in one of the resorts if we knew about it earlier. But then at Villa Marmarin, we don’t only get to stay at a beautiful large cottage with a good view at a discounted price, we also get to help out the children of Siquijor since the resort helps fund the projects that Dagman puts up for them.

We passed by the market before heading back to our cottage so Ron could cook dinner. Just more than a week into our journey and we were already missing home-cooked meals, that’s why we got really excited when we found out that our cottage was equipped with its own gas range. We feasted on a grand meal of calamares, sweet and sour lapu-lapu, and the jumbo shrimps we ordered from the resort’s restaurant.

Our entire stay in the resort has been restful, happy, and insightful. The staff were really friendly and the owner was truly inspiring. The night before we left, we even got invited to a small party that Dagman threw for one of the workers who was celebrating his birthday. It was a simple feast of pancit, adobo and tuba but grand in thought and generosity. The workers’ families were also invited, and a young student that Dagman invited from Japan was there to keep them entertained with origami and balloon shaping.

Manong Fulgene was sitting right at the same spot when I looked out the window the morning we finally had to leave Siquijor. Honestly, I woke up hoping he would be late and we would not be able to catch our trip, but Ron’s friend was already waiting for us in Dipolog where promises of new discoveries lie in wait. So while it truly broke our heart to leave the white sandy shores of Siquijor and its beautiful people, we had no other choice but to move on.

This time, I made a mental note to come back soon and share the beauty of Siquijor to anyone who'd brave a visit. The province, as I came to realize, is its best potion and we all should come and enjoy the brew!

--The Other Sputnik

Mystical Siquijor

2007-06-15T10:56:00.000-07:00

The island of Siquijor gained its popularity from the many myths about sorcery and folk healing. It was believed to be the mecca of such practices. The island is overshadowed by these beliefs and only little is known about the innate beauty of the island. Having known all these, I’ve prepared myself for a mission to unravel the myth behind it and find out if there is a faint truth to it. And most importantly, to discover what the mystical island could offer to a sun worshiper like me.

On a Friday morning, Tina and I left Dumaguete and took the ferry ride headed to Siquijor. The ride was for an hour but seemed quicker as there were a lot of thoughts running incessantly in my head. I thought of the stories, well mostly the hair-raising ones that my friends, who have never been to Siquijor, have told me about the mystical island. I wasn’t scared or anything but I was more of amazed for such stories to have existed. I told myself, there should be something special about this place to deserve such attention and popularity.

I came with an open mind. I was willing to absorb whatever I could learn about the place or its practices. I didn’t even have a tinge of cynicism in me. I was that prepared for it. I wanted an adventure, an exploration, so I said,” Bring it on!”

So, I went out of the ferry.

I was astounded by what I have witnessed. When I laid eyes on the clear blue water below me and the pristine white sand on the distant shore. My heart skipped faster than usual. I was ecstatic.

It was the complete opposite of what I had imagined in my mind. I have pictured a gloomy island that looked eerie--a dark and mysterious piece of land enveloped by tall trees, with branches so intertwined that no ray of sunlight can pass through.

The island that greeted me had an abundance of sunlight. It was covered with lush greeneries, coconut trees that slanted towards the ocean floor and molave trees that stood tall against the strong wind. The long stretch of white sand was almost blinding as it reflected sunlight. The crystal clear water glistened as the water touched the shore.

The people were as warm as the sun. Bright smiles are painted on their faces and never seem to fade away.

In the island, the sun sets slowly, taking its own time as if refusing to retire after a long day. The sun waved goodbye and painted the sky in all shades of aqua, magenta, yellow and orange.

Deep inside me, I knew I have completed my mission albeit the short span of time I’ve spent in the island. From the short conversations I’ve had with the locals, I came to a conclusion that such myths about Siquijor had no absolute truth to it. They were all hearsay.

The only truth about the island is that it’s a paradise waiting to be discovered. An island so beautiful should be kept mystical for the well-deserved brave souls. No wonder myths have been created to protect a paradise like this.

til then,

The lost sputnik

10 reasons why we HEART Negros Oriental

2007-06-15T08:00:00.001-07:00

1. Dumaguete City
While it is very evident how the city openly welcomes change and development, we just love the fact that it has continuously nurtured the things, food, places and practices that have always attracted visitors to its shores and have made most of them claim the city as their new home.

2. Rizal Boulevard
It is amazing to see how Dumaguetenos openly profess their love for their boulevard by never failing to show up there for an afternoon walk, a picnic with their family, or a tempurahan gimik with their friends despite the continuous mushrooming of new hang-out places in the area. We think that nothing could ever replace the spot it holds in the hearts of Dumaguete locals, no matter how developed their city becomes.

3. Cheap Food
We love that even the fanciest restaurants at the heart of the city offer great food at very reasonable prices. Boston Market definitely tops our list of recommended restaurants when it comes to sumptuous yet very affordable meals. Also, let’s not forget the silvannas. This melt-in-your-mouth-not-in-your hands sweet treat that has been a favorite among the locals for three decades now, truly melts the heart at every bite. It could even make non-sweet lovers a saccharine convert in no time.

4. Kookoo’s Nest
This is definitely the perfect place for anyone who loves to have some time away from the busy crowd and the pressures of work. The intense calmness of the place just forces one to relax. And as we found out, giving your nerves some off time could actually be a pleasant experience.

5. Tempurahan
This line of tempura kiosks along Rizal Boulevard is a perfect post-gimik hang-out, especially when depression starts to kick in after a round of alcoholic drinks. We think that street food is definitely the ultimate comfort food for Filipinos, no matter which part of the country we’re from. This would surely stop one from jumping over the seawall to drown his sorrows in the vast expanse of Dumaguete Bay.

6. The people
Many Dumaguetenos, though known to be gentle people, are a bit snobbish as we observed. But there were some remarkable ones who definitely gave us some great TLC. The waitresses at Le Chalet were always on stand by beside our table to promptly hand us a new bottle of beer and a good chat. The staff at Hoy Lugaw/Classroom simply did their best to meet our needs—they even allowed us to leave our bags there for two nights while we visited Antulang. The tricycle driver, who drove me from the airport to our lodging house, did his best to point out some of the popular places in the city upon learning that it was my first time in Dumaguete. Reynante, our habal-habal driver in Antulang, was also very generous in giving us trivia about the place and even took us to a look-out point to get a bird’s eyeview of Tambobo Bay.

7. Payag Jam
It has Malibu, vodka, pineapple juice and lots of crushed ice. It is served in a big mayonnaise bottle. And it only costs 100 pesos. You drink it in a lovely payag, with reggae music in the background. How could we not heart it? We just wish it would come with a bigger straw.

8. Water Refilling Stations
Why get those expensive water bottles from the grocery when you can easily get one from a water vendo machine anytime? Why don’t we have this in Manila?

9. Apo Island
One does not need to be a diver to appreciate the beauty of this island. Just from the surface one can enjoy the picture perfect view of the ocean while basking in the sun. The rich marine life is definitely something to be experienced as well.

10. Ukay-ukay
Ukay-ukay is also very popular in Dumaguete. A tricycle driver took us to the grand ukay-ukay tiangge in the city. It’s located right in front of the Evangelical Church along North Road in Barangay Piapi. We went there on a Saturday, which seems to be the designated delivery day for new arrivals. The clothes come in giant sacks, categorized by the type of garments (tops, pants, etc…). It was really surprising to see how the ukay-ukay phenomenon has taken over most parts of the country, and quite shocking to find some 40 to 50ish local females, looking quite conservative and a bit ordinary, checking out red lace thongs.

Dumaguete City

2007-06-10T05:32:00.001-07:00

Dumaguete came from the word 'Dagit' which means being captured. And true to its name, I was captured by this magical place. I was never attracted to provinces, but Dumaguete City did something magical to me. It made me appreciate the simple life in rural cities. In my stay in Dumaguete, there was no single time that I got bored. I'm confident to say that if I were to choose a province, Dumaguete would be the first in mind. There are so many things to love about this City. But words alone would not suffice to describe it. So, let me tell you why I love this place so much through my photographs.

View of the City centre from the inside of a tricycle, which has been my mode of transportation for about 2 weeks now.

One of the hundreds and hundreds of tricycles in Dumaguete City.

Dumaguete’s city centre is small as compared to other cities I've been to. You can go from one place to another within the city in minutes time. The same as other cities, it could also get chaotic. I’ve watched people walk from all directions and tricycles revved up their engine like they were in a race. It’s ironic that despite the business, I found order. It was as if the city was designed to be this way. And I couldn’t imagine the city to be any less. I felt as if everyone and everything around me constantly moved. And I’m the only one left static. I observed everything around me and slowly absorbing it.

A picturesque view of Rizal Boulevard.

Me at Hoy Lugaw, a lugawan junction along Rizal Boulevard. At the back of this lugawan junction was the motel we stayed in for a week for only 200 pesos a night.

All smiles at the Rizal Boulevard!

The long stretch of Rizal Boulevard is another place I loved in Dumaguete.Walking along the boulevard was something I enjoyed the most. It was so relaxing. No pollution, no foul odor, no litter-perfect! With its arresting view, I found myself staring blankly at the horizon. The clear blue sky and calm water of the ocean captivated me in peace.

Taking a bite at the Tempurahan along Rizal Boulevard.

What I loved about the food in Dumaguete is that everything is so affordable. The fancy looking restaurants have unbelievably cheap prices. Aside from Sans Rival and their famous silvanas, I also liked the ‘Tempurahan’ strip along Rizal Boulevard, Dumaguete’s version of street food kiosks. It’s a popular hangout place for afternoon and midnight snacks, and best for snacks after drinking sessions. They serve fish tempura, squidballs, balut, penoy and softdrinks-no beer. The fish tempura was my favourite, as it’s crispy and tasty. You can compare it to Australia’s fish and chips. Yum-o! Plus, the fact that they have seats right behind their kiosks that faced the ocean gave a different feel to it. It was nice to just sit and relax and enjoy simple food.

The Balut vendors and I. These were the people whom I got to have a great conversation with while eating balut.

Tina and I with the super friendly waitress from Le Chalet. She even offered me for a balut treat.

Dumaguete is popularly known as the city of gentle people. And now I know why. The people I met were so friendly and warm. They opened up to me as if we’ve known each other for a while. They gave smiles that were genuine. Now I know what truly makes Dumaguete City special-the people.

Love is all we need.

A picture that said it all about the city. Indeed, love is all we need. And there’s a whole lot of loving in Dumaguete City.

I’ll surely go back to this city and definitely looking forward to that day.

Til then,

The Lost Sputnik.

Antulang Peninsula

2007-06-10T05:28:00.001-07:00

How to get there?

From Dumaguete City, take the Ceres bus liner to Zamboangita (14 pesos), then take the habal-habal (150 pesos) to either kookoo's nest or Antulang Beach Resort. Travel time is approximately an hour.

Where to stay?

Kookoo's nest

Cottage rates range from 450-800 a night.

For contact details, visit http://kookoosnest.com.ph

Antulang Beach Resort

Standard rooms are for 800 pesos a night.
Deluxe rooms and Family suites ranges from 3500-5000 pesos a night.
Pool Villas are 13,000++ pesos per night depending on the season. During peak season it could reach up to 15,000++.

For contact details, visit http://antulang.com

What to do?

In kookoo's nest, one can have a very relaxing time in the beach or in the cottage enjoying the picture perfect view of the beach. The beach isn't the best place to swin as there are quite a lot of seagrass and sharp stones. It is best though for sunbathing as the water is calm and the sand is powder-like. The place is very calm and quiet. It's the best place to be pensive. Best for loners who wants wants to soul search as there would not be any distractions. At the end of the day, it would be nice to watch the sunset.

In Antulang beach resort, the place is great for the family. They have an infinity pool, kiddie pool, tennis courts, mini-zoo, a bar, a restaurant and etc. It's also perfect for those who love snorkeling. A short trek down the rocks, fishes and corals can already be sighted. Start the day right by watching the sunrise. Spend the afternoon in a cruise. Then watch the sunset while horsebackriding. There are so many things to do in this resort. You'll never get bored.

The Antulang Peninsula is definitely a great place to go to while in Negros Oriental. Each resorts have their own uniqueness. If you're a sunset lover then you definitely have to check out kookoo's nest. If you love the sunrise then Antulang beach resort is the place for you. Whatever your heart's desires you'd find it at the Antulang Peninsula.

Sailing on dreamland

2007-06-10T04:59:00.000-07:00

I am sitting at a corner table of a bar, looking at the ocean through a line of steel railings. I can hear the sound of the waves as I take a swig of my afternoon drink. To my right, I see kids playing with their parents in the salt-water infinity pool. Beside the pool are two ladies chatting while trying to get some tan. Beneath them is a view deck with more lounge chairs for sunbathing. I feel like I’m in a luxurious cruise ship, and I couldn’t resist dreaming that I am somewhere in the Carribean or heading to the Greek isles.

In reality I have just crossed the fork that separates the two resorts in the Antulang Peninsula to get to the other side of the bay, not by boat but via a habal-habal. Ron and I are now staying at the Antulang Beach Resort, which apart from the magnificent view of the ocean and the hotel services’ standard cut-off time at 10pm, bears a stark contrast to the resort on the other side.

The rooms here, for one, are more expensive than the cottages at Kookoo’s Nest. The standard cabana, where we are presently staying, costs almost as much as the most expensive cottage at the other resort. And while there we had a big bamboo cottage with a loft that could accommodate four to five people, here the room’s just big enough for a double bed and a bathroom. The tiny cabana is concrete with a wooden interior wall and is airconditioned.

Ron and I would have loved to stay in one of the resort’s pool villas that has its own swimming pool and Jacuzzi, a big bed, cable television, and a VCR. But its steep price could already pay for our month-long trip.

The thing is we didn’t really plan to stay here. We had only wanted to check the place out to see if it indeed deserves the overwhelming recommendations we heard among the Negenses. And besides it seemed to us then that we have already left our hearts in Kookoo’s Nest. But the grand view of the ocean from the restaurant, the interesting concrete trail surrounding the resort, and its beautiful three-basin infinity pool instantly erased all our preconceived notions of exaggerations in the statements of the Negros locals. And that was enough to make us stay for at least one night.

The resort stands on top of a cliff, which gives one the impression of being on board a ship. Lounge chairs are scattered around the area at well-positioned viewing decks. A staircase leads to the concrete trail around the resort and towards small packets of white sand. But the water current is quite strong and not really conducive for swimming.

Antulang Beach Resort, however, deserves extra points for its friendly staff. After a very quiet stay on the other side of the bay, with its very reserved attendants and equally reserved guests, the jovial greetings of the Antulang staff becomes such a welcome treat.

Most of the guests here are families from either Bacolod or Dumaguete, with one or two balikbayans in their group. Still, this could be linked to the resort’s highly rising reputation as Negros’ premiere tourist destination. I would probably take a balikbayan relative here as well, should my area code ever becomes 035.

The thing is there is really nothing much to do in this place for people like us, who have very minimal dough to spare. Their long line of resort activities—from snorkelling to diving, rapelling to horseback riding, to tours of Apo Island and Tambobo Bay—are only for those who can afford their steep prices. This is why I am here right now, doing the only thing any one with very little money could afford to do in any expensive place—enjoy the magnificent view, drink the cheapest beer, and dream away.

The quiet art of sitting still

2007-06-06T08:41:00.000-07:00

It’s ten in the evening and everything is quiet except for the sound of crickets, the intermittent cries of a tree lizard, the busy whir of a stand fan, and a page being flipped by a guest who is just waiting for the spell of sleep to fall on him. Everything appears so calm in this tiny cove tucked in one of Negros Oriental’s remote coastal areas.

From the deck in my cottage, I look at the sea, which in its stillness seems to me like a lake merely masquerading as an ocean. There is no sound of waves and there’s not even a sign of one coming. Even the wind seems to have gone on a break for the leaves and the trees stand motionless. It’s as if they’re only purpose in being here is to frame the view of the body of water before them.

The place is a static photograph, a landscape painting. I look at it and it draws me to its calmness. I couldn’t do anything but stare. I sit and stare and feel surprisingly as relaxed as the place itself.

Kookoo’s nest is one of the only two resorts operating in the Antulang Peninsula. It only has four guest cottages that are strategically laid out far enough from each other. If not for the wooden curtain that doesn’t completely close in the outdoor bathroom, I would’ve been 100 per cent satisfied in its attempt to let the guests enjoy their privacy.

There are six other tourists enjoying this private moment with us, and the only interaction we had with them has been sharing lighters. We almost walk on tiptoes and our voice tuners are now set on low, very careful not to disturb the other visitors basking on their solitude. The three French ladies seem all too content chatting among themselves in their native language. The Kenyan guy from Canada prefers the quiet nook among the stone hedges at the far end of the resort to read a book about India. The couple, who may be in their honeymoon, almost never leave their cottage.

Ron has bathed all alone under the hot sun, minutes after we got here. He then went on a trance taking pictures of the landscape and catching the best shot of the sunset. While I play with a strange dog and observe a local boy picking shells from the seabed and his father walking his kid brother along the shore. In a place like this, socialization could easily mean intrusion. They seem to value their solitude so much, and Ron and I would rather not cross it for fear of other people crossing ours.

It’s now past midnight. The sea remains calm. The leaves remain motionless. My body stays relaxed without any memory of fatigue. And I am writing without a dent of depression, sadness, anger, bitterness, or longing in my spirit. In this very moment, my mind does not know anything outside this place and my heart is silenced by a rare sense of serenity for it to make way for other feelings.

I just discovered that people go to Kookoo’s Nest for the peace and quiet. I didn’t, but I just realized that it’s everything I never thought I ever wanted.

The Sputniks at Kookoo's Nest
04 June 2007

Casaroro Falls, Negros Oriental

2007-06-06T08:26:00.000-07:00

How to get there?

From Dumaguete City, take a jeepney (10 pesos) to Valencia Terminal. The travel time is approximately 15-20 minutes. From Valencia Terminal, take the ‘Habal-Habal’ (Single motorcycle) as they’re the only ones who can manage the rough road going up to Casaroro Falls. Bargain with the driver for the price of the trip, they usually ask around 150-200 pesos (round trip). We got ours for 230 pesos (from Valencia terminal-Casaroro falls-Dumaguete city). Travel time is approximately 20-30 minutes.

What to do?

From the entrance of Casaroro falls, there’s a signage that reads: We burn fats! Let's do the trek! So, everyone’s got to do the Cardio Exercise. Make sure to have a proper warm-up before hiking down the 338 steps to the river. Around the river are gazebos that are perfect for picnics. Then walk a few meters and cross the slippery rocks to reach the basin of the falls. For those who love swimming, this would be a unique experience as the water is ice cold. Don’t attempt to swim towards the center of the basin, as it could be really dangerous. Lastly, don’t forget to take photos. Casaroro Falls is known to be the most photographed falls near Dumaguete, it would be nice to have a souvenir.

When we went there, the path was being built leading to a view deck. They’d ask you to pay 20 pesos as entrance fee, I assume it’s for the structure and maintenance of the falls. Fair enough.

One of the many instances where we had to go down the Habal-Habal and climb up a few meters.

Yeah, let's burn those fats!!!

A few hundreds away, another hundred to go.

Nature's wonder!

Casaroro Falls is definitely a must-see in Negros Oriental. It’s very close to Dumaguete and easily accessible. The ‘habal-habal’ ride, the 338-step trek down the river, crossing the slippery rocks and swimming in ice-cold water definitely makes the experience worthwhile. Most importantly, just watching how the wonder of nature works is one for the books.So if you’re going to Dumaguete, make sure you put this in your list of must-see places!

TEAM DUMAGUETE

2007-06-06T00:52:00.000-07:00

I know, I know. This has been a long overdue entry that I should’ve done four days ago, but the writing bug had just hit me now. So here’s my shout out to my Team Dumaguete. The trip to Dumaguete would not be as colourful if not for these people, namely, Camsi, Tim and Kat- or now called, Team Dumaguete. The six days spent with these people were filled with so much fun, adventure, exploration and so much laughter it made my stomach hurt A LOT! There was never a dull moment with this bunch, I tell you. The memories I’ve shared with them are priceless.

Camsi sunbaking at Apo Island.

Tim atop the rock at the Fish Sanctuary.

Kat with her zips at Apo Island.

This is me with the Buggy.

The wackiness of this bunch began in our trip to Apo Island. From the drop-off point of Malatapay Market to Apo Island, we met Jess, a 26-year-old guy from England, who’s been travelling around the world for about 3 years now. Camsi and I have this habit of talking to each other with a pseudo or over exaggerated British accent, so when I heard Jess’ accent I thought I’d try it out with him this time. But to my embarrassment, well, I should’ve known from past experiences in Australia that I’ll never get the British accent, I think I just blurted out “How’s it going matey?” Then he tried to be nice and just laughed a bit, then maybe he realised he should tell me that I didn’t really speak British as it sounded Australian so he then blurted out ‘Umm, not quite.” Then the silence. A second after that, everyone broke into laughter. I was so embarrassed I wanted to jump off the out-rigger. TABLADO AKO ok?! hahaha We were drawing closer to Apo Island, everyone was getting excited as the Island and the water surrounding it just looks so enticing you’d want to jump off already. Well, I think someone got soooooo excited….and so she did. Kat decided to jump off straightaway from the side of the out-rigger right after parking, but she then realised that the water was not only knee deep (she had to change clothes after) but a bit more than that, it was a tad bit late as she was already soaked in water. When we saw the reaction on her face, everyone just burst into laughter, including Jess! Hahaha! Peace Kat! We spent the rest of the afternoon snorkelling and sunbaking. There's not much to do in the island but just relax and stare at the horizon. I didn’t mind not to have electricity in the Island during the afternoon, but at night, while we were having a few drinks, I was sweating like a pig! Oh and it got even worse than that as I was sweating while sleeping! Haha! At one point, I thought I took a leak in my dream and wet my bed hahaha! Yes it was that hot, no sea breeze at all! I ended up fanning myself til I fell asleep. In the morning, Kat told me that I woke up and got up from bed and asked her if she saw Kat, she replied, “I’m Kat!” and I said, “No, where’s Kat?! then went back to bed. Hahahahahahha! Shyttee that was the funniest! I can just imagine her face at that time, she must’ve been so “wierded” out by me. I can’t even remember doing it that day! But now that I’m trying to recall it, I think I did. I don’t sleep walk, but I do talk when I’m asleep as many have told me. We spent 2 nights in Apo Island, then went back to Dumaguete. After a few days in Dumaguete, we decided to go to Casaroro Falls, apparently its one of the most photographed falls here in the Philippines so we checked it out. We were suppose to go there by riding the buggy being rented out by Happy Fred's bar, but for some twist of fate the buggy just ain't working.So we had to take the 'habal-habal' to go to Casaroro. Getting to Casaroro was fun, we had to each ride a single motorcycle or called 'habal-habal' and ride at the back of the driver, it was a bit uncomfortable at first but you’ll get used to it as the travel time is quite long (about half an hour). The hike to the falls was really arduous as it takes 338 steps just to get down, then add a few more metres til you finally get to where the falls is. We really didn’t have a proper warm-up so our knees were already shaking right after. Another challenge is getting to the basin of the falls, there were too many rocks and they’re slippery. Once I'ved reached the basin of the falls, I can't help but be quiet or maybe pensive. The sound of the water hitting the basin was just so relaxing. We dipped in the basin, and damn the water was so cold-ice cold! We were shivering! It was amazing as it was my first time to get that close to a huge falls like that. On the way back, I was so confident that I won’t slip, and I did. I don’t know how it happened that I chose not to follow the path but take the other route, then there I go I fell flat on my a**! It didn’t hurt much but I was lucky there weren’t any sharp rocks that could have pierced my back or hit my head! Thank God! Spend the rest of the days in Dumaguete trying out different restaurants, bars etc. It's amazing how cheap food and drinks here in Dumaguete, and they're really good!

Tim, Me and Kat inside the over-sized tricycle.

Team Dumaguete with Jess at Liberty Resort in Apo Island. "Have a bittaahh beeeaahh at the bahhhr" hahah!

Me, Camsi and Kat at the Fish Sanctuary. "There were a lot of colourful corals that seem like a BRAIN of a human being! ahahahahah! Will never forget that barok video! hahaha!"

Team Dumaguete inside the Buggy.

Kat, Camsi and Tim at the Fish Sanctuary.

Team Dumaguete's last night. At "Hayahay", a famous hangout place in Dumaguete.

These were just some of the highlights of our trip to Dumaguete, it’s sad that theirs ended already. To Team Dumaguete! I miss all of ya! Wish you guys stayed much longer, so many places to go here in Dumags! Haha! But I’m sure we’ll have a lot more trips to go to! Thank you again for the memories! It’s a perfect send-off trip to the lost sputnik!

And now, I welcome Tina, the other sputnik. I’m sure that we’d share a lot of memories too and so looking forward to that! Cheers! Goodluck to us!

The other sputnik and the lost sputnik. Our first night in Dumaguete.

UP NEXT: CASARORO FALLS VIDEO AND PICTURES
ANTULANG PENINSULA VIDEO AND PICTURES

Til Then,

The Lost Sputnik

Para kay Ron

2007-06-03T07:11:00.000-07:00

(Ron with Seashore, a young local of Apo Island)

Tahimik na ang kampana.
Ang tanging ingay na lamang
na pumapailanglang
ay ang tagaktak ng tubig
na bumubulwak sa banga
upang saluhin, at muling iligwak,
ng kambal na lawa
sa kaniyang ibaba.

Anim na araw ka pa lamang dito.
Ngunit ang tinig mo’y
sing-lambing na rin
ng uyayi ng kalmadong alon
sa dalampasigang,
sa iisang siglap, ay nakaon
ang iyong puso.

Nagliwanag na
ang makulimlim mong mga mata.
Sing-brilyo ng tama ng araw
sa biyak-biyak na korales,
na nilapatan ng iyong mga paa,
sa islang nilimot ng tadhana.

Tahimik na ang kampana,
ang himig ay may lambing na,
at ang liwanag ay muli nang nagpakita.
Anim na araw--
matapos humalik sa paliparan
karagatan, tahanan,
ng siyudad na nabuhay noon
sa iyong kaisipan,
at ngayo’y bahagi na
ng iyong katotohanan.

Anim na araw mula ngayon,
nakatakda na rin ang iyong paglisan
ngunit paano na nga ba lalayuan
ang ngayo’y katambal na
ng damdamin mo at isipan?

-The other sputnik
Cafe Antonio, Dumaguete City
2 June 2007

The best way to a man’s heart…

2007-06-03T06:56:00.000-07:00

--Or mine--is through the stomach. Logic and reason rarely win over this eternally capricious part of my body. It’s that part of my physicality that truly represents the real me: whimsical, stubborn, ever searching, never satisfied.

It’s 10 in the morning, the sun’s shining brightly—too bright I must say—that’s why I am here, hiding in the corner of Sans Rival, a restaurant along San Jose St. in Dumaguete City, having my fill of beefy cheesy lasagna, french toast and instant coffee. Fifty-five pesos for a full breakfast meal. Not bad at all! I’m just waiting for Ron to come in before I order their oh-so-yummy silvanas. I am not really into the saccharine stuff, but I really like this one. The filling tastes like finger-lickin’ good icing. It’s best to eat them cold so the filling doesn’t melt and blend in with the sweetness of the crust. The legacy of the recipe goes all the way back to the seventies. 77 to be exact, same year I was born.

Ron and I have been touring some of the food and bev spots around the area since I got here yesterday morning. First, we had lunch at Boston Market, a quaint country-style kind of resto that serves good pasta and entrees. I had a really savoury Tuscan Porkchop, with a salad side dish with a really peppery dressing (I finished my salad, and I don’t even love vegies! Yey!). The meal reminded me of a good lunch at the Manor House in Baguio City, only the price for this dish (at 95.00) is a mere quarter of how much I would be paying in that big log house in the City of Pines.

We then went back to our rented room, adjoining a lugawan stop called Hoy! Lugaw. It’s a really small place with overturned pots for seats. Located right in front of the Dumaguete Bay, along Rizal Boulevard, it gets a lot of the sun and heat during daytime. This is the reason why I haven’t stopped by for a taste of their lugaw just yet. But I passed by the place late last night and it was almost full of local patrons.

Ron took me here at Sans Rival for dinner last night, where I had two slices of Bistek Tagalog. Not very satisfying. But people are really here for the sweets anyway. After dinner, we went to the Spanish Heritage building where Cafe Antonio is. The building is one of the oldest in the country, and it is now being occupied by certain food and bev establishments.

Cafe Antonio is a lovely fine-dining restaurant that could easily win a five-star ranking just for its rustic ambience and simple elegance. It has tables with swing seats, ferns, an old small silent bell, clay pot falls, and a balcony that has probably seen countless “bayles” during its heydays. We stayed there for an hour and tried to write while Ron drunk iced tea and I finished my Twinings hot tea. The place was really conducive for writing and I think that I might have actually written a poem. I think, because I don’t really know if it could pass as poetry. Oh and the waiter is really friendly and continuously speaks in English even if you start talking to him in Tagalog.

After that, we took a stroll along Rizal Boulevard, where a number of families have rolled out mats sharing a dinner picnic overlooking the bay. The sight had my heart melting in a snap! To recover from the emotional assault, Ron and I went looking for a good bar. A tricycle driver gave us some suggestions and took us to a couple. The first one, called Gimmick, did not really fit our fancy. Just looking at it from the outside suddenly gave me a rush of remembrance of Iloilo’s Fort San Pedro or Kalibo’s Magsaysay Park during the Ati-Atihan. It’s not that I didn’t like those places. It’s just that I would only go there to be with my aunts and uncles.

So we then moved on to a place called Payag sa Likod, a reggae-inspired local hang-out in front of the Provincial Hospital. The place has a number of nice “payag” or huts, with bamboo mats and floor pillows. Their Payag Jam, which is a mix of vodka, Malibu, pineapple juice and crushed ice was really good. And at 100Php, it’s big enough for Ron and I to share. We left just as soon as we finished our drink (which didn't take too long realy). We wouldn’t have left that soon if the lead singer of the local band that was playing didn’t start to get on our nerves. Someone has to tell him he’s not Rico Blanco!

We then went back to Rizal Boulevard, where we had some tempura--a local streetfood that is basically fish fillet shaped to look like a Japanese shrimp tempura. There was nothing spectacular about it but it was only 3-pesos per stick. You could just shove it in your mouth for what could turn out to be hours without really having to think much about it.

We then capped the night at Le Chalet, where we had three bottles of San Miguel Pale Pilsen. Back at home, I would probably have preferred a San Mig Light over Pale. But somehow, being in the province makes me really appreciate how special Pale is. Served cold, drunk right off the bottle, it couldn’t be more perfect!

In just two days, I must say that Dumaguete—with its delectable sweets, interesting resto names, promise of more beautiful discoveries, bayside tempuras, cheap meals and ice-cold Pale Pilsens satisfying my stomach and the me I really am: whimsical, stubborn, ever searching, never satisfied—has definitely found its way to my heart and captured it.

-The other sputnik

APO ISLAND, Negros Oriental

2007-06-03T05:14:00.000-07:00

APO ISLAND is situated just off the south coast of Negros. It’s known to be a diver’s paradise as it has a very rich marine life. For the non-divers, snorkelling can equally be as enjoyable. The island has well-preserved sanctuaries and the crystal clear water makes it easier to sight turtles and different kinds of fishes. For the on-foot explorers, the island is surrounded by hills that are not too hard to hike (less than 200 steps). The hike is definitely worth it as the view is simply enigmatic. From the top of the island, the ocean floor breaks into different hues of blue. Although it doesn’t have the long stretch of white powder-like sand along the shore, the life-size rocks and the spread of crushed corals makes up for it. The island has a small village, where around 200-300 locals reside, whom majority of them are farmers and fishermen. A generator powers the whole island, so electricity is scheduled all through out the day. Having no electricity in the Island most times makes you appreciate nature more as there won't be any distractions, it'll keep you focused.

Turtle Sanctuary

Fish Sanctuary

How to get there?

From Dumaguete City, hire a tricycle for 200-300 pesos or a van for 1,500-2,000 pesos to take you to Malatapay Market (drop-off point to Apo Island).The trip is approximately 30-40 minutes. From Malatapay Market, take an out-rigger boat for about 570 pesos(round trip) to Apo Island, travel time is approximately 45 minutes to an hour depending on the weather.

Where to stay?

Liberty Resort
Dorm Type- 300 pesos a night
Standard/Double Room- 1,378 pesos

The rooms are clean and spacious, just what you need in Apo Island, it's nothing fancy but it does its purpose. Take note, they use salt water even in their bathroom wells, so it might be wise to bring with you a liter of water (for brushing your teeth).

The resort has a restaurant, but food isn't that great, it's okay. It's actually better to eat at the 'carenderias' within the village.

To book, email liberty_apoisland@yahoo.com

Another resort in the Island, well there's only two, is Kan Upi Resort. It's beach front and made out of concrete. A bit more expensive than the other but if you're sharing it with friends then it's all good.

What to do?

For the lovers of the underworld, Apo Island is definitely something to be experienced as it offers the best marine life. 'Paul's Dive Shop'offers diving lessons for begginers (up to 50% off for Filipinos according to Liberty, owner of Liberty's resort,rental of gears and equipments both for diving and snorkeling. So don't worry about the hassle of bringing your own gears and equipments as the rates aren't that expensive.

If you're tired of the water, climb up the hills of Apo Island to see the 360 degree view of the whole island. If that's still not enough, the lighthouse of the island is worth the hike as well.

A visit to the small village in the island is something to see as well as they have a few sari-sari stores, carinderia, billiard places and even a karaoke station.

Schedule of Electricity
8-11am
3-5pm
6-9pm

Things to bring:

Flashlight or torch
Aquashoes
Hand fans
Mosquito repellant

More photos to come.

Til then,

The Lost Sputnik

DUMAGUETE

2007-05-28T05:32:00.001-07:00

So the journey begins, first pit stop is Dumaguete, populary known as 'The city of Gentle People'. Along with two of my friends, Camsi and Tim, we were scheduled to leave manila at 2:10pm, but as always, Cebu Pacific has yet again announced that our flight will be delayed for an hour or so. From my previous travels via Cebu Pacific, flights were always delayed so this time I didn't get disappointed much, it pays not to expect too much from 'go fares or the budget airfares'. I thought to myself, getting a good bargain for airfares were too good to be true. But can't complain now, can I? haha! But, it's all good better than paying heaps!

While at the domestic airport, I can't help but notice a great number of korean couples wearing matching clothes- as in complete attire from caps, tshirts, pants and yes, shoes! walang patawad! I didn't have the courage to ask any of them as to what's behind the concept but I swear next time I'll ask them upfront (of course not in a rude way). All I know is that when koreans get married, Philippines, specifically Boracay, would be on the top of their list as to places to go to for their honeymoon. And that it's been a tradition to wear matching clothes when you go on a honeymoon? (not sure, so feel free to correct me). Very interesting don't you think so? Now, I wonder what other nationalities think of us when they see us?

Here are some of the candid or should I say stolen shots I took of them (really apologetic for taking these but I just wanted to share..so peace guys).

Then the flight to Dumaguete via Cebu Pacific was finally announced for boarding. The flight was a bit bumpy, there were too much turbulence, Camsi was getting a bit nauseous.

Tim and Camsi on the Plane

Oh and there were no free food-waaaah! We were starving to death! Again, there goes our budget airfare! Travel time took longer than expected, it should've been just an hour and ten minutes flight but due to bad weather we had to travel 'safely' according to the pilot.

We finally arrived Dumaguete. And the weather was just right, not too hot and humid. It was drizzling, so it made the weather a bit cooler. We were welcomed by tricycle drivers, who have over-priced us by the way. We paid 150 pesos, but we should've just paid 30 pesos each. Lesson learnt! Should not say yes straightaway! haha! But, hey the driver gave us some bullshit about some crazy ass rules on getting a tricycle at the airport-we believed it for a while, but at the back of our mind we knew it was a scam! haha!

It's too early to tell something about the place as we only just arrived but one thing that I really noticed was the tricycles or multicabs, they were over-sized, taller and bigger than the usual that I've seen in other provinces and in manila. It was awkwardly comfortable!! Parang may shock absorber! haha!

Here's Dumaguete's version of the tricycle.

The awkward comfy look hahaha!

We then met up with our friend, Kat, who's been waiting for us at the Hotel Palwa. She got to Dumaguete first since she took the boat to Dumaguete from Bohol. Kat got us a very nice hotel and most importantly cheap. We're only paying 1,300 (divided by 4) with free breakfast for 4. Itinerary for tomorrow, we're going to APO Island for 3 days, so I might not be able to connect to the Internet as electricity there is so precious, the whole Island is being powered by a generator. So I'll probably be able to upload my first video on friday.

I'll keep you guys posted! Til then,

The Lost Sputnik.

So the two sputniks

2007-05-14T00:31:00.001-07:00

When tina asked me if she can come along, I didn't hesitate to say yes straightaway. Aside from my bestfriend Mayen (who's equally an awesome writer too), she's someone that I look up to as she's been working as a writer for about ten years now. I constantly ask advices from her when it comes to so many things about career or the so-called "rakets". She helps me put things in perspective during the times I needed it the most. I admire her for having the courage to decide to leave everything behind for a while (for a month), and join me in this life-altering trip. I know that she has a lot of responsibilities that she has to attend to, so I know how hard it was for her to come up with a decision. But thanks to her very understanding and supportive husband, Raymond, who made it easier for her to decide. Having her around in this sputnik adventure would surely be a blast as I know that I can learn so much from her as well.

What's ironic about this sputnik adventure is that we're both going to the same places together and share common experiences but seperately, behind all these, we find our own true substance-our own orbits.

So T, I can confidently tell you as early as now that you've made the right decision to join this trip. You'd be gone for a month, but what you'd learn from this will definitely last you for a lifetime.

So goodluck to us! Cheers mate!

R

P.S. (since pinauso mo na ang P.S. haha)

If in the middle of our trip, you decide to go for morethan 1 month, just let me know, I'd be morethan willing to tag you along til the end of this trip. T, you got 3 weeks to go!

2 WEEKS TO GO

I only got 2 weeks to go before I leave for my first destination. I wake up each morning having butterflies in my stomach. It's as if once I've opened my eyes, I hear the song "I'm so excited..but I just can't hide it..I'm about to lose control..and I think I like it." playing incessantly in my head then I break into a dance number..nah just kidding! hahaha!

Days are getting by so quick. Next time I post something here, I'd be on the way to... I'll tell you all soon! =)

til next time!

The Lost Sputnik.

The Other Sputnik

2007-05-13T09:12:00.000-07:00

I’m trying to remember how it was like to be Ron’s age. That was six years ago now, the year was 2001. I was working full time as a writer for an international Filipino channel, and part time as an episode producer for a well-known broadcaster in an award-winning nightly talkshow on current events. On top of these, I was also collaborating with an old friend for some PR work for two big restaurants and contributing articles for a leading newspaper and some magazines. I was on a roll, ika nga.

I was overwhelmed with all the opportunities that my writing was leading me to. And I grabbed every single one that came along. Until I didn’t know anymore in which direction to focus. I was just living each day trying to complete the requirements each job demanded from me. And there came a time when I could no longer deliver well in most of them. Sobrang kalat, ika nga ulit.

Since then I’ve been jumping from one orbit to another, not totally feeling a sense of fullfillment in any of them. I’ve tried dabbling in business, I’ve switched from being a kapamilya to being a kapuso and back again, I’ve handled events and even worked for seven months abroad, but I still feel like a sputnik that is helplessly lost in space. And I’m thirty.

Ron told me about his plans to travel at a time when I myself was getting wary about all this “feeling lost” bit. With my friends already climbing the ladders leading to their specific goals in their professional lives, I’ve been finding myself asked too often about what I truly wanted to do with mine. I only have two answers for that-- to travel and to write. Or more specifically, to write about my travels.

But in all these times that I’ve said that, I haven’t really done anything concrete in pursuit of it. Somehow in the past six years or so, I have lost the right amount of enthusiasm to truly pursue a dream. All I can afford to come up with is mediocre excitement about mediocre pursuits. There was a time I was so confident that I could do anything I’d set my heart to. And then I find that for the longest time, my heart wasn’t really into anything anymore.

I admire Ron’s humility to try to focus on knowing what he really wants and where he really wants to be, at a time when the world is still so generous with opportunities for a youngblood like him. He could take them all in but as he said he’d rather have nothing than have everything and yet still feel lost. At his age I think he is so much wiser than me and I actually envy this, as much as I envy his youth and his capability to brave it all. His enthusiasm struck me so much that it actually pushed me off my already iffy position as a lost orbiter.

At this stage in my life I feel like I want to go back to being 24 again and do what I should have done. To focus on knowing about what I really want to be and where I really want to be. To try to see if what I have been claiming to want for so long is truly the right path for me. At thirty, I do not intend to move up the career ladder and be boss of anything. I just want to be good at something my heart would be happy doing. And I could only hope that travel writing is indeed that.

So I am braving it all now at 30 as Ron is at 24, and tagging along for a ride in this monumental jouney of his. His enthusiasm and confidence have definitely infected me and I only wish it stays with me for the entire trip and all the years after. I am glad he is happy to do this with me because I am more than ecstatic to have someone like him go through this journey with me as well.

Thanks, R.

Love, T

P.S.

We need you to be part of this journey too. Your prayers, your encouragement, your love, and your support will be gladly appreciated.

All about Sputnik

2007-05-04T12:26:00.000-07:00

Most of you might be asking what in the world is a "sputnik"? Well, here's a bit of information about the "Sputnik" that I've humbly researched or must I say googled?!In a nutshell, a "Sputnik" is the first artificial satellite built and launched by the Russians during the late 1950s. It was designed to orbit the earth- the earth's travel companion. Thus, the word "Sputnik" which means 'Traveling companion' in the Russian language.

So why the lost sputnik?

I believe that we are all sputnik-like in one way or another, we travel through life following a certain orbit. Some of us choose to have a lucrative career, raise our own closely-knit family, or the-never-ending search for our own sputnik. We all have our own orbit, we choose the course of our lives. But not all sputniks are built the same way as some are almost perfect and others are faulty. Like the "Sputnik 1", when it was launched, it only lived for 6 months before falling back to earth. Sometimes, there comes a point in our lives that we lose our orbit, we get sidetracked, we fall- we get lost.

The Sputnik Adventure

In my search to finding my one true self, or should I say my own 'orbit', I realised that I'd have to go out of my comfort zone. Being a self-admitted travel addict and a passionate film-maker, I decided to combine both and use it for my conquest. I am immersing myself to a backpacking experience around the Philippines and everything will be documented through this blog. I will write about my realisations and upload photos/videos of my current whereabouts and happenings. I have no concrete itinerary, I'll let the road take me wherever.

I'm leaving with an open-mind as I believe that this expedition is a learning process to finding one's true substance. When I begin my journey, I aim to commune with different communities, rediscover my roots, showcase the beauty and culture of this country and maybe through all these (very hopeful) I find my way back to my real orbit.

The challenge is that I have a limited budget, so that would only mean that I'd have to travel cheap. I can only afford two plane rides (manila-first stop and last stop-manila), so I'd have to take the cheapest modes of transportation available in the area. So, hello to dirt roads and bonamine-induced boat rides. Another challenge is to find the cheapest accommodations, I can't afford luxury hotels. So, again, hello to sleeping bags, camping tents, transient homes, bed spaces or to the very kind people in the area that would let me stay in their homes for free =) Lastly, is to find a job in the area, because for sure my budget will reach rock-bottom, so I'd have to find any job available just to get me by.

To some this might sound crazy, but sometimes we just have to do drastic changes in our lives in order to realise what matters the most. I'm hopeful that the time away and being in the most unfamiliar places will give me the wisdom I've been looking for.

Come and join me as I begin this journey on the 28th of May. As to when I'll be back? Only time can tell.

Wish me luck.

Being lost somewhere is not what I fear the most, but the thought that I might not be able to find myself again.

The lost sputnik.