My solo backpacking trip, with a tight budget! And I guess everybody was making a buzz about it. "But why are you alone?" Well, I needed a break from everybody and it was cool to travel alone. And I celebrated my 20ish something BIRTHDAY in Bantayan Island. My closest friends and family know that I deserve this trip, after all the whirlwind of events in my life. Which turned me into a woman I am now. Much stronger, more enthusiastic towards life, realized that I love the Philippines and would never leave her, and I would explore more her vast beauty.
As I traveled alone, I met a lot of people, got lost and found my way while laughing (Yeah!! That's the spirit!), reflected about my life and just had a blast.
But why Cebu? Cebu is like Manila!!! Why not go home to Palawan? FYI, I didn't stay in Cebu City. I stayed in Bantayan Island for four days. I just stayed in Cebu City overnight. Someone told me that Cebu City is an over rated version of Manila. Whatever, tsong!!! I've never been to Cebu and it was nice to explore a place you've never been to.
Anyway, I took the first flight out from Manila to Mactan Airport, 4:30a.m. Then, rode an ordinary bus going to Hagnaya Port for four hours. The fare was 50 pesos. Met and talked to someone in the bus about the towns we passed by and asked about stuff about Cebu, like delicacies, festivals, etc. I remembered sticking out my head from the window of the bus. Just feeling the wind go through my face, if that's even possible, and felt the warmth of sun on my cheeks. Hahahha!!! Parang aso! I didn't stick out my tongue ah!!??? I didn't take pictures as well while I was in the bus. I just enjoyed every moment of it. I was mesmerized with the beauty of Cebu. Then, I rode a ship going to Santa Fe Port. It was an hour ride, I think. I feel asleep hugging my backpack. I was sleepy, a bit hungry and excited to reach my destination.
Anchored in Santa Fe Port, I rode the "multi-cab", pedicab here in Tagalog going to Hard Kock Cafe Inn/ Kiwi Lodge, owned by a Cebuana and New Zealander. It was a perfect place for me. No television, mini fridge, big bed and bathroom in a big Nipa hut. It was also near all the carinderias, public market, etc. For 25 pesos, I was able to eat a scrumptious lunch and/or dinner. Oh yeah, eat at Ate Khel's Barbecue stand. Chicken barbecue + Pusok + one liter of ice cold C2 ice tea, YUMMY!!!
My place wasn't a beach front resort. I made sure of that because I wanted to walk and explore Bantayan. I remember it was my first day on the island and I just had my afternoon nap. I've put on my bikini, spread the tanning oil in my body and wore my over-sized t-shirt. I decided to walk and check out the beach. When I saw the long strip of the beach, the radiance of the sun reflecting on the ocean and felt the warmth of the grains of the sand, I closed my eyes heard the sound of the waves and said "Amazing"!
