Some of my friends spent their most recent paycheck on a trip to Boracay. What better way to enjoy summer, right?
Wrong. By going to Boracay, they had a break from the monotonous work-home-work-home itinerary. But, they also had dents in their pockets to exchange for the three day bliss.
If I were to choose where I could be this summer, I would trade anything for a whole week in Samar and burn my skin under its smog-free sky. Not to mention, save myself the nine grand I would have otherwise spent on a luxurious getaway to Boracay.
Think about this: from Cebu, on the first day, I will take the Roble boat which would take me to Ormoc in less than six hours for only 500 bucks. Then I will be on a two-hour ride to Tacloban–enjoying nature with The Cure on my earphones.
In Tacloban, I will then grab a burger and coffee at Jollibee because right on the next block is the best place to grab a box of binagol (alternatives are welcome). I will then take a tricycle to Duptours; with just 20 bucks will make the driver happy with a 200% tip. Then, I will take the front seat on the next trip to Borongan.
On the way, I would probably save my energy on the first hour and get some sleep. But I would not miss the thirty minute ride along the border of Marabut. Mental note: there is this hour-glass shaped island to look out for.
Once in Borongan, I will make sure to make a stop beside Ever Pharmacy because if things have remained the same, some folks may still be there selling salukara—better than pancakes.
The first destination would be *Liso. You need a banka to get there though. It would be more like a 15 minute banka ride before I reach this rock island. There is no sand here but sharp rocks and natural swimming pools (let me call them my all natural infinity pool because they extend straight to the Pacific). If you are planning to go, I would suggest leaving your salbabida on the shelf because the place is so not salbabida-friendly. Also, I would discourage planning a full course meal because the rocks would not accommodate table napkins and china. That is why I would only bring camote, tinuon nga saging and palawan for my baon.
Second on my list would have to be Camada falls. It is just a couple of minutes from Sawang. It is not the Niagara but this waterfall is a hundred percent safe, even for kids.
Third day, and something that should not be left out is Cabong. The place is not some hidden natural wonder but it is almost Central Park for people in Borongan. Take a trip to Cabong on Easter Sunday no doubt you will bump into a handful of people from your neighborhood or your school or your workplace. In fact, the place has a very familiar feel that going to the beach sometimes feels like walking around your yard.
And before my week ends, I will probably visit Punta Maria. A high school classmate, Christian, used to take videos of himself with Punta Maria as a background while narrating that he was supposedly on an undiscovered part of Boracay. Know why? That is because on this part of town, the sand is white. And unlike Boracay, most of the time the place isn’t packed with thousands of beach goers. Think fun with privacy. In Punta Maria, I would spend a day admiring corals and sun bathing.
Some other destinations may be Guiuanon, Monbon, Rawis/Pantalan, Baybay and a river in Can-abong. But if I do get to Baybay, I would surely buy Mana Vita’s saging.
The week would end abruptly but it would be a week wisely spent because I covered the Pacific or part of it, and a waterfall to boast. Guess what, I could even get on a plane from Tacloban to Cebu if I feel like it, but with pasayan and kinis, unless cooked, I would not be able to sneak in. I will take Supercat or Weesam then and for 800 bucks be in Cebu in two hours.
With that type of tour, won’t you agree that THERE IS a better way to enjoy summer?
Medora Quirante is
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There’s nothing wrong with spending summer break in Bora because it’s a better way of breaking the monotony of urban summer life and the boredom of a laid back rural verve… In Bora, one could experience the flatness of the globe and the borderlessness of human horizons. The amount spent far exceeds the value of experience. Of course no one goes there penniless…
Not that I love Sinirangan less but the thought of enduring haplessness of our people and witnessing the grave destitution of the majority in one summer isn’t inspiring… So I’d rather take a plunge in the white, pristine shores of Bora and continue crafting a blue print for my future, my family, and others who I will consider to help.
Given the chance, I’ll still encourage my friends to visit Samar. By doing this, we will be able to help the local economy and tourism. By doing this, we might be able to give a chance for an industry to grow in the province. By doing this, we might be able to contribute in improving the livelihood of the population. If we do not help the local economy, it will forever be an agonizing sight of hungry faces and dilapidated homes greeting us every time we look out our vehicle’s windows.
There are places in Samar that we can truly be proud of. They may be underdeveloped and not as popular but they are beautiful and less crowded. Let us support and love our own! This is one way of extending a helping hand to those in need.
Peace!
just got back from Sinirangan… a little improvement on the thousand lakes is evident but from Mantang to Sulat is one hell of an ordeal! i heard bad politics between contending ambitions deter the final improvement of that portion. haruy! some people are reduced to their “little” self… the lowest they can get! anyways, seafoods, karan-un, tuba, company of old friends were great equalizers. never before did i spend a rainy summer vacation… thanks to the climate change, err… as Fr. Vic Balagapo in his homily said, “gracia iton tikang ha langit”
contending ambitions. does it involve separate tarpaulins and billboards?
yes! in different “colors” and “shapes” but in similar taste (or distaste)… hahaha