I said NO to a paradise!
Yes, it has been a while. Life has been incredibly overwhelming lately, and it took me ages to get past the procrastination. I guess there’s a lot of catching up to do.
And so, I suppose I have to begin all over again - with a simple, “Hello, everyone!”
One day, as I was dealing with the office' daily mundanity, a corporate message notification popped up on my desktop.
It read: “Hey, we’re going to have a project in Palawan, and you’ll be transferred there.”
The message was from my boss.
It wasn’t even a question — there was no “Would you like to?” or “What do you think?”
It was simply an urgent directive, a decision already made. No room for discussion, no invitation for my opinion.
For someone whose soul thirsts for the slow, quiet life of the province, I should have been happy, shouldn’t I?
And yet, I said NO - and I meant it.
But it was Palawan. Why said NO?
I mean, for someone who had been completely worn out by the city’s endless chaos, someone who had always dreamed of choosing the quiet, gentle life of the province over the relentless pace of urban living - why on earth did I say NO?
In fact, I visited Coron back in 2012, and I can still say that its breathtaking beauty left me utterly mesmerized.
I’m certain someone out there would trade anything to be given the same order I received.
And I can almost hear my inner voice gently reminding me, “Hey, of all the places in the world, it’s Palawan, my dear.”
Maybe it was because, subconsciously, I had grown profoundly attached to the city that had been my home for nearly eighteen years. The traffic, the noise, the fast-paced rhythm of life, and the people with whom I had built incredible friendships had all become part of what I called home. And the thought of leaving it behind weighed quite heavy on me.
When they realized how firm my “NO” was, they gave me a week to think about it. The thought lingered in my mind, leaving me a little anxious, so I did the only thing I knew how to do - I talked to God about it.
Then one morning, I woke up with a sudden clarity: it was a now-or-never moment. On that day, even with a half-hearted acceptance, I chose to believe that perhaps the universe had gathered all my lucky stars and aligned them with God’s plan.
And so, finally, I said YES.
September 21, 2025.
The moment I first set foot on the soil of Puerto Princesa, Palawan, my heart raced - torn between the ache of leaving behind the familiar and the thrill of uncovering the beautiful unknowns that awaited me.
Yet deep within, I knew there was no turning back. I was ready to embrace all the wonders this enchanting place had to offer, stepping boldly into a new chapter and adventure.
And then, with a quiet, heartfelt whisper, I smiled and said, “Hello, Palawan… it’s so good to see you."
Aside from being renowned for its breathtaking, paradise-like scenery, Puerto Princesa is also home to remarkable natural wonders and landscapes - including the famous UNESCO-listed Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, a five-mile underground river. The city boasts rich marine biodiversity, pristine beaches, thriving wildlife conservation efforts, and vibrant eco-tourism. And of course, the warm hospitality of the Palaweños makes every visit even more memorable and truly worth the stay.
That's from a traveller or any travel article says.
Now, let me tell you about this place from the perspective of someone who has been living here for nearly six months.
Yes - six blessed months of waking up in this haven, and it has been absolutely amazing.
I’d like to share with you the secluded corners of this place where the universe has brought me — a place where every turn seems to hum with a quiet melody of tranquility, gently resonating through my weary soul, somehow mending the broken pieces within me.
Our project site is 45-minute drive from the city. Along the way, you’ll be treated to mesmerizing highway sceneries, with lush green mountains stretching beneath serene blue skies - a truly calming experience.
The moment I first set eyes on the site where the project would soon rise, I was momentarily at a loss for words. Awe washed over me. Before me lay a beachfront construction site, perfectly nestled within a tranquil tropical sanctuary.
As I sat there in my office uniform, floor plans in hand — yes, truly on duty — I had to pinch myself. I was at work, yet behind me stretched the pristine golden sands and the endless azure waters of the West Philippine Sea, a scene so breathtaking it almost felt unreal.
Funny, or rather amazing, how the unspoiled beauty of this paradise welcomes me in its own way, much like the wild grasses that cling to my pants as if offering a simple greeting.
Or how I stumbled upon this creature, probably staring at me, sending chills down my spine, only for me to think that maybe he was simply trying to say, “Hello!”
Or this cute little fellow, their very own local version of “Punch”, playfully hanging from the trees, probably greeting us with a cheerful “Hi!”, I guess.
With no casual or fancy coffee shops around, if you ever crave a relaxing sip of hot or cold beverages, why not refresh yourself with the naturally sweet taste of freshly-picked buko juice instead?
Or perhaps a freshly caught, giant Lapu-lapu fish, anyone? Just one of the many simple yet delightful perks of living in a coastal community.
Why would I ever say NO?
This was everything I had ever dreamed of, and now I am living that dream - FINALLY. 🥹
I could not thank God enough for such a remarkable privilege.
Unlike the famous Coron and El Nido, this place remains a hidden gem.
This is Nagtabon Beach, by the way—an idyllic coastal escape framed by lush greenery and towering coconut palms. Unlike more tourist-heavy destinations, it remains relatively undiscovered, which only adds to its charm. For those who crave a quiet and calming retreat, it offers a tranquil haven where you can truly unwind, far from the bustle of the crowds.
Behind the project site rise lush green mountains, calmly resting as they gaze toward the vast sea.
Here, you truly enjoy the best of both worlds - breathtaking views of both the mountains and the ocean.
Now, let’s talk about how beautiful the Palawan sky is.
Nothing compares to the quiet magic of a provincial morning. Watching the sun peek through the trees while the rest of the world is still asleep brings a deep sense of peace to the soul.
Or how mesmerized I am. For nearly eighteen years, I was used to watching tower crane silhouetted against the city skyline, surrounded by a sea of lights. But now, the view has changed to the calming beauty of a tropical paradise with the literal sea, where the sky is magically painted with golden hues at sunset.
Just how beautiful it is.
Even a simple walk through the streets here, watching the beautifully colored Palawan sky at sunset, feels magically different to me.
Here I am, counting myself even more blessed and fortunate.
I didn’t just find a paradise - I found a home.
I’m so glad I finally said YES to this paradise. Otherwise, I might have missed out on a whole new beautiful chapter of life I never knew I needed.
I could never thank God enough as I embrace each day with the privilege of witnessing - from dawn to dusk - its stunning natural beauty and savoring the calming rhythm of the Philippines’ so-called “Last Frontier.”
A breath of tranquility when life feels too turbulent to grasp - Palawan, everyone! 🍃