I have narrated how I miraculously turned the tide and ended up seeing Lake Carolina once and for all. But wait there's more... In this backpacking, my haggling skills and resourcefulness have been tested and stretched to their limits. But before I go deeper on this new and unique experience, let's take a few steps back.
Other Provinces should step up!
During our recent backpacking in Northwestern Mindanao, I was quick to judge the absence of decent Passenger Public Terminals. I kept nagging about the dilapidated Passenger Terminals we've been, or the lack thereof. The reason why? Southeastern Mindanao had set the bar so high.
To prove my point, below are photos I snapped at Baganga Public Terminal. It's screaming modernity, comfort and serenity; three things I think all Filipinos deserve from the tax we are paying. I wish initiatives like this can be implemented on a national scale. Cebu can do better!
Waiting for the public utility vehicle (PUV) that would take me from Baganga to Caraga had never been this pleasant and stress-free. All thanks to this spacious Passenger Terminal in Baganga fully equipped with chairs, clean comfort rooms, etc.. I waited for a little over 15 minutes for my ride and the journey towards Pusan commenced.
Why visit Pusan?
A typical Filipino will not hear about Pusan in his lifetime, especially those who are not living in Southern Mindanao. So how did I come across the idea of visiting this elusive place in the south? The internet.
I read in one blog that the "eastern most part of the Philippines" is somewhere in Caraga, Davao Oriental. At first, I was confused what the author meant but when I grabbed a mapped, it dawned on me, Pusan Point is the nearest place to the Pacific Ocean. Simple put, it is where the first light hits the Philippines.
This made me very excited! I've been to the topmost of mainland Luzon and in the southern most part of the country; this time I'm ready for Pusan!
It was the perfect day to visit Pusan. The sun glowed gloriously paving way to a clear blue sky; the wind was warm but not the kind that made traveling uncomfortable. The ride was smooth and quick; the driver and fellow passengers were helpful in ensuring I will alight at the right junction.
From the main road, I rode a motorcyle for about 10 minutes to reach Pusan Point. I told the young driver to wait for me. "I wouldn't take much time here", I assured him.
I'm prepared for this!
Naturally, I asked some locals where the entrance is as the main and only gate (it seemed) was closed. My heart ached when I heard the word "close" from the wife of the caretaker. Apparently, they're doing a massive renovation inside; hence, the temporary closure. Glee and excitement was instantaneously replaced with sadness and disappointment. I tried haggling with the caretaker but he didn't budge. I wanted to cry but I gathered myself and do what needed to be done: Call for help.
My job requires relentless spirit day in and out. At that very moment, I needed to think of all the possible ways I could legally enter the premise. "I was trained to conquer these kinds of situation!" "I'm not going home without trying!" My positive self talk took over! With the intermittent mobile signal I got, I searched for the contact number of Caraga's Tourism Office. Lo and behold, I was able to reach the Tourism Head; I calmly explained the situation to her. That I'm a solo backpacker who traveled all the way from Cebu just to reach the eastern most place in the Philippines. I promised her I won't cause any distraction inside and my visit would be as quick as possible. Moved by my words, she asked me to hand over my phone to the caretaker so she can give further instructions.
Worse comes to worst, I was ready to go home. I understood this was beyond my control and I did what I could. They talked longer than I expected; I didn't hear the rest of their conversation but I did hear "Let her in!". Three words and my life's changed forever.
There was only one condition: I'm the only one they're letting in. There were two other groups that arrived before me but unlike me who traveled far, they're just from Davao and could go back once Pusan opens for public viewing once again. I waited for everyone else to leave before I could enter. I've been through a lot just to be here; I didn't mind waiting a little bit more.
The male caretaker accompanied me; there's another entrance at the back of their house. Not long after, I was inside Pusan's complex. Signed up their visitor's log book and I'm good!
They weren't lying about the renovation. Everywhere I looked, construction workers were busy fixing things, applying fresh paint in surfaces and others cleaning after the mess. I stayed out of their way; the last thing I'd want was cause the littlest distraction and inconvenience.
There's an observatory deck in the main building in Pusan's complex but it's under renovation so I skipped it. I made my way to the magical ragged cliffside of Pusan. There I saw the unique landscape surrounding Pusan. From one end all the way to the other, these jagged cliffs surrounded Pusan like a moat, protecting Pusan from outside forces.
It's impossible to miss the huge white cross erected in one of the cliffs. The cross is facing the Pacific Ocean. There was no sign whatsoever to explain the structure's presence.
I kept on walking until I reached the very end. At this point, the young lad who drove me to Pusan was right behind me. He seemed to be acquainted with the caretaker and other locals; I saw taking photos, too!
I couldn't believe what I saw; it's as if I entered an entirely new world. My jaw dropped for a few good seconds staring at an awe-inspiring, picture-perfect view. The struggle was worth it! I would do it again and again if this is the view I'll get!
I don't know how Pusan did it! The gigantic and powerful waves crashing one after the other against the ragged cliff would've been a source of anxiety but it did the opposite. An ethereal cold breeze wrapped me the entire time I was there; peace was all there is.
I asked the young boy to take photos of me. There's no way I'm leaving this place without a single photo. I was very careful climbing one of the edgy cliffs; one wrong move and I might lose my precious life. The raging Pacific Ocean was ready to devour anything or anyone that would reach its surface.
I stayed true to my promise to the lad who drove me to Pusan. I didn't spend more than an hour here. A glimpse as enough to day "I've reached the eastern most part of my beloved country!".
Living life intentionally every single day, she believes that there’s no limit to one’s potential. Right now, she’s on the loose for the pursuit of endless holistic self-growth and development. She wants to light the way for others. She believes there’s no better way to leave a legacy than to pay it forward.
Her ultimate goal in life is to reach the state of enlightenment where there’s nothing but peace, love, happiness, and contentment - nothing more, nothing less.
If you are captivated by what this girl just wrote here, an upvote is pretty appreciated. Follow her as she tells her stories full of positivities. The next story might be for you! ❤️