http://www.caramoanislands.comMaybe for some of us, Holy week is one of the most awaited holiday every year. Because during this time, we can reflect and strengthen our faith to God by remembering our Christ's passion. But this is also a good time for us to bond and take a vacation with our family and friends. Others will take advantage these lenten season to fullfill their summer get away.
March 28, 2018 some of my old friends and colleagues, plan a vacation get away in one of the most promising Island here in the Philippines, the Caramoan Island. According to https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caramoan, Caramoan Island is located at the tip of Caramoan Peninsula, a rugged place of land extending into the waters of Maqueda Channel on the north and east and Lagonoy Gulp on the south.
The beauty of Caramoan capture not only the eyes of the local tourists but also steal the world's attention. One proof of this is when the American CBS, the creator of the well known reality tv show Survivor, chose Caramoan as their next location for the show. Take note that we heard that they are planning to do the Survivor Caramoan season 2 and we saw how they assembled one of the obstacle course used in Immunity challenges, sadly taking photos are not allowed at the obstacle site, for it will spoil the show. That is why we came up with the idea, why not we try to be a survivor cast away just for a day.
Anyway, we supposed to start the tour on March 28, 2018 but unfortunately something came up that cause the delay of our trip. We assembled in MOA car park at exactly 7:00 PM. The organizer told us that the van is on his way to fetch us. We waited there for a couple of hours until the leader of our group decided to ask the organizer what causes the long wait. And then we are shocked when he told us that the driver of our van encountered some minor accident along the way and he can't fetch us any more. The organizer also said that they are looking for replacement, but the other drivers are backing out because they know that caramoan is a long drive. What terrifies us is when he told us that the caramoan tour, which is the same schedule to us, already left and they are on their way to caramoan. We feel bad and left behind, then the commotion starts. Hysterically, we asked the organizer, why did they do that to us. Some of us cried, but the leader of our group did not loose hope. He insisted that they must take an action and give us whats the right thing to do. Its already 2:00 AM in the morning and every one of us feel exausted. Thats the time they decided to reschedule our trip for tomorrow (March 29, 2018) because its hard for them to find driver for caramoan tour at that time. We agreed to stay in a Motel somewhere in pasay while waiting for the rescheduled trip, but only if they will fund for the motel expenses. The next day, the new driver told us that he can fetch us at around 5:00 PM, the problem is, our stay in motel is until 12:00 noon only. So we are forced to check out after that. We decided to stay in MOA again, (for the second time). Although we are so stressed at that time, we manage to laugh for some reason. Maybe its the power of positivity. We think that its a blessing in disguise. Maybe the accident yesterday was meant for us, but fate made his way to save us.
Although the first day of our trip is wasted already, we are still blessed because the driver that is given to us (finally) is very approachable. The whole travel with him was smoothly done. He even suggesting for a good place to visit and help us manage our shortened time.
After 14 hours of road trip, we reach Caramoan province. Because of minimal time to spend, we change for our swimming attire right after getting off to the van. And then we are advice to buy foods so that we have something to eat while we are on the island. We go to to boat right after buying foods. As I said a while ago, we have minimal time to spend. So every things need to be done quickly.
Our first day island hopping was fine. Everything falls to the right place and timing. We visited 3 Islands that day. The first is Bag-ing Island where we eat our lunch and indulge in drinking buko juice. In this Island where we saw the construction of Survivor obstacle course.
Our second Island is Manlawi island, where we enjoy playing in white sand of the famous Manlawi sand bar. We also took some video around the place, some of it is like we're part of the cast of GMA show "Kapuso mo Jesica Soho". We're like crazy people laughing all the way. And the people who saw us is also laughing because of what we're doing. But it was fun anyway. The third and last Island for that day is Cotivos Island. It also have sand bar but due to high tide, it is not very visible at that time. Cotivos Island is also good for photoshoot. And thats the first part of our tour. The next day waw different. While we are sleeping in the trancient house, the weather suddenly change. The wind blows with heavy rains that night. It continues until morning. We thought that the tour for that day will be cancelled due to bad weather condition. But the "bangkeros" said its ok to take the tour because the island we will visit is not too far. We sail that day with fear and courage. 50/50 as we say so. We have fear because the waves is not stable but through our courage and prayers, we face our fears. Luckily we reach Pagaspas Island with no bad things happened. But the rain is still pouring like its not gonna end soon so we decided that it will be the Island for that day. We dont want to risk our life anymore. Anyway, Pagaspas Island didn't failed us. We also enjoy our stay in that Island. We swim like we never swim before and asusual unlimited photoshoot.
Maybe some of you will think that our holiday vacation is wasted already. Due to many circumstances and problems occur before and during our trip. But I can say that it is not wasted. Because the problems makes our adventure more fun and exciting. I remember a vlogger says that "drama is good for the vlog!". It feels like we are really part of Survivor Caramoan. And we actually survived! Haha. Anyway, the good thing is we came back safely and we enjoy our stay in Caramoan Island. And from the bottom of my heart, I truly believe that one day I'll come back to this wonderful Island.
Thank you for spending time reading my blog. Until next time...
I made a vlog for my Caramoan Tour experience. Hope you enjoy watching though it is not like professional vlogging. Hehe maybe next time, it will be better. Thanks guys! : )