It's summer once again in the Philippines, and the most favorite question of every person who loves this beach season is, "Where to go?"

But before answering that, ask yourself first,

"What do you want?"

"Who do you want to be with?"

"Where do you wanna go?"

"What can you afford?"

These are just some of the questions to consider before anything else. Maybe the 'just pack your things and leave' sounds great and exciting, but if you are in a very tight budget and not sure of anything, do you really wanna do that, get broke, and ruin your vacation instead of having a great one? I don't think so. We all want a perfect getaway that would help us relax, recharge, recreate ourselves, and just throw all the stress away... So, I'm gonna tell you a place that would help you achieve those.

Found in Brgy. Buenavista, Gubat, Sorsogon, Philippines is where this paradise located at, and it is called "BUENAVISTA SURF CAMP"

Yep, you heard it right! It is a surf camp. Don't know how to surf? Afraid of waves? Don't worry, you'll learn how to ride one of those and eventually enjoy each of it when you head to this surf haven, guided by these fun and friendly surf instructors which will help you be a great one. Plus, the beach is really good, so if you're not into surfing, this place is still for you.

I am not fabricating anything, or just promoting this place.. I'm actually just helping you have a great summer vacay, so I'm going to tell you why I love this place, why I keep coming back, and why I am suggesting you to pack your stuff and head to Buenavista Surf Camp!

It was back in mid 2014 when a friend of mine taught me how to skim surf, and introduced me to the idea of surfing which made me curious about this sport. It is a fact that I'm that kind of a person who pursues my curiousness; sometimes it turns out bad but most of the time always turns out great! Well, like life... it is all about taking all the risks because life is a daring adventure or nothing at all.

Upon discovering surfing and this place I was very excited to answer all the questions in my head and just really excited to try it and be able to ride even just one wave. Other than the fact that this sport is packed with adrenaline rush, it is also a great sport that helps you get fit and a tan! Since I was gifted with loving friends, one of them took me to Buenavista Surf Camp and helped me satisfy my curiosity.

This was the time when I met Zaldy, a surf instructor in Buenavista Surf Camp who became my mentor, friend, and a great bro. He teaches surfing with all his heart, and surely you'll see the sincerity and passion for surfing that he exhibits whenever he teaches his students. He tells you stories of how he started surfing, how Buenavista Surf Camp came in place, and anything under the sun, so yeah.. you'll get comfortable with him right away just like I did.

I enjoyed every wave that I faced, every fall that I've experienced, and every breath that I hurriedly catched. It was absolutely fun, and it was one of those, "Once you started, you'll never be able to stop." It's actually a fact, once you experienced it, you never wanna stop until you achieved your goal, and that is to be able to ride those waves like a pro surfer does.

Since I enjoyed it and it keeps on pulling me back, I went back to Buenavista Surf Camp and spent a night in there. I stayed on this cool cottage with a hammock that's just way too relaxing to play a ukulele, and the ocean breeze especially at night; just way so good and everything is so peaceful.

In the morning, I and Zaldy went for a ride to catch the morning waves. It was good, everything is really just great.

Beside from surfing itself, let me tell you about the people I've met there and what it was like with them. Buenavista Surf Camp is actually not one of those places to visit wherein you'll find trained monkeys that hates their job and have no choice but to do it, so the service is always not that satisfying. In this place, there are no trained monkeys or slaves, here in Buenavista Surf Camp you'll find freedom with hospitable and passionate locals and surfers. No discrimination or special treatment whether you are a foreigner or not, you have more money or doesn't, you'll never feel like you're a tourist or different, you'll just feel home and comfy.. like you're one of the locals and you belong. Plus, for added info, for every cent that you'll spend here, know that it goes to the locals. You are not just having a great vacay and spending lots of money, no, you won't even spend that much!.. you are actually helping the locals with their day to day living and helping some other kids go to school. Yes, that is how great this place is. You don't just have fun, you also help those who are deserving and in need.

I think that was really what caught and locked my heart at this place. Besides from beautiful scenic views, amazing sunrise, and waves, the locals here embodied what a true Filipino is; hospitable, friendly, respectful, caring, loving, jolly and passionate. No wonder I fell in love with this place. It's a haven.

Everything about this place deserves a chapter in the book, and what I had here are only a wonderful experiences and friends, memories that deserves to be shared and kept forever. So, believe me when I say, go pack your stuff now and head to Buenavista Surf Camp, your great vacay awaits you! :)