Calayan Island: Twosome Adventure

I reached Calayan Island, unblemished. Haha. Only tanned and all wet. It was a little bit scary toploading the lampitaw. I was even taking emo-shots of myself while the waves were still calm. I would have been brave outside, a little fearful inside being on top of the boat, I described as “like in the Waterworld movie.”  But you know, God sometimes sends you unpredictably, people who will make the journey light, fun, and fear-less.

Yes, EAZY Traveler (Edgar Alan Zeta Yap), came along, with the same plans as me, to go to Calayan Island. So instead of solo, this became a twosome adventure. 

SPIRITED.

Look at him, he was standing-toploading the boat with his camera, crazi-ly shooting Fuga Island, holding on to a wooden bar. I couldn’t even turn my head towards that island in the west, as I was facing east, with a tight grip on the wood pole of the boat.

DARING.

EAZY was all wet as well. All over, like me. He sat beside me, and we were counting the splashes of waves that would slap our faces and our entire bodies. It was unfair, since some of the passengers never got wet where they were seated. So we concluded, “we are destined to get drenched for this adventure. Better than getting wet at Enchanted Kingdom’s Rio Grande ride. This is the real boat ride.”

Touchdown Calayan Island

I waited for 30 days. I was ready to travel alone, as usual. I already asked the contact numbers of the boats that will be coming from Claveria, Cagayan Province. I have been in contact with them and I was sure there will be a boat going to the island on a Wednesday. 

Calayan Island – Here I come!! This is it!

I do not know what to see in Calayan Island. I have been hearing about Fuga, Calayan and Dalupiri. When  Estan Cabigas of Langyaw.com mentioned the name of the island to me when we met in Cagayan de Oro in March, I was sure where I was heading to on the long weekend in April. Thanks to him, for motivating me to explore those islands not too many go to. Maybe only the fearless travelling souls would go. Like crazy me.

The boat did not push thru on a Wednesday, due to the tail-end of the cold front that brought strong winds in Northern Luzon. What the boat operators would always say, “if the weather is fine.” The coast guards from Calayan and even contacts in Taiwan would advise if go or no go.

I did not understand why. But I had to. I only experienced a cancelled ro-ro/ferry ride when I was bound to Caramoan Island. If they say that waves are unmanageable, no boat/ferry would dare sail away. Even if there is good weather at the port, miles away would be a different scenario.

MV Macara

The Travel Buddy I Never Asked For

I ♥ to travel solo. but the tail-end of the cold front affecting Northern Luzon can bring an unpredicted travel writer/photographer to come along. Two is a company, anyway. So was he really a companion?

As a solo traveller, I am used to being with myself, and with no one else. Just only me. J

I don’t tell people where I go. I just go.

It has been my plan that a long weekend will be devoted for Calayan Island. Then someone from that closed group of travel bloggers commented that he was going to Palaui, Calayan, Apayao. And I had those same plans.

on our way to Aparri from Junction Luna

He was going via Sta. Ana. I was set to come from Claveria. But his ferry from Sta. Ana has no schedule of trips the day he will arrive there. I did not know him. He was not even a friend in facebook. 

But we kept in touch. I was nervous. Who is this young man?

How I Survive Solo Travels

Sounds introvert. But my profile in the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator is E, for extrovert.

People I meet on the road often ask this innocent question, which was not at all so easy to answer, “You alone?” I answer, “Yes.”

My friends who see my photo posts comment, “Who is your travel buddy?”, “Who were with you?”

My simply reply: Just me and myself.

Maybe the next question would be, “Why?” They are startled and just blurt out, “Ikaw lang mag-isa?” "Hindi ka ba natatakot? " These questions are said with an additional exclamation point. So I nod my head and confirm, “Yes.”

That “Yes” would be one word full of courage, not doubtful. Safe Solo? Sure? Certainly confident.

It was and still, is a brave decision to do this. Because I have experienced travelling on my own to places I have never been before.

Is it hard travelling all by myself? I assume that you have read why I travel all by myself. By Chance. Choice. And Commitment.

Why am I writing this all over again? I think I never mentioned in that post if it was easy after all. That post gave a lot of encouragement to many, to travel solo. Some of them talked to me, trying to get more advice. Because I tell you, it is not that easy.

on my way up to see the entire SiQuijor

I inform. I inform my cousin and some friends of my whereabouts, which flight I am taking, my expected time of arrival, my destination, days to spend, and what adventures to do. Sometimes i post updates in Facebook. So that my cousin and friends know where to find me in case I get lost or never come back. A text message would be like this:

“Off to ride the aircraft to CDO 5J504.will waterraft.see Camiguin/Bukidnon.will arrive Manila by Monday, 2pm.” Replies would be “Take Care. See you when you get back.”

Spreading Happiness in My Travels

if you have been reading my posts, maybe you have noticed that the heroes in my posts are not the places, but the people who are so lucky and deserving to be living in those islands that i spend so much time, effort, and money with, just to see and visit. the other people have not been highlighted yet in this blog site. :)

as i move forward, let me just share this thing that i did. but there are actually a lot of stories of this kind that i can write here. but it took a long time for me to decide to write about them. as i really do not want to write about the other things that i do, on the side. but now, my purpose is to influence and inspire.

this is the most recent, as it happened only last night.

i attended the event in my company to award the people who have loyally stayed with the company. we talked about life's journey, with 2 groups - it was a whole day celebrating life!

that evening, it was extra challenge for me to get a cab. so in my long black dress, with no image problem whatsoever, i walked with my slippers to take the bus, then the jeepney. i was seated near the jeepney's entrance. when suddenly, two young girls, appeared, gave envelopes. and sang. they were singing an OPM song, and i could tell by the looks in their faces, that it has been a long day. they were just standing there, and i feared that they might lose their grip of the bar and fall.

that was when i whispered, "sama kayo sa ken, kain tayo sa mcdo." coz i know that there is one nearby. they said "yehey!" then i remembered that there is a jollibee store accross that. so i said, "sa jollibee nalang." they yelled, "YEEEESSS!" napangiti ako sa tuwa nila. 

i didn't want to lose this chance to do an act of random kindness. it came so naturally. like an angel whispered at me and tickled my heart. and just uttered that t them. like it was not me talking. you know, i was suppose to write this last night and post photos but i myself was touched and i just froze when i saw their photos again. shiver.

here goes the conversaton when we entered the jollibee store.

"anong gusto ninyo?"

"kahit ano nalang ate."

"chickenjoy?"

"mahal ba?"

"ano nga gusto nyo?'

it felt like they were my barkada already.

they were humbly shy.

i told the guard, "sir, kasama ko sila."

"chicken nalang ha? e sino ba kasma nyo sa bahay?"

"ako Lola ko." "ako dalawang kapatid ko."

"gusto nyo ng chocolate float?"

"wag na ate. tubig nalang."

"o sige chocolate float." i closed.

So i ordered meals and also ordered some for their siblilngs and Lola.

while we waited for the food, i told them. "baka gusto ny maghugas ng kamay?" 

so the went.

Travel Buddy: Migz, My Bike

I usually go to islands. I walk much. Or if it is a long coastal tour, I rent a habal-habal (motorbike).  Then I realized, I can drive the motorbike, as long as it is automatic. So I tried it when I was in Camotes Island. But I got scared. I was not in my territory. And I think any bad incident will not be covered by my health card. And with these three round scars on my legs, I think that would be enough reminders that I stop driving a 2-wheeled vehicle.

And how about that big bike of my cousin I drove to town, which I released on a curve to save myself, and let it drive itself?  Good thing it was that sturdy. I walked home that day, holding and pushing the big bike. And that was the end of my riding spree.

As a 10 year old semi-delinquent daughter, during a summer vacation,  I borrowed a bike and pedalled a usual 30-minute rough road by tricycle from our house in Claveria to my grandparents' barrio, Sta. Filomena, Calanasan Apayao. I cannot remember how many hours it took me to reach my destination. I enjoyed the winds and some drizzle hitting my young face. I just want to mention about my scars on my elbows; when at night I escaped the house to bike around the village in Manila; and since my brother was after his bike, I stumbled on a pothole. But that never stopped me.

When I was in Siquijor, I was tempted to rent a bike. That was only a 72 kilometer coastal ride. When I was in Camiguin the week after, I should have rented a bike. But I was in a hurry. So the week after, I made sure I will get a bike in Camotes Island, Cebu. After 10-15 years - i finally got hold of a bicycle! Weeheee!

My Photographer

To friends who have been commenting: “Ang galing ng photographer mo!” “May travel buddy ka na!” and who have been asking: “Who is your travel buddy?” “Who takes your photos?” “What’s your slr?” – I would like to introduce to you my photographers.

Meet Carl. He has watched those gigantic windmills in Bangui, Burgos, Ilocos Norte. He went up the Cape Bojeador, too. And he has seen that very beautiful ocean view from the lighthouse. He took photos of those sunrises in Ilocos. He took photos of the beaches in Claveria and Pagudpud. Sad that those photos have been lost. 

Aside from his up north adventures, he went over-seas to take a photo of each of the hundred islands, including “Kawawa Island” (pity-ful island because it was all alone, so far away from the many others). 

at Hundred Islands, Pangasinan

Cagayan De Oro: Awe-struck with The Stranger

On March 4, 2012, I met a different kind of stranger in a very peculiar way.

I love spontaneity. Not really impulsive, but I just go with the natural flow of time.

My plans didn’t work due to circumstances that are out of my control.

And this just happened.

That’s how I perceive it.

He waved his hand when he saw me entering the Thai Me Up restaurant.

I smiled, introduced myself.

I did not know him. I just know the name on how it appears in that closed group in face book.

He also mentioned his name, but of course I already knew.

I said, “I have a confession to make. I don’t know you. What’s your website?”

This was an embarrassing, guilt-ful moment.

Surprised, he replied, “Langyaw.”

The Lady Who Travels By Herself

"Mag-isa ka lang?" (Are you one? hahahaha - just kidding. "are you alone?")  is the only greeting that I get from homestays, backpackers’ inns, budget hotels, in airport’s waiting areas, in ferries, boats, in restaurants, and the FAQ (frequently asked question) in my facebook photos when i post them.

I am still somehow puzzled, even at the moment, on how to answer that. I should have created a script or spiel. But my normal answer is a simple "Yes!" with a sweet smile, and a little nod, and my eyes widening a bit.

bodyboarding at Sentinela Beach, Claveria, Cagayan Valley

Then there comes the next question, a straightforward  "Why?"

(silence. count 5.. 4.. 3.. 2.. 1..)


That is exactly what fills the air -- silence.

Did I really have to answer?

Siquijor: I Found Cameras and Lenses, And So Much More

when i arrived in dumaguete, negros occidental, i dropped by the drugstore. to buy drugs. for my headache.

the usual, i ask people anything. "saan po ang masarap kainan dito?" (where is the best place to eat?)

the lady replied, "sorry, hindi ako taga dito." (am not from this place. so i dont know the area)

me: oh okay. so may i know here are you from? (napa-English na po ako)

she: am from that small island there.

me: (curious to hear that "small" island) which island is that?

she: siquijor.

me: oh am gonna go there maybe day after tomorrow.

she: so you travel? are you alone?

me: (a simple) yes.

she: when you arrive there, look for .... you have to ride... there are trips at night ... etc.

i got her number. her name is Sandra.

after exploring the island for 1 and half days, i decided to meet Sandra in her small town. she asked me to go to their house. there, i met her family. it was more than pancakes and condensed milk for snacks. it was a little rainy that day. she asked me where i have been, i said: "to the caves, to the witches (just kidding), and to the 72 kilometers coastal ride. except the sunset."

when i said, i missed the sunset at larena beach, she right away said: "the sun is up, c'mon, let's go let's go."

together with James, her husband, we hopped into their vehicle and we went to their beach house. chased the sunset. i ran from where the vehicle was parked. i really ran as fast. and like baseball, i hit the base, just sat there on the wet sands, and by the beach, there, i was able to capture these shots of dusk.

while i was just staring and sitting there, Sandra was taking shots of me. hahaha. i was really exerting so much effort, with my small tripod, with my face already touching the sand, for a worm's view,and shot of this wnderful setting of the sun. no edits. it was really on orange overcast.

i had a very quick tour of their simple beach house. and Sandra told me, that she was supposed to tell me to stay there for a night but the water pipes along the road were being replaced, thus there was no water. she said, "nakakahiya kasi walang water." wow. that could have been best! but she said, i can go back anytime and go dolphin-watching. they also have boats.

when we went back, James ushered me to their house and showed me these! wattdah!