March 2, 2010 (3rd day)

Initially, my plan was to go to Culion, Palawan that day but I was given a message to contact Mrs. Lim ASAP. Going to see her, Mrs. Lim advised me to put off yet my Culion trip as there was a van going to Calauit Island (were animals supposedly roam freely) the next day with a group of tourists which I could join so as to save on the rental for the van and boat. As I didn’t have any idea how to spend my day, she advised me instead to go island hopping. Again, using her connections, she contact Al Linsangan (of Corong Lokal Galeri) who was also a promoter of the Ultimate Island Tour.

For a fee of P650.00 only, you get to visit Linsangan Lake, Twin Peaks, Atwayan Beach, CYC Beach and the Twin Lagoons. The rate is actually very cheap, as compared to other touring packages, because it already includes lunch, water, fruits and beverages, entrance fees, and the boat itself as well as the boatmen. When I asked Al why the rate was very cheap, he explained that most rates offered by other tours and hotels are high mainly because of commissions, with the traveling agencies taking a huge piece of the pie. In comparison, the Ultimate Island Tour promotes the concept of eco-tourism, which means that what you’re paying goes directly to those who make the tour itself, like the boatman and the boat owner. What Al earns from the tour itself is only for the service fee by providing tourists. Calculating the cost, I discovered that we were actually just paying the boatman and the boat rental a measly P200.00 only since the food alone would cost P100.00 and that the entrance fees to Linsangan Lake was P200.00, Atwayan Beach for P100.00 and Twin Lagoons for P50.00 respectively. I find the concept of eco-tourism a very innovative way of helping local communities create income for themselves and ward of competition from the big but mostly foreign businessmen (like what is happening now in Boracay). I do hope other local communities would follow suit in such a concept otherwise they would definitely be eaten and wiped out by the big guys. It would also promote tourism especially to local tourists.

Hopping in the banca, I was grouped with a Dutch couple, an English, and three Koreans. There were only seven of us, with me as the lone Filipino. It was awkward at first because I had never met them before and vice versa. However, as the day went further, I eventually got to know them better. The Dutch couple, Michael – works in Rizal, Manila as a volunteer for a Dutch NGO while his girlfriend, Anna, works in the Netherlands for the government in the area of international funding (like UNICEF). The English girl, Michelle, worked before as a veterinarian nurse, but resigned and has been diving around Southeast Asian countries for the past six months (I’d love to do just THAT!). She’s planning to have her final stopover in Australia and work there eventually. On the other hand, the three Koreans: Che – is a volunteer for the Korean government based somewhere near Butuan City teaching the Korean language to Filipinos; Moon – just resigned from her job in broadcasting, finished her master’s and is contemplating in pursuing her doctorate while her boyfriend – Park - is an actor well-known in Korea (I googled him later that night. Too bad I forgot to ask for his autograph. Hahaha…). It was a pleasant and enjoyable tour with the group that even later that night we decided to have dinner altogether.

One of the topics we discussed that day was the kind of treatment they received from Filipinos, especially those who earn their living from tourism. Hearing them voicing their opinions, I could not help but be ashamed of my fellow countrymen. Of course I can understand that we have to do our living to survive but what I cannot understand is the manner of cheating foreigners, giving them unreasonable and high rates, thinking that these people can afford to spend the kind of money they are charged for. It is a dog-eat-dog world out there, and sadly, the foreigners are aware of it and they give feedback to their families and friends. It is a reflection of our character as Filipinos, a shameful one, I might add. I couldn’t defend what they were saying because I knew in my heart that what they were saying were true. For example, even if foreigners ask how to ride the public transportation like jeepneys, they are discouraged from learning so because they are told it is dangerous and that it would be better instead to hire vans (for a huge price, of course), or that they are charged more especially if they do not know how to speak in Tagalog or any local dialect, or that they are cheated out of changes for payments, and many such other modus operandi. Michael even calls it the Tourism Mafia. How sad, sad indeed it is for us who earn an honest living and who try to promote the Philippines as a safe and decent place to live in.

Lesson learned for that day: Treat others equally, irregardless of race, age, sex, color or origin.

March 2, 2010 (2nd day)

Having eaten breakfast, I then walked towards the domestic airport for my flight to Busuanga Island (yup, my cousin’s place is only a walking distance to the airport). The flight itself via Zest Air was early and pleasant (as my previous trips have been). I’m a big fan of the airline company, having experienced its service during my bar exams in 2009. Of course, not all of its services were perfect, but the same can also be said of the other two airlines. What I like about Zest Air is that they offer cheaper rates, they are almost always on time, and their staff is always friendly and accomodating. I sure hope they can offer more flights to other locations in the future.

Arriving in Busuanga, I was pleasantly surprised that their airport (Francisco Reyes Airport), although a small one, was actually clean and newly built. I later found out from a Korean tourist friend that the Korean government actually played an instrumental part in its construction. Observing the island from the plane, and seeing the terminal location, one can feel like you are in the middle of a safari somewhere in the outskirts of Africa. The weather was hot, the land barren, with few dried leaves and grasses every now and then, and silica soil everywhere. Good thing the road leading to Coron was cemented, otherwise it would have been an uncomfortable and dusty journey for me.

Together with other strangers, we boarded the vans waiting outside the terminal. I was hoping to find a jeepney (the cheapskate mindset was already at work) but there were only vans plying the route from the airport terminal to the Coron town proper. During the trip, the van driver said something (which disgusted me)to the two front-seat passengers who were Canadians. He was offering to assist them in the event they were in need of beautiful Filipina ladies for "company." That was an outright solicitation for prostitution. Even if he said it jokingly, it was done it bad taste and improper because not only were there other Filipinos inside the van but it also gives the idea that Filipina women can just be bought anywhere for as long as one has money. I wanted to berate and scold the driver but I held my tongue back. I just hope that we do not promote sex when dealing with foreigners. No wonder there are a lot of them who come here only to sow their oats (or some other words with the same effect) because we encourage them to.

I thought Coron was a quaint old little town with very little provisions which was why I bought a box full of junk food, water, and beverages. Oh how utterly wrong I was! Not only was the place brimming with life, it reminded me of Boracay four years ago. I could compare the place with Carcar City, only that Coron is full of foreigners.

Before my trip, my sister (a medical doctor stationed in Roxas, Palawan) advised me to stop by the district hospital to check on a friend of hers who might offer me a place to stay for free. So I requested the van driver to drop me off at the hospital. However, since my sister had not given me any names whatsoever of her friend I didn’t have such information to give when the hospital staff inquired for it. I was really embarrassed the staff was very accommodating and hospitable (I love these traits so much. You rarely get it anymore when you’re living in the city). Even the hospital chief, Dr. Flores, offered the hospital dormitory in case I didn't have any place to stay (which embarrassed me to my bones). After many repeated calls, my sister finally answered her phone (she was attending to a patient pala) and gave her friend’s name, who turned out to be not anymore assigned in the area. She called her friend, who then gave the name of Mrs. Fritzie Lim, and advised my sister that if ever I should need any assistance in Coron, Mrs. Lim was the right contact person.

Mrs. Lim was not only very friendly and accommodating, she was also well-known in the area, being a successful businesswoman in Coron. We talked over lunch at her place and then she assisted me in looking for a place to stay (I decided to decline Dr. Flores’ offer out of delicadeza and shyness). There were a lot of hotels and lodges to stay in Coron but I was primarily looking for a cheap place to stay. Good thing the lodge near her pharmacy had a room. It was only for P200.00/night but I honestly will not recommend it for others, unless you have a mindset like me. Living in that room was like a scene from the movie The Beach (starring Leonardo DiCaprio). It was hot, cramped, already termite-infested and dilapidated. I will not even mention what the comfort rooms look like. Yet I took the place for three reasons: it was cheap, it was near Mrs. Lim’s place, and I will be seldom in it as I will mostly be mobile.

After an afternoon siesta, I went to see again Mrs. Lim as agreed upon. She told one of her employees to accompany me in climbing Mt. Tapyas and also contacted a tricycle to transport me to Maquinit Hot Springs in the evening. The climb itself to Mt. Tapyas was tiring and arduous but exhilarating, especially when you’re already at the top of the hill. It was also perfect that after the climb (which left me hot and sweaty) I went to the hot springs to take a bath. However, what left me disappointed was that there were no shower rooms and the bath itself made me more tired because the water was salty. Having no means to wash myself off, I instructed the tricycle driver to drop me off at the Kawayanan Grill, a name I was given earlier. By the way, I may be a cheapskate when it comes to accommodations but not when it comes to food. I consider myself maarte or pihikan because I make it a point that the place is decent and clean as it helps me enjoy my meal. I was not disappointed in choosing the place as the food was good, the ambience was nice and relaxing, and the staff was efficient and friendly. Afterwards, I walked all the way back to my lodge (even if the place is dark, you will not be afraid as the crime rate in Coron is veeeerryyy low…), took a bath, and went to sleep.

March 1, 2010 (1st day)

I took a plane trip from Cebu City to Manila via Zest Air. I am a fan of Zest Air Lines because their rates are cheaper as compared the other two airlines. But for you to get the cheapest rate possible make sure to book your flight months in advance. Otherwise, if it’s costly, then do it via Cebu Pacific or PAL, it’s your choice. The other reason why I like Zest Air is that it is based at the domestic airport wherein I then know my way around in riding the jeepney onward to the nearest LRT or MRT station (see? I am a cheapskate). Whereas, if you travel via Cebu Pacific or PAL, you will be arriving at the new airport terminal where no jeepneys ply, only the regular taxis or worse, the yellow taxis. Of course, I know how to board taxis in this terminal in a cheaper way but that will be discussed in another blog.

Before I arrived at the domestic airport, I thought of spending the afternoon with my Uncle Emerson. We rarely spend time now because he lives in Manila while we lived in Iligan City and then Cebu City. But he was there when me and my siblings were growing up in Manila (I was born in Valenzuela, M.M.). Good thing when I contacted him he readily agreed to spend time with me even at such short notice. Never regretted doing it because we spent the entire afternoon that day just simply hanging out, a first for both of us.

Instead of staying at a childhood friend’s house which was located near SM North in Quezon City, I decided to spend the night at my cousin’s house since it was near the domestic airport were my flight was to be for the following day and that I could also stay for free for the night. It definitely helped me save money for my trip since room rates in Manila (and I'm talking about decent places here) are not cheap. It was a good decision also since I got to spend time with my cousin's wife.

Lesson I learned for this day: if you have time, spend it also with your relatives. It will help you stay connected with them even in the future.

The start of my Palawan adventure

It was on a whim (actually… only a one-month plan) that I decided to throw caution to the wind and have a long but deserving vacation. After all, my New Year’s resolution was to have an out-of-town trip AT LEAST once every month. Not necessarily an expensive one for as long as the trip is outside the outskirts of Cebu City. I was so deprived of this enjoyment last year, since I had to concentrate for the bar exams. (as for the bar...let's not talk about it yet, ok?). Ergo the reason for my resolution. So far I've been to Calbayog City this January (to visit my brother), Escalante City in February (with my motorbike club). So for March 2010, two wondrous and glorious weeks in Palawan!

I chose Palawan because I didn’t want to be reached with the upcoming bar exam results nearing. As for the other reasons, hhmmm... the first reason is enough already, right?

By the way, I am a budget traveler, a cheapskate – you might add. Meaning, when I travel, I look for ways and means to make my travel as less costly as possible. In fact, cost is more important to me than luxury or comfort. If that means sleeping in the municipal plaza because there are no more cheap places to stay in, then I’d do it. I’d have to check and see first if the plaza is safe for sleeping, of course. I might be a cheapskate but I am not THAT stupid (Btw: I haven't slept yet in a town plaza. Hehehe...).

You might ask, will the same traveling mode work for me? It depends. There are some people who like to travel simply for leisure while others do it for the adventure. I go for the latter part. Yes, it is very tiring but also very exciting because you do not have everything planned out. That means it leaves room for the unsuspecting and surprising parts which makes a trip worthwhile. In fact, my ideal and perfect job is to be a host of Lonely Planet (of Discovery Channel). The hosts go to places and locations not usually known either by foreign or local tourists or even by your local tour guide. That’s where you will truly see the beauty nature has to offer. Of course, if somebody offers to give me a luxury vacation, why not? I’d accept it because I am not paying for it. If I am to pay, then it will have to be my way (the cheapskate way, that is).

Anyway, back to the topic at hand, my plan was to be on my own for one week and then spend the next week with my sister who is based in Roxas, Palawan. So instead of flying direct from Cebu to Puerto Princesa, I planned the route to be from Cebu to Manila to Busuanga (that’s in northern Palawan), then El Nido, then Roxas, and then down to Puerto Princesa City, back to Manila and then final stop in Cebu. Whew! A total adventure indeed.

Was I scared in traveling alone? Of course not. If you are an avid traveler, you will know that there are actually a lot of foreigners who travel on their own. It’s just that we Filipinos usually prefer to travel in groups. Although it is fun for others, for me it seldom gives one a chance to totally explore a place on your own since others may not be as adventurous. Also, it deprives one the opportunity in meeting other people from other places, countries or nationalities. Believe me, I am not a friendly person (at first glance) but when I am in one of my adventure trips I tend to be because I am keen in meeting new friends, whether foreigners or locals.

Lest you be bored already, let me start in narrating what events happened during my two weeks of total Palawan adventure...

I N T R O D U C T I O N

This is a blog. As such, this will mostly contain my views and opinions. You may proceed to read about what I think or you may stop here ASAP. If you do not have any constructive criticism then it would be better to stop reading this blog altogether and use your time wisely spent elsewhere. As for those who decide to further peruse this blog, please... feel free to do so.

This is about the travails, travels, and encounter I have experienced in my lifetime (well… not all of it because the stories I have here are of events moving forward, not those of my past). They say, it is therapeutic if you put your thoughts on paper. Honestly, I am not such a big fan of blogs as it may sometimes lead you into trouble. But that's the beauty of taking risks and having changes. It helps you to grow as a better person. As such, creating this blog alone is already a big step for me (and a big sacrifice considering that I barely sleep long hours due to my daily schedules) but I will make sure to not divulge ALL that is happening in my life. After all, you have to have something only for yourself. Please allow me to have that indulgence.

Every now and then, I might do some commentaries on politics, sports, lifestyles, news and current events, and even nonsense or mundane topics (even for me). But for as long as it will make this blog entertaining, then I will allow myself to be entertained (after all, this is my blog). For those who willingly read further, then I thank you in advance...