I just wanted to go anywhere. So they asked me if I want to
go to Sabtang. Surely, wherever that is.
Excitement embraced my senses and that gave me a sleepless
evening. An early ride on a chilly morning with the view of the sea in a dark
blue horizon made it lovelier and romantic. Coming back here on this same route
is as astounding as the tour in broad daylight.
Waiting for the boats and other visitors till the day got
brighter made me still. I did not want the crowd allergy to get triggered by
some unnecessary clatter that can spoil my tranquillity. I think it was a dire
idea to have someone who has never travelled to tag along. I think it was
unnecessary too for someone to coordinate for my meals and all. I got biscuits,
water in my backpack. I travel independently. And I do not have an itinerary.
It annoys me sometimes to have people ask what I want. Because when I travel,
planning comes along the way, so naturally. I go with the flow and the heavens
just bring what I just need. I did not have to prove that to anyone. The
heavens know they just occur.
The man who was seated beside me waiting for the same boat
in Ivana started to talk to me. After that I got a ride. He mentioned that we
ride the other bigger boat which was more comfortable than the other one. In
our conversation, he was trying to ask me where I will stay. And some other men
were suggesting too. And I just said, I will sleep in an old stone house.
Actually, I have not seen Sabtang Island even in photos. I do not know anything
about it. And I just somehow knew there might be some families I can talk to
where I can be adopted. I was willing to stay for days. Because that is how I
get to know the culture when I am immersed long days in my journey. I can see
how worried they were that I seemed not prepared for my trip. Do not know where
to eat and where to sleep. And no definite time to go back. May sound crazy to
some. But that is the real thing.
People went right. We went left. And there were spots where
I said “Stop Right Here!” That is my advantage as I do not go with the group. I
can halt anytime I want.
And I can go back anywhere anytime I want.
Have you seen the old well? And the church ruins? Some miss
this part. Maybe you can drop by a sec.
Have you seen what they call Hongkong Village? This is in
Sumnanga. This “Hongkong” thing is not new to me. I heard this in Calayan Island,
Babuyan Group of Islands. Then I heard people say about it too in Fuga Island.
Who was promising people to make the islands like that of “Hongkong”? I so
wonder.
The rough ride shook my brains but it was a beautiful
coastal ride. Even if I tell “Stop Right Here!”, it was not possible. The roads
were narrow and steep. So no shooting as I could not hold my camera steadily.So
this is the part when i say “some creations are simply wonderful that they are
captured only by one’s eyes”. So just
savor. The other island which is the cows haven is just, well, many stone
throws away. I should have gone but as I said, a non-traveller tagged along
with me, limiting my exploration.
I am not a sight-seer. I am more than that. I see the wonder
without saying anything. I appreciate it by looking at it. And imagining how in
the world that it even sprouted that way. And when no words can explain that in
my mind, my faith is revived and believes more. And then I begin to worship and
praise. There may be not much to do in Sabtang Island, as many say so. But that
is because the tour guides make it a day tour and people just stop and look. My
intention to stay longer days was cut short by friend Weng who tagged along.
She was bitten by a scorpion in the old house. I really do not know. But she
was okay after being seen by doctors in Basco. She got tired with the day tour
and all. And I seemed to have been responsible to take care of her.
I still enjoyed my overnight extended stay in Sabtang
Island. I got to sleep in Louvella’s house which happens to be the grandchild
of Lolo Marcelo (who died at 105 years old in 2012). It was an accident when we
found out that the ancestral house was for homestay. Weng and Louvella were
classmates in College in Basco. The tatus or coconut crabs, fish and vegetables
for dinner were enough to add to the sweet kamote that we had for snacks.
The wide room was fresh and my view from where I was laying
down was awesome. I have always wanted a mountain view by the window of my
room. I decided that I had to be relaxed and really take a restful sleep.
Walking to the bathroom outside the house on a dark street with only the light
of moon and the stars brought out all my courage. Not once but many times. It
was cold. The massage I had was unique. And I just wish I have that rub everyday
wherever I am.
The next day, I waited patiently for the sunrise to kiss me,
so I can say, I am sun-kissed. I saw a group of fishermen with their boat. If I
had more time, I would chill here all day. But it was time to go.
I had to bring my companion to the health center. Then to
the church, so she could rest while we were waiting for the next trip. Me? I
went back to the arch.
If I were a tour guide, this is what we will do in the arch.
When the boat arrived, I stayed at the rear area. Then when
we were in the middle of the boat ride, we stopped. This is why. The boat crew
caught a fish. I was asking them where they would have lunch. It would be fun
to partake some catch with fishermen. It would be fun to listen to their
fishing stories.
Usually, tourists spend a day tour in Sabtang. They thought
that’s all to see. I know there would be some more if I had much time to stay
there. I should have decided to stay long days. I will definitely go back and
wander more freely, all by myself, in my bike. Or with a buddy who thinks the
same way I do.
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