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!

Camotes Island: Sunrise

watching the sun as it rises

seated on wet sands as i await 

for the sea waters come to a high 

and conquer the shore

ocean brightens

rays strike to the ground

a dash of blaze in my skin

awakens my soul

excites my heart

a moment in my mind

captured only by my eyes

lingers in my memory

Siquijor: A Tour with Joam & Amjo

when i travel, i just. :)

i ask around and find my way. yes, i travel solo. (that post is under construction in my mind)

but this time, i will try having a tour buddy. recommended by Mervin, the Pinoy Adventurista, when he saw my post, he gave me the contact number. 

meet Joam, tour guide. and Amjo, his tricycle. my tour buddies for the day in SiQuijor.

J - jolly tour guide. when he fetched me at the siquijor port, he was with Amjo. and he called me with his smiling eyes, with a simple nod. cool, he seems nice. in my mind: i am safe.

Larena, Siquijor: Brown Coffee Moments with Nanay Mary

This is Mary. I called her "Nanay" Mary. She is 63 years old.

I planned to take the 5:30am boat/roro from Larena, Siquijor back to Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, to catch my flight with Cebu Pacific going back to Manila.


I woke up at a cold early morning breeze. I was still very sleepy, not being able to complete my usual needed 6-hour sleep. I walked from South Town to the nearby Larena port. In darkness, I found my way, since I already walked the streets of Larena at daylight.


I bought my ticket for the Ocean Jet, then changed my mind and chose to ride the bigger, open air boat. Since I was early, and a little bit dizzy, I walked and found my way at a small store near the port. An old lady was there. I asked, "May kape po kayo? Brown Coffee?" She said, with a very accommodating tone, "Naku, wala na. Teka." Then she left the store. And walked away. She came back with brown coffee in her hand. I smiled. What was in my mind? "She really walked that "extra mile" to look for a brown coffee at the other stores nearby, just for me." I felt special.

Larena, SiQuijor: Chasing The End Of Day

Early morning greets not with sunshine

But raindrops

Stops

At the break of dawn

With gloomy daylight

And drizzles on my face

I walk to see the horizon

Clouds fill my skies

A long wait

For a clear bright blue

Unpromising

Close to twilight

Winds sweep the shade

I run, fast

Chasing the end of day

Amazing Enchanting Light

Singapore: My First Step To Freedom

Having been embraced by my country, the Philippines, for many years since birth has  given me hesitation and fear of getting out of here. But if only I had the courage to apply for a  passport so that I could actually go out of the country, I believe I would have stayed out more than expected. And maybe I would still be out there, somewhere in between continents. And put my self on exile, for a long time, never to be found. However, the heavens did not plan it to happen that way. There was something crazy with my name that is why I lost hope and got lazy in applying for a passport. So when I was issued one, and when I had money to travel, I was determined to fly out.

I considered Singapore as a comfort zone, an extension of the Philippines, as close friends who chose to work there, were there to welcome me. 

At my age, travelling alone outside of the country, was more than an act of  bravery. It was to confirm my long-over due freedom.