Coron, Palawan: A Multitude of Surprises

The driver was furious and inflamed at the horned and hoofed masters dotted perfectly on the road and on both grassy sides. Mooing at the summit of their ire, it was as though those cows wanted to shoo us away, to go back to where we came from -- the airport of Busuanga -- while most were nonchalant, minding grazing alone. Mister driver spat expletives at the beasts to move away, raising hell, honking the car as hard as he could to no avail. Those cows definitely knew when to piss off bypassers, or so they tagged as trespassers. 

I was still cool, laughing at the obvious chaotic scene and taking pictures and videos, just making sure I had the moment documented, and drinking in the sceneries that were unperturbed to wrecked by the fatal monstrosity of typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan). Uprooted and broken trees were everywhere, the hills partly denuded, but everything was still beautiful and had the charm everybody's raving about, and a dose of fresh air made it all the more exactly where I wanted to be, which was far removed from the hustle and bustle the concrete jungle of Metro Manila epitomizes. I was in Makati after my Boracay trip. Slowly and finally, we passed through the end of the tail that late afternoon, which seemed like the longest and much of an agony to the impatient driver. I should have told him, "No rush."

Villa Khadine Grand Vista, where I stayed for 3 nights, is seated on a hill overlooking the islands of Coron. It was said to be recommended by the Department of Tourism for bird watching. Unfortunately, the bird sanctuary was partly destroyed by the typhoon. When I arrived at the villa of 4 or 5 native huts, I realized I was the sole guest checked-in. I only wanted a solo trip, but not anything which would make it too literal in a sense. An accommodation is supposed to be with people around to talk to and be bothered by their presence. Human existence is mandatory! Sometimes, all I need is a minute welcomy distraction. 

It felt like I was in a realm sans people, without a crowd. And with no WiFi, no TV -- that was compounded total isolation -- plus no hot shower, no aircon. But that was OK. I could focus more on my heightened senses. Only when the day shut down was I afforded a company or two -- chirping, calling, sounding all too familiar, though, from afar and just outside my hut. It was so cold at night that I could sleep like a log. 

To cut the long tale short, I have to say that Coron has a multitude of surprises! I even want to come back to be surprised the second time around! 

I am thankful for the main attendant of the villa for being so pleasant and helpful in arranging my tours around Coron. Through her assistance, I was able to experience Coron and its islands hassle-free. Thank you! 

Here are a few of my Coron shots! Enjoy!

Boracay Island in Frames

I won’t necessitate gloating over how stunning and awe-inspiring Boracay Island is. It is what it is: the Philippines’ premier tourist destination, which has one of the world’s top beaches under its pocket -- the White Beach. I let Google and Wikipedia stand by their own definitions of the island's face.

A haven for water-sports junkies, nature lovers, foodies, children on the prowl for water and the sun, couples silly-crazy for romance, and party-stoked creatures, it isn’t easy not to love the island. I love the life it breathes.

From the long stretches of Stations 1, 2, and 3, and back, to Diniwid Beach, until the colors of the sunset peppered the horizon, I was there, like a reclusive soul drifting on the shore, unfazed by the miles and even when all turned up its silhouettes.

Here is what has become of Boracay Island through my lens.

Second Sunshine and Mount Merapi

Mount Merapi as seen from Borobodur

Lunchtime came calling after leaving Borobudur. An hour later, at 12 noon, we’re already at the Padang eatery, where I had fried chicken, cucumber, and a local food that had familiar ingredients in it -- coconut milk, beans, and tofu. It was almost a Filipino dish except that it’s spicy. I’m sorry I forgot what it’s called (hands down, I’m not a foodie that I only eat whatever is palatable on the table). But one thing’s for sure, it tasted real good. Our lunch only cost us 23,000 rupiahs, including drinks.

my lunch! can someone tell me the name of this dish with beans?

We headed to Mount Merapi, the Fire Mountain, 30 minutes later. And just as when everything seemed OK, rain came pouring down – uninvited guests of our now flawed trip. Baim, my driver, asked me if I ever wanted to make a detour, since zero visibility was expected. But I opted to continue on the road, thinking I could still chance on seeing the volcano up close, regardless. 

Entrance ticket is 3000 rupiahs per person and 5,000 rupiahs for the parking fee. 

On our way to the base camp, man, I never thought it could be that foggy. I just rested my case, right off the bat. 

At the base camp, I just went wandering nearby; somehow hoping the fog would go away. But the rain still drizzled as hard-headed as they could be. With my hopes dashed, the trip just made me feel giddy (ha ha).

There was a deep ravine to the left of the foot of the volcano with dead trees, and volcanic ashes were everywhere, which probably resulted in the October/November eruptions in 2010. The eruptions took a toll on thousands of families. Over 300 people were found dead.

We left Mount Merapi at 1:27PM. I was obviously disappointed, yet the thought of being at the foot of an active volcano was already enough, calling it a wonderful experience. I had never been that close to a volcano all my life. :D

P.S. I was cheery upon witnessing the grandiosity of the smoking Mount Merapi from the top of Borobudur and Prambanan. Seeing a volcano was another first for me. :)