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!