We've been dreaming of going to Guimaras for a long time and it finally came true last weekend. The plans were drafted. We ironed out schedules. The room was reserved. Then, friday night we decided to meet at the terminal at 4:30 saturday morning.
The First Trip
It was a gloomy saturday when we departed Bacolod. We planned to take on the route of Pulupundan to Guimaras Island. At 5 o'clock in the morning we commuted without even knowing what time the first boat trip is. After 50 minutes of road trip to Pulupandan we reached the wharf. We still had like two hours to prepare for a boat ride since the first trip was 8am. We sipped coffee and talked about the island - what is it going to be when we got there? Whatever that is ahead of us it would still be called adventure and it starts now.
The Long and Winding Road
We were amazed by the fine white sands at the coastlines of the island. It was as if welcoming as with its scenic view of Mother Nature. Off we went our next land trip heading for Alubihod where Raymen Beach Resort resides. Well, as first timers, we had a hard time in the van which took the long route around the mountainous village of Jordan (one of the municipalities of Guimaras Island). We practically toured the whole town but not for pleasure, I think. It was too late to realize that it was a commuters' van. That was an hour of prolonged agony of sitting (or was it crumpling?!?) just like smoked sardines in a tin can. At last we reached the main road of Jordan but our road trip did not stop there. Another 10-20 minutes of jeepney ride took us to Alubihod (can't tell time after that disastrous van ride). The trip did not stop there either; another tricycle ride finally had taken us to Raymen Beach Resort. And there it was, the hard-labored-long-trip was erased, white sands and crystal clear water had taken over- the sea.
The Superior Night
Our room is located at the 3rd level of the hotel. We unpacked our things and inspected the room. It had two beds; each could accommodate two to three persons - one for the two girls Cheryl and Jill. The other bed was for three of us, we decided - Ronald, Boojie and me. An extra set of beddings was provided for Archie. We were done just in time for lunch. Chicken and pork adobo was served for the six of us. It was good enough to recharge us for our next activity. We strolled along the shores appreciating the cool breeze and the view of the seaside. As always, photo ops were everywhere. Although, it was a little crowded for a resort, we enjoyed watching little children play along the water. It was as if the waves were their playmates. Taking a plunge in the water was a little colder than I have expected, though it was sunny. We thought it would be better if warmed up a little so we decided to go back to our room; and, alcohol went into play. Shots were taken - that was for a shot of glass and camera shots I suppose. We enjoyed the whole afternoon laughing at each other until one or two bottles of Tanduay Superior were consumed at haste.
The Chicken Dance
It was getting dark we finally plunged in the water. The alcohol helped a lot since the wind is a little colder at night as usual. Pictures were taken and admired the sunset. Even night swimming is in at Raymen. Spotlights are lit at night all the more the people swarming at the sea shores to experience the tranquility and the vastness of the sea. We kept swimming and playing along the waves until 7 o'clock in the evening. We washed a little and headed for the canteen for dinner. We devoured a whole meal of grilled pork and milkfish and sinigang na tangegui. After dinner, we took out another bottle of alcohol. As the night gets darker and darker, more games evolved until the "Chicken Dance". The game started with: the first person would give an animal name and then the next person would also given an animal name that starts with the last letter of the previous animal name (i.e. first person give duck then the next gives kangaroo then next person gives ostrich and so on). Anyone who could not give a name should dance the chicken dance. And yours truly did the first dance - pathetic. And they even recorded it. I went through it two times (whew!). It only shows that I'm not an animal person. Anyways, it was fun and we laughed our hearts out until we got tired and called it a night to reserve our energy for island hopping the next morning.
The Flying Pawikan
At seven in the morning, we left Raymen for island hopping. As expected, more breathtaking views approached us. It was a calm sunny day conducive for island hopping so took pictures of islets surrounding Guimaras. Our first stop was in what they commonly called Turtle Island. It is because the locals in that island breed turtles. They built a sanctuary floating by the shores just good enough to tame and feed the pawikans. Well, each of us had to carry the pawikan for the photos. As we took turns, and Jill can't get enough, she carried it again but the turtle did not like it. The pawikan flipped its hand like it was flying and Jill could have got hurt if she did not handle it carefully. Right then we understood, the pawikan would not allow anyone to carry him the second time around. Enough of flying turtle, the second stop was in Baras Beach Resort. More picture-taking took place in this pit stop. We made use of the islets (were as if guarding the resort), as our background. The third stop was supposed to be a cave but it was not quite safe to cross because of the big waves in the area. So, we went to a more safe yet secluded part of the island where we swum for about 30 minutes; just enjoying the clear water and photo ops. We were off for our last stop at the huge house right off the cliff when we decided to go back because of the big waves approaching us. As we turn our way back to the resort, another motor boat, with three girls as passengers, raced against us in the middle of the sea. One of the manila girls, we thought, had a crush on Ronald because she glanced at him every time the boats got near each other. It was fun. We got off the boat just in time for lunch.
The Dragon and the Rose
At lunch time, we devoured another meal of grilled pork, shrimp and sinigang na baboy just enough to regain all the energies we lost during our island hopping. We played Uno using a deck of ordinary playing cards which bought in the island after lunch - one who losses, takes a shot of whiskey. 3pm, we went to the shores and Jill and Cheryl decided to have henna tattoos - a dragon and a rose with thorns respectively. I decided to have my own tattoo also - just double barbwires on my wrist. Late afternoon, we went swimming until it was dark in time for our last dinner. More clicks and tiger looks were posed for our last night.
Here Comes the Rain Again
Since we were all exhausted after flashes and splashes, we spent our last night in one of Raymen's cottages. It was raining and all we did was talk about everything - work, opinion about something and the future.
The island is as if weeping since we would be leaving the next day.
We talked while we drink. We laugh while we sneer at each other. But, at the end, we still remained friends.
Whatever that is, we're off for our next trip.
