Alona Beach, Panglao Island, Bohol
Juan, Candela, Jorge, Guille
5-13 May 2016
These Spaniards took me into their group and made effort to make me feel comfortable and not out of place. They talked in English so that I could understand their conversation even if it is very unusual for Spanish people to know English. They invited me to their barbecue dinners and shared their San Miguel and Red Horse with me. On my last night, I made Mango Float and Pork Adobo for them which they praised and appreciated. I forgot my Lock n Lock at Guille's house and he came back for it the morning I left. Jorge drove me to the habal-habal terminal because Juan had a class. Candela talked to me in a mix of English and German which I both understood. Juan took really good care of me -- always asking how I was and what I'm doing even though sometimes he was too lazy to get up in the morning.
General Luna, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte
Juan
18-20 April 2016
I met Juan while I was walking around the hostel looking for a vacant bathroom. He called out a quick "hello" as I breezed past him. I momentarily stopped and turned around to check where it came from but didn't bother to respond because I was already a couple of meters away from him and was more focused on getting a bath. On my second attempt to find a bathroom, I headed to the 2nd floor and he was there again sitting on the bed directly outside the bathroom. I briefly checked whether the bathroom was vacant and immediately backed away because it wasn't. He saw me and invited me to sit down on the bed while waiting for his friend to finish in the bathroom. He even called out to them to say that someone is waiting in line. During our quick chat, his friend finished so I was able to take my shower. We have been saying hello's in Siargao and in Panglao since then.
Nico's Garden, Tandag City, Surigao del Sur
Virginia, Nico, John Mark, Donald, Che-Che
10-14 April 2016
I came to Nico's Garden on the recommendation of my Hinatuan soul-sister. If not for her, I would have stayed at a motel with no chance of enjoying the sea and the breeze in Tandag. Madam Virgie, her close friend, was the manager of Nico's Garden, whose owner was her childhood friend. They introduced me to their family friends and even brought me along on a business trip in Butuan City with Nico's son, John Mark, whom Tita Virgie wants me to date. On my supposedly last day, she convinced me to stay for one more night so that I could bond with John Mark who introduced me to his side-kick (i.e. spokesperson) Donald and his girl-friend, Che-che. We had dinner by the bay and had drinks and karaoke at Nico's Garden c/o his father's business. I really appreciated how they accommodated me as a family friend instead of as a stranger.
Mabolo, Cebu City, Cebu
Ton, Paul, Tita Mimi
27 April - 5 May 2016
I have never really talked with Tita Mimi until I stayed with her for a couple of days the previous year during my travel. This time, I stayed with her for a week, not only to save on food and accommodation but also to have company and to spend time with family. Most of the time though, I was with Paul, her retired German partner, because she had to go to work. On evenings, we would drink beer, champagne, wine, and brandy and we were always happy and laughing. Ton was a former colleague of my brother who was recently assigned to Cebu City. We met up and spent some enjoyable time together. He drove me around Metro Cebu to the most amazing places and I invited him along to dinner with my Tita and Tito. It was the first time that I went around Cebu in a private car and the first time I saw the city from a local's perspective.
Jing's Place, General Luna, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte
Ryan and Sandy
18-27 April 2016
The first friends that I made in Siargao were Ryan and Sandy. I saw Ryan preparing his surf board while I was just finishing my late lunch. I approached and shamelessly asked whether I can come with him to surf. He looked at me confused and unsure and just responded to repeat my question. Sandy came shortly after and Ryan immediately repeated my request to him. He looked at me with the same confused expression but generously agreed anyway. They made space for me on Ryan's motorcycle while Sandy carried surf boards on each arm. I rode with them to Cloud 9 and then followed them up the boardwalk as they surveyed the waves and selected an area with the least people. We agreed to meet up just before sunset as they headed out to surf and I roamed around to observe and take pictures. I made good conversation with Sandy throughout my stay while Ryan took me out one night to party with his friends.
