“It’s More Fun in the Philippines”

After almost a week exploring Thailand and Hong Kong, the next destination was the Philippines! While it was my third time visiting the home of my maternal ancestors, it was my sister’s very first visit.
We had an early morning flight from Hong Kong to Manila, a short layover, followed by the final flight from Manila to Dumaguete. Dumaguete is the central Philippine city my grandparents now call home. The sun was shining and my grandpa and his friends were patiently waiting for our afternoon arrival.
On arrival at their small townhouse, my grandma had cooked a Thanksgiving-like meal of all sorts of cuisine. It was my birthday the next day, so it was a pre-celebration. While the Philippines is a long way from our normal American home and life, with family, anywhere can feel just like home.









On our first adventure of the visit, my grandparent’s friend and tricycle driver, Anthony, took us on a little tour of the city. We visited the small and old Silliman Zoo, a garage-turned-museum of WWII memorabilia, and a pool resort nestled above the city of Dumaguete in the mountains of Valencia. There they had several pools stocked with fish that visitors can stick their feet in, or if they dare, swim in. It was an exciting and tiring day of exploring for all of us!









In a few days time, we would be headed to another nearby island called Siquijor. I had visited before, but my sister had not. About an hour and a half boat ride from Dumaguete, Siquijor is an island that is more remote than Dumaguete. There you won’t find any big stores, fast-food chains, and cell reception is basically nonexistent. Most tourists who visit rent a driver and a van that takes them around the island to all the main attractions.






We had a full and hearty breakfast first before hopping on the road to begin the day’s exploring. Our main stops were the centuries-old Balete tree with fish spa, Cambugahay Falls nestled 160 steps down deep in the forest, and Salagdoong Beach, with the 45 meter high platform jump. The excursion lasted all day, but we all had a great time and made many memories.









Our last adventure with family and friends would be another day long expedition up the coast from Dumaguete to the town of Bais. Here we would spend the day out at sea on a small boat dolphin watching and swimming.






The morning began very early and the drive to Bais took approximately an hour. We first headed out to sea in search of dolphins. At first there were no dolphins to be found, but soon we witnessed three or four hopping out of the water and swimming around our boat.






Bais is also known for its white sand bar, another hotspot for tourists. Here, many boats anchor and let tourists enjoy the shallow, warm and clear water while spending the day in the sun. There are even snack and food boats that go around serving cold drinks and fresh fruit and fish! While many of us got sun-burned this day, it was a fun-filled day with family and friends.






The last event before leaving the Philippines would be my grandparents’ annual summer party that they put together for their friends and workers at the beach. Weekends at the beach are always busy and this Sunday was no different. At Dauin Beach and Marine Sanctuary, kids can enjoy the beach, adults can picnic, eat, and drink, and scuba divers like my grandpa can enjoy the many fish and coral that the central Philippines offers. While I am not much of a beach person, spending the day with family and friends sharing stories and saying one last goodbye before leaving, is always nice and bittersweet.



The next day we headed to Manila for a night before going onto Singapore. From there we flew halfway around the world for the second part of our adventure. Three weeks in the Philippines flew on by (except the week without Wi-Fi), and the time had already come to say goodbye to our grandparents who we likely wouldn’t see until the winter of 2019. While it’s always sad to say goodbye, the next destination was waiting!
Until next time,
TTT
P.S. More shots below!




















