In a moment, I felt the Earth's revolution suddenly stopped. I didn't see the beauty of the vast rice fields nor the mighty mountains that served as Lake Sebu's backdrop; instead, I saw the waning of the years, the ticking of the clock and the bizarre reality that in a certain point in space, time stood still.
"Flashing a smile in Evelandia Lake Vista"
I was at the Evelandia Lake Vista when this extreme devaluation happened. It was the first time in my travel history that I was not at ease of where I was standing. Filled with doubts and worries, I momentarily succumbed with devaluation. Perhaps, the chance of thinking the ultimate unknown, facing uncertainties and trying to prove myself to nobody were all-wrapped on that day. Or in a lighter sense, it must be the weather which affected my mood. But of all places, Lake Sebu became the witness of my skepticism.
Why do I need a breather?
"Ma'am, smile po kayo kahit mainit," I heard Kenneth, the motorbike driver and tour guide who was then holding my phone calling me for a pose.
In a snap, I instantly smiled at the camera and realized that gravity always pulls back objects just like how it pulled me down to my senses. This escapade was unplanned but just the breather I desperately needed.
For years since I left my nursing career and became a full-time teacher, I never imagined that I'd be brought back in the hospital and continuing my clinical experience. Like a pressure chamber, I felt being squeezed to my limits until I became exhausted. Just like any worn-out objects, I had an emotional breakdown. So my travel to Lake Sebu was the perfect rendezvous for myself - to unload and to reconsider this profession.
Waterfalls, Retreat House, and the Dreamweaver's Hills
Lake Sebu tour usually begins at the first waterfalls. A short hike from the entrance will show you the magnificent Hikong (Waterfalls in the T'boli language) Alo. Though it was not my first time, I always adore this natural beauty. This goes the same with the second waterfalls as I hiked down nearer to it. I could not seem to satiate myself but drink to their natural charms.
The short stopover at Evelandia Lake Vista made me emotional before proceeding for lunch at the Divine Mercy Retreat House. I guess solitude always brings out someone's inner id and as for me, it was that unexpected self-devaluation.
Notably for me, the Divine Mercy Retreat House isn't a new landmark since I visited it the first time I was in Lake Sebu; nonetheless, it was worth it.
Notably for me, the Divine Mercy Retreat House isn't a new landmark since I visited it the first time I was in Lake Sebu; nonetheless, it was worth it.
"At Dreamweaver's Hills"
Among the six destinations, the Dreamweaver's Hills is the newest attraction in Lake Sebu. At day time, it looks ordinary plus the ongoing construction is still an eye sore but at night time, I could imagine the gradient of stars blanketing the night at this vantage point.
Tilapia and the Native Coffee at the Viewdeck
The Viewdeck was not part of the tour but the kind driver took me there after I asked him if I could eat tilapia (African Cichlid Fish), an abundant freshwater fish in Lake Sebu. The 1-foot long freshly grilled tilapia was on my table served with a native hot coffee while the dark gloomy clouds were slowly hovering the sky.
Lake Sebu's weather is predictable. I always look forward and expect for rain in the afternoon; this is reason enough why it is advisable to either be early for the tour or stay overnight to catch the beautiful lotus flowers in full bloom early the next morning.
Again, I delved into my thoughts then realized that devaluation wasn't appropriate. I shouldn't compromise my happiness because to compromise is to sacrifice. To sacrifice something you wanted so badly is equivalent to snatching your own happiness. Then, everything will lose its purpose if happiness is lost.
I bid goodbye to Lake Sebu once again which I promised to return once I am all fixed.
But for now, let me get away from self devaluation. Let me embrace happiness again.
How to Get There in Lake Sebu:
1. From Bulaong Terminal, General Santos City, ride a bus going to Marbel (Koronadal City). Fare at Php110 and vice-versa.
2. From Marbel Terminal (Koronadal City Terminal) take a van going to Lake Sebu at Php80.00 and vice-versa.
3. At Lake Sebu Terminal, you have to write your name in the logbook if you decide to take the Motorbike Tour. Their tour package include 4 destinations for a half day or 6 destinations for the whole day. Prices range from Php500 (4-destination tour) and Php750 (6-destination tour) for each motorbike tour. You don't need to worry since the destinations' information are posted. Only two passengers are allowed per motorbike (habal-habal).
4. Last trip for Marbel from Lake Sebu is at 3PM. As for General Santos City, the bus leaves at 11:30AM from Lake Sebu. So, if it goes beyond that, you might consider looking for a stay-in accommodation.
For more information, please contact the Municipal Tourism Office of Lake Sebu:
Tel. no.: (083) 236-1014
Cell. no.: 0926-456-7269
E-mail: tourism_lakesebu@yahoo.com
FB Page: Kemdollakesebu Tourism
Please look for: Lishly S. Boclaras | Tourism Operation Officer I
Lake Sebu's weather is predictable. I always look forward and expect for rain in the afternoon; this is reason enough why it is advisable to either be early for the tour or stay overnight to catch the beautiful lotus flowers in full bloom early the next morning.
Again, I delved into my thoughts then realized that devaluation wasn't appropriate. I shouldn't compromise my happiness because to compromise is to sacrifice. To sacrifice something you wanted so badly is equivalent to snatching your own happiness. Then, everything will lose its purpose if happiness is lost.
I bid goodbye to Lake Sebu once again which I promised to return once I am all fixed.
But for now, let me get away from self devaluation. Let me embrace happiness again.
How to Get There in Lake Sebu:
1. From Bulaong Terminal, General Santos City, ride a bus going to Marbel (Koronadal City). Fare at Php110 and vice-versa.
2. From Marbel Terminal (Koronadal City Terminal) take a van going to Lake Sebu at Php80.00 and vice-versa.
3. At Lake Sebu Terminal, you have to write your name in the logbook if you decide to take the Motorbike Tour. Their tour package include 4 destinations for a half day or 6 destinations for the whole day. Prices range from Php500 (4-destination tour) and Php750 (6-destination tour) for each motorbike tour. You don't need to worry since the destinations' information are posted. Only two passengers are allowed per motorbike (habal-habal).
4. Last trip for Marbel from Lake Sebu is at 3PM. As for General Santos City, the bus leaves at 11:30AM from Lake Sebu. So, if it goes beyond that, you might consider looking for a stay-in accommodation.
For more information, please contact the Municipal Tourism Office of Lake Sebu:
Tel. no.: (083) 236-1014
Cell. no.: 0926-456-7269
E-mail: tourism_lakesebu@yahoo.com
FB Page: Kemdollakesebu Tourism
Please look for: Lishly S. Boclaras | Tourism Operation Officer I
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