Engaged at Malapascua Island

I am currently at the passenger seat waiting for the 10:30 ride to Sikatuna, Bohol. Going to Sikatuna isn't part of my plan. I was only supposed to collect my PRC licenses (Nurse and Teacher) and immediately return to Cebu. But Bohol is too beautiful to ignore, so I devised a short getaway on this island. Anyway, I had another definition of beauty in the northern island of Cebu when I visited Malapascua Island last week.

"At Maya Port"

He Lost the Bet.

I was invited to visit Malapascua Island several times for 3 consecutive years. However, there were unexpected circumstances that caused the cancellation of each trip. So, when my host sent me a message in the morning, I didn't hesitate to agree.

"We just witnessed an early morning catch."

Manilyn, my co-teacher before, kept on inviting me to visit the place for the past years. I didn't decline the invitation, but some situations hindered me from visiting her and the island. She was still single years ago when she invited me for the first time, and now, she is already engaged. She never gave up hope though, although her fiancé told her that I wouldn't come. They even placed bets if I'd show up or not.

"The morning was an exquisite surprise!"

But that was it! That was the time I could finally give some weight to my words. Hurriedly, I packed my bag and went immediately to the bus terminal for me to catch the afternoon trip to Malapascua Island. It took me 3 hours to arrive on the island, which meant that Manilyn's fiancé had lost the bet. I showed up in the flesh!

    The Peace and Quiet that I Seek

    I filed my vacation leave for two weeks, but it was not feasible because of the approval of the project proposals. My holiday was moved several times, and I accepted that my vacation leave would be nothing but words. But when I came to Malapascua Island that Saturday, I learned to halt. Manilyn advised me not to bring anything, especially my laptop. I followed her.

"Fresh catch from the fisherfolks sold for only Php100 per kilo."

Instead of revising and preparing for my pre-implementation plan, Manilyn took me to a beach nearby. I was her senior, but she dictated that I would take a rest. I would leave my phone in airplane mode. She commanded me to forget work, unwind and enjoy.

T

"I love the fish and chips at Kokay's Maldito."

The evening air in Malapascua Island was calming. The sea breeze and the silent atmosphere harmoniously set a relaxing mode that I dozed off at one of the beach cottages in just a few minutes. The couple patiently waited for me to wake up. They told me that I was in a deep slumber so they didn't wake me up. When I opened my eyes, I saw how bright the moon was.

T

"Mapascua Island has hills overlooking the sea."

"My view the day after"

The evening was getting deeper, but it was all that I needed - paying off my sleep debts. Recharging my body of what it missed - sleep and relaxation. 

Engaged in Malapascua Island

The last time I visited Malapascua Island was almost a decade ago. During the pandemic, I didn't bother to consider the island on my bucket list. Well, it didn't cross my mind except if I could do an outreach program or mentorship, but definitely, not for leisure.

"The Long White Beach"

The moment I arrived on the island, I was introduced to my co-teacher's relatives. It was a funny situation that her relatives had mistakenly identified me as their nephew's partner. I instantly got engaged in Malapascua Island without my knowing. It was the talk over dinner. It was the talk over their little sitio. 

"Another spot to meditate"

Manilyn was laughing. She enjoyed looking at me, cringing with disbelief and unexplained expression. So, when I had the chance to talk, I corrected the information. I was only their for a visit and not to be engaged. 

The Malapascua I didn't Expect

So much has changed in Malapascua Island!

"Ruins at the top of the hill"

The port was the first thing you would notice if you had visited the island some years ago. Aside from the development of its infrastructure, I noticed the silence. I admired the quietness of the island. I could easily count by my fingers the number of local tourists. It paved way for more rejuvenating experience. It made the island breathe.

"This couple is tying the know this December."

More than I could ever imagine was the place Manilyn took me. It was not the usual destination for tourists. It was a place only known to locals. It was a great rendezvous of pristine, powdery and white sand, and turquoise water. It was surreal! 

"Here is another sweet pose from them."

I stood at the beach, unable to move. I quenched by its sight - enough for me to admire and vividly paint in my memory. "Tinuod ni?" was my repetitive remark. I couldn't just believe what I saw because it was a beach paradise. It was more than I could ask for - a vacation that I longed for. The beach, the sun, and the tranquility of the place are the perfect ingredients for recharging one's energy. 

"My entry too..."

Besides the picturesque beaches, I appreciated the fresh catch of fish and other shellfish. Another wonderful thing that happened to me was to savor fresh fish soup especially cooked by Manilyn's mother. I felt at home, really. I felt I belonged to their family. This realization dawned on me that the people and their warm smile and welcome made the place worth visiting. 

"C'est la vie"

Thus, Malapascua Island is something I would want to visit again and again. My co-teacher's loving family made an impact on my short vacation.

Getting There and Away

1. From the north bus terminal, you could opt to take a van for Php300 pesos going to Maya Port. Bus fare is at Php150 pesos.

2. There are a lot of budget inns, transient homes, or hotels on the island, ranging from Php350 and up. Please book ahead to avoid inconveniences.

3. From Maya port, you need to pay Php75 pesos for the Environmental Fee and a boat fee of Php120 pesos.

4. Finally, be with the locals. It is more fun, and you've got to visit places and hidden beaches not commonly introduced to the tourist. But be careful, though!

5. Be friendly!

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