New Waves in La Union

Life's pretty exciting. Even if for most of us, it means sitting in front of a computer and waiting for something great to happen, we get to have these moments - moments of bliss and ecstasy that we soon crave and cling onto. I'm talking about that time you went backpacking across Indochina and went tubing in Vang Vieng, or that time you went on a spontaneous road trip with your friends, or even that time you just dove off a pier because why not - moments wherein you just completely seized the moment.

But I get it, not everyone has the courage to step out of one's comfort zone, to be crazy (/stupid), or to do whatever the hell one wants. But sooner or later, you'll learn that life's a lot more fun when you stop caring about what other people might think and just do it.

I remember the first time someone asked me what's the craziest thing I've done. I tried to think of something cool to reply but nothing. I then tried to actually think about something crazy I ever did but still, nothing. OK, maybe I had one but that was more stupidly-irresponsible than fun-crazy.

I had been so safe for the longest time. Sure, nothing's wrong with safe, it's just that sometimes I envied the people who could just let go. Do whatever. Jump off a cliff, maybe. Or even just dance like nobody's watching... and then upload it on youtube so everyone can watch.

And so, I thought, if there's people out there YOLO-ing the shit out of life, why can't I do the same.

Seasick Dream in Siargao

It was Saturday and the sun was out, thankfully. I was worried because of last night's rain. I biked down towards Cloud 9 and zoomed past the people by the hotel across, went down a few more meters and passed by endless rows of coconut trees, a neat, little souvenir stand and another bike rental shop. From there, I could almost hear the surf. I was excited, mainly because I wasn't really zooming but rather I was struggling with the rusty bike the old man gave me and I was about to reach the end of my joyride, finally getting my much needed rest.

I amused myself at the thought of possibly living in this tiny island. You know, wake up, surf, breakfast at the usual and then disappear to some fascinating part of the island. I found myself dreaming of someone else's reality; someone else's island life. And then I thought, much like any other place I fall in love with, I could live here. Yeah, I'd come back one day and never leave.

From above, Siargao is a lush of greenery, surrounded by magical surf breaks. To some, it's another tranquil island with beautiful beaches but to most, it's a place where they find home and it's not hard to imagine why. And who can blame them? No one wants to leave paradise. Plus, with everyone being very welcoming and hospitable, you'd instantly feel like you're part of their community. And in some way, you already are.

You'd be eating at Mama's BBQ one night and then suddenly there's talk of going to this body painting art night happening across the street. Or, you'd be invited to go to this after surf party thing at Bravo and end up making a furry friend over tapas. Or you'd hear stories like someone getting stabbed by a fin the other day or stories about how the old super typhoon damaged some places. It's all interesting and it's all part of the reason why you want to stay. Because in some cliched way, it really is the people that make the place.

I Swam With Whale Sharks in Cebu

There's this moment between taking the first dip and getting settled in the water that scares the life out of me. I love the ocean, I love the fishes, hell, I even love the sharks but every time I go under, my body starts to curl up to the surface, feeling alien amidst the deep blue. I need about a few seconds before the fear of getting bitten by tiny fishes start to feel like ticklish kisses instead. The fear I once had seems ridiculous now.

And so, I’m staring down this shark a few feet away from me. It’s blue, white dots all over, and mouth as wide as the length of my arm. I’m calm, actually, excited even. It’s what we came here for. It’s a whale shark, chill. I’ve done this before.