Under the sea, around Olango Island, Gilutungan island and Nalusuan island

When the alarm pulled me away form my comatose state, my fever was gone and my sore throat was somehow bearable. My island hopping tour booked with Island Trek tours travel agency was about to start after an early breakfast and check out at 07:00 am. The weather was cloudy but it also meant it wasn't scorching hot. The drop off was at a small port near a covered market. Some bread was bought before boarding the motorized

The boat

View from the port

Another boat and how they approach the port

Like a loud motorbike speeding on the highway, we got out of the port, across the mirror like water, like insect sliding on oil. We almost crossed path with a large cargo ship, also traveling between the islands to some faraway destination. It was still early morning and I was glad the sky was cloudy to temper the heat. We approached Olango island, a sanctuary and conservation area. We stopped away form the island, never setting foot on land. As soon as the motor stopped, 3 men embarked and I was soon feeling outnumbered with all 5 men onboard. The new passengers were actually shellfish, sea urchin and shell craft vendors, each promoting their produce. It was overwhelming and soon I let go of all my cash, save for a few pesos coins. In my swimming suit and about to snorkel, I was in no position to oppose any shopping.

How I spent all cash that day: sea urchins, shells and fresh coconut

Freshly caught and grilled unidentified shells

Upon diving into the water (jumping in more like it), the under water world and its quietness felt like paradise compared to the infinite chatter of the men onboard. The sea water was also a good medicine for my blocked nose.Snacking on sweet and fresh sea urchin (6 for 1500PHP) and some weird shells (1500 too for those, ripped off) that at times were very fishy, I was ready for the next island before a hordes of foreign and loud divers invade the surrounding waters.
(to be continued..)

A convalescence in Lapu Lapu, Mactan island

This would be my first trip outside Manila by plane. There are many airlines to the islands from Manila of course, from Air Asia to Cebu Pacific, to Philippines airline, to AirSwift. The important information to check was the airport terminal.

This time the flight departed from terminal 4, home of domestic flights. I was warned about traffic on Saturday departures so left really early, around 06:30am, to get too early at 07:00 at the airport. The first surprise was to be screened by security with metal detectors, and signs indicating firearms were prohibited. A bit wide eyed and sleepy, I managed to get passed the first check to get into the check in hall. The donut shop was only selling donuts by 3, and I didn't feel like having a sugar rush that early in the morning. Slowly the hall filled with passengers eager to explore islands and get tanned. There were also a group of seminar goers, with inspirational t-shirts:" we only live once so live right".

Eventually, after some delay and being redirected to check in at the counter (online checking and printing your boarding pass was not enough), I was headed towards my first island adventure.

Getting into air asia aircraft

Destination: Mactan island, Costabella Tropical beach hotel, in Lapu Lapu town.
Just seeing the body of water surrounding the island when landing made me feel relaxed. As I did so, all the fatigue and exhaustion from irregular sleep pattern caught up with me. The weird shift coordinating the evening team in Manila and the night shift in Panama finally revealed its price.

I summoned a driver uber upon arrival, although grab seems to be the most advertised option, green signs and logo placarded on every wall of the arrival hall. Driving through traffic of local jeepneys, carts, bikes and uniformed children, we finally arrived at the resort.

The breakfast hall was everything I envisioned, being a huge terrace by the pool, and a light breeze to cool my ongoing fever. Being early afternoon though I ordered the recommended local fare, lechon (roasted piglet), some vegetable rolls, and the mandatory ripe mango juice.

Restaurant with capiz chimes singing in the breeze

Vegetable rolls (front) and lechon (back) for lunch

An afternoon nap seemed proper after such a feast, even if the beach was tempting with its quiet bay, but I had to take advantage of the fact that there were not too many kids at the pool to disturb my lazy slumber.

Poolside room with 2 double beds

Unfortunately, by the time I hit my second sleep cycle, an end of year party started downstairs, and no amount of stuffing myself into the pillows or closing my ears by sheer will power could help me sleep again. Fighting headaches and thumping beats, I was cursing everyone downstairs, and even the band playing off tune, until exhaustion and stuffy nose got the best of me and I passed out, probably around 22:00. There was no other choice if I wanted to enjoy the rest of the trip.