Counting down the days

The countdown begins: three or four more months to go and I will be lazing under the scorching sun in P.I.! I can't wait to spend weeks of sun and fun again. Though I have to say preparations of our P.I. trip are sidetrackted by tons of paperwork concerning our new flat, nothing can stop me from travelling back down memory lane, stopping by each favorite beach in P.I., especially in the Visayas, that I want to visit again and again and again...

Santa Fe, Bantayan Island, Cebu - there are places that leave imprints on us without trying. This endless stretch of white sand is one of them. I spent wonderful summer days with my sister and her friends here. A and I also spent the first leg of our honeymoon in this beautiful island where time is of no essence and moves in slow motion.

Malapascua, Cebu - it wasn't love at first sight between me and this teeny-tiny island. Too crowded with foreigners, waiting for eternity for a super expensive meal to be served, locals not leaving you in peace. But I believe every place deserves a second chance so I went back there after a year. I was right-- the island is flawed but it certainly grows on you. I wanna go back for the third time.

Panglao Island, Bohol - this may be unsolicited but you'll thank me later; don't forget your shades when you come to this place. The sand is sooo blinding white it hurts to look at it without them. Affordable and/or high end resorts are scattered around the island. What I love best about Panglao is there are areas untouched by commercialism where you can be alone to commune with the wind, the sand and the sea.

Siquijor - contrary to popular belief that Siquijor is nothing but a wicked place populated by witches stirring huge pots of God knows what, this small island is one of the most peaceful places I've been to. My first impression of it was it seemed like a lonesome place. Maybe you get lonesome when you're judged through hearsays by the outside world. I've been there numerous times and I plan to go back someday. (Note: My first visit to Siquijor was very funny. I'll write about it maybe soon.)

And of course, my Surigao. There are several beaches there that are unknown to many, that only me and a few people know they exist. I like it to remain that way. So many memories were made there. Someday soon more will be made when I visit them again...