Long Overdue

At the end of October, we had our usual week and some break from school. Mom flew in from Singapore to spend the holiday with us and we decided to stay in the Philippines. We took an hour plane ride to a tiny speck on the map that is Palawan, an island that we scouted out last Christmastime. After the plane touches down and you haggle for a ride and you take the two-hour van ride on a mostly dusty track, you reach a little peace of heaven known as Sabang.

We arrived at Daluyon or "Big Wave" Resort in Palawan with every intention of spending 10 full days doing absolutely nothing. And that's exactly what I did. Cory and mom had a little more energy than me, but I was perfectly content to sit back and do as I pleased. One day, we all walked along the rocky beach to a refreshing little waterfall where the locals were bathing and washing their clothes. And that was the extent of my exercise. :) Cory and mom got a little more adventurous and hiked to the Underground River, took the mangrove tour (where a local "guide" paddles you around in a small banca and gives you the history of the tiny swath of forest still left. And if you're lucky, he sings you a tune or two.) They also ventured out on tricycles to reach the start of the Underground River, where there is a massive cave. I stayed behind to read, swim, sleep and read some more on the beach that has become our favorite spot in the entire country.

The little town of Sabang is so quaint, you could blink and you would miss it. The beach is just gorgeous. There is an endless breeze and the waves kick up and make for some great body surfing. There are tiny local establishments to stock up on beer and fish and adobo. And then there's the 16 contemporary huts known as Daluyon, a little piece of paradise on a little-known stretch of white sand beach. When you arrive in Sabang, you are greeted by a rickshaw pulled by a caribao who trucks along the beach until you reach Daluyon.

We spent countless hours digging our toes in the sand, swimming and surfing, playing beer bocce and card games, chatting, watching movies, eating and listening to a guitarist/singer from the city play his sets at the outdoor restaurant.

It was heavenly. Blissful. Intoxicatingly rejuvenating. One of those want-to-quit-my-job-and-just-live-here-for-awhile types of experiences. For once, it felt like we actually took a deep breath and relaxed over the holiday. We came back feeling energized and ready for the haul til Christmas.

It is a place we will return to. Again and again.