Philippines Day 38-43: Puerto Princesa

Towards the end of my stay in Puerto Princesa, I've spent a reasonable amount of time bonding with my family. I have been away for too long and living in another continent makes it challenging to keep in touch. Thanks to the modern development, it becomes easier to bridge the gap. Communication and travelling became much more accessible and comfortable. I still remember when I first went away to look for greener pasture, a telephone call was not cheap, and it takes a lot of patience for one to be able to talk with someone from the other end of the globe. Nowadays, you have a lot of options.

I've spent the remaining days meeting with family and friends and basically just enjoying life in the city. Unfortunately, my annoying cough hasn't been gone even after taking a lot of medicines. It was really irritating at times esp. at night or at dawn. So I mostly stayed back at my sisters place not really meeting anyone. But I've been a couple more times with my minions at our favourite restaurant, Kinabuch.

And of course, I can't go away without meeting a friend of mine, the distinguished director of the movie, Ploning whom I've first met at the film festival in Paris in 2008. I like the place he built, the Casa Nieves. I sampled their fantastic "Mongolian barbecue" at their Mongol1, Kusina by Ploning, while waiting.    

On my last day in Puerto Princesa, we decided to go on a little excursion with my nephews and nieces. I've been wanting to go swimming for the longest time since I had a slight withdrawal from all the lovely beaches. I wanted to go to Balsahan River which interestingly located inside the Iwahig Penal Colony, 22 km. south of the city proper.

But instead, we went to Angela's farm in Puerto Princesa and more accessible to my sister. They have two big pools and one small and shallow pool for children. It was indeed charming and a welcome change from all the beautiful beaches. But before all that, we had to go to the market to buy food for this excursion.

Later that night, I've met my cousin, Ate Malu at Kinabuch to talk about our clan reunion in 2015. We were joined then by my nephew and his friend which is my ride back home. Afterwards, Ate Malu invited us for coffee (or tea) at her place. I think I've made them a little worried when I passed out due to my woofing cough.

Philippines Day 34-37: Araceli

In the mornings, my nephews usually enjoyed playing basketball at the court next to the town hall, while we charge our batteries - because it's the only place with electricity in the morning.

The rest of the days were just spent exploring the town, meeting old friends and relatives. Since our place lies next to the town hall, we just can't help but notice the still unfinished legislative building. It has been like that three years ago when I was there the last time.

The town of Araceli is relatively small, with around 14,000 population and roughly 205 km² land area. It is pretty much laid back and quiet. Of course, we enjoyed the beautiful beaches all around us. I've only lived there for twelve years which was during my childhood, but everything still looks and feels familiar.

One evening we enjoyed a local delicacy for dinner: Sandworms (Wakwak).

The next day, we went east of town, visited the cemetery where my father, grandfather and aunt were laid to rest. Afterwards, we went to the beach which was just a few meters away. Luckily, it was low tide, and we could walk to the next island. Marakit Island is otherwise only reachable during high tide by boat.

It was indeed an experience in itself. We went to the other side of the beach over the hill, to get there. We saw lots of starfishes, crayfish and other sea creatures, and kinds of seafood that I used to collect when I was younger. Not only my nephews and niece enjoyed it, but I definitely cherish the moments I had with them. It was our bonding time. Living far away makes me yearn for those times when I get back to Europe. It was a great experience, surrounded by nature. It's already late with the moon rising when we decided to go back.

On our last day, we wanted to go to Langoy Island, the island in front of the town. But unfortunately, the ones who were supposed to take us there had some accident. We waited but later did we know what happened. So we decided to go to the best beach instead, Tinintinan Beach. This is the last chance to be together with my sister and her family, and it will take years again before we all meet again.

 When you live surrounded by beautiful beaches, you just can't help but enjoy it.

Much too soon we had to leave Araceli, to return to Puerto Princesa. It was great to be back in Araceli, and we definitely had a grand time. I hope to be back soon!