We celebrated our first wedding anniversary by camping out in Magalawa island. Prior to leaving we challenged ourselves to not indulge in spending much as its not about how much we spend that matters this time. What matters are the memories that we will make out of this travel.
We left Victory Liner terminal at 1AM. This was the last trip bound to Palauig. The next trip would be at 5 AM. Considering the 5 hour travel by bus, we took the last trip as we would like to make the most of this trip so time is of an essence.
It was an uneventful 4 and a half hour travel from Caloocan to Pamolingan ( This is the drop off point if you travel from Manila by bus) were most time was spent sleeping, trying to regain strength for an exciting adventure that lies ahead. We arrived at 5:30 AM at Pamolingan then hired tricycle bound to Luan port. Here the tricycle drivers asked as which resorts are we heading too, and upon advising them we're bound to Ruiz resort, we had been endorsed to their coleauges who apparently was already in contact with the Ruiz Resort people.
The tricycle ride is a bumpy journey. At one point I had to get off the tricycle just so it can climb a hilly part of the road. I was a bit disappointed that I had to push the tricycle just so it can climb that part of the road, but if that was a test I would say its all worth it.
By 6 AM we were already at the Luan port. And just a sight of the island nearby the port was enough to awaken this vagabonds spirit. Not to mention I was sharing this travel with a lovely soul . I could say I was the happiest person in that travel group who happened to be all bound to Ruiz Resort. After 15 minutes of wait time the resorts boat had arrive to fetch us. It was a 15 minute boat ride to the island.
Magalawa is unique in its charm. Albeit the competition for ownership between two families who claims to be the legitimate owners of the island, it offers a place for solitude and quiet sans the comfort and hassles of city living. Its shore line reminded me of that in Tikling Island. In fact, they have lots of things in common. Both islands are close to the mainland, almost similar stretch of shoreline, and a rip current in one of its shore. A place perfect to relax and enjoy the life without its complexities. Magalawa is truly a gem unique in its charm, distinguished in its gentleness.
We pitched in our tent underneath an anahaw tree. I chose to stay in the southern part of the island as the shade in the area would be sufficient enough to cover our tent against the scorching heat of summer. We spent the 2 day stay in our humble tent celebrating our 1st wedding anniversary, focusing on the simple joys of life that we share as a married couple reminiscing all the good and bad stuff we've been through, dwelling on the happy ones, laughing at our blunders, learning from the whammy ones.
Magalawa island is a perfect description of our relationship, newfound love like this gem in the north who is just beginning to enjoy attention from travelers and vagabonds alike, gentle and caring, sweet, beautiful and true. Magalawa just like love is a promise of happiness and contentment, of beauty in simplicity, of joy in humility.
Magalawa's beachfront still abounds with seaweeds and if you care, you may wear flip flops or beach sandals while swimming. This is not much of an issue though as there's ample space with less seaweeds to make swimming an enjoyable in the northern part of the island.
For island hoppers, they can organize a trip to El Salvador island which is a fish sanctuary. Enjoy snorkeling on these island. Island hopping costs starts at Php 1200 depending on your haggling skills and the number of passengers per trip.
It was not so long ago when electricity reached this place, but the simplicity has marked influence among local beach operators this side of the island. The place remain to offer silence among its guest at night time when everyone would rather keep it solemn and quiet after all that is why we are here for. For food options you can bring your own food or if you want to save on the hassles of cooking, you can ask the caretaker to cook food for you ( for a fee) or make a packaged arrangement .
We explored the islands shoreline at noon, then took a dip at northern part of the beach. We simply seized the moment of being with each other, the two of us and nature, and the beauty that life abounds. Like the beauty of the fire tree on its shoreline, the fire in our hearts kept burning incessantly, wanting to give more, while asking nothing back. This is the story we had, full of lifes uncertain situations, but like the drizzle that besets us from time to time as we started cruising this journey, we choose to see the beauty in kindness. Like the gentleness of the ocean breeze, we took care what we had- our love.
Love like Magalawa is a bliss. And as I long as we live, we promised to love like there is no tomorrow. And if tomorrow comes, we will love again. This is the essence of our lives. Ours is enough and as long as we live, we will not long for more. I have found the promise of a beautiful life in Magalawa, because life, is at its most beautiful stage during its calm, and at its strongest phase during a storm. We had withered the storms that almost broke us apart, and yet, our love never failed.
We left the island the next day with a happy heart and a promise to be back. Someday soon we will be together, but until then, I wish she stays simple, beautiful, and calm , because just like my wife, I love her that way.
