why do i love thee?....

Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte

Everybody knows everybody. That's one of the perks of going to a remote island. Everybody is so pleasant that it can easily be translated into discounts and freebies. Food, Kayak, Surf lessons, Tours... name it they'll provide it :) This was my first adventure trip (very far from Cebu), that got me hooked on backpacking. Lesson learned: It never hurts to smile and be friendly.
Why do I love thee? the warm people and their generosity.
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Calicoan Island, Guian, Eastern Samar

Always be prepared. That's always the number 1 rule for girl scouts, unfortunately we didn't get the girl scout training. tsk ! Nothing prepared us for this trip, in fact we weren't prepared for this particular destination. What was to be Boronggan Samar turned out to be Guian Samar, all because it was highly recommended by an acquaintance on the boat trip to Leyte. Silly us! But the length of this trip and the adventure on the road is worth every experience.
Why do I love thee? the spontaneity it brought.
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Apo Island, Dumaguete, Negros Occidental

AMAZING. The island that fell in love with. If only I could marry it and live with it for the rest of my life, then I'd certainly be the happiest bride ever. I promised myself that by the time I go back there I must already know how to dive. The pristine waters, colorful fishes swimming by the shore, and the grandness of its rock formations are definitely an understatement. To truly understand its beauty, one MUST go. Leaving that island was like breaking up with a boyfriend I never had, and it's much harder to cope with when there are two dolphins (even if they say it's Bisaya dolphins for being black) swimming and jumping very near your bangka. Hay... I miss that place. Recalling that experience brings back fond memories. Jumping into the waters with the one and only clothes on my back was very worth it. I would never trade it for anything in the world.
Why do I love thee? it's the simply the island.
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Bantayan Island, Cebu
My first impression of Bantayan Island will always be the island that has the most number of stars in the whole wide world. But naturally I was still a kid then and I've never been to the whole wide world to make such comparison, nonetheless their blanket of stars still amazes me. Now that I'm all grown up, Bantayan will always have a special place in my heart as the most convenient getaway from the metropolis. Holy week in this island is maybe the best time, but it is most charming when there is no crowd to interrupt you from making you feel like you're literally the queen of the world... i mean ISLAND.
Why do I love thee? it offers a great get away.****

Camotes Island, Cebu

Just imagine endless stretch of the white shore, as far as your eyes can see, this is what this island is all about. Their lake Danao also offers the best tilapya there is! I'll never forget that fried tilapya ever. Or maybe the reason why it was sooo gooood is because that was the only viand we had. ha! But nothing beats the lovely old couple we met who never exchanged their simple nipa hut by the beach front for millions of peso offered by different big shots. God bless that couple and their family, for their simplicity, integrity and most of all for sharing their roof with us when we were already running low on dough. hehe.
Why do I love thee? the amazing stories of their humble people.
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Sumilon Island, Oslob, Cebu
Glowing. Literally glowing. Even if you are just driving along the coast of the south, this island would already draw curiosity because of it's glowing whiteness. But nothing compares to it when you are on a motor boat going towards its whiteness. If you're not wearing shades, then be prepared to hurt your eyes! kidding! I love the fact that you can do a lot of things in this island. They even have a lake within the island surrounded by mangroves and cliffs that you can explore by kayaking and trekking. I was just happy to be there and experience its exclusive luxury, even though we really didn't get the luxury part (long story). But hey as long as it's for free, who am I to complain?
Why do I love thee? it exceeded my expectations.
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Siquijor
Eco tourism at its best. The island that is surrounded by witch crafts and magic - so enchanting. Too bad we didn't get to explore much and too bad I didn't get to see and bring real anting2x and etc. The best thing about this island though is that the people are so welcoming and hospitable. From the capitol employees (who were very helpful by giving us brochures, maps and recommendations to the best go to spots), to the drivers (who were more than willing to show us around, without robbing us off), to the retired Japanese resort owner (who's known to give incredible discounts to backpacking students), and to the simple housewife (who shared her tour guiding skills in their famous cave, even though the burning candle was all the light we had). That experience made me understand more what it is about Filipinos and their hospitality.
Why do I love thee? Its true Filipino hospitality.
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Boracay Island
They say that the the sunset, sand and party scene is what makes boracay BORACAY. But I say that what makes boracay Boracay is that it composes of everything and anything, and that's what makes it interesting and colorful. From foreigners to locals to indigenous folks, you can find it all in bora. It's always bustling with energy that it never fails to make you feel alive. I say when you go to bora be with your friends, coz parents, they might be lil' too conservative for this.
Why do i love thee? It's a melting pot island.

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More thousand islands to go!
way to go Pinas!