August 10, 2023
"We don't remember days, we remember moments."
My nomad life actually started when I was in my country, particularly in my second job. I used to be a reliever who, from the title itself, was assigned from one place to another. There wasn't a permanent branch for me, especially when I was still under training and probation. It was a great challenge doing such kind of a job, especially since I have travel sickness that I can't beat up. I remembered I used to bring plastic bags in case I vomit on my travel. I really detest riding in closed vans because the smell of the air conditioning makes me nauseous, and if I stay inside for too long, I would end up throwing up. I had no choice but to endure this condition because the van is the fastest mode of transportation that could easily transport me from one place to another in our province.
I worked in different branches in Western and Eastern Samar, and the farthest was Bantayan Island, which is in Cebu Province. In that place, I met beautiful people and created wonderful memories that would last in my mind forever. And among all my jobs in my country, it's in Cebu that I enjoyed the most.
Here are some things I did on Bantayan Island with Cebuano and Palawano friends. Just don't mind the photo resolutions. They were taken by an old phone and some were sent by my friends.
The moment I saw the island from the distance, I told myself, "I love this place, and I want to stay longer here." The view behind me is of Santa Fe Beach Resort. Santa Fe is the first municipality and the center of tourism. It is packed with beautiful beaches with white, fine sand.
Beating seasickness
During my stay here, I've gotten used to traveling by ferry. Despite being nauseous when on the sea, I somehow enjoyed the waves and calming view of the horizon when in the middle of the sea. That's how I beat my seasickness.
Pajama Bonding With The Ladies
Have you experienced sleeping in the same bed with other people? I was hesitant at first, especially when I wasn't close with the ladies yet. But I eventually became close with them as we shared the same interests. We used to stay up late at night talking about random topics and doing crazy stuff. The bed became our bonding place, where we also shared secrets that only ladies know.
Nightlife After Duty
Our duty starts at seven in the morning and ends at five. But sometimes it'll be extended to six or seven in the evening, depending on the workload. After duty, we usually stay until the night outside. We would grab dinner, walk around, chit-chat by the pier or park, stop by the bakery to buy midnight snacks, and go back home at eight or nine, and sometimes even ten, lol.
Christmas Street Videography
Every December, each area outside Cebu City would prefer a video presentation in submission to the Christmas party competition. We would hire a videographer and shoot on the streets of Bantayan Island while singing the Christmas song of our choice. After which, we would stay in one place and celebrate our small accomplishments.
Early Christmas Party and Stranded Experience
Our Christmas Party and General Assembly usually happen a month earlier in December to avoid the crowd and difficulty in booking the venue. It happens on the mainland, so we would travel from the island to the city. This always excites me, as I could see the city again. Living on an island would make you miss city life while embracing country life in the village. Being in the city would give us a chance to roam around, visit scenic spots, and, of course, go on a food trip!
I experienced staying up until midnight on the road while waiting for the bus, as we needed to catch the early ferry to the island since the next day would be our duty. I experienced sleeping on the bus and ferry, then going to duty after a few hours. It's actually tiring after the party, as we will eventually go back to duty. There was a time when we got stranded at the pier due to an unexpected typhoon. That was after attending a seminar in the city. We had no choice but to sleep overnight at the pier since ferries were suspended. It was an unforgettable experience.
Island Hopping
In my entire stay on Bantayan Island, I only went island hopping once. Thinking about those wasted opportunities made me sad. If I could turn back the past, I would definitely make my stay on the island worthwhile. We went to Virgin Island, one of the hidden gems of Cebu North. You can check out the link to read my travel blog about it.
Biking At Madridejos on New Year's Eve
Given that Samar is quite far from Cebu, it makes it difficult for me to go back home on Christmas and New Year's Eve. Unless I file for a week's vacation. One of our coworkers, who's resident on the island, offered a roof for us to stay where we celebrated New Year's Eve. On New Year's Eve of 2013, we spent the night biking on the streets of Madridejos. It was my first time biking again after so many years.
Celebrating Sinulog Festival On The Island
January is the most anticipated month of the year for Cebuanos. A month for Sinulog Festival, the grandest festival in Cebu. I never experienced watching the city's festival in real life, but I was able to watch the island version.
There was a parade of street dancers from different schools in their beautiful costumes. And we, as representatives from our company's branch, rode on a truck and paraded as well. While on the track, we distributed flyers and candies to viewers by the road. It was my first time doing such, and I truly had fun.
Grand SST Beach Party
This is my favorite party that our company holds, the Grand SST which is the company's anniversary. Either the island staff would go to the mainland, or the mainland staff would go to the island. But since Bantayan Island is prettier for such party celebrations, the Grand SST is usually held there, particularly at Sugar Beach in Sta. Fe.
Everyone is on holiday, and branches are closed. We would all gather to celebrate the special occasion and have fun. There are programs, games, and prizes set up, usually foods, to make the experience enjoyable. It's a whole day event with lots of things to do.
Part of the event is the branch presentation program, where staff from each branch need to present something that showcases their talents in singing or dancing. It was my very first time dancing in a group in front of others. Although I felt embarrassed at first, I eventually liked the vibe it was giving me, especially when I saw the audience enjoying our presentation.
My favorite is, of course, the eating part! We, the islanders, would prepare local island food for the mainlanders.
Some of the local island foods we usually serve during parties include crabs and fish freshly fetched by fishermen from the sea, and the local danggit or sun-dried fish, which is the island's popular food. They don't seem like food for parties, but they are for a beach party. Who doesn't like seafood parties? I bet Filipinos love this too.
After the party, everyone is free to do whatever they want. And it's our time to enjoy the remaining hours at the beach. We could go swimming and snorkeling, or just simply walk barefoot on the white fine sand along the beach.
Such a beautiful island of Bantayan. You would love the place! I loved it too.
The only thing I regretted when I was on this island was not exploring the place. I've seen a lot of travel blogs taken here, and I kept asking myself, "What have I done since I was there?" Besides, I wasn't a photophile or hodophile yet. I was just into saving good memories in my mind. But hopefully, someday, I can go back to this place to meet some good old friends and, of course, explore the island, which I didn't do before. This just makes me excited!
We meet people for different reasons. And one thing is certain, they would mark a place in our hearts that wouldn't fade over the years. Those good old days with them would last forever. Collections of memories for recollection when we get old. Reminiscing about them made me smile and lifted my mood. That's what good memories can do.
(All photos are mine)
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