Second Shot of the North

by Marife Ricanor (United Arab Emirates)

I didn't expect to find Philippines

It was way back when I was still in grade school that we had a school trip to the northern part of the Phillipines which is almost at the tip of the thousand clustered island which makes up our country. It was too long ago that if somebody asks me how was it; "It's fun," will be the only answer I can serve. But last January when I had my vacation I decided to go back there with different people - my family. We went to same places like the Kapurpurawan Rock Formation which looks like floating marbles at the edge of the ocean and where some wind mills from the hills can be seen. The architectural design of the Cape Bojeador Lighthouse is a millennial's bucket list to visit for an instagramable setting with its Spanish touch. But what's more captivating is the enchanting scenery from the lighthouse; you can see the horizon of the Pacific ocean gleaming with its stunning orange sky at sunset. After stopping from Bangui Wind mills we went to Kabigan Falls where we had to walk for more than 30 minutes in the forest to reach the place. But within those minutes as we trekked towards the falls felt like I was walking through some scene in a fantasy movie where fairies and goblins comes out. Funny yet fascinating, even more when we reached the falls as some gigantic trees surrounded it. It almost looked like the water was coming out from a hole and beneath the falls is a cave which we never dared to explore anymore. I was even a little disappointed for not being able to soak in the cold and refreshing water since I forgot to bring change of clothes. After a whole day of jumping from one place to another we stayed over the night at North Beach Camp. The place was located in the remote area which is good for those who wanted some solitude and great quality time with their love ones. And furthermore to those who wanted to talk their hearts out since the resort is specially designed for those who wanted some alone time. We watched the sun sets and waited for dusk to be over until the ocean was wrapped in darkness. The hut was cozy enough to let you have a good night sleep while listening to the waves from the ocean. And sleeping beside my mother seems to wash away all the worries and anxiety that I felt before going back home. Going out in a journey with a group of friends is memorable but that time i found out that exploring places with my family fills my heart with joy and made me realized how vast the world is yet I am born with these certain people who have loved me even at my worst and still embracing me with warmth and unconditional love.