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The first time I set foot on the Island of Samal, it didn't spark an exploration interest in me. I was invited by a friend who's participating in an Extreme Event , a triathlon race, in the island. Yah, it was too rural, too bucolic. Dusty,rough roads meander from one town to another. Along the way, the usual rice paddies or coconut farms with occassional nipa hut strewn haphazardly in the backdrop. Nevertheless, I promised myself I might as well enjoy what Samal has to offer. Since I'm not a participant in the said event, I settled as a mere spectator. My friend got busy preparing their gears, tools, jersey, bikes and other instruments necessary for this event. They went to race and I was left by myself. The beach has fine white sand and it stretches very far. Gently caressing the whitesand awere very soft waves so soft their sound was almost imperciptible. As I waded in the water, it felt warm as if a good old friend enveloped you in a furry warm hug! Imagine my delight, when I felt this way I swam and totally immersed myself in the water. I even did dancing in the water! As I floated on the water, I can see the sky in a perfect palette of blue. There were no clouds passing by. Only perfect blanket of blue! Indeed, beautiful things are free in this world. I savored and enjoyed totally the sea and the sky. On my way back to the shore, I felt refreshed, rejuvenated, energized. As I walked to our assigned hut, lining the side of the pathway, I now noticed the beautiful flowering hibiscus. With its upright stem boasting its bright red blooms. Beside it is a very prolific bougainvilla with its clusters of shocking pink flowers. These served as living red carpet to the hut. The hut was made of bamboo with thatched roof and it was beautiful! The walls were polished giving soft sheen to the house. It has an open wide terrace looking out to the sea. Inside , the living area has a very modern luxurious leather sofa yet it evoked a very classic comfy feeling. Throwpillows dressed in silk adorned the sofa. Beside th e sofa was a wood cabinet housing an stereo. I opened the stereo and soft music floated in the air. As I settled myself in the sofa, propping up my feet on the leather ottoman. I closed my eyes I can hear laughter and easy conversations. Glasses clinking! I smelled wonderful aroma coming out of the kitchen! What a marvelous sight! Oh, my imagination was at high gear! There were two bedrooms and I went to inspect them. There were huge beds and I sat on the edge of the bed. It was very soft. There were two big windows that let the sunshine in and gave you an amazing view of the hills not far away from the house. Next, I went to the bathroom. It was so pristine! The walls were white shiny, marble tiles. The shower was equally in beautiful white. Lining the walls were adorable glass containers in rainbow of colors. These held bubble soap flakes, bath salts , bath oils. I opened the tap and came rushing was warm water!I played and tried to catched the water And imagined giving myself a nice luxurious bath. To the kitchen I went. I made myself a cup of tea. As I slowly sip my tea , it nade me realized that Samal was blessed with so msny natural wonders. One had to open only their mind and you will really see the beauty,splendor and magnificence of a place called Samal.