It was still dawn of December 25 when I left home to go to Palawan. My mom was still sleeping when I bid her goodbye with a kiss on her cheek. It was mixed emotions, I must say. Sad, it was the first time I left home on Christmas day but excited because I’ll be back to Puerto Princesa after five years. Yes! It’s not the first time but it will be the first time I will have the opportunity to enjoy such a beautiful place. I went to Palawan last April 2003 as an official delegate to the NFJPIA National Convention. Being a national officer, I was so busy and I was not able to enjoy the treasures of the city.
Departure Excitement
Along with a travel buddy, we left Manila around eight o’clock in the morning and landed on the City by ten. Since we were both restless from last night’s party, we opt to snooze for a couple of hours before heading for the city tour.
In five years, the city had remarkable developments, one of which is their own “Baybay” similar to Manila’s Baywalk. Locals and tourists find relaxation here be it on daytime or nighttime. Fast food chains and restaurants continue to sprawl. We were told locals prefer to buy signature apparels from “Wagwagan” or commonly known now as ‘Ukay-Ukay”. It is evidenced by year-round marked-down sale of brands like Bench, Penshoppe and Rusty Lopez. They are actually worried if the rising Robinson’s Mall will be patronized.
Back on the tour, our first stop is the Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center, also known as “Crocodile Farm”. Despite the excitement, it is heartbreaking to see the center is degrading due to lack of government support. The center used to be funded by the Japanese and it was well maintained before. My friend told me that Zoobic Safari has more crocs simply because it is commercially operated, thus, it is well funded. Anyhow, the learning you’ll get about the crocs will be the same. I’m sure the local government is not innocent of the center’s situation.
Don't let the crocs out!
Next stop was on the Iwahig Prison & Penal Farm. It’s a prison yet the prisoners can move around the 26,000-hectare farm. They actually live as if a freemen with farming as their livelihood. We were told the harvests were sent to the different prisons in the country including Manila City Jail. Aside from rice, they also produce handicrafts made of wood and wood scraps. I bought myself a letter opener. What I detest is they also made keychain out of melted plastic. Is it not the smoke harmful to their lungs?
Moving on, the part I like best on our first day is our stop over to Mitra’s Ranch. You guess it right! It is owned by, the former House Speaker, Ramon V. Mitra. It boasts of a breathtaking view of the Honda Bay. The ranch is on top of a picturesque hill. The cool late afternoon breeze from the bay brings refreshment to the tourists, a perfect way to end the day.
As early as 7 o’ clock in the morning on our second day, we headed to the Subterranean National Park where the world-famous Underground River is located. The almost two-hour bumpy ride up the mountains is worth it. This tourist-spot was highly publicized by the Department of Tourism as evidenced by variety of foreigners visiting the place. As of this writing, this nature’s wonder was ranked at the top on the on-going search for the New Seven Wonders of Nature.
On the third day of our trip, we toured three islands on Honda Bay. Pandan Island, I must say have the finest sand among the three. As soon as we get there, we jump on the clear blue waters with our goggles on. There we saw several species of fishes and coral reefs. Next was the Snake Island, named such because of its snake-like form. We also did snorkel on this area but what we saw is almost the same as in Pandan. Here we had our sumptuous lunch. Last stop was on the Starfish Island. We were told that it is a sanctuary of starfishes but now I barely see one. Anyway, this island is home to a rich mangrove area. I learned a resort would be built here soon. My friend says the development will be a threat to the mangroves. How sad, isn’t it? Nevertheless, island hopping is the best way to end this trip.
Photo Ops at Pandan Island
Oh! Just before I forgot, on our last night, our travel agent who instantly became a friend treated us to a free dinner at Kinabuch’s, another famous nightspot here in the city. Much to our surprise, we were served a plate of “Tamilok”, a kind of earthworm that thrives in a log. Challenged we were and as our way of building camaraderie, we gave in and tasted it. It’s like oyster with an after taste of old wood. I swear not to eat it again. Well, it’s just me. Who knows you might love it.
Coffee Break at Itoy's
I’ll never forget this trip. Not only I was delighted to see new places, had a good rest and eat good food… I’ve found new friends. After all, I guess that’s how trips should be… It’s you and everything around you.
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