#LaagPaMore

Remember the film entitled 'Camp Sawi' of Viva films which starred some of the big stars including Arci Muñoz, Andi Eigenmann, Bela Padilla, Sam Milby, and more? My heart was throb with excitement when the film was released in the cinemas last year so I watched it on its first week. It excites me not because of the cast neither not because I am 'Sawi' like many of the other audience, but because of the place where the film took place. The film was set on Bantayan Island - my home island.

How far can you go with P500? Would you believe if I tell you that we spent only P500 for 2 days and 1 night stay at Olango island including the transportation? Yes! It's totally possible. Imagine yourself biking around the island, visiting sanctuaries, swimming with the fishes, and an overnight camp in a very peaceful place ... Petrificus Totalus! It's indeed a worthwhile weekend I spent in Olango with Camp Wasted Team. Check out our story and the summary of our trip at bottom of the page:

Pedal here, Pedal there!

The moment we arrived at Sta. Rosa Port from Hilton Wharf, we immediately look for a tricycle that could bring us to Brgy. Candagsao so we can rent a bike and start the fun. Luckily, we got a friendly driver who took us to the bike rentals. We are accommodated by the owner of the bikes and provided us with stunning and colorful bikes which you can rent for only P10 per hour. Since we don't know yet where to go, we are advised by the locals to try visiting the Marine Sanctuary at Brgy. Talima. You can actually use Google there, internet connection is working perfectly. Arrived at Brgy. Talima after 2 hours of biking since one of my friend was still working on how to drive a bike but for us pro-bikers, it will only take 30 minutes at least. But without her, the bike escapade wouldn't be that fun. It's almost 3 hours after we arrived back at the bike rentals yet we are only charged for P25 each. Lucky!

Camp Sawi, este Island Eco - Park

From Brgy. Candagsao, we rode a motorcycle to Brgy. Asinan so we can set-up our tents to settle up for the night since it's almost 6 PM after our bike adventures. We are immediately welcomed by Ate IDK (Actually, I forgot her name! I just know that she is the President of the community which consists of 27 families who managed the Eco Park) So Ate IDK gave us an area where we can set-up our tents. She was very accommodating! It's almost 8 PM after we fully set-up our sleeping camps. Butterflies here, butterflies there! Hmmm .. There is a rally forming inside our tummies. We are shocked when we learned that there are no carenderias near the camp. But luckily, the fairy godmothers of Asinan came to us and offer us help with our dinner. They let us bought their stocks (Rice and canned goods) and help us cook them and they lend us the utensils. Dinner is saved! It's almost midnight and we decided to have a little shot. We approached ate IDK so we can buy something to drink, I was like cast with 'immobilus' spell when she told us the price. 1 Liter coke is P45 and Emperador is P100 ... Intense! But still we had fun - dancing throughout the shoreline cause we own the place that evening until we got tired and sleep ... ZzZzzZ ...

Bird Sanctuary - Tweet it!

Woke up suuuuuper early at the camp to witness the sunrise. We had coffee and bread sponsored by Gardenia, LOL. We immediately dismantle our tents and proceed to look for motorcycle way to Brgy. San Vicente. We arrived at the Bird Sanctuary where we are charged P30 each for the entrance fee. And we are provided with one binoculars. Luckily, we are the only group of people that early morning in the place but it was low tide so there are only a few birds we saw from the viewing deck.  But it is still worth it because the place is indeed spectacular. We found peace at that place while listening to the birds singing like melodies in our ears. Char! We also enjoyed feeding the fishes with our supposedly-snack which became fish foods.

Boardwalk

We were supposed to head home after visiting the birds but we just learned that the Boardwalk is only walking distance from the Sanctuary. So the explorers head out to Boardwalk with no hesitation. We are so glad to find that the resort is serving seafood! Hooray! It was a pleasant lunch. We started our steps on the boardwalk which is actually longer than I expected. Upon reaching the end, these friends suddenly turned into mermaids. Great place for snorkeling! Lots of starfish and other marine creatures. You'll totally love it.

Summary:

While inside the boat we rented, our excitement grows bigger and bigger as we were able to see the island from the distant. My amazement hits the skyline the moment my eyes laid on the water as clear as crystal with the fascinating colors of turquoise. I who grew up in an island never had the excitement of beaches but the island is an exception. In my opinion, the water is here is clearer compared to Moalboal which also once had my impression. Compare to Virgin Island, Sumilon had much clearer water but it lacks the long-white-sand factor.


I really love the place. The atmosphere is so relaxing. It's even funny to think that we wait and search for whale sharks. Just being hopeful. But the thing that I treasured the most wasn't the place but the memories I had with friends. Honestly, this is post is not intentionally to promote the place but for my two friends who just broke up recently. This is to remind them that forever exist. Keep in mind our memories we had here. Never say "walang forever". The sun might set in the afternoon but it never fails to rise the next day. There is no such end.

"Never Forget."

 

Madridejos, Cebu - one of the municipalities in Bantayan Island and is the least known compare to Municipality of Sta. fe and Municapality of Bantayan. Historically called "Lawis" but even as of today some are still using the old name. People of Madridejos are called "Lawisanon".

What's inside Lawis? Lawis is a quite place where you can find the virgin grounds. As expected of Bantayan Island, the north municipality also possessed the milky white sand similar to Sta. Fe beaches which is very likely to the sands of Boracay. Aside from its fine sand, Lawis is able to preserve "Kota Park", a fort used by the Spaniards during the World War II. It also once served as a town's cemetery. Inside Kota Park, you can also find "Bontay Baywalk" or so-called "Kota Bridge" .
A kilometer bridge from the shoreline connecting to a watch tower which is perfect for unwinding moments. At the tower, you will be able to see the surrounding islands and having a greater view of the long shoreline of white sand. And the perfect place to watch sunset.

Huge L-A-W-I-S beside Kota Park - #LaagPaMore

White Sand - Photo credits to Emmanuel John Medallo

View from the Watch Tower - Photo credits Maakman of Google Maps

The baywalk and Watch Tower - Photo credits to Jollibee Causapin

So how do you reach the place?

"Where do you spend your holy week vacation? Why not try something remarkable... "