TRAVEL and be BOLD
Sometimes you just need to go out from your comfortable spot and seek the recesses of the unknown - this is one of the things I had in mind when I went to the trip which precisely made me realized that travelling solo can be a very reflective experience. It started with a promise. I have made arrangements to meet my friend after a seminar supposed to be held in Surigao City last February 18, but since it was postponed, I decided to push my plans with my friend who lives in Barangay Siana, Mainit in Surigao del Norte.
I really got mixed feelings about this trip. I think of it as a big risk because of reports of earthquakes hitting the area during that time. But I made up my mind: there’s no turning back.
My heart was really beating fast as I boarded the bus around 11 p.m. of July 17 but the shuttle became my sanctuary within 12 hours of travel.
Unfortunately I forgot my earphones, but the unpredictable environment gave me a lot to thank for. That moment, God knows how thankful I was with the random songs being played inside the bus; it really saved me from boredom.
Aside from the music, my whole trip was spent in keeping my pasalubong – two boxes of Krispy Kreme, intact. Every time I see a nice view, the movie “Sakaling Hindi Makarating” always came to my mind. And I imagine myself recreating it in my own capacity, heading to areas I’ve never been before. I had a hard time sleeping but drowsiness overtook me.
I reached Butuan City around 7 a.m of July 18th and I had friend chicken for breakfast. Rays of sunshine assisted my eyes to unravel the beauty of Agusan del Norte.
The area is actually rich in water resources - lakes, rivers, and streams. I really found myself in awe when I saw Lake Mainit which stretches into many municipalities. I am also amazed in the fact that each municipality has their own well-kept terminal and municipalities are near to each other.
I reached Magpayang, Surigao Del Norte at around 11 a.m. where I met my friend Fritzy Ruth Gahuman, a very good friend of mine. She was accompanied by her mother Aunt Lani.
Not taking time for rest, we immediately went to our itineraries after we had our lunch.
Fritzy’s neighbor, uncle Romie, took us to the Mapaso Wellness Resort where hot springs are everywhere.
Although it was not my first time seeing a hot spring resort, the wide expanse of the hot spring resort still amazed me. I dipped my feet in one of the pools and we took so many pictures to our hearts’ content.
My friend also took me to Kasili Resort where I had a closer view of Lake Mainit.
Lake Mainit is the fourth largest lake in the Philippines with the surface area of 173.40 square kilometers. The lake is also the deepest lake in the country with maximum depth reaching 223 meters.
According to my friend, several species of fish also live in its waters.
I can say I am thankful to God for the amazing trip I had. In the afternoon of the next day, it was time to go home. When I reached my house at 1 a.m. of February 20, I can only smile with the safe and fun trip I had and I promised myself that adventures like that won’t be my last.
I can say it is really worth the trouble.