The Return

My sister, G, and her husband were ecstatic. 

Their “hijo unico”, P,  was on a one-month long vacation from his US base job.  And they made sure to pull out all the stops to guarantee the best ever one month visit for P.

Travels to the provinces were their favorite form of bonding as a family.  And travel they did.  It was like old times:  my brother-in-law’s keen interest on 4-wheel driving, my nephew’s love for photography and my sister’s adventurous spirit made for the perfect vacation and bonding experience. 

Naturally, Cebu made it in their bucket list.  My nephew had to check out the whale sharks of Oslob (a first for him), had to get his fill on steamed fried rice (his all-time Cebu craving), and  had to give my mother a tight hug (or else!). 

While in Cebu, they also revisited Nalusuan Island Resort— a resort and a marine sanctuary.  As I was just as interested to rekindle happy memories, I did not think twice to accept their invitation to join them, together with another sister and her daughter, in an overnight stay at this enthralling bit of paradise.

Although July is part of typhoon season, we were blessed with sunny days during the visit of P in Cebu.  It’s as though summer had also returned briefly in the midst of the rainy season.   The weather was perfect on the Wednesday we took off from a pier in Mactan that was far from idyllic.

But I overlooked the sad state of most of Mactan’s shoreline not taken over by a resort or condo developer and focused instead on several ongoing water activities.

After a short 30-minute boat ride, we saw the tiny island. 

Happily, somethings remain the same.

The long stretch of wooden planks from the drop off point to the resort.

The oh so clear water. Groups of sea urchins. Blue and orange star fish and so many schools of fish.  The manager was right when he laughingly stated that they were not only schools of fish but universities.

And somethings have changed.

The manager informed us that the size of the sanctuary has increased tremendously after the local government realized the importance of protecting the reefs and the fish from dynamite fishing.  More fish and beautiful reefs meant more tourists. More tourists, more income. 

There were at least 100 tourists visiting on the same day we were there— mostly Koreans and Chinese.  I was told that on a good day, the number could swell to 200.  Oh, their excitement can be a little too much to take.  

Here they come!

But things quiet down by 4 in the afternoon as these day visitors returned to Mactan.  Nalusuan was ours alone to enjoy.

There were two restaurants.  A new and spacious restaurant to accommodate the huge number of hungry visitors.  And a smaller one on the opposite side facing the sand bar area.  A bonus: free drinking water offered to the guests.

As was in the past, we stayed in rooms built on stilts with a small balcony overlooking an expanse of water.

 But this time, there was air-conditioning as well as complimentary drinking water, coffee, tea, toiletries and towels. Just like any good resort would offer.  In the past, a bed and a bathroom was more than adequate.

As the tide went down late in the afternoon, I saw an expanse of sand becoming visible.  Not the same white slim strip of sandbar of the past but more like a football field.  There was even a volleyball net strung up between two poles. (Now that’s taking beach volleyball to another level)

Where there used to be lots of white sand dollars, all I found were a few sea-moss covered ones.   

As I walked around thinking about the past, I got a “Hey! Stop it!” mental kick in the behind.

The tides changes the size and shapes of sandbars over time. Nothing stays the same way. But it's not to say beauty is lost forever.

It's the same with life. Nothing stays the same.   But it's not to say joy is gone forever.

I had to stop holding onto my vision of a perfect white sand dollar of the past.  After all, there was my young niece frolicing on the beach while my nephew expertly captured the state of youthful exuberance.   

And so I stashed away yesterday’s images and started relishing the NOW …. a half moon, conversations with family, a cold beer, delicious dinner and the sound of gentle waves coming in with the change of the tide.

---xoxoxoxox---

A visit to Cebu is never complete without chowing down on the freshest seafood and seaweeds.  Yes, seaweeds.  

There are two seaweeds in particular that make it to the dining table.  

One is lato.  Lato looks like a bunch of minature green grapes.  When eaten, it is a watery, salty explosion of flavour in your mouth.   A quick wash in clean water is all that is needed before popping them in your mouth.  You may swirl it in some vinegar.  Every bite is a burst of summer days at the beach. (sorry no picture)

The other is guso.  Guso is a seaweed that contains carrageenan.  And carrageenan-containing seaweeds have been used for centuries in preparation for their gelling properties.  Fresh out of sea water, it is a lovely green color.  Once blanced, it turns to a lighter shade of opaque green.  To me, it's like minature tree branches minus the leaves.  There really is no distinct taste-- more a textural oral experience. Chopped tomatoes, onions, a little bit of ginger and a dash or two of coconut vinegar is all you need.  That simple.

So if you should make the acquintance of these two fine seaweeds, don't pass up the chance to bring yourself to a fresh and delightful place in the here and now.