My Home, My Paradise

Siargao is where my friend was born. It was not the place where her mother gave birth to her, but she can call it a HOME. One word she would describe it is ... PARADISE. Ever since she was a kid, she would visit their relatives residing in Siargao and spend the whole summer exploring the island and experience the breathtaking beaches, that she can say, incomparable to other places she have visited.

This year, after more than two years of lockdown due to COVID-19, they were able to go back and had their vacation at Siargao. She shared that even after being devastated by typhoon Odette, the island was still magnificent, minus the wrecked houses. It was heartbreaking for her to witness the devastating condition of some people by losing their homes, but still, they are hopeful and thankful that they survived the storm. The people are now thriving to go back to their normal lives. Siargao is rising and is ready to offer its alluring beauty to all once again.

She truthfully shared that she have been to many tourist spots in the island but she just really can't get enough in all of its beauty. Every time she would go back, she feel like it was always her first time there. For her, the excitement of being able to experience it all over again is really satisfying. She feel new to it every time.

Actually, she is my close friend. She would always invite me and my our friends to go there since Junior Highschool. She would tell us to save money only for the transportation fare because she will shoulder the accommodation. Plus, she will be acting as our tour guide, obviously. She would always give us an assurance that once we visit Siargao, we will be wishing to never leave and just stay there forever.

Currently, we are very busy because we are already third year college students. We are juggling with our responsibilities both as a daughter, and a student. Hopefully, we can visit this so called "Paradise" after all of us graduated before it's too late. Thinking that possibility ignited excitement within me.

Photos are owned by the Zillah Masangkay