𝗖𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗮𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰: 𝗔 𝗪𝗵𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗮𝘀 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲

The Christmas season brings wonderful experiences and is always in our hearts. The past two years of Christmas in Canada were memorable as they gave the season a different meaning and perspective.

We're not having a white Christmas in Metro Vancouver for this year since we didn't have a snowfall except in the Mountain resorts of North Vancouver. We had a great time in Mt. Seymour on my first Christmas here in Canada, so this time, we traveled a bit farther to experience a white Christmas in 

a mountain resort and village. This time we spent a holiday in Whistler!

I've always been fascinated and dreaming about celebrating a white Christmas, so we'll be experiencing the village of Whistler as it turns into a wonderful Christmas winter wonderland.

In addition to Vancouver, Whistler hosted the 2010 Winter Olympics, so we spent time in the Olympic Village and took photos with the Olympic logo. Just behind the Olympic logo is an ice skating rink where everyone has fun.

Whistler is a world-renowned destination for snow adventures and is known as the top ski destination in North America and the world. We had to experience the fun, so we took a gondola ride to reach the first jump-off station, where we enjoyed watching the ski adventure. Skiing is fun to watch. I wish to take a lesson next time to join the ski adventure.

One of the most unforgettable experiences was joining a medicine trail snowshoe adventure on Christmas day. It was a great way to recharge and reconnect with nature as we traveled to old-growth forests with our tour guide, Melanie, a French Canadian Botanist. Mel is knowledgeable and passionate about the Whistler wilderness. I connected with her as she shared about forest bathing and its benefits. I told her I had blogged about 'forest bathing,' shinrin Roku in Japanese. It was a unique experience, feeling the snow crunch under my snowshoes and the crisp air filling my lungs. I was indeed 'bathing in the forest.'

 

"This is my first real forest bathing, as we truly bathe in the forest," I told her.

The snowshoe adventure starts with a 20-minute bus ride to Callaghan Valley, where Mel was our driver and guide. We share the bus trip with other adventurers who are into snowmobiling and dog sledding, and they have their guides.

It was about an hour and a half of snowshoeing in the wilderness, with several stops for Mel to share fantastic real-life stories about the trees and plants. Just before we got close to our starting point, Mel shared that the totem pole is believed to be a portal, and we have to set out a wish before we pass through it.

Mel emphasized that the power of manifestation lies in genuinely believing it will happen. She always reminds us of our intentions so we get the best results.

As we ended the snowshoe adventure, Mel offered tea to warm up before we got back to the bus for another trip back to the town center.  That was an enjoyable experience, and I learned some information from Mel about the temperate rainforest that we live in.

The Whistler village is alive, and the shimmering Christmas lights on the trees add a magical experience as we pass through the cobblestone streets. The local shops and restaurants were all decked out for the holidays, and we even learned some of the local Christmas traditions, like the lighting of the village Christmas tree and the carolers singing in the streets.

As we return to our cozy Airbnb room, we always make it a point to have a cup of cafe mocha and hot chocolate. This ritual of sharing travel stories and discussing our future goals over warm beverages is a source of joy and inspiration. Our travel experiences inspire us and help us visualize our future goals and dreams.

On the third day of our stay, we were greeted with a fresh snowfall early in the morning. We anticipated that, and we're glad it happened before returning home. Before breakfast, we spent an hour walking around the Olympic Park, where everyone enjoyed the fresh snowfall. Families with little kids played in the snow, building snowmen, and others played ice skating. It was fun to see happy faces full of excitement and joy.

Our holidays in Whistler were truly magical. The vibrant town transformed into a Christmas village in wintertime, and it was a sight to behold. The energy and festive spirit were infectious. We left with a desire to return in another season, eager for a different experience and a higher level of adventure. 

We'll always have a Merry Christmas, and the joyous holiday season brings warmth and joy for an extraordinary Whistler experience that's truly a Christmas in our hearts. 

©️ 2024 Del Cusay

𝗕𝗶𝗿𝘁𝗵𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹: 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲'𝘀 𝗘𝘀𝗰𝗮𝗽𝗮𝗱𝗲

𝙄𝙩'𝙨 𝙨𝙪𝙢𝙢𝙚𝙧𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚 𝙞𝙣 𝘾𝙖𝙣𝙖𝙙𝙖. 𝙄𝙩'𝙨 𝙖 𝙜𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙘𝙚𝙡𝙚𝙗𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙢𝙮 𝙗𝙞𝙧𝙩𝙝𝙙𝙖𝙮 𝙤𝙣 𝙖 𝙧𝙤𝙖𝙙 𝙩𝙧𝙞𝙥 𝙖𝙬𝙖𝙮 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙘𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙚, 𝙛𝙞𝙣𝙙 𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙥𝙞𝙩𝙚 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙩, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙞𝙣𝙙𝙪𝙡𝙜𝙚 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙤𝙡𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙫𝙖𝙨𝙩 𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙡𝙖𝙣𝙙. 

As I celebrate another year of life, I am filled with a profound sense of gratitude. This is a time for introspection, a moment to pause and consider the path my life has taken and the possibilities that lie ahead.

With the promise of a long weekend, we embarked on a journey of discovery, heading towards a provincial park just a few hours from home. It was a three-day adventure, a chance to heal and rejuvenate under the warm sun. 

We stayed at Coldspring Campground in Manning Park. This peaceful campsite, nestled near the river, offered a serene environment just a few steps from where we set up our tent and camping essentials. The sound of the river and the rustling of the trees provided a soothing backdrop to our stay.

Manning Park covers over 83 thousand hectares and has five Campgrounds and more than 400 campsites. It's one of British Columbia, Canada's most popular all-season destinations.

We visited some fantastic tourist spots, like the Cascade Lookout, which, at a higher elevation, offers 360-degree views of the Cascade Mountains between Canada and the US border.

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The mountain views were nothing short of breathtaking, with the lush greenery of the evergreen trees adding to the natural beauty. The sight of eagles soaring high, squirrels hopping, and birds chirping was a testament to the vibrant life that thrives in these surroundings.

The exhilarating 15-minute journey to the summit was incredible. That's why I always love the peak; it feels like being victorious. There, we feel good and develop a higher vision of what we can accomplish in life.

Our Soulful Sunday moment was spent in Lightning Park near Manning Park Resort. It's a go-to spot for families to enjoy the vibrant ambiance and gleaming lake waters.

Favorite water activities in summer include kayaking, stand-up paddling, fishing, and swimming. Adjacent is the Skyview and Lightning Lake campground, which is a 5-minute drive away from where we stay in Coldspring Campground. 

We set up a beach shade canopy and chairs and spent time facing the lake while overseeing different water activities that people enjoy. 

The summer heat was intense, and it was good to get a refreshing breeze off the lake while breathing out all worries and aches and getting revitalized.

We enjoy grilling fish and sweet corn at our campsite for dinner. This is something you should not miss while camping. 

To warm up on a cool evening, it feels good to be around a bonfire, watching the firewood get burned until the fire is out. We had some s'mores while sharing light stories. 

Just before we ended the night and headed to our sleeping tent, we had a great time stargazing and being awed by other celestial bodies. It's my first time here to see a flashing meteor promptly for a birthday wish. 

That was a memorable birthday celebration. I enjoyed being outdoors and in nature. I love the camping vibe and had the fun moments for making summer memories.

Life is good, and we always enjoy it and celebrate it. We gaze for the stars, dream it, and live it.

©️ 2024 Del Cusay

𝗕𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗵𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝗲𝗮 𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝗸𝘆 𝗚𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗼𝗹𝗮 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗺𝗶𝘀𝗵

𝙄𝙩'𝙨 𝙖 𝙩𝙝𝙧𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖𝙙𝙫𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚 𝙗𝙮 𝙣𝙖𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚. 𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙩'𝙨 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙎𝙚𝙖 𝙩𝙤 𝙎𝙠𝙮 𝙂𝙤𝙣𝙙𝙤𝙡𝙖 𝙝𝙖𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙤𝙛𝙛𝙚𝙧 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙞𝙩𝙨 𝙢𝙖𝙟𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙘 𝙧𝙞𝙙𝙚 𝙝𝙞𝙜𝙝 𝙪𝙥 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙠𝙮. 

This outdoor destination is one of the best places to visit in British Columbia. The breathtaking sea view from the sky and on top of the mountain is worth the experience. It's exhilarating and truly spectacular. 

Let's explore this stunningly beautiful destination in Squamish, an hour's drive from North Vancouver, passing through the scenic sea-to-sky highway. 

From the base station, The Sea to Sky Gondola is a 10-minute/ 2 km ride to the summit. You'll see the forested mountain and the beautiful turquoise waters of the sea (Howe Sound) as you ascend to a higher elevation until reaching the summit lodge, which offers the most spectacular view of the surrounding mountain, the valley, and the sea. 

On the summit lodge, there are restaurants and cafes for refreshments, which extend to the outdoor patio and viewing deck, offering a view of the magnificent snow-capped mountains. 

The adventure never stops as you get to experience the surrounding trail network passing through the 100-meter Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge. We walked through the most accessible trail (Spirit) and the best trail (Panorama), leading to the Chief Overlook Viewing Platform, where you can capture the best shots of the snow-capped mountain as a backdrop. 

Other trails take longer to explore, but you'll always be aware since all trails lead and end at the summit lodge viewing deck. The courses are for beginners and intermediates, so it's a family-friendly hiking experience with viewing areas and platforms for picture-taking to capture memorable moments. 

Sea to Sky Gondola is an all-year-round adventure. It's best in any season, whether on a hot, dry summer or a snowy and chilly winter. The nature trail and the viewing platforms are alluring and worth revisiting in a different season. 

The land of the Squamish First Nation is home to the Sea to Sky Gondola. The Squamish protect and preserve the beauty of their heritage and share it with everyone. It's not just about fun and adventure but also about indigenous people's culture, early beginnings, and evolution as a First Nation. 

Sea to Sky Gondola is one of the most incredible adventures of a lifetime in British Columbia. It's a place to go and chill, an adventure by nature with a thrill. 

©️ 2022 Del Cusay

The Captivating Mantalinga Island

What captivates the soul more than a small island on the coast of Roxas City, Capiz, known as Mantalinga Island.

It's a tiny island just a kilometer from Baybay Beach's shore. It's famous for its long stretch of beachfront restaurants.

The place is popular in the Western Visayas as the best food trip destination. It has gained national recognition as one of the best sources and suppliers of seafood in the top restaurants in the Philippines, particularly in Metro Manila.

Roxas City, known as the Seafood Capital of the Philippines, offers abundant marine products like fish, shellfish, and oysters. The best part? You can enjoy these fresh seafood dishes at an affordable price, a fraction of what you'd pay in high-end restaurants in Metro Manila. At Baybay Beach, you can indulge in unlimited fresh seafood, day and night, without breaking the bank, ensuring a satisfying and budget-friendly culinary experience.

Imagine the sea's soothing waves and the cool breeze on your skin. Now, add to that the breathtaking sight of Mantalinga Island, a natural wonder that serves as the most famous background and landmark in Roxas City.

Thanks to its proximity to Roxas City's mainland, getting to Mantalinga Island is a breeze. You can easily hire a pump boat service or a kayak to get a closer look at this captivating island, making your trip convenient and hassle-free.

Local fishermen have a unique belief about Mantalinga Island. They call it 'Good Luck Island' because they believe that inscribing their name on the rock before fishing or on their boat before its main voyage brings them good luck. This local tradition, steeped in cultural significance, adds an intriguing and enriching layer to your visit, sparking your curiosity and appreciation for local customs. 

We all want good luck. We want a good journey in life. And when you visit this laid-back city in Western Visayas, see Baybay Beach and experience the enigmatic charm of Mantalinga Island. You'll come for sure, and you'll ask for more.

©️ 2020 Del Cusay 

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The Japanese art of Forest Bathing

When it comes to natural healing, the Japanese know better. They came up with a term, "Shinrin-yoku," popularized in Japan in the '80s and later introduced to the world. 

Forest bathing isn't taking a bath in the forest in a literal sense. It simply means reconnecting with nature and disconnecting from life's stressors -- causing diseases.

It's been a year since I've lived in a rural area; in my hometown. It's countryside living away from too much noise and chaos.

Since the beginning of the pandemic and due to the lockdown, some plans weren't able to happen, and since then, I wasn't able to come back to Manila.

I'm living my best life away from distraction and pollution; forest bathing on weekends is my healing wonder. It's all we need in times of stress and whenever we need to relax and rejuvenate. It cleanses and purifies our physical and mental bodies.

So Japanese people are considered world leaders regarding health and longevity. Their approach to health and wellness is just holistic and admirable. Hence, they're a world record in having supercentenarians. 

We Filipinos adapted to this Japanese form of natural healing. Forest bathing is slowly gaining recognition, especially among health and fitness enthusiasts.

Hikers, trekkers, mountain climbers, and yoga and meditation practitioners are among those groups gaining from the healing benefits of forest bathing.

In the Philippines, there are places I've done forest bathing on a day trip.

In the Philippines, there are places I've done forest bathing on a day trip. Camp John Hay in Baguio City is where you can find the most pine trees. And has the most forest cover in the area.

At Camp John Hay, Baguio City, Philippines

That was a refreshing forest bathing experience as I felt the foggy place's mists. It feels so great to be surrounded by trees, which give off natural cleansing energy.

Bucari Highlands in Iloilo, Philippines, is one of the best mountain resort destinations in the country.

When we visited, it was rainy on the way up and with a foggy and misty climate. Like Baguio City, it has many pine trees making the environment more relaxed.

Bucari, Iloilo, Philippines

There are other places where I've enjoyed forest bathing. The Mount Arayat National Park in Pampanga, Philippines. The La Mesa Eco-park in Quezon City, Philippines, and Naddi Village in Dharamshala, India.

My parents were inspired to develop our farm over a decade ago, so they planted Mahogany trees, making it a mini-forest. Now the trees have reached their peak maturity and are tall, giving a cool shade in the surrounding. 

 

Our Mahogany tree park

And so, every time we visited the farm, I would do forest bathing. I walk barefoot and remain under the trees until I've reached a meditative state. Feel the serenity and inhale the life force. 

Anyone can do it. When life gets tough, we must take slow and find a greener space to unwind and re-energize. 

The Japanese people are doing it as a lifestyle, so we can learn and adopt their healthy and balanced lifestyle.

©️2020 Del Cusay

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Serenity in Nan Lian Garden

Amidst the constant motion of city life, I always manage to find a serene escape. It's a piece of pure calmness and soulful paradise, a stark contrast to the hustle and bustle that surrounds it. 

A pond... A rock formation... A waterfall... All that can be found in an oasis of pure joy; a magnificent city garden.

A bustling megacity like Hong Kong isn't just about a magnificent and stunning skyline. It also boasts some of the most beautiful and refined traditional Chinese landscaped gardens.

The entrance of Nan Lian Garden

I've found a peaceful ambiance in the busy area of Diamond Hill in Kowloon, Hong Kong, where I've found an ancient Tang dynasty-style complex: the Chi Lin Nunnery and the Nan Lian Garden.

That's a refined piece of ancient Chinese architecture brought back to life in Modern-day Hong Kong, with towering residential skyscrapers and a mountain range in a backdrop. 

Nan Lian Gardens' Wooden Gate

The entrance to the complex is a masterpiece of design, welcoming you with the garden's natural elements of lush greenery, ornamental rocks, and a wooden gate. It's a sight that inspires awe and a sense of true welcome.

Passing through the wooden gate leads you to one of the beautiful attractions: the golden pagoda with an attached red wooden bridge. Colors that bring good luck and prosperity according to Chinese beliefs.

The Golden Pavilion/Pagoda

A few steps from the Golden Pagoda is the Chi Lin Nunnery, a Buddhist temple converted into a school, library, and home for the elderly. With its intricate wooden architecture and serene surroundings, the nunnery is a testament to China's rich cultural heritage.

The Chi Lin Nunnery is an impressive piece of Chinese architecture with a koi-filled pond surrounding it. The wooden structure is a work of art from ancient times (618 AD to 907 AD), revived in modern times.

The Chi Lin Nunnery

To better understand ancient Chinese architecture, I had a solemn moment inside the Chinese Timber Architecture Gallery. The gallery is a place to discover the architecture of other cities in China at different periods. It provides a fascinating insight into the evolution of Chinese architecture from the Tang Dynasty to the present day.

The Nan Lian Garden is a Tang Dynasty-inspired garden built in modern times. The Tang Dynasty, known for its cultural and artistic achievements, is a rich source of inspiration for the garden's design. It's reminiscent of old but refined Chinese architecture with a balanced element of nature.

The Chi Lin Nunnery

The garden's tranquil ambiance offers visitors a great sense of peace and rejuvenation. It's not just a typical Chinese garden, but it's filled with learning about the Chinese way of living back in the old days -- the earliest civilization.

Heritage and culture must be preserved for the world to see and experience. The Nan Lian Garden is not a typical attraction; it has an old-school Chinese ambiance in a modern setting—teleported back in time.

©️ 2020 Del Cusay

Celebrating My Birthday at the Farm

Life is good. No matter our challenges, there's a reason to celebrate all the blessings and abundance.

Since I'm celebrating my birthday, I'm having it at the farm for the first time. It's also the first year we've started developing a portion for tree planting and, just recently, organic vegetable farming.

Celebrating my birthday in a new setting, surrounded by my family in my hometown, fills me with excitement. It's a stark contrast to last year's celebration in Manila, a time of joy and laughter before the onset of COVID-19.

2020 is a simple yet meaningful celebration as I contemplate life's meaning and purpose.

What's there waiting for me?

A lot has changed since the beginning of the pandemic. Uncertainties and vulnerabilities are on the consciousness. We know that our lives matter above all, that life is too short, and that life is precious.

The act of making a wish on your birthday is not just a tradition, it's a powerful manifestation. Our wishes have the potential to attract what we desire, and they become even more potent when they are accompanied by the heartfelt wishes of our loved ones.

Like a group prayer, we often materialize our wishes and hearts' desires when more people are there to celebrate with us.

However, as we reach a certain level of maturity through the years, we tend to direct our wishes to ourselves and more to the people who matter most in our lives.

Our wishes tend to become more specific,  less centered on material aspirations, and more on our well-being and enlightenment. The pandemic has made me realize the importance of health, family, and inner peace, and these are the things I find myself wishing for more and more on my birthday.

This pandemic teaches us to go back to the basics, to review and renew our lives, and to try to present a new 'us' to the world. For me, this 'new us' is about prioritizing what truly matters, appreciating the simple things in life, and being more mindful and present in each moment.

Celebrating a birthday at the farm is about celebrating the natural world. Not surrounded by many people but with trees, plants, and vegetables.

I am deeply grateful for another year of life, and I owe this gratitude to my family, friends, and the Divine, the source of all life. Your support and love have been my guiding light through life's challenges.

Life continues, and I will never forget that life is too short. We have to live it well and live our best life. Only the best life we deserve.

© 2020 Del Cusay

The Charming Town of Lucban

There are many old, rustic, but charming towns in the Philippines. On the main Philippine island of Luzon, South of Manila, you can see and experience the historical and cultural municipality of Lucban, Province of Quezon.

The place, with its mild and windy temperature, is a haven of tranquility, nestled at the foothill of mystical Mount Banahaw. Its coolness, reminiscent of Tagaytay Highlands, offers a serene escape, especially for those coming from the bustling Metro Manila.

At Kamay Ni Hesus Shrine

In the Summer of 2014, we took a great road trip from Manila to Lucban to celebrate Holy Week. The journey was filled with scenic views of lush greenery and picturesque landscapes, making it a soulful week to remember.

As a lover of old Spanish towns, Lucban's rich and well-preserved colonial past never captivates me. The pleasant vibe of history permeating the city is a sight to behold. 

Truly fascinating!

Ancestral houses, centuries-old churches, and plazas feel like time travel with ancient Kalesa or Horse-drawn carriage on a narrow street.

At Kamay Ni Hesus Shrine

Lucban is renowned for its 'Pahiyas Festival,' a vibrant celebration of the town's bountiful agricultural harvest every 15th of May. The town comes alive with colorful decorations made from local produce, creating a lively and unique cultural experience that is a must-see.

I also appreciate that Lucban has a nature-inspired resort and restaurant, a relaxing place for family bonding. The resort is nestled in a serene environment, surrounded by lush greenery. It offers a range of activities for all ages, making it the perfect place for a peaceful and enjoyable family getaway.

A restaurant with a natural background overlooking the golden rice field is rejuvenating. The swimming pool water flows from nature's spring—excellent, clean, and greenish-blue water, so refreshing.

 

At Kamayan Sa Palaisdaan

With its old-world charm, delectable cuisine, warm locals, and serene natural scenery, Lucban is a small yet enchanting town that has mastered the art of preserving its heritage and culture. It's a place where the past and present harmoniously coexist, where nature and culture blend in perfect harmony, inspiring a deep appreciation for both.

Living in the past meets living in the present: living in peace with nature and being captivated by culture.  

© 2020 Del Cusay

Surfing at the Crystal Beach

Gentle waves at the beach are fun. The sun shines, the sand is sparkling, and the people surf.

In the Philippines, the coast of San Narciso in the province of Zambales is one of the country's finest beaches and a surfing destination. Crystal Beach is a surfing paradise in the North. 

In May 2019, I traveled about 4 hours from Manila, the Philippine capital, to reach this surfing spot. Its proximity to Manila makes it an ideal weekend getaway to escape stress and regain vitality briefly.

We need a place like this. Great for total rejuvenation of the body, mind, and soul.

Crystal Beach has its surfing school for beginners and a surfboard rental for any surfers.

Have I dared go on surfing? 

I love water adventures and have long been interested in learning about surfing, but I was still looking for a better moment.

And so, I was closer to my dream of surfing. It just takes a single step, a show of interest.

It's good that a country like the Philippines is blessed to have one of the best surfing spots in the world. 

The Cloud Nine waves of Siargao in the South are world-renowned and the surfing spot of La Union. It's a favorite destination among local and international surfers and beach lovers.

I was just fine with gentle waves. It's ideal for beginners, and watching some people surfing is already a fun water show.

Crystal Beach is a sparkling Jewel and a rising surfing destination in the Philippines. The waves from September until January would be the best since it's a monsoon season when the wind blows stronger.

That was a great weekend at the beach. I'm filled with gratitude for having had the chance to enjoy it before the pandemic. As we wait for local tourism to recover, I'm reminded of the precious moments we've had and look forward to the day when we can be closer to nature again.

The coast of San Narciso and the sparkling shore of Crystal Beach is truly a paradise for everyone who appreciates nature.

Great memories always live on, and the ripple goes on.

© 2020 Del Cusay

Baywatch at Camp Rofelio

The West Coast of the Philippines, a gem of a summer destination. And the crown jewel? The coast of San Felipe, nestled in the province of Zambales. A tranquil town in the North, beckoning with its beauty.

The waves, the blue-green waters, and the greyish-powdery sand make it a great getaway for rejuvenating and having some pure thinking moments.

In May 2018, I discovered a newly built camping site on the coast of Liwliwa, a town in San Felipe.

It's a haven of tranquility, with several cottages and tents for an overnight stay. The moment I set eyes on it, I knew it was a place I could truly unwind and connect with nature.

Standing barefoot at the seaside gate of Camp Rofelio, you can enjoy a perfect view of the horizon. The water is clear, and the waves are relaxing. You can also sit on the sand, meditate, and capture the best view of the surroundings.

A great weekend retreat. Camping at the beach. A soulful moment to watch the sunset. Fresh-grilled seafood for dinner and a bonfire night to remember.

It was indeed a memorable and fun moment at Camp Rofelio. It's a decent weekend destination—a solemn place where you can be at peace and one with nature. When you hear the waves inside the tent at night, you'll have the most relaxing and deep sleep ever.

But, hey! I'm supposed to be bay-watching!

A Baywatch, to appreciate the area, the surrounding waters, and the place facing the West Philippine Sea, had created controversy from unwanted intruders. The pirates of the sea had been inside our Philippine waters, causing tensions and threats to the fishing livelihood of the locals.

The Philippine government is supposed to protect those waters, defend our territorial seas, and secure what's best for our people.

There were spotted dredging foreign vessels in the territorial waters of Zambales that threaten our territorial rights and the fishing rights of several Fishermen on our territory.

We are standing as a Baywatch. Someone who sees intruders from afar. But our local fishermen are powerless, and even the regional and national governments must be more powerful to defend the territory.

I love Zambales and would love to return for the next summer season. But the best Baywatch is to see happy people and not stories of intrusion—like thieves of the sea. Camp Rofelio is a good place for Baywatch, but be mindful and have a telescopic eye for the pirates of the sea.

We dream of creating and preserving safe and thriving tourist destinations. But to do so, we must be vigilant and informed about issues that threaten the rights of our people. Our silence could cost us our paradise.

San Felipe is a place of kind and peaceful people. Protect it and make it a heaven-on-earth experience—a paradise. Together, we can protect it and become a good Baywatch—a good Filipino.

© 2020 Del Cusay