Iloilo Surprises Viajeros (A Teaser)

The Viajeros -Iloilo Group in Isla Gigantes Sur

I don't even know how to start telling the story of our Iloilo trip. From the most inexperienced Viajeros, I describe it as a cruel way of introducing one amateur traveler to the real essence of rough traveling and yet it's rewarding and worth experiencing. It's something that I can be proud of most definitely. From the first generation Viajeros (Kuya Bong, Kuya Dexter and Ate Van), it's one for the ages. Whatever that means.

The days we spent in Iloilo were all unforgettable to us. Many firsts, actually. The fact that we didn't have our 'pre-climb' (a meeting before every Viajeros trip) made everything more exciting and unpredictable.

I have seen and experienced wonderful things during this whole trip because of my co-travelers, Kuya Bong, Kuya Dex, Ate Van, Ate Lynn, Mark, Ron and Becksie. Without them, I would have given up easily somewhere on top of the rocky mountain in Isla Gigantes Norte. Without their cheers, I would not have had the courage to dive in the ocean and would not have climbed that rock to witness the beauty of that mystical and elusive salt water lagoon called "Tangke" in Isla Gigantes Sur. Without their optimism, I would have lost my mind on the boat as we risked our lives to go back to Estancia. And without them, I would have been the same person. I keep on getting better, more daring and more grounded because of these guys and their love for traveling.

Ate Lynn

Mark

The first generation (Kuya Dex, Kuya Bong and Ate Van)

The youngsters (Becksie, Moi and Ron)

Kuya Bong. He is the King of Calmness. I don't know how he keeps himself composed all the time. His close to death experience on the mountain deserved a much louder curse but we didn't even hear a thing.

Kuya Dex. His crazy optimism kept us wanting for more actually. He also knows how to sting us with his blabs. He is Mema (me-masabi lang) according to Becksie. And yes, we agree! But without him, we would not have been to "Tangke". Trips will be boring without Kuya Dex and his Eddie Gil humor.

Ron. His movements are always synchronized and graceful but his singing made me snap on that mountain. However, I enjoyed keeping him as my travel buddy during the trip. I hope he knows that he is as arjud as I am.

Mark. He finds happiness waving and smiling at people who call him kano. I admire him for understanding the language barrier between him (using colloquial English) and Kuya Dexter (using the formal and academic English).

Ate Van. She was the only one who was able to bring lots of stuff (Victoria's Secret Heavenly Lotion, Off Lotion, extra clothing items and the skill of braiding her own hair ala Lara Croft) on the island. It is written in Martha's book to bring important stuff when traveling. She shares the throne of being the Royal Calmness with Kuya Bong.

Ate Lynn. The doctor of the barrio. She snaps only when needed. She talks political issues when drunk. She calls me the princess of this trip. She takes care of me in a very different ate way.

Besksie. My new BFF. She cried when I told her something special on the mountain. I actually see Tien in her. She eats a lot like Tien. She loves seafood like Tien. She walks like Tien.-very boyish. She owns a pair of long and beautiful legs like Tien. My BFF indeed!

To you guys, SALAMAT! This sosyal traveler is becoming jologs one step at a time. More trips to come! More locals to meet! More travel memories to share!

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To our families and dear friends, who prayed for our safety, thank you so much.

To the residents of Barangay Asluman, Isla Gigantes Norte, who welcomed us with Iloilo warmth, SALAMAT.

To Tatay Nilo and Nanay Desiree, our parents in Isla Gigantes, Kuya Joseph and his family, SALAMAT sa kabutihan ninyo sa amin.

To Kuya Boy and all the boatmen, SALAMAT dahil sinigurado ninyo na kami ay ligtas at buhay.

To Buddy and Hensel, SALAMAT dahil hindi ninyo kami iniwan sa isla kahit na dapat isang araw lang tayo magkasama.

Praise the Lord for his mightiest power. He kept us all safe.

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