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Published: October 28th 2008
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My first day back
Eloy and a list of competitors for the nationals After an amazing month of touring the Philippines (which was no way near long enough) I was so ready to go back to Siargao to see friends and get caught up in the competition excitement.....and I wasnt disappointed. Sooooo many people were there, 9bar was packed on most nights over the nationals and internationals and it was wicked to see some of my friends surfin in the competition. I stayed with Jing and Jazz again initially, then Rhi came and after about 1 week we split and stayed in Ocean 101 (for 2days) and then Siargao Inn (WICKED!!!) for the rest of our visit. An expensive choice but we wanted a bit of privacy and as much as it was cool living in a homestay, it was a bit awkward at times.
Its safe to say that Tanduay made an appearance on my 2nd visit and there were a couple of crazy occasions, but on the whole I can remember everything, heh heh... Tried surfing again and I found that I was a tiny bit better! But still a long way to go. I spent the first week being real healthy, using Jing's bike to cycle to Dapa, surfing and
eating fish and veggies. But then fiesta time hit and I got lazy and drunk ;-) So many things were happening around that time, we went to a local's house for food and beer and turns out a bunch of other western visitors had the same idea....I felt a little bit weird that these people with hardly any money were providing so much for us. This is one thing about the Philippines that I wish others would learn. Everyone, no matter what they own or how wealthy/impoverished they are, welcomes you into their home and provides for you. Its stunning, there's no way that would happen in the U to the K.
SO lots of parties and singing/jammin/dancin/drinkin/drunken-swimmin and general debauchery (sorry mum) but I had a wicked time. There always seemed to be a reason to party, a couple of nights after I arrived were the national awards and that was one of the best nights. The awards were given on the boulevard and so many folks were there. There were games and shows going on at the gym most nights and GL was always packed out. I went island hopping with two guys I met only this
time around (J and Ong) and they were really good to me, cooking up a whole chicken on a spit made out of bamboo and then we jumped about and had loads of fun in the beautiful waters of Dako island. Jigs had a birthday party to end all birthday parties with a bonfire on the beach and ENDLESS bottles of Tanduay. Unfortunately the coke ran out kinda fast so it was straight down the hatch as they say. Im having troubles remembering the end of that night, but there is a picture of me at videoke carrying a kitten around in my cleavage... I found out later that little burrito went missing at the party. I dont think he's been found. I cant think too much about it, I hope that he's still alive and being well looked after.
I met a cool Canadian fella, Sean and we hired a motorbike to go see some stuff (I couldnt believe that I had been on this island for so long and only stayed South). The plan was for him to drive and for me to take it easy on the back, which worked at first...but then Sean gave me
a wee lesson and I was offski. The next day we went right up to the North of the island and I drove the majority of the way, with Sean waving a bottle of Tanduay in my face on the way back, in the dark, I was scared. But it was wicked fun and I decided to rent a motorbike every day until I left.
For the last few days of my stay my dad came to see me. It was kind of a last minute arrangement although I knew he wanted to meet up with me somewhere and sometime in November. I was so happy that he was gonna see Siargao and get to experience a little bit of paradise. We only had three days so we packed it in big stlye. The night he arrived we took it easy (or at least I did while he got drunk!) in Kalinaw, Marlo brought his guitar and we sat around singing and drinkin. The next day jing was giving my dad a surf lesson which Im pretty sure he enjoyed, but as we all know it takes more than one lesson to succeed in surfing so I think he
got a little frustrated after 2 hours! We got burned SO badly cause we surfed from around 9.30 and the sun was high. I had an ok last surf but I only managed to get up for a ride once. Marlo had a brilliant surf though, good waves in cemetry but scary reef man. In the avo I took my dad to see cloud9 and we had a wee snorkel but it was high tide and a bit choppy. I got scared and said we should just get out after being pushed by the current into a big ole jaggy rock. We both ended up with a few scrapes at the end of that day. In the eve was the full moon party which was hands down one of the best nights Ive had in Siargao. 9bar went all out, buile a stage and a bar for the beach and made it so cool. They got one of the bands from Surigao city to come and play even Marlo and I had a turn on the mic. I was drunk and real nervous cause so many people were there but I think it was all good...
On the last
day (sob sob) Dad and I went diving together in the afternoon. One dive near Dapa and one near Dako. The 2nd dive was best cause we went through a tunnel. We saw everyone from 9bar chillin out after their busy night before on Dako island. Jigs and co. were skim-boarding as we pulled away on the boat (or at least trying to pull away when the battery/engine died).
That night it was a low-key despidida party which was perfect. A few friends came over and we played guitar and drank a few beers, and of course I had a wee tear. Im gonna miss Siargao so much, its by far my favourite place. So it was sad to say goodbye but I felt so happy that I was lucky enough to be there and meet all these amazing people.
Next installment:- Hong Kong & Vietnam.
I have about 40 pics to put on this blog alone but its taking a long time so Im gonna put them on facebook instead - check em out there soon ok ra? Until next time peeps.
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siargao...
Wow I feel proud everytime i read or heard foreigner saying good things about siargao. though I live in Surigao City. I visited 5th times siargao. it was trully a paradise. Glad u had a wonderful time. take care