Summer isn't over. Especially never in a tropical island. This is one of the many reasons why I enjoying living where I live. The options are endless where I live; you could drive or take the next boat south, north, east, west, and in no time, you're in paradise that will make you not mind being its Calypso. When you think you've seen everything, you're always going to find someplace new. And I never get tired of that; the idea of an island waiting for me, may it be one that has become familiar to my senses, or one that my senses still yet have to witness for the very first time; either way, that feeling will always excite me.

Sicogon Island, Carles, Iloilo, Philippines

Last week, I got to venture to an island I've never been to before. Tucked in a private shore, you'd first get through rough seas and waves wanting to be as tall as the mountains before you reach Sicogon Island. A 1970s Filipino film, Throughout the journey, you'd be holding your breath a lot and clutching onto anything and everything as if your life depended on it; it may feel like the end of everything (especially when you plan on coming on months that isn't summertime here). Though just like life (that's cheesy but it's true), you'd be surprised to see how far and how much you've had to go through before you reach something so ethereal. If it were not for the service of the boatmen of Carles, this too-much-for-words trip would not have been made possible. In this one, we owe it all to Manong Marlo and his partner.

We spent the night in the island. If you're looking for primitive island life, this isn't the one (other islands in Panay can offer you that, like in some islands in Concepcion, etc., where there is no electricity, no signal, and only cottages and tents are accommodated; I had a really great experience in that one a long time ago), as Sicogon Island is gradually being developed by Ayala, and I hope and I pray this island will not go to waste because of again, human destruction. Hearing about "developments" like these are scary. If it is inevitable for me, a member of the less influential youth, to stop that these large tycoons from "developing" these sacred islands, then there must be something I can do. In fact, everyone plays a part. Everything has a ripple effect.

The island is barely populated, and it isn't very much yet a major tourist attraction. This makes me wonder why there is already trash, though moderate, in the sea and by the seashore. It must become every tourist and every resident's responsibility to pick after any trash they see wherever and whenever. I am making this a mental note as well. Always always always. People have to stop being lazy and being so self-centered and think about our planet and the future. The urgency of this problem can and should be easily identified and addressed by absolutely any human being. It is so important that everywhere else, there are people motivated and passionate about taking care of the environment, and that should count the big businesses, too, as they make waves more than just ripples.


I hope that if and when the time for Sicogon Island to rise comes (this also holds true to other islands), it will not enter the same fate Boracay is currently facing -- a "rehabilitation," which if I recall correctly, should be pro-environment, though why is it that its closing paved way for the rise of casinos and the unfair treatment of the residents? About this case, we had a talk at school which invited a resident of Boracay to share with us their experience from the closing. There were issues on the decline of jobs and the increase of the values of goods, as well as that the residents were . PNP surrounded the area. Volunteer helpers were not allowed to visit the island because the government fears that there would be riots if outsiders came. If there is nothing wrong that could possibly cause any form of riot, why would they impose such? Simple. Coming from the government, we are utterly disappointed, alas, not surprised.

Anyway, we stayed at Balay Kogon. The whole feel of the resort was truly majestic and heavenly. The interior was very minimalistic and tropical. There are beachfront rooms as well as hilltop rooms. The hilltop rooms were my favorite. It hit so close to being my dream beach house.

Hilltop room.

A rest area nearby the hilltop room.

Best place to see the sun rise and set by the sea

Other than basking under the sun and swimming in the emerald green waters, the resort also offers free kayaking services, which was really fun for me although I was just kayaking back and forth (I am no expert at this field therefore hopping to another island is not yet at my best interest, especially when this island is notorious for its gigantic waves). Kayaking is such a relaxing afternoon activity. You get to have the heat of the sun linger in your skin without totally getting bored from just swimming and swimming. Also, I am pretty sure that the place also offers hiking activities on the mountain right across the island. But because we made a visit on the wet season, the probability of getting that experience is more unlikely.

Bringing (even just basic) snorkelling gear is always great for beach getaways! Experiencing the ocean floor firsthand is a priceless adventure to witness. This island has sea urchins, sea cucumbers, starfish, etc. It is SO important to protect all ocean creatures at all cost. So again, keep your trashes to yourself, humans, and be extra careful not to disrupt our sea creatures by handling them or physically harming them!

Kayaking.

On the second day of our stay, we decided to go island hopping. The closest islands to Sicogon is the more well-known Islas de Gigantes. I have been there before and the trip going there was not as pretty as the destination, either. (Personally, the seemingly life-and-death situation is a hundred percent worth it, considering I have witnessed the exceptional beauty and have made it in and out alive.) Legend has it that the place was called such because gigantic sets of human bones were found inside a cave in the island.

The island hopping package included the Cabugao Gamay Island, where once, to get to the top of the rock boulder turned viewing deck on the island and witness the breathtaking bird's eye view of the clashing of the pristine sea on both sides on the white-sand shores mounted with palm trees and limestones, you'd have to go through a cave leading up. That was how it was 3 years ago. This year, an open stairway was developed for ease. The name of the island was adopted from how the island represented a shape of a crocodile. All of this was according to the boatman we had 3 years ago.

Mi Familia

Another island you can visit is the Bantigue Sandbar and the Tangke Lagoon. Unfortunately, this year, we were unable to see the Tangke Lagoon (which I have been awaiting to see again), as it is currently being developed. It opens again around this year October, and I hope I get to visit the place again.

Tangke Lagoon. November 2015.

Food wise, the whole stay offered an abundance of fresh seafood, obviously, though their specialty shined more on their scallops. You'd find scallop shells in almost every island!