Sibuyan: Gallivanting in the Galapagos
Sibuyan Island is " also known as the Galapagos Island of Asia." Okay, okay. Admittedly, I did not know much about the island prior to coming here. But who doesn't love an adventure? :D We were invited to host a Revival Meeting for a school in that place. Initially, we also had grand plans of conquering Mount Giting-Giting. After all, haven't we conquered Mount Kanlaon?
No small feat indeed. (I'll talk about that some other time.) But of course, our amateurish hopes were dashed after finding out that Mount Giting-Giting is one of the most difficult trails in the country and in fact served as a training of sorts for the first Filipinos to climb Mount Everest. Humbling experience indeed. Anyway, back to the start. We headed out for Roxas City early in the morning since there was only one boat going to Sibuyan. The sky was blue, the waters were still, the wind was just easy-breezy. And we thought everything was fine.
This is the boat we boarded. Pretty big for our standard. But we did not really know what we were in for. We happily took our spots on the "2nd floor of the boat." No seats, just bamboo slats nailed alongside each other. Then, we knew something was wrong when the boat still had not left even when it was already filled to the rafters. After a while, we found out the Coast Guard would not permit the boat to leave due to expected foul weather conditions. Our happy-go-lucky countenances were immediately silenced. It was like God was telling us, "You can't put your trust on the boat. On the weather. On your preparations. You have to trust in Me." We knew that God wanted us to be there but we just took things for granted.
After that, we got on our knees before talking to the Coast Guard again, to give clearance for the boat. And miraculously, the Coast Guard let us off.
And boy, were we in for the ride of our life! The trip took six hours from Roxas City and the waves alternated from friendly to fierce. We got sprayed then doused then bathed by saltwater several times. We also had dolphins, flying fishes and the occasional fishing boats to keep us company. But as landlubbers, the most frequent question was "Are we there yet?" , every time we saw (or we thought we saw) land. It was already evening when we arrived and our gracious hosts led us to our house and then introduced us to the kids. The activity proper started the next day.
This was their Pathfinder Parade (equivalent to Boy/Girl Scouts).
Then, our activities commenced.
We had group discussions after every activity with us facilitating (sort of like camp counselors). We were really blessed, inspired, revived by the enthusiasm of the kids from this place. And to hear them say that their commitment and their desire to have a closer relationship grew after the activities was just so humbling.
Our hosts did not just stop with feeding and housing us of course. They also toured us to nearby scenic spots! This is the Cantingas River. I jumped off from that point too. Just once though. I am not very keen on jumping in bodies of water with unknown depth.
This is on our way to another scenic spot. The view is just breathtaking.
This is one of my companions taking a plunge from the "third floor." Definitely not for the faint-hearted.
The infamous Mount Giting-Giting!
This is the hull of MV Princess of the Stars who capsized in 2008.
The "frustrated" climber.:D
Awesome view during our sunset devotional by the beach. I can just sigh in happiness looking at this picture. And think to myself, how blessed I am to be rewarded by this view, by this trip to Galapagos, by new friends and family. Unworthy as I am yet, He is worthy. Thank you Lord!
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