On the 6th Henri took the ferry to SIARGAO, SURIGAO with Emiina, a good friend, who flew from Helsinki to Cebu and the two of them went there together while Esa flew to Myanmar.
This is what he said: “But no more island anymore for me…”
Unfortunately, just like what happened to Esa’s luggages, Emiina’s luggages were also misplaced. She had to wait for it the next day. I wonder why our flight companies are so clumsy. It does not provide positive feedback to tourism. So embarrassing!
They arrived at GENERAL LUNA, SIARGAO on the 8th. The problem was the slow wifi connection. They couldn’t go online that well. So as a favor, I searched for places where they can go to. Hopefully it helped.
General Luna (formerly known as Cabuntog) is a fifth class municipality on Siargao Island in the province of Surigao del Norte. According to the 2010 census, it has a population of 13,385 people. It is named after General Antonio Luna.
General Luna is home to annual international and national surfing competitions because of the Cloud 9 waves. As a result, the town has the reputation as the "Surfing Capital of the Philippines."
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| Arrived safe...checking out the surf boards |
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| Can't go wrong...with the ones you love and enjoy |
Henri’s countdown to his last two weeks in the Philippines has begun. This is the reality of life. There’s no stopping for days to come and go. Every hello has a goodbye. Well hopefully, these coming days, it will be spent with a bang! Seize the moment!!
Henri has just been feeling a little off due to the hot weather. Beginning March, the hot weather temperature in the Philippines has reached 39 degrees. Summer season is already here!!!
Even with ill feeling, he managed to still dive in the MAGPUPUNGKO ROCK POOL with the locals. Here are the screenshots of the video…
Are you fond of diving? Or swimming? Or both?
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| Magpupungko Rock pool |
This rock pool is natural made. Here's how to get there : Hire a habal-habal (motorcycle/moped) for a 2 hour ride to Magpupungko and enjoy the magnificent views along the way. This is best exposed during low-tide and considered as the best place to unwind after surfing. Tranquil and emerald in color, it is salt-watered with thriving corals at the bottom. It also has fascinating rock formations beneath. Swim, jump off rocks, snorkel or just chill.
After the diving, they treated themselves with this.
On the 12th and 13th, they surfed and surfed. Good to know he’s recovered easily. This is what I said “I’m bummed with this hot weather…” and he replied “sometimes its too hot I agree..”
How’s Siargao? “THIS IS THE PLACE!!! Love this” Who would not fall in love with Siargao. Finally Henri found the place!!!
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| A thousand sailing begins with a first boat ride |
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| No man is an island but an island remains majestic without people |
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| Set your sail to the right direction; GO where your heart is! |
How’s surfin in Siargao? “Whole day today.. can’t be in the sun 11 am – 3 pm – too hot. I’m full of cuts from reef and one cut from opening beer bottle. I’m hurt” Poor Henri! This guy is pretty tough!! Nothing can spoil the fun…getting cuts or hurt? Not even.
One of the highlights then was rescuing a Filipino guy. Henri noticed him floating and drowning so he ran quickly and rescued him (did CPR too). He was drunk. He was very thankful for Henri's heroic act so he asked him the next day to take a photo with him and posted it in his Facebook. This is him.
By the next day, Henri just spent it easy…on a hammock! Now that is what I’m talking about – travel for pleasure…nothing beats the adrenalin rush when traveling or doing an activity but having just peace and no time pressure – that’s the best. By past 4 in the afternoon, it rained so he just planned what to do for the rest of his trip.
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| You gotta be light...light as the wind...enjoying the easy hammock |
On Sunday, Emiina flew back to Finland leaving Henri by. Thus, he had his own time all by himself…
Is there a good and natural coconut oil in Manila? Or should I bring “Siargao Gold” from here to Finland? Pure coconut oil is expensive in Finland.
On the 21st, Henri did not surf due to minor sore throat illness. But enjoyed it the next two days. Too bad no photo was taken.
For a new menu, Henri ate fish curry for dinner there…which I haven’t tried myself but this is what he said – “amazingly gooood” Well he loves fish…tuna and salmon which are expensive in Finland.
He visited a pool party during his last night with his newfound friends both Finnish and Filipino while other friends stayed.
He woke up 4 am and took the boat from Dapa to Surigao on 24th, 5:30 am. He stayed in Surigao for two days (24-25). Then took tricycle/habal habal from Surigao Pier to airport. He checked-in at Stone House in Pasay (where he stayed before) from 26th to 28th.
Then on the 29th, he flew back home to Finland. He had connecting flights : Manila to Hongkong, Hongkong to Paris then Paris to Finland (KOTI - home) where his parents, brother Kimmo and some friends met him. He's happy to be HOME.
There you go guys! The last travelogue...it's been great blogging this for Henri. As i told him, I haven't been to all of those places, but his kindness, sharing especially the photos, has made me a part of it. That's what I love about interview blogs. Henri was such a patient, understanding, respectful, courteous, with word of honor and HAPPY guy! All hail Henri!!! May your coming months be prosperous!!
This interview blog does not contain monetary values as to how much he spent all in all...let's just say, he spent A LOT!!!
Here's what he learned from his three months travel adventure : "I learned how to smile and live a little bit like the locals and Philippines is a really nice place and the people are awesome!"
To end this blog...here's a nugget of wisdom :
"People come to your life and write a sentence; a paragraph; a chapter; an entire book; but never let go of the ones who becomes an integral part of your life...who would be there till the end of time"
Disclaimer: This is just micro-blog since Henri is a tourist...we just shared bits of info via whatsapp. Other info was added via blog, google sites, wikipedia, etc.
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