Unwind

I hide my pain like the rest of them
That's why I'm always laughin'
I need to unwind, yes,and
I Want all the time 

To be loved, to unwind

- UNWIND, Pink

GUIMARAS ISLAND ~ 

                                        REVIVING ITS HIDDEN TREASURE

Who said that beaches are just for summer enjoyment only? Some may tend to stereotype that island destinations are merely for hot season, but then, they may be wide of the mark. Regardless of the weather, in my own point of view, beaches are the perfect places to unwind, to relax, and to release all the burdens that one may experience in life, which is almost applicable to every human being situation. Two years ago, after taking the licensure examination for nurses, I was once invited to explore the pristine Island of Guimaras. Well, it may not be as pristine as before the oil spill few years ago, but the island after almost 3 years has finally revived its once lost marine treasures. 

Guimaras Island, is a small island located between the large islands of Panay & Negros. Tourists can reach the place via motor boats that travel the Iloilo-Guimaras route and vice-versa. The travel time would take about 15-20 minutes. For foreigners who wish to discover the island, they can take the flights from Manila-Iloilo. From the Iloilo International Airport, it would take about an hour to reach the port.

I love this place so much, for it reminds me of a lot of unforgettable experiences from my teenage life. I've been in this island several times already, but I never lose my interest and excitement every time I stepped into the sands of this hidden paradise. 

Pump boats used for Island hopping. The cost of renting this during that time was Php 600 per hour. The capacity of it would range from 6-8 persons.

Marine Sanctuary.

It was mid-September of 2010 when we had our island hopping adventure here together with the staff of DBP Makati. I accompanied them after their convention in Iloilo. It was an overnight stay, limited, but it helped me through a lot from my struggles of emotional detachments. Post board examination worries, heartbreak issues, separation anxieties with closest friends, college life hangover - these were a bunch of things that I carried heavily after I graduated from my degree and took the licensure examination. Everything was just new to me, being in the real world full of complications on how to succeed in a career that I chose to take. Thank heavens for my Tita for the invitation. :) I  was able to relax my mind and reflect on the thoughts that were bothering me during that period of time.

 White sand shores of the islets.

"So near, yet so far" ~ I was stunned by this view of the two islets.

The clear waters of Guimaras Island enrich with different aquatic creatures.

                     Inside a cave in one of the islets.

Seeing and enjoying the beauty of this pristine place, my inner self finally came to the realization that God always finds a way to keep me on the right track of my life. This island adventure helped me to appreciate things more on the positive way rather than thinking of the negative side of life. Nature indeed is the best relaxation therapy if we lose side track of who we are and what we want to be. :)