First Backpacking with Manang

To travel with my best friend is one of my bucket lists. However, wandering with my favorite bud wasn’t easy as a pie. There were a lot of hurdles to push the plan through. First, my friend has a strict father. So, twisting her dad’s arm to let her go on a trip was definitely a challenge especially if the destination is somewhere outside of Surigao. She always gets ants in her pants and needs a back-up every time she asks permission. Second, she doesn’t have a flexible schedule as mine. She’s a busy bee though. Lastly, we needed to prepare a budget for this trip, you know we’re both broke and it costs an arm and a leg for us even just to backpack!

April came when we were able to pull our goals off. It started with a dark cloud and heavy rain fall Monday that led us to delayed flights, not just once but twice, from Surigao - Cebu to Legazpi. Then, on our way to Legazpi, the plane shuddered as it entered some turbulence. So far, that was the most dreadful flight I’ve ever had. Somehow, I thought it was a bad sign for us.

Honestly, I was a bit hesitant and pessimistic prior to this trip due to some reasons: Top on the list is that the destination is risky, knowing that Mayon Volcano is an active one, it erupts anytime. Next, we’ve just heard a mutual friend died a month before our trip because of an ATV accident. Last but not the least, it’s my best friend’s first escapade outside of Surigao and then she’s with me. I couldn’t forgive myself if something had happened to her, in short, “Kargo di consenxa q xa”!

Good thing, the next day welcomed us with the gorgeous beauty of Mt. Mayon. The weather was perfectly fine that we were able to carry off our itinerary safe and sound. From riding an All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV), hiking the hill of Quitinday, swimming in Sumilon Island to enjoying ourselves with the refreshing waterfall of Tumalog. Everything nature, you name it!

God knows how much I wanted to go on a trip with her. And He has been so generous to grant my heart’s desire. It’s always my prayer to help living out of her comfort zone and boosting her confidence. I wish I was able to impart some learning through traveling.

Here's a snippet of our trip, you can watch the video. To more travels together! Cheers!