(By Charmaine Sales)
TRAVELING to Butuan City after 30 long years – now that’s three decades, whoa! – makes me feel old but young at heart. With my return to the city and this major island of Mindanao, I already anticipated the long and yes, tedious journey, but at the same time, excited of the combined sea, air, and land adventure! Priceless perk is to visit my younger sister Delora and hubby Daryl.
First off, we traveled to Cebu City via ferry Sunday mid-morning and took the flight to Butuan City by late afternoon. We had an unpleasant experience at the airline check-in counter but that will be written in another article.
It was a bright and sunny day when we embarked the ship from Tagbilaran City to Cebu. Nearing Cebu City, it was my first time to see the new bridge which quite became the buzz these past few months. However, our flight to Butuan was dotted with minimal turbulence and beginning downpour.
Upon touchdown, I was relieved when I saw my sister and hubby Daryl awaiting us at arrival area each holding an umbrella. Suffice it to say, scary lightning, thunderstorm, and heavy rains welcomed our arrival in Butuan.
As we continued to bond in my sister’s Butuan house, ominous thunder and lightning continued to shake the dark skies. It made me wonder who “Thor” is fighting at the moment, haha! Smoothy, the adorable pet dog was squeamish, uneasy, and apparently upset but was lovingly comforted by her owners. Of course, when siblings gather especially coming from distant places, we overindulged ourselves with non-stop conversations.
The following day, Monday, Delora and I went to a mall to do some errands. I was also craving for Filipino cuisine, so we satisfied our appetite courtesy of a popular Filipino resto. The food was sumptuous and tasty, and reasonably priced.
Across the resto, I saw #SweetThings, owned by my sister Belinda’s friend, Emcy Ingking Ytol. What a serendipitous moment! I approached the display counter and chatted with the in-charge. The conversation concluded with me bringing a box of delicious Ube Cake courtesy of Emcy who called her store staff in response to my sister Belinda’s request. That’s what friends are for!
While at the mall, we did some groceries for our excursion the following day. We also ate at a steak resto. Once again, the rainfall ushered us home that night.
Tuesday, our itinerary included a road-trip to Cabgan Island (Barangay Rizal in Barobo, Surigao Del Sur) and the Enchanted River (in Barangay Cambatong, Hinatuan, Surigao Del Sur). The early ride was fun and delightful since I saw panoramic views of the municipalities we passed by. There were plenty of trees, rice fields, and greenery. I just love the countryside! Early morning fog also greeted us while we saw school children trekking their way to school.
On the way to our escapade, we enjoyed a sumptuous late breakfast in Lianga, Surigao del Sur. We had tinolang isda, biko, and suman balanghoy with a twist. Outside the eatery we excitedly posed by the “I love Lianga” marker.
Going to Cabgan Island, we took the motorized banca and relished the crystal clear and underwater beauty of the sea. It was a remarkable sight! While Cabgan is isolated and raw; it is also beautiful and captivating. We wasted no time to frolic in the waters despite the scorching heat of the sun.
We had belated lunch at a popular seafood resto in Barangay 5, San Francisco, Agusan del Sur consisting of seafood entrees like sinugbang isda, lambay, squid, and fried pasayan. It was an excellent feast.
Our last stop was at the bewitching “Enchanted River” in Hinatuan. I personally indulged myself in the refreshing ice-cold water. I swam to my heart’s delight and was the last person to reluctantly leave the river. It was very deep, and the blue water was just breathtakingly magnificent. I relished connecting to nature as I swam and relaxed in the waters. I wonder though if the myth were true about this supposed ‘enchanted river.’
By late afternoon, it was time to travel back to Butuan City. Again, it was pouring as we drove back to my sister’s place.
Overall, the experience, despite the long drive, was exhilarating and brilliant! Thank God for breaks. Thank God for a beautiful country!
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Writer can be reached at belindabelsales@gmail.com. Twitter @ShilohRuthie./PN
