On October 24th Joy and her boyfriend JR came from Japan for a trip to Baguio, and decided also to visit Isla Verde. They arrived from Tabangao on the St Paul, and because the weather was nice, the captain dropped them right in front of Isla Verde Tropical Friendly Resort.
We welcomed them with a simple meal for lunch, then afterwards they took a short rest before heading out on a boat tour around the island. I went with them and as it was the first time we have had guests in the resort's boat since we installed the shade canopy. It was good to see how it felt to travel with some pleasant shade.
The sea was so calm that we had a clear view of the marine life as we travelled over patches of sand, then rock and coral, then more sand. So many varieties of fish, swimming amongst corals that are all so different from each other. Some corals look like roses moving in a breeze as the water currents drift around them. Others look like giant coloured brains. Then there are corals that are like the branches on a forest of trees. Always when you look there is something different. And the colours are so beautiful. And through it all, splashes of living colour as the fish dart in and out around them with the sunlight sparkling off their scales.
Our first stop was at San Antonio where we stayed and had a swim. JR and Joy enjoyed the blue, clear water. After an hour we headed off to Punta Verde, but when we got there it was low tide and it would be difficult to dock the boat, so we sailed off to Mahabang Buhangin, where there is plenty of sand. After spending some more time swimming, it was starting to get a little cool, so Joy suggested we return to the resort.
Joy had asked me to cook stir fried noodles for their evening meal, so Rose and I prepared dinner while Joy and JR took their baths. At 7pm we served dinner on our prepared, set table and they shared some red wine with their meal on a lovely, romantic evening under the moon and stars.
Next morning, Joy woke up earlier so I gave her some morning coffee to start the day. As we had prepared breakfast, Rose served it to them, and after they had eaten they went down to the sea wall to relax and take some photos. We saw some of the local fishermen, so I called them and Joy bought 5 kilos of fish. She asked me to cook the fish for them. So I left them enjoying the sea breeze and the view from the swing at the sea wall, while started preparing lunch.
Of course there are many ways to cook fish, but we decided to cook some paksiw, which is fish cooked and simmered in vinegar. And of course with a fish like the Dalagang Bukid (the Yellowtail Fusilier), which is known for its tangy and delicious taste, we chose a favourite method and cooked sarciado datagang bukid. Fried fish with tomato egg sauce. First, the fish is fried to enhance its own flavour. Then the sauce of sauteed tomato and beaten egg is made. There are family recipes for the sauce and some people like to add a little garlic, onions or herbs.
At noon I set out their lunch. How they loved the fish, fresh and sweet, straight from the sea to the kitchen with no time lying around in a market. Delicious!
After enjoying lunch they tok a rest in the kubo, and when they woke they asked for coconut, then went swimming and snorkelling from the end of the resort. A short distance out from our sea wall is a favourite spot for the divers who come over from puerto galera for scuba diving. But in the shallow water between the resort and the deeper water there is plenty of coral and lots of fish to see.
In the evening after washing off the salt water they decided to have dinner by the sea at what has become their fvourite spot, the long bamboo table. They had some beer with dinner and just relaxed. One of the most rewarding things about being part of a resort is seeing guests, whether they are families, friends or couples, enjoying eachother's company in this quiet island paradise. By about 9pm though, they decided to head off to bed. Tomorrow is another day.
On their last day after breakfast, they took some pictures of the surroundings then decided to go hiking. We passed the new caming area that we created at the back part of the resort and they notice a lot of mango trees. Joy asked me when it will be mango season and I explained that it is in summertime. In mango season on Isla therre are sso many mangoes just lying on the ground that people ignore them You don;t need to buy them, just pic nice ones from those lying on the ground. The local mangoes are delicious and juicy.
We walked from Sampalukan to Silangan, and when we got there we saw a woman selling Balakwas, a small fish that is famous on the island, and of course we bought some. Jr carried the bag of fish as we continued on our hiking trip. We passed the forest of Lucban and ended in Gabihan. When Joy saw the sea, with such white sand, she asked me if they can go swimming and since Fe's house (local woman) is in front of the sea, I asked permission and she allowed us to swim there. They swam for 30 minutes and we made our way back to the resort. While hiking we kept talking to each other, and Joy didnt even notice when she was right in front of the bridge of the resort. We all laughed.
I asked Rose to cook balakawas for lunch and Joy and jr enjoyed it, then they took a rest to relax after hiking. After resting Joy took a bath while Jr went snorekling with James, one of the people who helps here at the resort. They went to Malit na layang, which ia an interesting rock formation in the waters a short distance along the beach from the resort. Some people think this big rock looks like a camel resting on its knees. We like it because the waters around it abound with corals and brightly coloured fish for snorkellers to explore.
At 3pm they came back to the resort, as one of the local girls does massage and had arranged to give the couple a massage. And if you have a relaxing massage, why not also have a manicure and pedicure, so Margie came also to attend to Joy and Jr. Once that was done and the couple relaxed, I gave them tea. Because Joy end Jr enjoyed the resort and loved the friendly service provided by our local residents Joy gave them a big tip, which resulted in big smiles.
On their final evening with us they enjoyed their beer with grilled fish and balakawas cooked in banana leaf. They can't forget how delicious it tastes! Jr sent James for another 2 bottles of Red Horse, then when they finished their beer they went off to bed, because they had to wake early to catch the St Paul for the trip back across the Verde Island Passage to Tabangao.
I woke at 2.30am and saw Joy walking down to the swing to sit by the water for the last time on this trip. She had already packed and prepared for her departure and I made a last coffee for them. As we were waiting for the boat she promised to come back again next year, but this time, to bring her family.
We will miss Joy and Jr, as they were fun guests and are a great couple.
