To change things up a bit, instead of a full year-end post, I’ll put in a series of post for the next 12 days for the 12 months of the 2013 in review. 2013 is such a special year of change and discovery, I wanted to focus more on slow long travels instead of micro-vacations, but bits and pieces of those are always welcome. 2013 started finding myself watching the humble but gorgeous fireworks in El Nido Palawan, temporarily staying with a nice family on where I was living in.
Living in El Nido
People’s way of travels eventually change in time, personally I really enjoy taking time in a place and somehow being part of a community. I missed the small town of El Nido very much where most of the places are within walking distance. Lounging by the beach after lunch just to read, getting dirty ice cream and cellphone load from my favorite ice cream vendor, the enthusiastic smile when my favorite carinderia (eatery) cook would greet me before a meal, the freshly baked good at the one and only bake shop, and long walks at the beach at sunset.
Explorations
Staying in one place for a time also gave me a chance to explore the outlying areas and experience the festivities they have. I witnessed the small town Ati-atihan celebration in Barotuan, north of El Nido town. How about the very lively Sabong (cockfight) industry in Lio town. Further up north I marvelled at the twin beach of Nacpan-Calitang and finally there’s an abundant stream at Nagkalitkalit falls.
Just around town, with my sturdy legs and generous amount of time, I found myself on beautiful beaches south of town in Marimegmeg. I simply enjoyed my morning walks by the beach where occasionally I could spot and hear some Palawan Hornbills in the wild. I simply fell in love with this place everyday being so close to nature and away from the bustle.
Ferdz Decena is an award-winning travel photographer, writer and blogger. His works has found print in publications such as Singapore Airlines’s Silver Kris, Philippine Airlines’ Mabuhay, Cebu Pacific’s Smile and Seair InFlight. He has also lent his expertise to various organizations like the Oceana Philippines, Lopez Group Foundation, Save the Children and World Vision, contributing quality images for their marketing materials.
