Oh Hey I'm Gayle: Eat, Pray, Surf

My first solitary adventure is just too fulfilling and spontaneous. It was awesome to the highest level. I did not plan any of it and yet, it turned out REALLY good.

For me, this is the right time to say "You Only Live Once."
There are far too many good things in life to let the negative ones even pass by your thought.
After all, those things will make you stronger and wiser.

The initial get-away was to go to Singapore alone, but then my budget could not handle the hotel expenses and my friend's landlady did not allow me to stay at her flat. And so, I searched for an alternative place. Baler was my first choice. It is a 6-hour drive from Manila and the thought of just sitting in the bus for that long made me think twice of going there. Finally, with the help of Jay and Roz, I went to Liw-liwa, Zambales, Central Luzon- nearer and "more familiar."

The Circle Hostel is the BEST place to stay at in one of the best surfing spots here in the Philippines- Zambales. I also love their belief: No one is a stranger here. Really, I made friends with everyone! It's really such a small world that I have a bunch of mutual friends with my new found acquaintances. Say, this trip is not so lonely after all. The location is far from the busy city and polluted air of Manila. (Of course, I had to say that!) The place is secluded and locals are very hospitable and warm. Food is cheaper than usual and VERY good. Got to love that Bagnet! The Circle sure is a safe place to stay at and plus, it is eco-friendly. A bunk bed costs 350php a night. The vicinity is pleasing to the eyes because there are paintings everywhere! I left the place with smudges on my shirt and dirty hands. I also love their bunk beds and hammocks. In a nutshell, when you want to clear your mind and unwind, GO HERE.

That's what I did, actually.

I set myself free and let the wind take me to this place. It was scary at first and I did not know what to do. On the way to Zambales, I kept my eyes open in discovering new things. I saw an elder praying with her rosary, a man in his early 40s staring deeply out of the window, and a couple cuddling in their seats. There I was sitting on the fourth row, by the window, with my iPad on, and thinking on what I will do first when I reach my destination. Thank God for the free WiFi in the bus that I was able to track down where my location was. Hooray for the GPS! I went down at San Felipe and took a tricycle to Liw-liwa. It was a bumpy ride and rain was pouring a bit hard, but I finally managed to arrive at The Circle safe. Surprisingly, just as I reached the place, the rain has stopped.

I quickly changed to my bikini and headed to the beach. Waves were crazy and it was very sunny. I was alone in the beach. While walking down the shore, I saw a small nipa hut and stayed there for hours. Yeap, I did what I have to do- cried my heart out till rain started to fall again. I went back to the hostel and slept for a few hours. When I woke up, there were many guests already. One of them approached me and invited me to hang with them. My trip and itinerary for the day changed. I still did some though, but thanks to Marc for welcoming me in the group. Ateneans and a Lasallian merged together! Later that evening, more friends joined in- Benildeans.

Later that night, we all went to the beach. It was dark and all you can hear is the sound of waves crashing through rocks. I can barely see anything without my flash light on. This time, they all let me be. I zoned out, screamed at the top of my lungs, and just lay on the sand. Photographs of yesterday came rushing in and realizations got into my senses.

The following morning, I went to Pundaquit with the Atenean friends. The locals suggested it since the waves there are more surf-able than in Liw-liwa. Yes, I have finally overcome my fear of swimming in the deep blue sea. I surfed with them and boy, I was hella scared and tired! And plus, my instructor said that I'm pretty good at it. Ha! I fell in love with surfing right then and there- not just because it's on my bucket list, but because I have learned so much from it. It was just a sentence from the surfing coach and it hit me like a bull's eye. "Kelangan mo magfocus kasi kung hindi, tatangayin ka ng alon." (You have to focus or else, you'd be carried away by the waves.)

"Surfing equates to living

in the very moment of 'now.'

When you ride a wave,

you leave behind all things

important and unimportant,

the purity of the moment is upon you.”

- Bill Hamilton.

I went home with a clear mind and satisfied heart.
Guard's up and no more false hopes.
What does not kill me will only make me stronger.
Anything is possible. Anything. :)