My Travel Writing Scholarship 2011 entry - Responsible Travel

oyen_loves_to_travel — Mon, 7 Mar 2011 13:12:20 GMT

Catanduanes in a new Light
I have a heart for travelling though I don’t have time to do that often. My parents don’t allow me to travel for they worry about my safety. I always take advantage if there are school-related travels because that’s the only way I can go out and breathe a fresh air. I only had few travels that I can count them with my hands. But it doesn’t mean that if I travel less, I will see less. Sometimes, the best places are within your reach. I thought to myself, since I can’t go to other places; why not travel my own place? This made me see Catanduanes(Bicol, Philippines) in a new light.

I sneak out of our house to visit beautiful places within the province. I have my friend to accompany and drive for me to stroll along the province. Sometimes, I get to drive a friend’s motorcycle. Don’t worry about my escape because I always make sure that I can go home safely without bruises or an injured leg.
The province where I live in is isolated that’s why the island has remained concealed from the influx of tourists. It houses creamy beaches where a dazzling stretch of tamed powdery sand will surely charm the beach bums at heart. Topping my list is the Puraran Beach Resort in Baras, Catanduanes which is now internationally known for long-barrel type of surfs. Even if you would have to take a 2-3 hr. ride to get there,the beach is worth the long time you spend for travel. Next is my favourite, the Twin Rock Beach Resort in Igang, Virac, Catanduanes.It’s located near or house so I visit it everyday. The place has long been known for a breathtaking view it can offer but just recently, they put a spin on the familiar place. The beach now offers snorkelling, ATV rides, wall climbing, rappelling, kayaking and zip lining. It also has an obstacle course good for team building activities. Since it’s the first one to offer a new diversion, the locals including myself were thrilled to try the activities. I personally enjoyed zip lining not only because of the adrenaline rush but also the breathtaking view of the beach from the top.

I also love visiting old places since the province has still preserved it’s rich cultural side after a thousand of years.It’s like I’m having a time travel. I find one place very awesome, it’s the picturesque Catholic Bato Church built in 1883.It still stands by the river up to date surviving the ravages of time. It was known as the heritage center of the province. Nearby is the Shrine of Batalay where the first cross was planted in the province. It was built over the grave of an Augustinian priest, Diego de Herrera in 1576.

Having said all these, I feel very proud that I live in that place. It’s like I get to travel almost everyday.