It took a while before I got inspired to write this article. For some reason I'm blindfolded in targeting the right mood to create a sensible narration. Maybe, what blocked my mind is the lack of cohesiveness in terms of my ideas and emotions. After a few days and with some interesting stories from my husband, the words came flowing on my mind -- and just like that, this article is done in just a few minutes.
My other half asked for my permission to visit his hometown for the All Souls Day break. He wanted to visit his mother, whom he never had the chance to meet in his lifetime. His story is heartbreaking, months after he was born, his mom passed away. Even with the absence of a mother's care and presence, he grew up as a good man.
It is truly amazing how such event can transform someone into something ideal. Without a mother by his side, he turn out to be a man geared towards respect for women. I am truly blessed to have been paired to someone like him. I think I owe the heavens for pairing us. I am truly glad to have sought devine intervention before marrying him. As a reflection, I think a mother's love and care is eternal, his mother with the Almighty One, may have been watching and guiding him from the heavens above as he take his steps in facing life here on earth. Thus, when my husband asked my permission to visit his mother's grave in Catanduanes, my heart can never say no.
The Travel
My husband and his nephew hitched with his elder brother's family for the trip. The brand new car bought by his brother needs to be tested for a long drive, thus the vacation to Brgy. Maui, Caramoran, Catanduanes commenced.
Travel time is about 24 hours. To ensure time is efficiently managed, they need it to make it to Tobaco Port right on schedule to avoid long waiting time. They started to travel 5:00 PM and by morning the next day, they are on the Ferry Boat to San Andres Port. After that, another 2 driving hours is needed to get to Maui, Caramoran.
The picture below reminds me of the scenery to Pagudpud, Ilocos the only difference is that the road to Pagudpud is well-developed. This road however, is still under construction.
The mountain ranges remains to be untouched. The roads may still be under development, but it is also a good thing that the remoteness of the place contributed to the preservation of the verdant mountain ranges.
Maui, Caramoran
Caramoran is different from the more popular destination Caramoan. Below is a screenshot from google map for this place.
Maui is a coastal barangay of Caramoran with bountiful vegetation and unexplored natural resources. Untapped potential products are being cultivated and used by the locals. It is amazing how rich are the coastal resource in the area as well as exotic products that can only be harvested from the wild. To know know more about the gastronomic stuff in Bicol, I have a parallel article (Treats from the South: Bicol) that focuses on some of the products from Maui.
The Coastal Scenery of Maui
Hours after arriving at Maui, the calm water and serene breeze from the sea is so inviting, they immediately took a dip. Unlike other developed beaches, the place is secluded and untouched. The beach area is composed of rocks instead of white or gray sands, but the coast is rich in aquatic vegetation and resources. It will be highly enjoyed by those who love to get in touched with the life underneath the sea.
Aside from the rich aquatic resources, there are also gigantic rocks with some small caves for spelunking. The place is so remote, you can easily escape from all the stress and busy schedule of the metro. It is a place to rejuvenate and recharge, all you need to bring is a sunblock lotion to make sure you can prevent your skin from getting too tanned. In the event you forgot to bring one, getting burned under the sun is a little price to pay, if you are to experience awesome happiness.
Just like any other coastal area in the Philippines, a banca is a must. It is usually acquired by the locals to make use of the richness of the sea for livelihood. It is also a mode of transportation to other islands.
The coast in Maui is also a playground for the young. Without any formal training in swimming kids as young as two years old can already swim.
By the shore
Spending a day by the beach is one of the things to enjoy in Maui. It may not have the fine white sands and modern beach activities, but it is charmed with the breezy and calm coastline that can definitely induced a good time for relaxation and reflection. Not to mention the exquisite swimming escapade with the rich underwater scenery.
Picnic: The local way
With not much to do in Maui, a picnic by the beach is one of the must do in the itinerary. With all the woods lying by the beach, creating a fire to broil some of the fresh catch is as easy as pie.
Local delicacies like Surahan and Sahang can just be caught near the shoreline. With some rice and some seaweeds a hearty lunch can be prepared without any hassle.
With the abundance of banana trees, washing the dishes during a picnic by the beach is way out of your travel chores. Just cut a banana tree and the "silverware" are prepared in an instant. In this case, instead of calling it silverwares, will greenwares be more appropiate?
Seascape
One of the things to enjoy in Maui is diving. Just a few meters away from the shoreline, different marine species can already be viewed. It is actually a good experience for those who wanted to experience a slice of the seascape.
A Visit to Mayon Volcano
A visit to Bicol will not be complete without visiting the famous Mayon Volcano. It is one of the best way to seal the long travel time to Bicol.
A Thumbs up
After a 4 day vacation my husband came home with new memories and souvenirs for me and Rhian. As for me and Rhian, we are happy that he is able to complete his plans to visit his hometown.
Just like what the shirt says -- We love Bicol. :)
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