Weekend Getaway in Boracay

I need a vitamin sea. That's how millennials or young travelers would say whenever they need a break.

The sea is medicine, prescribed not by physicians but by none other than our very own friends, our colleagues, or people closer and special to us. We feel calm and relaxed when we are in a body of water. Our mind becomes clear, and our soul is uplifted. Our well-being is healed and rejuvenated, and that's the ultimate goal to achieve.

The truth is we want to escape reality once in a while, to live in a fantasy land where there are no pains and stresses. We pause, pack our things, and go on a travel and adventure.

Dream on and go on.

In April 2016, I had a breathtaking weekend getaway on a small island on the west coast of Panay Island in the Philippines—Boracay Island, a true gem of the world.

It's a hotspot for the world's beach and island lovers. A multi-cultural hub where the East meets the West.
That was my 5th time visiting Boracay in about two decades. And each time I saw it, its ecosystem and culture had undergone several transformations. I the old Island culture I missed.

 I may have seen Boracay during its pristine days when it was less developed and had its Island vibe. So that brings back vivid memories worth remembering. 

Last year, when it underwent temporary closure, it became like a ghost Island. Only a few tourists and businesses closed for about half a year. If we humans deserve a break, a busy Island deserves a much-needed break too.

When an ecosystem is damaged by commercialization, it has to clean and heal itself before serving people again. Other more popular Islands in the country and Southeast Asian region followed suit. They also rehabilitated their Island paradise. That's a great move, made with great sacrifice and love. 

Take a break from the crowd. The party. The noise. The pollution.

I love Boracay. It has a different vibe from other Philippine Islands and beaches. So, I am pro-rehabilitation if needed so it can breathe again and rejuvenate—just like us human beings.

The Nami Resort will take you over the hills and allow you to experience exhilarating fun from an old-style elevator reaching the hilltop. Nami Resort had the best view of the Island, which was just fantastic. The food, the music, and the ambiance are great. The experience was magical.

When people can travel again without restrictions, Boracay will open its paradise for responsible business owners and kind travelers who understand the importance of preserving its beauty.

Boracay is for everyone, and I look forward to the day when I can once again swim in its water, witness its captivating sunset, see the sandcastles, and leave footprints in the sand.

© 2020 Del Cusay

Stairway to the Mountain

Nature's spring is nature's best. That was a tremendous and meaningful adventure on the foothill of the Mountain, Mount Arayat National Park.

For most city dwellers, being closer to nature is a weekend and holiday destination. It is an escape from noise pollution and the hustle and bustle of city life, an escape from the real world of unending work and tasks, an escape from reality, even for a short while.

An adventure worth sharing led me to the enchanting and tranquil town of Arayat in the Province of Pampanga, on Central Luzon Island, the Philippines, six years ago. It was a journey of discovery and exploration that I will never forget.

Two months after arriving in the Philippines after a year of living abroad, I experienced a profound adventure and soulful healing. It was April 2014, a time when I was yearning for a deeper connection with nature. That was when I finally had a closer glimpse of Mount Arayat, which can only be seen from a distant highway when going to the country's Northernmost provinces.

Nature's retreat at Mount Arayat National Park offers excellent healing results for the body, mind, and soul. The fresh air, the serene environment, and the physical activity of a day hike all contribute to a sense of rejuvenation. This is all we need after a long and tiring work week. And for the physical grounding, a day hike to the Mountain feels like rooting to the earth. It's Nature's Way to reconnect to the world as our mind wanders and boggles, accompanied by anxiety, worries, and fears.

At the park's entrance to the hilltop community, you will be greeted by a serene environment and the soul-soothing sounds of nature. The park is also a sanctuary for a variety of bird species and wildlife under conservation, adding to the peaceful ambiance. 

The park is an excellent escapade for families, team building, and even solo retreats. There are cottages, picnic areas, playgrounds,s and campsites for everyone's needs.

A hundred-step stairway to the hilltop community is a great calorie-burning and offers a stunning view of the Mountain. Closer view to the roof of Pampanga -- the province's highest peak.

Take a deep breath and a little more hike, passing through the treehouses and all the Way to the Arayat Bikers Club. A solemn spiritual community awaits, where one is closer to nature. Truly, it is a heaven on earth for the residents and visitors.

Before heading down to the lowlands, I paused, meditated, and reflected on the Divine presence and a meaningful journey ahead.

The Mountain of Arayat and its Natural Park provides excellent service for people seeking respite from suffering, loneliness, stress, and grief.

As we navigate the 'new normal' and emerge from the pandemic, there is a collective yearning to reconnect with nature, take a deep breath, release the toxins of the body and mind, and cleanse our souls. And when we need to reset or start anew, there will always be a mountain to climb for soul-searching—to heal our being and inspire hope for the future.

© 2020 Del Cusay

Father's Day at The Farm

Life at the farm is the best news every day during this Pandemic. We benefit from a clean and green environment for healing and rejuvenation.

Today, we bask in the joy of celebrating a special Father's Day. We've chosen to spend this Sunday at the farm, a sanctuary we've lovingly nurtured over the past year. It's a day filled with warmth, love, and the beauty of family bonds.

As I swing through a hammock, I reminisce about how it all started in June 2019, from when it was conceptualized until it materialized.

Today, a year after the pandemic, we're literally reaping the fruits of our labor. The fruits and vegetables my parents started to plant after the lockdown and home quarantine are now ready for harvest. Even in adversity, their unwavering commitment to organic farming is genuinely inspiring. This journey of growth and harvest is a testament to our resilience and determination, a beacon of hope in these challenging times.

Our farm is a cornucopia of nature's bounty. We have various vegetables like eggplant, bitter gourd, string beans, spinach, and squash. And that's just the beginning. We also have fruits like Philippine lime or Calamansi, tomatoes, avocado, banana, watermelon, and coconut. These and many more in weeks to come as we expand and develop other areas for planting.

We aim for sustainable farming practices to provide our own food on the table in this time of crisis and as a way of life—a new lifestyle.

In previous years, I may not have celebrated Father's Day at home, so this year is a precious opportunity to be present and to show gratitude and appreciation to our dear Father. It's a chance to create lasting memories and strengthen our bond.

I'm filled with gratitude for the love and inspiration that has guided us through this crisis. It's been a time of profound learning, allowing us to plant, grow, and harvest not just food, but also personal growth and resilience. We've learned to appreciate the simple joys of life and the power of family bonds.

Father's Day isn't just a day; we celebrate it throughout our lifetime. Wherever we are, he will always be in our hearts—our Father, our hero, our motivation, and our source of endless inspiration. 

© 2020 Del Cusay