
I don’t know what’s on this island that every time I came to visit, there’s always a misadventure or more. It’s like there is always up for me, a lesson per se, to learn.
Disclaimer: This is a personal blog. The views, opinions, and tips expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of the other travelers. I’m not an expert. My purpose of writing is to share my story, hoping, somehow, to be helpful and inspirational to some – if not all.
Back in 2013, my friends and I were able to spend Christmas with the super typhoon Yolanda survivors on the island. We were supposed to get back after days of stay but left by the boat. Without electricity across the island, we need to extend another night and bear with the dark, eerie vibe. Luckily, we’re able to catch the first trip going back to the mainland early morning the following day. Our relief mission story here.
Three years after, I’m back with another set of friends not for a relief mission but a vacation. The whole trip is quite memorable. We were stranded for days due to a typhoon. Securing our boat tickets was difficult that we traveled to Bantayan proper to get our slot. My phone got soaked in the clear waters of Virgin Island. I lost my hat at the boardwalk of Omagieca Obo-ob Mangrove Garden. Lastly, I forgot to bring my bag and left it at Ogtong Cave. Quiet an adventure, right? But wait, there’s more! Read the full story here.

Just months ago, I revisited the island with my ka tribus. The travel itself was a bit tough with everything Covid-19. Anyhow, we made it through. Enjoyed each other’s company. Roam around to check how’s the island coping with the pandemic. Played games. Chit-chat and laugh with our lungs. The usual Tribu AdOBo bond outside our daily routines.
Everything’s on our luck, not until we heard a sudden, loud bang of a broken glass turn into pieces on the ground outside our accommodation. I know for sure what happened. It was already at the back of my mind. Yes, some of my friends broke the glass tabletop. And another Yes, that table belongs to our neighbor. We got it secretly and returned the same way, and it happened.
The karma for using other guests’ table without permission came quick. Our Hokage moves didn’t work at all. We were caught and reprimanded. We said our sorry, of course, and paid for the broken glass top. Scared to be banned and to end up working temporarily at the resort to pay off our mistakes, everything went well after though.
Also, I almost lost my sunglasses. Thank God, the resort’s crew kept it and it was given back to me. Learn more about this trip here.
I’ll be returning to this island. What will be the misadventures waiting for me this end of July? I’m not hoping, but I can feel it. Carry on, and just hope for the best.

Lesson Learned:
Always be mindful of your actions and stuff wherever you go and whenever you are out. Keep track of your composure no matter how you’re enjoying life.
Visited the Philippines but notv that island .
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Hi! You should. It’s awesome. In fact, I’ll be coming back in two weeks. 🙂
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Fun and positive! Very nice
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Thanks. Always looking for the brighter side of everything.
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Gimingaw na ko’s bantayan. Nagdugay ko diha pagtukod ug mga balay after yolanda.
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Hi! Thanks for dropping by. Really? It’s a great island indeed. You’re part pud diay sa ila pgbangon. Good to hear. Thank you for your service sir. Balik2x nya.
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Naay duha ka bag-ong communities diha nga kami sa Habitat ang gatukod. In Maricaban and Sulangan. Nagpa-inter-community sportsfest pa Mi! I have such fond memories of my stay there. 🥲☺️🙃
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Wow… mkaproud. God bless you po. Bcin mapadpad ko this weekend didto dapita.
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Bisitahi ang Sulangan community. Dako na siya karon. Nya naa juygabantay para sa spiritual growth sa kabataan.
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If naay chance, I will.
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Here’s a fond memory of our work there. The rehab in Bantayan was really a heartwarming experience for me. Read and enjoy the video! https://cbholganza.com/2016/12/24/a-weekend-to-remember/
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Thank sir… I was touched by your humble, great work for our community. Kudos to you and the rest of your team. Unfortunately, Iwasn’t able to visit these sites last weekend. Restrictions and protocols are still strict.
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