It was past 8pm when we arrived at Villa Rey Clubhouse at CamSur Watersports Complex. We were not supposed to be there. We were supposed to be having dinner at Caramoan and getting a good night sleep by 10pm. We never planned renting a small boat to travel for two hours just to leave Caramoan and get back to Sabang that Saturday night. But it was all domino effect starting from the moment we landed at Legazpi City.

It would cost you Php3,000.00 if you rent a boat from Guijalo port going to Sabang. That is actually a reasonable price considering the travel will be two hours and the fishermen would need to go back afterwards. yet it was expensive for someone who budgeted the usual fare of Php120.00 for the same boat ride. The last passenger boat going to Sabang was at 11am. At that time we were still in awe at the rock formations of Sabitang Laya. We are yet to have our lunch and swim at the shallow, still waters the island has to offer.



My friend was hesitant to ride such a small motor boat especially since we will be welcoming the night in the middle of the sea. It was an experience not that different from when I crossed the Laguna lake four years ago. I loved how the sky was full of stars and the sea was full of little lights coming from fishermen boats. All I can hear was the sound of the boat's motor. Upon alighting from the boat, silence fell to my ears. We are now to rent a van to take us to CWC. We booked a cabana for the night. It was another two hours. Imagine three small girls inside one big van. Damage done to our wallets was Php1,500.00.

We would not have experienced everything if we booked Naga instead of Legazpi. If we caught the 11am passenger boat going to Caramoan. If we did not have to wait one hour for the Sabang van at SM Naga to be filled. But not everything can be planned especially when you travel. We just had to make it one for the books.



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(original post from my personal blog)


I spent a week alone in Leyte last year for academic work. Sunday was my free day there so I decided I must embark on my own adventure to find a good place to take pictures and if possible, eat. It was a rainy morning so I figured I'll just eat at Robinson's Tacloban once again and probably because Jose Karlo's Coffee shop had wifi and my decent dose of caffeine. I didnt do any research before leaving. Note to self: list places to visit before riding the plane to my destination. It helps.

So I've managed to get to Rob Tacloban in a matter of minutes and ordered spag, chicken and mojos. I had the mojos to go in case I get stranded somewhere and no food was available. It was a smart move.

There I was in the coffee shop surfing the net when I read about Rafael's Farm and Restaurant. Anton of OUP described it as a cross between Sonya's Garden and the Farm. Since I havent been to Sonya's Garden or the Farm, I figured I might as well visit Rafael's. The adventure begins.

The problem with not knowing how to speak Waray in Leyte is the great chance of being LOST. I asked the travel agency for directions but they knew nothing. Thus I resulted to calling Rafael's itself and asking for directions. It was simple: ride a jeep until the old terminal, then ride another jeep going to Babatngon. Operator said it will take less than 30mins from the old terminal to the resto. Since it was only a little past 2pm, I decided to give it a shot. I already disregarded the thought of taking a taxi since taxis tend to be overpriced especially for tourists. I bought a map at National Bookstore just to see how far I would be traveling. Turns out it was around 30kms. Still, I was determined to visit it.

One thing I should have learned throughout my living years is that my world is a disciple of Murphy's law. It took me around 4-5 jeepney rides that went in circles from Mcdonalds to the new terminal. I asked the barker for the jeep that will take me to the old terminal and he said I should go down to Mcdo. Being an obedient little girl, I did what I was told but never did it enter my mind that that was not the old terminal. I asked for a jeep going to Babatngon and I was asked to ride a specific jeep. All these while asking for directions in my sole known dialect: Tagalog. I cant remember how many times I've passed by the same route before actually finding the so-called "old terminal". It was already around 4pm. This was bad. Night starts so much earlier in the provinces (as early as 5pm). So I was waiting in the van not knowing that was the last trip.

I got to Rafael's safe and sound thanks to the kind strangers who willingly helped a seemingly innocent yet LOST girl. I quickly entered and took pictures as the sun was already setting. Yes, it was 5pm and I have just reached my destination. A couple of photographs then the sun was gone. Since it would be a long way home, I decided to eat. Great decision. The food was wonderful. However, the waitress remarked on my solo adventure. They were not used to having just a single person eat there. The place was obviously for families and couples.