Alibijaban Series [Post 1] : Journey of Uncertainty

Now, I believe that bests were really saved for last....

Never thought that my supposedly Mt. Batulao climb would turned into spontaneous trip 10 hours ride from the Metro, a place not so popular to everyone and yet a paradise island that needs to be discovered. My fears and worries in traveling alone was eased by the warmest people I've met in this travel escape.

'Twas a lazy morning and I cant get-off in my bed. I almost forgot that I have a trip that day, a year-end climb in one of Batangas' popular mountain---Mt. Batulao. I really have no plan to do a travel escape for that week but a travel buddy  invited me to climb mountain so at least we could travel before 2014 come. For a travel-lust and mountain addict like us, it become somewhat essential to do a year-end travel for we believe that it will be surely memorable or perhaps, or a sort of closing activity for that year.

10 AM was our agreed meet up in bus terminal  alight in Pasay Rotunda. I left our house an hour earlier to meet Joanne, one of our outdoor buddy to claim my tent she used in their Pulag climb. Honestly, I was really hesitant to materialize this gala but I have already committed that I'm joining. As I walked to MRT Ayala Station, I was still doubting whether I should not go or I should pursue the trip I wanted -- a long bus trip where I could relaxed my mind as I fill my eyes with country scenes. I must decide!

I stayed on the MRT Station while thinking of my decision as I watched passengers passing by. Minutes later I came up with my decision. I texted She (my supposedly companion) that I will not proceed and just stay at home. Yeah, I lied to her and felt guilt. 

I've waited for her response though I knew it will disappoint her and received no replies from her until I boarded on the bus. I boarded on the bus although I am not sure yet where I am heading to. I messaged her again and this time I confessed to her that I will be going somewhere south and explained to her my side. Then she replied without any hostile feeling. Ganun cia ka understanding. 

11 AM,  the bus was already at SLEX when I became totally aware that it was heading in Lucena City -- the gateway going to Bicol Region, in MIMAROPA islands like my province Marinduque and Romblon and some other parts of Quezon Province. 

One funny scene on this trip was when the bus conductor was distributing tickets to all passengers and asked me, "Boss san po kayo?"...."Sa Lucena po." I replied...."sa Grand Terminal po? San po kayo papunta sa Quezon?", he asked again. "Actually boss, di ko po alam. Bahala na." I replied. A smile of peculiarity flashed on his face. He might think of me as weirdo who don't know where to go--- LOST. Well, this is the kind of trip that I wanted to happen. A kind of escape where instances will dictate where it may lead me to. To reach places I've never been or heard by some before. Whilst this excites me, somehow there was fear in part of me, a bit of paranoia that bad things might occur along the way. What matter was, I have the courage and this is how I will live life in some sort -- knowing the unknown.  I'll just go with the flow. Basta, Bahala Na! 



At about 3PM, we reached Lucena Grand Terminal. Not sure yet where to go, I stayed a while in a fast food restaurant in the terminal deciding where I must go. I also caught time to purchase supplies that I'll be needing. I have the option of visiting in Cagbalete Island in Mauban, Quezon or Alibijaban Island in San Andres, Quezon. I checked trips going to the said islands and see which among will depart first. I was doubting about Cagbalete because I already been there and I might reminisce again all those memories. Ang EMO ko!. And going Alibijaban fear me due to its seclusion and all those warnings I've read on blogs. However it challenged me at the same time. Few minutes have past, I boarded on trip going to San Andres Quezon. And Yes, I chose the latter, Alibijaban Island. 

The bus going to San Andres departed at about 6PM. There were only few aircondition bus tripping to Bondoc Peninsula. Mostly are ordinary buses. We waited for more minutes so that the bus can fill more passengers. Moments later, the bus that was spacious when I boarded became so crowded when we left Lucena City. It was filled with not just passengers but also baggage. I have no complain on this set up because I was used  to this kind of scenario when I was still in our province. In fact, I enjoyed it! 

In this kind of trip, you will be needing in your system the name of the chips as shown in the photo above, PASENCIA! Patience for the 7 hours trip, for the bit reckless driving of the bus driver, for the boredom because the only thing I saw during trip was but darkness. Exactly, that it was December that I can still glanced on christmas light displays on every towns we passed by. What I enjoyed most in this bus ride was the breath of fresh air. Iba talaga ang hangin sa probinsya. 

Related Posts:

Alibijaban Series [Post 1] : Journey of Uncertainty
Alibijaban Series [Post 2] : From Total Stranger to a Life-long Friend
Alibijaban Series [Post 3] : Appreciating of What I Have
Alibijaban Series [Post 4] : Finding My Destination, A Second Home
Alibijaban Series [Post 5] : Around the Island
Alibijaban Series [Post 6] : Island Fiesta Night | Galaero Escape Travel Rule, Act Like Local, Party Like a Local 
Alibijaban Series [Post 7] : The People of Alibijaban Island
Alibijaban Series [Post 8] : Bid Goodbye, Alibijaban Island