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Letter from Pandanon
by Sandy C. Kiamko
“Our plan was to travel around 20 kilometers to Pandanon Island in Bohol, spend the night there, then go back to Mactan the following day. Now that sounds simple enough, except for the fact that we will be traveling by kayaks, and will be paddling the whole way.
It was on the time of year when the sun was fiercely shining directly above when we shoved off in groups from Mactan Island. For about an hour, we paddled without rest, with but a brief respite from the passion of the sun’s radiance. A few large vessels passed our path, leaving us nothing but the big waves that came after them. Yet we paddled on excitedly for the chosen resting point in Sulpa Island. Once there, some were able to find time to frolic around in the emerald waters, while some merely looked around while resting their arms.
We paddled across the shallow reef, under a more forgiving sun, with a nearer stopover in sight. And then we gathered in clusters where we can find shade, and rested…getting ready for the longest stretch of the trip. Gathered under a rocky overhang that has been slowly eaten away by the ever-persuasive power of the seawater, we exchanged jokes, took pictures, listened to music, or just simply sat back and relaxed.
Then, we were off to our ultimate destination. We paddled on the deep blue sea until we can feel the heat somewhat letting up, and see the sky turning a little bit more cerulean every minute. And then there was the moon that has started to ease out of its resting place in the horizon.Final destination achieved - Pandanon Island -
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we sat on the sand, and watched the magnificence of the full moon seemingly engulfing the whole blanket of darkness that comes with the setting of the sun. Under the almost magical light exuded by the moon, we rested and slowly regained our strength. In huddles, we found our place in the white vastness where the sea meets the land. But like sea creatures drawn towards a glowing lamp with the promise of a feast, we slowly converged around the big bonfire and shared the food that everyone prepared. Everyone was celebrating life with a full heart, and sharing the excitement with those around. Some began with a hesitancy perhaps caused by fear or shyness while others jumped right in. The circle just kept getting bigger and the rhythm just got sweeter as the moon rose higher. And the revelry continued past the time when the tide came in. But with the long trip back yet ahead of us, we all had to retire to our individual resting spots when the moon has passed its zenith.
Peacefully sleeping in huddles along the beachfront, we felt a new day intruding upon us as the rising sun bathed our faces. One by one, we got up and went about getting ready for the trip back to our point of origin. We took a quick breakfast and readied the kayaks. ... When all has settled down, we lined up our kayaks for the way back. From where we started, there we will conclude this marvelous trip. And when the word was given, we raced towards Mactan…and in a little more than three hours, we touched land. Not surprisingly, all of us decided to stay awhile to continue the revelry, and finish up the supplies we brought with us.
Every time I gaze above at a full moon, I think of the collective feeling of the group at that moment. We were living for that moment, and the moment did arrive for us, and it was not wasted by idleness. And I patiently wait for the time when that moment will arrive again…” |
