There are two seasons
in the Philippines. It is either a summer tropical or a rainy season with the
occasional typhoons at the end of the year. I normally visit family every 2 - 4
years but this year I was given the opportunity to travel to one of the islands
of Surigao, Basul Island.
We travelled by motor
boat boarded by 7 people including: 3 locals, 3 family members and myself. We
crossed the sea and within fifteen minutes we arrived at the beautiful island.
Above Image: Basul
Island, Surigao, Philippines
July is the beginning
of the rainy season, however on this day and in this location it seemed like
endless summer. Imagine clear water, coral reefs and exotic fish perfect
for snorkelling.
The cool humid breeze
was refreshing against the beating rays of the sun. It felt unreal like
something from a movie. I still look back to those moments wondering if it all
was just a dream.
Basul Island is just
one of 7,107 islands with 2,000 that are inhabitable and named around the
Philippines. Surigao is located south in the Visayas where the local language
is mainly spoken in different dialects such as Visayan and Surigaonon, and the
national Filipino language, Tagalog.
The population of the
Philippines exceeds 100 million and continues to grow every year. One of the
things that contributes to this growth is their cultural law against abortion
and contraception as it goes against their religious views. Their education
systems do not incorporate sex education or awareness which may also be one of
the reasons.
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Aside from the
statistical view of things, the Philippines is homed to the most welcoming and
humble people in the world. Their communities are tightly knit like their
families under one roof. Good food is cheap and authentic as the smiles that
made them.
What I loved most
about the Philippines is how young it made me feel all over again.