I'll Be Back

27

Mikha

After a week of planning and preparation, everything was finally set for our trip to Siargao. I stood outside my house, waiting for the girls to pick me up. After a few minutes, the van pulled up, and I could already hear the laughter inside. We had rented a van and hired a driver to take us to the airport. The van was filled with chatter and excitement as we all anticipated the week-long vacation ahead. It took us about an hour to reach the airport due to traffic, but the time passed quickly with everyone in high spirits.

Stepping into the airport, a wave of excitement washed over us as we approached the counter. We verified our tickets, which we had booked online, and got our bags sorted. The wait for our flight wasn’t long, but the anticipation made it feel like forever. As we boarded the plane, it was impossible to contain our excitement, and we exchanged glances, trying to suppress squeals of joy.

Once seated, I gazed out the window, watching the ground crew bustling about. The hum of the engines grew louder as the plane prepared for takeoff. Beside me, Colet nudged my arm, grinning.

“Second out of town natin to. Nakaka-excite!” she whispered, her excitement contagious.

As the plane lifted off the ground, the view of the city shrinking below, a sense of freedom settled over us. We were leaving behind our routines and responsibilities, ready for the adventures that awaited us in Siargao. The conversations flowed easily, ranging from plans for surfing to where we’d find the best island food. The energy was so high, each of us already imagining the sun-soaked days and starlit nights ahead.

The flight seemed to pass in a blur, and before we knew it, we were descending towards the island. The sight of the clear blue waters and lush greenery from above was breathtaking. As the plane touched down, a cheer erupted among us, the reality of our vacation finally sinking in. We grabbed our bags and made our way to the exit, ready to dive into the week of exploration, relaxation, and unforgettable memories that awaited us in paradise.

time skip

We were getting ready in our hotel rooms, buzzing with excitement to explore the shores of Siargao. Our hotel was perfectly situated near the beach, and the breathtaking view from our windows only fueled our anticipation. We had split into two groups for the rooms, I was sharing with Sheena and Jhoanna, while Colet, Stacey, and Maloi were in the other room. Unfortunately, Gwen couldn’t join us because she was out of the country on a business trip.

With our tote bags packed and slung over our shoulders, we headed outside to meet the rest of the girls. The adventure was officially beginning. Siargao was full of tempting shops and stalls, and with every step, the urge to buy something grew stronger. After wandering for a while, a bustling restaurant caught our attention. The place was packed, a clear sign that the food was worth trying.

We patiently waited in line, with Colet and I taking on the task of ordering while the others found a spot to settle in. After almost an hour, our food finally arrived. As we dug in, the usual chatter died down, replaced by a focused silence. We were all completely absorbed by the incredible flavors of the dishes in front of us. It was rare for us to be this quiet during a meal, but the food was just that good—it had all of us thoroughly impressed.

After our meal, we leaned back in our chairs, satisfied and content. The restaurant's ambiance, combined with the delicious food, had set a perfect tone for our first day in Siargao. The sun was still high, and the warm breeze from the ocean was inviting us to continue our exploration.

We decided to head towards the beach, following the sound of the waves. The sand was soft under our feet, and the sight of the crystal-clear water stretching out to the horizon was mesmerizing. Some locals were surfing, their movements smooth and effortless, while others were simply lounging by the shore, soaking up the sun.