16/06/2015
Nice article from Nathan about his trip to Catanduanes. - Great Experiences you have here in the Philippines Nathan. There is some more time for you to give us more stories ;-)
The Good People of the Philippines: A Reminder Of Why I Love This Country So Much
My motorbike trip around the island of Catanduanes did not go as planned. I thought riding Camiguin and Siquijor Islands previously would prepare me enough, but I didn't realize that Catanduanes is more rugged, and 5 times bigger! I also didn't realize how often I would stop on the side of the road to take pictures of the stunning views.
My wheel had been wobbling back and forth a tiny bit ever since I borrowed the motorbike, but as I finally neared the town of Soboc in the north, it really was feeling unsafe. Since the trip all the way around the island took 6+ days instead of 2 (like I imagined), I did not pull out enough money, and the nearest ATM was in Virac - still 2 days away from me. I didn't know what to do, but the locals told me to take the bike to somebody named "kuya Rey".
I was so happy that I perfectly ended up in Soboc, because this guy was a mechanical genius! He quickly repaired the bike for only the cost of the parts, so that I could use my remaining money for gas to get to Virac. I was so thankful for kuya Rey and the rest of the guys there in Soboc. They really saved me!
I continued along the road, and enjoyed the scenery on the way to Gigmoto, where Nahulugan Falls is located. This beautiful stop along the way was something I had been dreaming about the whole time.
So yes. I was finally about to see the waterfall I came so far for...but guess what? About 2 km away from the falls, the wheel of the motorbike started wobbling just like before...only this time it was the back wheel. I couldn't believe it! It was actually MUCH worse this time, and I couldn't even ride it any further.
Knowing that my money was almost gone (and I still had to get to Virac to be able to get more), I began to really stress out. I was so disappointed that I couldn't make it to the waterfall, but something began telling me to just leave the bike and start walking to the falls instead.
I really was on a mission to photograph this place and share it with you!
I tried to relax as I trekked up the dirt road. Not more than two minutes had gone by when I heard a friendly voice yell out. "Hello my friend, how are you?" It was a trike driver unloading abaca fiber on the side of the road.
He asked if I wanted a ride to the waterfall. I felt my back tense up. I explained that I didn't have any money for a ride...that my motorbike wasn't working, and that I left it on the side of the road behind me.
He said, "no worries, I will take you to the waterfall, then we will take your bike to get fixed after".
I was really feeling stressed again, and I tried to explain to him further.
"Well, the problem is that I can't even ride the bike somewhere to get it fixed. It's completely broken. I already repaired it once today, and I only have enough money to pay for gas to get back to Virac."
I'll never forget what kuya Manny (as I came to know him) said next.
"Problem? There's no problem."
It wasn't just what he said, but also HOW he said it. His eyes were so kind, and in that instant, I knew that he perfectly understood my situation, and that he really was there to help.
"I will take you to the waterfall for your pictures, then we will come back and load the motorbike onto my vehicle afterward. We can take it to town to get fixed...and don't worry, it won't cost you as much as you think for the repair."
My eyes were practically welling up with tears...I was so thankful for the generosity of this stranger on the side of the road. Along with his son, we continued up the road until the majestic waterfall was within view.
It was then that I snapped the picture you are looking at now.
What a beautiful place, and what an unforgettable experience!
I realized that I still had enough money for the three of us to eat at a carinderia while the motorbike was being repaired. Afterward, kuya Manny took me to see his home and meet his family.
Kuya Manny even offered to give me money to get to Virac. I told him it was not needed, and assured him I would be OK.
In the end, I made some new friends and had just enough money to get back to Virac. Thankfully, I was able to use the ATM there with no problems.
I will never forget these two men who put everything on hold to help a passing stranger in need.
Experiences like this are what can make a trip to the Philippines so special. It's "bayanihan" - the spirit of communal unity that gets everybody through tough times here.
I realized perhaps that's what kuya Manny meant when he said:
"Problem? There is no problem."
- Nathan Allen
www.idreamedofthis.com
