The perks of living in the countryside are the abundance of nature’s wonder and its myriads of treasures that await its guest, especially the tranquil and beautiful hidden beaches which not only satisfy one’s eyes but also the heart of whoever discovers them. These serene shores that resemble paradise itself require no cost but only our presence and appreciation. And this is what I’m going to share today, my family’s blissful escape as we unveiled a beautiful paradise beach on the hidden coast of San Remigio.
So this time, I’m not bringing you to the mountains, instead we will dive and enjoy the hidden gem that we uncover together with my family’s simple pleasures.
Let’s go! Taraaaa!
We were in awe again and had our best time as we explored other hidden sanctuaries on the beautiful coast of San Remigio. It was Sunday morning after church when we had this random beach craving. It’s unplanned again! It’s been a while since we had our last beach bond because of our fear of the “jellyfish incidence“ in the North of Cebu. We super miss the beach and I know our kids (my daughter, nieces, and nephew) miss it the most. And so after our simple discussion of what time to leave from home, the food we will be bringing (which we decided to just buy at the market on our way), and the destination which of course we entrusted to our brother, Kenn. We were giggling with excitement to finally go to the beach. So then, off we go!
Wait, Is this the way to the beach?
Grasslands!
After an approximate 1 hour drive, my brother parked our jeepney on the side street where I could see no sign of the beach, except the carpet of green grasses, the coconut trees, and much taller trees from afar. No sight of the sea but we could feel its breeze and the soft sounds of waves dancing in the wind.
We were astonished to discover that a path through the midst of these swaying grasses was our ticket to reach the coastline and finally see this hidden paradise before our eyes! Haha! laughter bubbled forth from us as we embarked on this unexpected adventure!
This reminded me of my last hike in the mountains of Mabuli. My sister had the loudest laugh because she had to carry the basket and among us, she was the most dressed for our beach day! Meanwhile, each of us was also carrying our bags and the things that we needed on the beach.
We passed coconut Trees, lush and tall grasses, and the Mabuli trees (Indian Almond Tree). We didn't mind the heat as we were enjoying this surprising hike eyeing the prize - the beach and so were the kids!
The guardians, the Trees.
Following our short yet invigorating hike through the sprawling grasslands, the breathtaking vistas of the sea greeted our eyes! The huge trees standing proudly as their leaves gracefully dance with the sea breeze are adorning the cliffside. I don't know their species but they sure added a majestic view to the cliff. They stood there as if they are the guardians of the shore.
The view of the distinctive trees with the sea and the open sky as their backgrounds is already a beauty. The entire place exuded a tropical ambiance because of the lush canopy of the trees that enveloped the surroundings.
One of my favorite trees on the cliff is the unique tree forming an arc, the whole stem bowed down to the ground while the leaves defiantly grow upwards. Somehow this made me reflect that just as the stem bowed momentarily, the branches and the leaves persevered, life's trial may bend us to our lowest points. Yet, we have to be resilient and gather our strength and emerge even stronger. Like those leaves that stood tall once more, we, too, must rise and unfurl ourselves.
The splendor of the Shoreline.
Standing atop the cliff, we were blazing with excitement to head down to the shoreline and relish this newfound paradise. There were no stairs, however, we found a well-trodden trail and evidence that many have frequented this haven.
I was surprised to see more trees gracing down the coastline providing shelter and shade for others basking on the beach. We searched for our ideal tree to set our belongings, cooked our meals, and create a safe haven for the kid's playtime while waiting for the food.
As we walk along the coastline, I was amazed by the rock formation of the cliff and the random rocks scattering on the shore. The shore has beautiful fine white sand (as San Remegio is famous for). It was high tide when we arrived.
Preparing the food
As soon as everything was set, the kids played on the sand, and the fire was made, I volunteered to clean the fish. I like this task because I like how the fish looks alive every time I wash them on the seawater. My brother then cooked the fish and the banana cue.
The Beach's Charm!
While waiting for the food and my daughter was still enjoying her time playing on the sand, I leisurely wander along the shore. For me, one of the most notable charms of this hidden paradise is how the cliff is adorned by these beautiful trees which imparts a serene tranquil ambiance to the entire shore. The trees provide a tropical vibe.
Another delight is the assortment of rocks, both the giant ones and the diminutive ones. I always wanted a clean shore, a shore free of rocks, but this time. I found it a unique beauty and stand-out feature of a beach to have these rocks scattering on the shore, They are a sight!
However, what truly captivates me in this concealed haven is its unspoiled nature and untamed surroundings. There was plenty of seaweed washed ashore by the waves, and scattered branches from fallen trees – the presence of these served as tangible proof of the seashore's unspoiled and pristine nature.
Everything was pure. And I so love it that way!
When the food was ready, we then partake the food and enjoyed our time swimming. The kids were the first to take a dip and the last to come out! Oh those boundless energy of the kids! They don't get exhausted at all even if it was scorching hot!
Low-tide is here! Time to have some fun!
After a couple of hours of swimming, we realized that the tide had receded, prompting us to exit the water and take in the view from the shore.
We contemplated heading home, but our plans took an unexpected turn when we observed locals making their way toward the coastline. Their intent gazes were fixed upon the bare seabed, as if in search of something specific.
It didn't take long to realize their purpose – they were engaged in a seafood hunt! Intrigued, we decided to join in the excitement, hopeful that we too might uncover some treasures from the sea. Who knows we will have some catch and cook soup for dinner!
As we scoured the shoreline for seafood, the kids playfully dashed along the now-exposed seabed, reveling in the newfound freedom to run on the sand.
Our time in this unveiled paradise was truly fulfilling. I could see it in my sibling's eyes that the unspoiled shoreline undeniably brought a sense of tranquility to us. It's not just us adults who were happy but also the kids. It was pure bliss. We will definitely come back to this newfound paradise. Hopefully, locals will continue to preserve the untouched beauty of this place.
That's it for our blissful escape in this beautiful paradise and my family's simple pleasure. Thank you so much for reading guys. I wish you all safe and well always.
Don't forget to smile often. And here's ours!
