(Edited on Canva)My husband's sister who happens to arrive here in the Philippines last April together with his American husband had taken us all on vacation. Isla Gigantes was chosen to be our destination since some of my mother-in-law's two siblings were living on that island along with the family of her late husband, my father-in-law. They're asking that everyone of the family should be there as we will celebrate a family reunion on that Island.
Again we travel by boat and started our trip at dawn about 5 in the morning of April 30. I was thankful that during our trip I just felt dizzy. And was relieved when we reached the seashore.
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IMG20220505092102_01We arrived at Gigante Norte (or Asluman) where most of their relatives lived in there. You will be then welcomed by these brightly colored shells of scallops that mounted and covered the whole shore. A very unique way of remembering this Island was through these enourmous quantity of shells, that no one can forget.
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IMG20220502095028_01Walking barefooted here will not be a good idea of immersing yourself in the Island because of the presence of these shells. They may be attractive, but these fan-shaped shells also have sharp surfaces that will hurt your feet.
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Seeing these stunning scallop shells in such a variety of hues completely astounded me.(IMG_20220729_050441 )This island is known to be the scallop capital of the Philippines because of its great harvest of scallops the whole year round. Fishermen dive 10 to 25 meters underwater with the use of compressors, to bring these shells from the ocean bottom to the land. Then other family members will open the shell to remove the meat with black stomachs and frills discarded, leaving just the white flesh to sell for about P200 pesos ($4) per kilo. After getting the meat, they discarded the empty shells on the seashore.
We arrive there during lunchtime and since they were expecting us, they had already prepared some grilled and adobo scallop. It has a sweet and savory taste like clams.
My favorite was "bali-ad", a big flat-shaped shell. It has a sweeter taste than scallops meat.
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This is how its meat looks like. (IMG_20220502_085136)So after we had eaten and rested for a while, I went to Bembem, a cousin of my husband who contacted me and ordered 20 pairs of crochet earrings while I'm still in Negros. She was able to sell all the 20 pairs to a teacher and ordered another set of pairs. Good thing I was able to bring yarns, hooks, and some materials needed to make earrings. The place will celebrate also their annual fiesta and hold a pageant for kids who eventually after knowing that I made crocheted earrings, ordered some pairs from me. I wasn't able to go together with the others hiking the mountain with cross on top since it was so hot and very far to walk that if I would go, my two kids will surely come along with me. And that they will only get exhausted before reaching the top including me. I mean I was exhausted already when we travel going in there. So a day of rest will replenish my energy.
(I just ask my sister-in-law a photo of them when they arrive at the top of the mountain with the cross so I will have the idea how it looks like and maybe next time we can go.)I was relieved to learn that the electricity now runs continuously, unlike when I first came here, when it only did so for 12 hours.
But their water supply was still a problem and we were having difficulty with something that we could use for bathing and washing our clothes since what they had is enough for a small family's use.
It was fortunate that they had numerous relatives who could offer food and lodging that we won't worry about spending our money for it.
Parola
The following day, we traveled to Parola, which is a few kilometers away from Asluman. We just rent a tricycle to reach the area and we enjoyed the greenery view and the fresh air of the island.
By the way, my husband's uncle was living near the Parola and the main reason was to visit him with her wife and to personally invite them for a family reunion that would be happening that night.
The road is concrete already. (IMG20220503080400_01)Along the way to the entrance of Parola, you will see the different kinds and sizes of shells that these children sell.
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At the entrance. (IMG20220503081236_01)
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A panoramic shot of the ruins at the Parola.(IMG20220504120512)
On the right side view as you entered the gate.(IMG20220503081250_01)
The Ruins(IMG20220504120402)
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The Parola at Gigantes Norte(IMG20220503081347_01)
The Parola was built during the Spanish era to guide the ships going to Cebu and Masbate. The locals also told us that climbing up to the top deck of the lighthouse were allowed before but now was prohibited because of a drunk man who climb to the top and almost fell.
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The scenery at the left corner of Parola.(IMG20220503081451_01)
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IMG20220503081401_01From this view, you can also spot an island called "Way-dahon", which is very different from its name because it is covered with vegetation and trees. Some locals and tourists used to visit this place but it was now off limits because it was now inhabited by snakes.
We were offered delicious and yummy squids, crabs, and fish for our early lunch there and we did enjoy it very much.
After a couple of hours, we head back to Asluman to prepare the food for the reunion party. But some of our collages decided to go for an island hopping going to Cabugao Gamay Island and Tangke Saltwater Lagoon. I made the decision not to accompany them since I was concerned I might feel nauseated once more and possibly throw up. In addition to that, I also have some orders to make that will be needed the next day. So I asked my sister-in-law to take some pictures to their destination.
Cabugao Gamay Island
My sister-in-law, Rose Ann at Cabugao Island (I already ask her approval of using this picture of her for this purpose.)It was a perfect spot to get a photo of yourself with the beautiful island, the blue water and the coconut trees as the background.
Tangke Saltwater Lagoon
Tangke Saltwater Lagoon in its majestic view.I was in total regret after Rose Ann showed me this picture. It was the most beautiful paradise I have ever seen with crystal clear water surrounded by rocks. And I told myself that if I will be given another chance, I would definitely go in there no matter what.
The party kicked off that evening with food and picture taking before beverages were served and dancing had began. Everyone was having a good time.
The next day, we visited my father-in-law's tomb with the whole family. We were able to witness also the beauty pageant for kids during their fiesta. With plans to return home the following day, we made the most of our remaining time there with their relatives.
This is us, heading back home in Negros with boat, minutes after we departed. And after an hour of traveling, me and my youngest son started to throw up. There are also some beautiful spots in Isla Gigantes that we never visited. But I know for sure that we will be going back in there in the future and will try to take more pictures on our next vacation.
*All photos are taken using my phone except the last 3 pictures and the one on the mountain with cross that is from my sister-in-law, but already asked permission of using it here.
To God Be The Glory
