Our unexpected beach escape began on a Saturday afternoon. We'd just finished lunch, and after an unexpected free period following our classes, we settled into our usual post-lunch routine: a spirited game of Uno. A text message from a friend interrupted our card game, announcing that our next class had an unexpectedly early exam.
After the exam, we resumed our Uno match, this time accompanied by steaming cups of coffee.
As the cards were dealt and played, our conversation drifted to first-year plans that had, for various reasons, never materialized. Chief among these unfulfilled dreams was a beach trip, repeatedly thwarted by unpredictable schedules and unforeseen emergencies. A collective sigh escaped us as we recounted the missed opportunities. But then, a spark of determination ignited. "Tomorrow," someone declared, "we're going to the beach!"
The decision was made, and the impromptu planning began amidst the clatter of Uno cards and the comforting aroma of coffee. However, our group of six friends would be reduced to four. Two of our friends, unfortunately, couldn't join us. One was a working student, her schedule often inflexible and demanding. The other friend, though enthusiastic in the initial planning stages, had a habit of last-minute cancellations, leaving us perpetually uncertain of her attendance. Given these past experiences, we decided to proceed with a smaller, more reliable group: Evita, Kate, Carmela, and her boyfriend, Kuya John.
Sunday morning arrived, and the excitement was palpable. I began preparing around 9:30 a.m., eager to embark on our journey at 10 a.m. A stroke of unexpected luck (or perhaps irony) added a layer of adventure to our day: our town was experiencing a widespread power outage.
The lack of electricity, while inconvenient, only heightened our anticipation for a day of sun, sand, and sea. However, the power outage did present a slight challenge: communicating with my friends proved more difficult than usual, as the lack of electricity impacted cell phone signals.
Despite the communication hiccups, I made my way to the city, eager to meet up with my friends. The city, devoid of its usual electrical hum, possessed a unique vibrancy. The power outage had driven people outdoors, creating a lively, festive atmosphere. Vendors set up makeshift stalls on sidewalks, and the streets buzzed with activity. The mall, powered by generators, stood as an island of electricity, drawing a large crowd seeking respite from the heat and the unusual quiet of their homes. I waited outside the mall, and soon, Kate arrived. A delightful surprise awaited me: she was wearing white, mirroring my own white striped polo shirt. We chatted, sharing our excitement, and then waited for Carmela. She, too, appeared in white, sporting a white tank top layered with a jacket. The unplanned color coordination added a charming touch to our already spontaneous adventure.
Before heading to the beach, we decided to pick up some food in town. Our destination: Catmon beach, a location somewhat unfamiliar to most of us, except Evita. Evita, however, had a prior commitment—a birthday party—and would meet us directly at the beach. We stocked up on supplies at the local market, filling our bags with snacks and drinks to fuel our day of fun. Then, we headed to the bus terminal, ready to embark on the next leg of our journey.
The bus ride to Catmon took between 20 and 30 minutes. Upon arrival, we were met with a slight disappointment. The beach's online photos had depicted a lush, green paradise. The reality, however, was somewhat different. While coconut trees abounded, the vibrant green landscape depicted in the pictures was largely absent.
The entrance fee of 30 pesos seemed a bit steep, but Carmela's quick thinking and negotiation skills managed to reduce it to 25 pesos. She cleverly convinced the attendant that we were part of a larger group that had pre-paid, securing a discount for our small group.
The beach itself was divided into two distinct sections. The left side, facing the sea, resembled the idyllic scene in the online photos—lush green vegetation and abundant coconut trees. The right side, however, was predominantly sand, still lined with coconut trees but lacking the lush greenery of the other side. Unfortunately, the left side was already occupied, so we settled on the right, unpacking our supplies and preparing for a day of relaxation and fun.
Evita arrived shortly after, and we quickly transitioned from unpacking to a lively game of Uno, but with a twist.
Every time someone played a special card—reverse, skip, draw two—the player had to take a drink. If someone managed to get Uno, everyone else had to drink except the winner. The game was filled with laughter, friendly competition, and plenty of drinks. Carmela emerged as the biggest drinker, followed by me, Kate, and Kuya John. The game served as a perfect icebreaker, leading to lively conversations and shared stories.
As the sun began to beat down on our chosen spot, we relocated to a shadier area. The rest of the afternoon was spent relaxing, chatting, and enjoying the beach. Evita, Kate, and I eventually succumbed to the afternoon's warmth and drifted off to sleep, while Kuya John remained alert, keeping watch over our belongings.
Later, we took a refreshing dip in the shallows, cooling our feet in the gentle waves. Since swimming wasn't part of the original plan (and most of us were dressed in white), a quick dip was the perfect compromise.
As the day wound down, we packed up our belongings take some picturesand prepared to head home. Our return journey proved more challenging than anticipated. The buses and jeepneys were packed, and we spent a considerable amount of time waiting for a ride. Adding to the delay, several parades for former President Rodrigo Duterte passed by, their supporters chanting and celebrating. The unexpected parades added a layer of local color to our already eventful day. After an hour of waiting, we finally secured a ride home, our bodies tired but our spirits lifted by the unexpected beach trip that had finally come to fruition.
