My Camotes Escapade 2

Hello guys! this is the second part of my post about my recent solo escapade in Camotes. Read about the first part HERE.Sorry this has been a little late than I promised 'cause I've been a little busy about my work and what's goes on through my head,my life, my love and ok drop the narcism here. 
This time I will not talk about summer clicheness things like white sands,blue sky etc. Instead, I'll talk about another reason what makes Camotes Islands a piece of heaven- by that, I mean I'll talk about the angels I met in the island.





















































Sunset in Camotes is breathtaking. I can't even...


























                                                                                                                               
Kuya Bryan's father own this lovely summer house. I was supposed to stay here but the caretaker didn't agree as I am alone.

Not  a big deal because I stayed at Lola Meding's lovely home.

A panoramic view of Lola Meding's whole front yard



Why go abroad for cherry blossoms if we have these lovelies? haha






One night stand with this room :p The room offered to me by the Suarez'

























Lola Mercedes "Meding" Suarez

     I do not know how to thank God for letting me stay at Lola Meding's house. I must have done something good to deserve it :) At first, I was scared when Kuya Bryan told me that I'll be staying in his grandmother's house instead of his father's vacation house. It's because I am always wary about grannies. My grandma is the usual grandma, she had a mouth that throws words like machine gun and very conservative. I thought Lola Meding was the typical kind but I was wrong. 

     She was in fact very homely. She made me feel at home and treats me like a member of her own family. We had a few chit-chats together and it's very wholesome! Lola Meding is a very good story-teller. 

     From one of our "chit-chats", I've found out that Lola Meding had eight children. Four are girls and four are boys. The boys worked as a seamen while the girls worked as teachers. Lola's husband was a teacher too until he died at the age of 48 because of heart failure. At that time, Lola Meding was so scared how to send her children to school. Four of her children were in college when her husband died and the other four were also studying. She told me there were times she didn't know what to do anymore and she want to give up. But she didn't, instead she asked for the Virgin's help. For 50 days straight, she prayed the holy rosary. She said she believe that on the 5oth day, the Virgin will grant any of her wish. And you know what her wish was? She asked the Virgin to let all of her children finish their studies, and they did! Now all of Lola Meding's children are successful professionals. In fact, it was one of her sons who build their house for her. I found out that ever since that 50th day arrived, Lola Meding continued praying the rosary. Everyday she never fail to say her prayers even now. In fact, I prayed the rosary with her the night I arrived in Camotes. We prayed the holy mysteries and I whispered my silent prayers before doing the sign of the cross.

     Another interesting story Lola Meding shared to me was her survival moment in the open sea for 3 days and 2 nights. It happened one time when she went to the city to visit her children and give them raw goods from the island. What happened was that the machine of the boat she's riding in stopped functioning in the middle of their travel going home. They have no choice but to surrender everything to God 'cause at that time they got no ways to contact someone as this happened a long time ago when cellular phones aren't widely use yet. They got no food and water with them and what worried Lola Meding more was the fact that she had one of her young daughter with her. To survive, Lola Meding and the other passengers of the boat store rain water. There was even a time that her daughter was so hungry but she had nothing to give her. When Lola Meding found a bread floating in the sea, she gave it to her daughter so she can have something to eat regardless of the bread's condition.

    On their third day of floating in the open sea finally they found an island. They landed on a shore with a group of people cooking hanging rice (puso). Lola Meding hurriedly asked for a cup of hot water from those people because she couldn't enduring the unsettling feeling in her stomach anymore. After finishing her cup of water, the puso people asked them where did they come from ad what happened to them. They told them about the problem they encountered. When Lola Meding asked the puso people where they are at that time, they were shocked to find out that they landed in Bohol! When they heard about their story, the Boholanos immediately helped them fixed the machine of their boat and gave them something to eat. They thanked them and set to sail going home. 

    I was very surprised to hear about Lola Meding's story. I couldn't imagine being in the same situation. She even told me that she almost crack because of what happened, but she remained strong because she knew her children need her.I asked Lola Meding if their story made it to the news at that time but she said no. There were moments of silence after Lola Meding shared to me her story. We were in our own thoughts at that time. I couldn't describe what I felt exactly at that time but I knew it was God who sailed them home. Then I remember how lucky I am at that moment to reach the islands safe and in good hands. How God hears our silent prayers! 
Kuya Bryan

This is Kuya Bryan everyone! One of the angels living in the islands. He was Lola Meding's grandson and it was him who offered me to stay at his grandmother's house. Kuya Bryan was my motorcycle driver and tour guide in the island. He was very kind and very caring. He always ask me how I feel, if I'm hungry, bored or if I need something. How thoughtful of him. I am a very lucky girl! haha If you have plan to visit Camotes, here's Kuya Bryan's number to contact him: 09057400637 .You'd be very lucky to have him as your tour guide too!
Lola Meding's housekeeper


























More snapshots inside Lola Meding's house:

Wild guess. What do you think is that creepy looking thing in the photo above?

Lola Meding's veranda had a "duyan" hammock.

Lola Meding's living room.

My solo travel in Camotes is one experience I will never forget until the day that
 I won't be able to see any sunrise and sunset. If there's one thing that I've learned 
from my travel it's the thought that what makes a place more beautiful is
 not it's physical beauty but the people living in that place.
Cebu is beautiful. Camotes is a gift.

love lots,
Tin




























Share this:

, , , , , ,

CONVERSATION

25 comments:

  1. The sunset there is lovely ♥ And wow, you traveled alone and it looks like you really had fun :D Lola Meding's stories were really inspirational and I can't even imagine putting myself in her position. Great post :)

    -Tootsie Jean
    tootsiejean.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Jean! yes, she's an inspiration :) I'm very grateful that I met her

      Delete
  2. A very heartwarming story from Lola. I love listening to the stories of the many lola and lolo I had visited whenever I get to meet them. Their experiences were always filled with raw stories and lessons.

    Travelling alone and being in a stranger's house, such a brave girl you are. It is really nice to travel first in your own beautiful country before heading somewhere else.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for your lovely thoughts Sir :) I enjoyed travelling alone and meeting strangers hehe

      Delete
  3. Beautiful post :) Lola Meding's stories show the power of hope and prayers. Her unwavering faith is inspiring.

    ReplyDelete
  4. gorgeous!!! that place is marvellous!! :D

    Animated Confessions

    ReplyDelete
  5. Wow amazing pictures! It seems to be a beautiful place! :)
    Thank you for your comment! I'm following you back :D

    http://free-colors.blogspot.pt/

    ReplyDelete
  6. YEY! For solo travel! :) this post makes me miss my Lola. :( I love hearing their stories too because life before was so simple and fun! :)

    Great post, i love it! Aiming to visit camotes anytime soon. :)

    xx,
    Jewel

    Jewel Clicks

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Awww thank you Jewel! You should visit the place someday, it's magical <3

      Delete
  7. Wow your little solo trip sounds like a perfect vacation!
    Listening to such stories must have been such a great experience and blessing!
    If I ever go to Camotes, I would love to have the experience you had! :)

    www.callmemaddie.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Maddie! Hope you visit Philippines someday :)

      Delete
  8. wow! nndota sa trip nmu Tin oi nya ikaw ra usa dli nko na kaya :) God has blessed you with very good company pajud. I would love it if you want to make me a BC Tin :) he ema ikog man ko..

    http://steph-g.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes Stephyy felt so blessed, hadlok sad oka slight ui hahaha

      Delete
  9. I would love to experience travelling alone. :D This made me miss my late grand ma (mother's side). Super cool din siya and talagang warm sa kahit kanino :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Awww I can only imagine sis,I'm pretty sure your grandma is as amazing as you are! <3

      Delete
  10. Great post! I love all the photos, especially the ones of the flowers <3 Gusto ko din tuloy mag solo trip haha.

    http://itsthekyliebabii.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Kylie!!! Yes, I would really recommend you to do a solo trip somewhere :)

      Delete
  11. i was so impressed by lol a medings story! it reminded me of the movie my dad told me about during out boat ride to palawn - life of pi :) galing ha not everyone gets to tell a story like that, claps to your lola :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. hehe Life of Pi din nasa isip ko habang pinapakiggan ko si Lola sis hehe
      yes, I can't hardly believe there's a story like that din sis

      Delete
  12. na-touch ako dun kay lola meding part. hue hue hue

    ReplyDelete
  13. Thank you dear! the place is indeed amazing <3

    ReplyDelete

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.