A Series of Unfortunate Events

Our trip to Palawan was far from perfect, since we preferred not to use guided tours and to explore the place at random, we also went through a number of ugly experiences.

Day 1 – Since my cousin offered to help us find a good accomodation, I was confident that it will be easier for us to settle once we get to Puerto Princesa. I received instructions the night before on how to get to the hotel that was reserved for us so upon arrival at the airport, we rode a tricycle to take us to Irenea’s. I was expecting a decent enough location, but it turned out to be an inn with a gay bar/discotecque. We immediately knew it was going to be just for a night and we’re out of there.

Day 2 – We decided it was turn to move out of Irenea’s, we could not take the smell of insecticide and the malfunctioning bathroom anymore. We opted to move to Narra, Palawan but we stopped at Viet Ville first to take pictures of the Vietnamese refugee camp. We were also hoping we could have a sumptuous Vietnamese meal once we get there. First, there were just a handful Vietnamese left in the Village since most of them already moved to the US and Canada and second, we arrived there on a Lunar New Year and the only restaurant that operates in the village is closed for the holiday.

Day 3 – I was having the time of my life exploring the beauty of Estrella Waterfalls while Warren was busy taking pictures. I wanted to take pictures too when suddenly, I just felt myself slipping on the metal footbridge, my left leg got stuck between two metal rods and I could not stand up. Warren had to push the rods with his feet to give room for me to pull my leg out. We were both shaken afterwards, I thought I fractured a bone, thank God I did not. I suffered bruises though which really worried us both because they looked really ugly.

Day 4 – We were supposed to check in at Asturia’s hotel, Warren wanted to make up for the accident I had at Estrella Waterfalls down in Narra and he thought treating me to a top class hotel would be fantastic. I thought so too. Unfortunately, the tricycle driver at the San Jose Terminal where we were dropped off recommended Dinangkalan Beach Resort and Hotel which is owned by Gen. Matillano of the CIDG. He said the place is a beachfront abundant with bird species. That information was enough to convince us to change our minds about Asturia’s.

Well, for one, the beach is not a place I would want to swim in, second, it is not a hotel, just an inn. Third, the birds were simply “tagaks” and fourth, we experienced the worst night ever – there was a power outtage that lasted the whole night, so I woke up soaked in sweat and with mosquito bites as well. Haaay…

Day 5 – People who knew me would know immediately that such inconvenience will NEVER be tolerated. At 9AM, we were ready to check out of Dinangkalan and demand for a lower rate for such terrible experience. The manager wasn’t in yet so I had to argue with a staff representative who goes by the name Sam. He was rude, unapologetic, “pilosopo” and a little stupid. I was irritated enough to raise my voice. Fortunately, Ramil, a trusted staff at the Inn arrived to intervene. Apparently, Sam, who initially refused to give us a much deserved discount, was not even supposed to sit at the front desk like he did because his job was to maintain the hotel’s utilities. He should have switched on the generator when the power went out at 2AM, but he chose not to. What a bummer.

Day Six – We were so happy to find shuttles going to San Rafael for only P70/pax. We even got the front seats. After driving around the city for a few minutes, we stopped by a house to pick up passengers. Imagine our surprise when we found out one of the passengers was a hog! Yep, a pig. It was tied on the rooftop and along the way, it rained so imagine the rainwaters flowing from the rooftop fo the van! Icky.

Everyone in town was talking about Duchess Inn, so we thought it must be a good place to stay in. Well, in fairness, it was a good one, airconditioned rooms, private and cozy. But be sure to bring your own baon because they don’t serve food unless you order in advance.

Day Seven – A whale was washed ashore, obviously the poor thing was injured when it hit shallow waters. The residents in San Rafael who discovered the mammal called for their barangay captain to take it to the wildlife conservation unit. Everyone was hopeful for the mammal since it was still alive when they found it. The poor fellows waited for like four hours and their barangay head did not arrive, the sun has completely set already when they all finally lost hope for the whale. They tried to bring it to deeper waters, to no avail.

Well, basically, these are just the unfortunate events Warren and I came across with during our Palawan trip. Of course, things are bound to happen, we’re glad that we went through some “kapalpakans” too because it has tested our patience and determination to survive in a place where we are both alien to. It was a learning experience that we will forever carry in our hearts and at the end of the day, those experiences made us realize our mortality and God’s infinite grace to both of us. We have a million things to be thankful for, indeed.