Last updated on September 9, 2022
Close your eyes, imagine yourself standing, both arms spread sideways just 20 degrees away from your body. At the tip of your left fingertips, imagine a floating tomato. That tomato is the island of Catanduanes. Why I let you imagined that? So you would get the idea where Catanduanes is from hundreds of islands in the Philippines.
The island is known as “maogmang isla.” Why maogma[ma-og-ma]? It means happy. Now, let me prove it to you based on personal experience.
1. Captivating
Grew up in the city? Sits inside your office from 9 – 5 is a routine? Certified “lakwatsera” [traveler].
Well, your presence in the island will excite you that being outside is a must. It has countless beautiful beaches, caves, mountains, and many other treasures. A week of stay is not enough. Sun kissed skin is a bonus.
2. Mouthful of seafood
Day 1, fresh catch octopus. Day 2, fresh catch yellow fin. Day 3, crabs. Day 4, oh I will shut it. Stay in your sit, and keep your fingers from booking your way to the island.
3. Glare or Hi
In the city, we seldom look at people’s faces because we have more reason to check out every corner of a 5 x 3 x 0.4 glowing thing in our hands. Yours might be sized by number of 0’s you spent.
Anyway, once you set foot on the island, look at the people. Look at them. Yeah, you might get a glare but if you greet them, they would gladly greet you back! Hi! It will instantly make you happy.
4. Kids swimming endlessly and running around rolling wheels
Oho, I am not talking about a 4 x 4 toy car. Have you seen a bicycle tire getting rolled by kids using a hand or stick? A stick? Kids run after or with them like it’s gold.
5. Shatooooooo
I have not lost my mind yet. “Shatoooooo” is a game and it is what the losing team yells while running. Yes, running until you get to a specific mark. Losing your breath is not a question. Do not let me explain what the game is about because I would die of hysteria. 😊
6. Batch singing
Irish pubs may be known for sessions of singing hosts and guests chiming in. In the island kids sing in batch once the local radio hits the Kahit Ayaw Mo Na by This Band. Huh? It’s a thing! We love you This Band!
SAGADA is Worth a Thousand Words
7. Lola’s are totally in decorating
Have you heard of ladies who move around appliances, furnitures and I don’t know what every single week? Hmnnn. Yeah, they love moving things here. My mom is a living proof.
Now, are you feeling “maogma”? If those reasons did not spike your interest, check us out! We are hosting an event on May 2020 in the island of Catanduanes to SPARK the LOVE of RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL.
BONUS: We might be able to invite your favorite band so tell us who you want to see. 😊 Yey, 2nd Heat of Summer is coming!
Helpful Links
1. What is Libot Tayo?
2. Local Government of Catanduanes
3. Preparations to transport a vehicle from Tabaco to Catanduanes Port
