OVER the weekend, we finally went on a road trip on the way to the beach for a much-needed respite. Thank God for breaks! I actually planned it because I desperately needed it! As we were finally readying, I sat deliberately on the driver’s seat intending to drive all the way to our destination in Glan, Sarangani, where the seas captivate me best – although the sea is the same everywhere except for the setting, huh!
It was a smooth drive bar some road construction and improvement that allowed for a single lane and thus traffic was imposed for safety purposes. I couldn’t complain. Better safe than sorry.
Then we arrived at the destination and what a breather; the beachside was not filled with people. I love it when the whole expanse of the beach seems to be exclusively yours. For a fleeting moment, you can imagine that you own the whole place! How’s that for comfort, and peace and quiet. Truly priceless!
Of course, it was a treat to frolic, swim, and float (oh how I loved to float in my bikinis, haha!) in pristine, calming waters throwing your cares away, and for a moment, just for a transient moment, forget that we are all confronted by this pestilence called COVID-19.
Now I understand why people leave their homes on weekends. It gives us the momentary relief from our altered lives – no thanks to this pestering health crisis. It’s like going to the beach is a relief from the threat of COVID-19. It is truly therapeutic!
So, thank you LORD for the gift of the sea. So soothing, calming, and healing for the heart. It was a very refreshing, comforting, and restorative experience. It also helps that the trip was shared with loved ones even with their quirks and penchants.
Relaxing on the reclining bed facing the sea with the mystic Mt. Matutum beckoning from a distance, the falling Neem leaves gently caressed my arms and legs while the soft cool breeze made me drowsy. While I soaked in such bliss, the breeze was likewise leaving a heartwarming impression on me. I loved how the coastal air moves the leaves and branches. Even the waves with their own unique and magical rhythm seemed to obey the wind. Ah, this is life!
Meanwhile, the Talisay tree provided a canopy on the three reclining beds occupied by 3 local tourists, me included! As I embraced the moment, memories of my young life in Bohol – an island-province hosting beautiful beaches flashed before my eyes: of special moments spent with family – my late father brought us to the beach nearly every weekend whether we like it or not, that’s right I’m a sea girl, close friends, special people, and a romance or two, haha! Soak in the moment! Be quiet, enjoy the peace and tranquility, be mesmerized by God’s creation, and just be still!
Early the following morning, I proceeded to the beachside and listened to the waves even as the seas glistened in sunrise. What a sight to behold! It makes everything else shrink in contrast to this God-given grandeur.
We also had our fill of good food. Delightfully, no one came to the resto to dine. Hence, we also had the resto all to ourselves during our short stay. We even hit the keys of the piano – amateurs that we are! I truly couldn’t ask for more!
I will definitely go back to the sea. It has always provided me healing in the past. It will certainly provide me relief, comfort, and serenity in the present.
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Interesting piece of information from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA)-General Santos Consular Office. The DFA’s services are not limited to passporting. Although widely known for its passport services, the DFA also provides Assistance-to-Nationals, Civil Registry, and Apostillization services.
The different DFA Consular Offices have provided committed assistance to Filipino nationals based abroad who experience oppression and harassment. Meanwhile, DFA-General Santos has acted upon hundreds to thousands of cases yearly, with more than half, catering to detained Filipino fishermen in Indonesia.
DFA-General Santos Consular Office is headed by the lovely Helen Grace Acharon-Tabora.
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Food for Thought
Smell the sea and feel the sky. Let your soul and spirit fly. – Van Morrison
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Writer can be reached at belindabelsales@gmail.com. Twitter @ShilohRuthie./PN
