TBK Gives - Lola's on board- the 3rd Honda bay trip

61 years old, PWD, Senior and living it up with the girls!

My last TBK gives blog was called “Bagets on board” as I took a group of 11 teenagers island hopping at Sibaltan. This time the venue was Honda Bay and all though we had 11 passengers the average age was a bit higher- hence “Lola’s on board!” (Lola is a grandmother for those who don’t speak Tagalog. There were a few Tito’s too – Grandfathers. Like ME!

Mark from Manila

My friend Mark came over from Manila and Rhoda and her 3 year old daughter, Matilda , came down from Nacpan and then I invited my Anak’s TJ and Jhe and they invited their cousins and friends and soon we had a boat full!

TBK, Matilda, Jhoanna and Alvin shelter from the rain at Honda Bay

In Sibaltan it’s all plain sailing ( excuse the pun) with one coastguard, one boat and the Captain knows all the islanders. He is also a Chef so that’s the food sorted. Honda bay has become busier and more complex year by year.

Our Tour guide and fixer- Drew Gabs

This was my third Honda Bay trip and they all had one thing in common (apart from the Boat). Yes, I bought Drew Gabs out or retirement (fits with the Lolo theme) to fix the van, book the boat, arrange the Boodle fight (which now has to be paid by 8 pm the night before by G-cash) , pay the entrance fees, book the cottage and settle the environmental permits. I hate to say this but he did a great job as usual! He even turned up early twice!

Arvin's cousin- 5ft 4 Nimrod

So I collected Alvin and TJ from PSU with cousins in tow, and Jhoanna hired a trike to bring her babes (well Bebe and Danica) to my house where they met up with Mark, who rose especially early for the occasion, and Rhoda and Matilda. I moved my car to make way for the van and we set off for Honda Bay. That’s when it started to pour (and I mean pour) with rain, just as we went to rent snorkels. Swimsuits, and get meryenda and water.

TBK spotted swimming at Cowrie Island

Many people what I would miss most about Bahrain and one of the things was being recognised wherever I went ( 1 white Leadership Development specialist and 1000 Arabic students made me an easy person to spot). So, I had to laugh while when escaping the rain under the tailgate of a van the driver said “We saw you in the Mountain Resort the other day”. Then when I got back the husband of the couple I was Ninong for in Sibaltan sent me the photo above showing me having my first swim in the Philippines and Cowrie Island today . They said “saw you at Cowrie Island!” Clearly Palawan is a small island!

How could I ever be alone with this lot around me?

Another comment I had a lot was “Aren’t you scared of dying alone , as you are 61 and not married” . The truth is I dream about being alone! BUT I do have to admit having 11 people saying “Thank you so much, Tatay, we really enjoyed today” feels good. So does having a 3 year old hold your hand or a 22 year old warming herself on your tummy. It is rather a special feeling. NO, I am not getting broody or going to get married. My favourite kids are still “ Other peoples”, the ones you give back!

TBK and Drew talk about the old days

As Drew and I sat with a coffee and reminisced about the 9 years we have known each other and our three Honda Bay trips he said in a conspiratorial voice “ They look like they are enjoying themselves Pogi” and I had to agree, and a little tear slipped down my face. The best feeling in the world is being able to give back and share your good fortune with others. This Island is so beautiful I want to share it with others, and I still find it incredible that people who grew up here have never been to this beautiful set of Islands.

Some of the beautiful scenery

WARNING- Wikipedia bit coming up:

Every Phillipino child learns in Elementary school there are “7,107 islands in the Philippines”

Source : About the Philippines (dfa.gov.ph) ( accessed 22.5.22)

What not so many people know is that “1,780 islands are in the Palawan Archipelago”, including larger islands like Coron, Cuyo , Balabac, and smaller islands around El Nido ( Tours A – D) or Honda Bay ( Duli, Starfish, Cowrie etc.)

“Palawan's almost 2,000 kilometers (1,200 mi) of irregular coastline are dotted with roughly 1,780 islands and islets, rocky coves, and sugar-white sandy beaches.”

Source: Palawan (dfa.gov.ph) ( accessed 22.5.22)

TBK and TJ's cousin Mikka

My special thanks to our highly professional, friendly and courteous boat crew, Cowrie for the cottage and Boodle Fight (so much we could not eat it) and Drew for keeping everyone in order!

My anak TJ, so excited to be with her Tatay on her first Island Hopping trip

I have been warned to be careful what I say in my blog so I will just end saying that if I had the choice it would be Honda Bay rather than El Nido for me every time- but come visit the island and make up your own mind.

If you need a great guide and fixer, I know just the man….

Bebe

The Vlog will be up on 16 August- thanks to our camera people- TJ, Alvin, Jhoanna and Mark ( and sorry I forgot the spare battery!). Those who were there if you want pics bring a USB and copy them from my external hard drive.