Romblon Diaries

Ticking off one province at a time from my list. Now I've got to cross out Romblon, the land of marble. It was one weekend when my friends and I suddenly got curious about the Romblon and then off we went!! Ahaha.. Such a convenient story to tell, only if it's the real deal. First, there's never the luxury of both money and time. I think that's what most travelers experience, lusting to go over some place but lacking the means. Our schedules won't meet - yeah, we're busy bees like that. Second, we are such newbies in travelling that we are sometimes easily defeated by our fear of trying. We lack that dare-devil attitude, we lack that confidence to try something out of our comfort zones, we lack that "why not?" thinking. For instance, the girls with me were somewhat hesitant about the RORO ride. The feels and the chills. And they were as hesitant when I said that I'll go back to Manila by myself because they've decided to stay one more night. And I did go back to the city by myself, in all pieces at that. But see, that's what travelling does to you. You do not only tick off one place after another. You tick off fears and doubts and inhibitions. You cross out hesitations little by little. And without noticing it, one day, on your next travel adventure, you'll be surprised yourself because gone are those unsure feelings and second thoughts you once have. RORO ride, why not? Diving with magical sea creatures, why not? Travelling solo, why not? Yes, owning that "why not?" attitude in the process, and of course, travelling miles, crossing boarders, meeting new people, trying out new cuisines, being a better you. :)

And the reason for our Romblon diaries? It's Vee's wedding and we cannot miss it for the world. She's the first among us to tie the knot and say those vows, and it was surreal. I wasn't able to stop my tears from falling the moment she started walking the aisle. And it dawned on me that instant that these girlfriends of mine will be finding their own forevers soon and live in a married life like mature adults do. We are getting older for Pete's sake! We are not the girls we once were -- we are gearing and inching toward, if God permits, to that noble duty of being a mother and a wife. Dates with friends, shopping trips, movie dates will surely be lessened. I wouldn't be surprised if the next time we see each other some of them have their cute mini mes in tow. Actually, I'm can't wait for that. Mommy squad goals.. Ahaha

The Romblon girls. Travelling with them makes the adventure maybe three levels more exciting and unforgettable. We played around the terminal, got silly being both excited and curious aboard the RORO, and transformed to our uber crazy selves as we set foot in Romblon. We were not, or maybe ako lang, able to really roam around the area due to limited time but what we saw did not disappoint us. The sea glistening with the sun, the lush greens from afar, its beautiful people - Romblon is a gem for a reason.

And they exchanged I do's and they lived happily ever after! <3 Congrats again, Vee and Donny!

RORO shot. #artsy daw e.. ahaha

 Going back to Manila by myself has its own pros and cons. For one, travelling alone, especially for girls, can be quite risky, I know that. It was a challenge I willingly took, and i aced it. With no one aboard the RORO whom I know, I was able to rest the whole night. I slept like a baby given that I have no one to talk to. I was just a bit afraid thinking that any moment someone might snatch my bags from me and no one will help me.. Hahaha.. Paranoid much si Tups e. :)

 And how can we talk about Romblon and not talk about its marble? Back in my grade school days, Romblon means marble. It was taught almost like that. It's what they're known for, and there were really plenty beautiful marble works in the area. The souvenir shops by the port boast of different items - be it necklaces, key chains, mortar and pestles, jars -  in different sizes and colors. I was able to scour some dolphin key chains made out of marble for my officemates. :))

Pahabol na #artsy pic of this babe! :)

*grabbed some photos from B. Thankie!

-tups