IT'S TIME TO SET FOOT THE PLACE SO NEAR YET SO FAR

On May 26th afternoon, my brother (Christian) and sister (Eldhie Ann) in Alpha Betadine fraternity headed to Jubgan, the jump off point in going to and from Malimono, Surigao del Norte. The ride was fun owing to the small talks we had. But what was really more fun was the following adventure. Our gracious host, Mac-Mac who got busy attending the production rehearsal for the beauty and wit search hours thereafter, was not able to fetch us. Instead of waiting in vain, we took the chance to ride on a Surneco vehicle bound for the poblacion of Malimono. And that was where the more exciting part of the adventure came in. We found a seat but the ride was something new because of this dusty roads despite the night breeze and the starry sky above.

Riding on a Surneco vehicle along the dusty roads of Punta Agata

We were welcomed by our host-turned-candidate-for-the-search. We went shortly to Bgy. Cayawan for our dinner. We were so lucky for the host’s hospitality. We took dinner after our little conversations. An hour later, we went to the municipal gym for the Search for Mr. and Ms. Summer Youth Camp. The event was participated in by youth representatives from fourteen (14) barangays within Malimono. Only ten of fourteen towns had their candidate-representatives for the night’s highlight event.

The gracious hosts

The Alpha Betadine, together with Biboy and Satur, were there supporting our host for his stint in the beauty and wit search. It was a good show. It promotes awareness among youth the significance of knowing one’s purpose and of understanding better the present social issues. We were cheering for Bgy. Cantapoy represented by Mac-Mac. As it turned out, our host got the historic title as the 1st Mr. Summer Youth Camp. His wit brought him to the top. He had shown his remarkable confidence when he articulately gave his piece of mind about drug addiction. With his spontaneity backed up by mentioning statistics about drug addiction in the Philippines, he got the Best in Q&A award and the title.

Alpha Betadine

The night for a warm welcome turned a victory party of sort. Small talks and laughter over coffee in the dining table formed our bonding. Talking and laughing until dawn churned up our dozing off hours. We tucked ourselves in bed in the very early morning.

After waking up and off for Punta Beach

After waking up, we had a good conversation with the host’s aunt. She shared a lot of stories about her family, their triumphs and down moments. What really inspired us was when she encouraged us to keep moving forward and to follow where our heart is. She’s truly a great adviser. Hours later, we went to Punta Beach for the morning sea breeze. Christian and I dipped in waters because we are more enamoured with waters than the rest of the group. We had also great time talking a lot of things while swimming and doing the stone piling. That Gravity Glue effect was awesome! At noon, we headed to the municipal hall, took lunch thereafter. We were bound for Surigao around 1pm. That road to forevermore near Punta Agata was awesome. Very cool! It was a place like I've never seen before. We bought 4 packs of white ‘tambis’ at Jubgan before heading home. Shortly after arriving at Checkpoint, we parted ways as I went on travelling to Butuan.

Stone piling of Christian

Personally, the experience was something unforgettable because that was my first time in the place. I've been here in Surigao City for almost twelve (12) years. And the town is just miles away, so near yet so far. But now, as I set foot the place, it was worth the visit. 

Alpha Betadine at Punta Beach