Philippine Travel Notes

It's a beach resort in San Jose De Buenavista, Antique. But I had no idea where the beach resorts in this town are. Well, we went to a beach then, but that was more than 2 decades ago. My priorities in those crazily-fun years were different. I didn't care where I was, I was busy enjoying activities with the pack! So, when I and my contacts agreed to meet, I said I wish we could gather at a resort with a nice cozy terrace or balcony, overlooking good views of a beach and the sea. It wasn't too random. I based that on the town's name: de buena vista which means of or with good views . I said, let this be a meeting of great people amid good views! They said that's easy as all their beach resorts are like that! One suggested we meet at this popular resort that just spruced-up its balcony with an already fantastic view. So, I went to find it, and this is it... Vista Veranda Beach Resort ! That is the veranda of one building, made like, and with the amb

Arrived ! And, I stealthily made my way out of that airport, while everyone was still busy with the arrival ceremonies. I knew where I was going, Bantayan. No no, not the island in Cebu heheh! Just a main (longest) thoroughfare of San Jose De Buenavista (SJDB). The arrangement was: to drop my bags at a hotel (I choose not to name it for now), because I was still very early, then come back at 12NN for check-in (overnight stay). Tricycles Fares Are Prominently Displayed It was even this hotel that taught me how to commute from the airport, via tricycle. I like cities that have transparent transportation fares, and that are strictly enforced. They're cities that seriously embrace honesty and fairness, that travelers love . Bawal ang nanlalamang na driver. That, is a mark of mature and progressive communities. There are not many of them in this country. I can even only remember Cauayan and Puerto Princesa. Now let's add San Jose De Buenavista, Antique. Worth emulating

Let's go to San Jose De Buenavista the capital of Antique Province. This was a PAL inaugural flight from Clark - the first by any commercial airline from anywhere. This must have been a historic moment for the province. At kasama ako ! But, as I always say, let's start from the very beginning . 0428H, look at this, already a long line of passengers at the airport's entrance. I know and I knew, not all of them were also taking my flight on a little plane with an 86-passenger capacity. We were entering, for several flights departing that morning. When there are such lines at an airport entrance, no IFs or BUTs, there is something wrong with that airport and/or its procedures. If it has been-so for a long time, then iisa lang ang "that means" nyan - matagal nang dispalinghado ang mga namumuno! It can be caused by many things, but one thing is for sure: there's something wrong. But let's not ruin my morning's historic flight. I made it and g