It was my beau’s idea that we celebrate our 5th Anniversary with the Butandings in Donsol. At first, I actually didn’t quite like the idea of swimming with the Butandings. I mean, I have always loved the water and have tried a number of water sports but the idea of swimming in the same water where these giant whale sharks live scare the wits out of me.
Although we were both excited to be out of the metro (we booked everything in January, we flew to Bicol first week of April), as the days went by, we both share an awful feeling of jumping off a boat and swim with these giant whale sharks.
To keep my sanity quite intact, I did my homework - researched everything I need to know about these Butandings. Seriously, I don’t want to be eaten alive by these creatures. I mean, to be eaten by something super big as that is not that glamorous.
From Legazpi Airport, we went straight to Dancalan, Donsol and stayed at Casa Bianca (owned by Donsol's Vice Mayor Jun Belmonte). In 2 days, we were able to see such lovely fireflies and of course, swimming with 6 Butandings (Yeah, the stars were with us!).
It was a cloudy and rainy Friday morning when we went to the Tourism area where we have ourselves registered to swim with the Butandings. We shared our rented boat with 5 others - Vinnie, James, their Mom, Abby and Owen (both Americans living in Mindoro, working for Peace Corps). With us were 3 wonderful boatmen.
There was this sudden rush and crazy circling in my whole body every time our guide would yell, “Get ready. Jump! Jump! Jump!” And like a good soldier, I have completely forgotten about my fear of these giant creatures, armed with a pair of fins, a snorkel, a mask and a really brave heart, I jumped off the boat (without a life best on) several times - embraced such an experience of being in the same water as the Butandings.
It was quite tiring for me, I had some troubles with my fins - but that did not stop me from reaching for my goal at that moment. Truly, it was a wonderful experience that I wouldn’t mind sharing the story with others.
Such an experience simply reminded me of how blessed the Filipinos are. This is a wonderful country despite of the “little troubles” we’re facing now.
I am glad and super proud to be a Filipino.
Up next: Bicol Adventure: Mt. Mayon
