Seollal @ Magalawa Island

With a 7am-10pm work schedule, hours of talking non-stop, you can just guess how bored and drained I was. I felt the need to go go somewhere quiet, peaceful, and just isolate myself from all the hustle and bustle. Yes, I desperately needed a break! 

In came Seollal (Lunar New Year), one of the few (emphasis on few) holidays that our company recognizes, and thus my first solo camping trip. It's almost a year since then. 

I went on a friday so I got the whole resort to myself. The stillness of the surrounding was de-stressing in itself. I was finally able to relax without anyone nagging me, plus I got to pitch my tent whenever I want. Hehe. By noon the following day, this side of the island already resembled a tent city. 

I went solo but was I really alone? No, I wasn't. Some of the guests were really friendly and easy to get along with. We shared stories about anything under the sun. Not bad for a first timer, eh? 

Before I went camping, a  Korean friend told me that watching the day break on Seollal will bring you luck the entire year. Good thing, I woke up just in time even though I lacked sleep for days. Ha-ha.

Right then and there, I fell in love with the sunrise that I almost forgot the take a picture.  I have seen a hundred sunrises in this lifetime but this was different. The way the cloud burst while the sun slowly peeked through the mountain, it was overwhelming. I can't even describe it enough. 

So, did the Seollal sunrise bring me luck? I believe so. :)

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How to get to Magalawa Island:

(1) Ride a bus/UV express bound to Iba/Sta. Cruz and ask the conductor or driver to drop you off at Radio Veritas in Palauig. If there are no direct trips to Iba from your area, you may ride a bus/UV express bound to Olongapo. From there, ride another bus bound to Iba or Sta. Cruz.

(2) From the drop off point, ride a tricycle going to the port. Be sure to tell Manong driver  which resort you'll be staying at as there are different pick up points for the resorts. 

(3) While enjoying the bumpy trike ride, contact the resort's boatman, so he can pick you up at the port.