Wednesday, May 17, 2006

RAPU-RAPU CHRONICLES #1
Chances are, you have not heard of Rapu-rapu. Had it not been for a friend of mine who actually grew up in Rapu-Rapu, I did not know what it was either. A species of a fish and a mispronounciation of Lapu-Lapu flashed in my mind when it was first mentioned to me.
Rapu-Rapu is in fact a place - an island municipality in the province of Albay in the Bicol Region. Hardly a speck on the map, it is easy to go through life knowing squat about Rapu-rapu. But those in the know speak of it dreamily as my native friend does when he rhapsodizes about the island's remoteness, its virtually untouched beaches, hidden waterfalls and bat caves, and the frolicking Blue Marlins and swordfish in its clear waters. But when he said that motorized vehicles had not even made it to the island yet, I was floored. A place in the Philippines without so much a tricycle? I had to go.

Tuesday, May 02, 2006

Cappucino with pili nut shavings enjoyed in a cozy cafe in Legaspi, Albay.