Liwa Magic

Title sounds kinda silly, I know. Even my boyfriend would always make fun of me whenever I talk about the Liwa magic that our friends and I experienced during our weekend trip to Sitio Liwliwa, San Felipe, Zambales. But there’s something about this place that I can’t just put into words, and the only thing that came close was “magic”.

It was a three-day trip but we didn’t have anything specific planned. We kept it pretty chill, and just did whatever felt right at the moment. No pressure, no fuss, no drama.

I remember we arrived on a Saturday night in this little resort where we were accommodated by an elderly woman whom we eventually called “Nanay”. And since it was already a bit late, and we didn’t get to pack any food (although we managed to bring two bottles of tequila, a huge bottle of brandy and some lemon and salt), we ended up having dinner at this karinderya called “Mommy Phoebe’s” which was just a few steps away from our place.

On most days, we would wake up just in time for brunch, change from PJs to swimmies, and have our silog and fresh fruit shakes at Mommy Phoebe’s. Afterwards, we would just walk all around the area to find new spots to get our iced coffee.

Our afternoon siestas were spent in our quaint little kubo while listening to 90s music and just plain talking. Yes, we actually got to talk, because reception in the area was so bad that the only thing left for us to do was talk. And for the rest of the day, some of my friends would surf, while some of us would take a dip in the sea. And if we get hungry or thirsty, we can simply buy fish balls or halo-halo from the local vendors. Everything we needed was just there. Life was that simple.

Come night time, we would grill seafood which we had bought from the market and eat a boodle fight style dinner. And then we would end the night with some drinks, lie flat on the sand in total darkness with just a little gleam from the stars. Also, I am not sure if it was just the tequila, but I swear I’ve never seen more shooting stars in my lifetime. And for the entire night, we would hear nothing but the sound of waves crashing and our own laughter, as we try to dip our toes into the water and run away once we feel the cold touch our toes!

By Monday, it seemed like we were the only tourists left in the place, except for this white woman who was basking under the sun while reading a book at 12 noon!! We were making fun of how strange her idea was, until we tried doing it ourselves and it was only then that we got to feel her vibe. We sat there on the beach just appreciating the view, and I swear it was the most peaceful thing ever!

I actually came to this place with a heavy heart. But for some reason, I left feeling healed and refreshed. Had the best time with the best people –lived in our own little world, disconnected from everything and everyone. I can’t explain enough, but this place was truly magical.

BEST. TRIP. EVER.

xo, B.