Majestic Mapun

Mapun is an Island municipality of Tawi-Tawi. It is formerly known as Cagayan de Tawi-Tawi. The Island is located in Sulu Sea and near Sabah, Malaysia. The people here are called Jama Mapun. The place exhibits a world class natural wonder. But since it is not included in one of Philippine's tourist destinations, it is likely to be unheard of to many people. The people of Mapun are very lucky to live in this place because of the abundance of hidden nature's wonders such as lakes, falls, springs, rocky mountains, white sand beaches, islets, etc. In addition, the species of green turtles are commonly found here. 

When I visited this place, I fell in love with the beauty of the lakes. I saw the first lake which is murky to describe or "chocolatey" as best to call it. They say  that crocodiles thrive in this lake. However, I was stunned when i saw the second lake, it is really beautiful! I have seen some photos of this lake before, and I am always in awe of its beauty. And when I have finally seen it with my two naked eyes, I just could not believe that something exists like this in Tawi-Tawi. I became more proud to be a Tawi-Tawian!

How to get to Mapun? Well, it's not that easy and no regular travel schedule going to Mapun. But you can get there via boats from palawan, Zamboanga and Bongao. Travel time might take 16 hours to 32 hours or more depending on the point of origin.  

Baguan Island--A Piece of Heaven

One of the richest Islands found in Tawi-Tawi is Baguan Island. Baguan Island is considered a marine turtle sanctuary. When we say sanctuary, it is a protected area set aside for conservation. There are many numbers of green turtles lay egg everyday in this Island. And in fact, during my visit, I was able to see some hatchlings racing toward the sea. The Conservation International (CI) takes care of this place. It is the only establishment in the Island. 

Baguan Island is a bell-shaped island with a coastline of approximately 1.7 km. It is volcanic in origin just like Taganak Island. 

Aside from being considered a marine turtle sanctuary, it is also a piece of paradise (for me). A taste of Baguan is a phenomenal experience. I was able to circumnavigate the whole Island for 2 hours. And it was a rough and rocky journey. I experienced climbing some big rocks, then crossing a knee-level water and walking in a fine white sand. Seeing a vast white sand is a wow! A clear water is another thing!  My experience there was really awesome because I was able to have a close encounter with  baby sharks! Isn't it cute? I laid my eyes on them in a shallow water. And the beauty of the place is indescribable. The photos cannot depict it. You really have to be there and circumnavigate the Island to feel that you have seen a piece of heaven. 

How to get to Baguan? Just like Taganak Island and Mapun, there are no regular travel schedule. But once you get to Taganak, Turtle Islands, it will be a 45-minute ride to Baguan via pumpboat.

A Letter to Ex

Dear Ex,

For three years now, you still cross my mind. Despite the long years, I still haven't forgotten you.  No matter how hard I tried to deal with my past, I still have feelings for you. But you know what is worst, the feeling when you needed that person so badly and you expect that he will come back, still hoping that he also can't afford to lose you; but sad to say, those days when you are in pain, crying out loud for him, those where the days when  he has moved on and forgotten about you.And worst is, it seems that you haven't even bother to think of me. And the most painful feeling of all is knowing that when i was lost and in pain, you were happy living your life. And me, I am still at lost. Though, I am still the same person you met. The only difference is I am a lost soul now trying hard to move on with my life. I've lost so many things when you decided to hurt me.  I have so much trust in you even when  you are a mere stranger. And I guess, you will always remain a stranger. But you are the only stranger who taught me to love and to hate. The stranger who taught me to believe and to doubt. The stranger who made me whole and left me with deep wound that will always leave a scar. I told myself that if one day our path will cross, I will be a different person. A different person that will make you realize you were wrong of choosing to hurt me. But its always easy to say... How can I? If I am still stuck in this mess? I could not let you go. Maybe because you are the only memory I had. How I'd wish I can find someone who can put back that smile on my face. Someone who can make me feel so special and loved. You know that feeling like you don't care about other people but the only thing that matters is you and him. Someone who will be the reason why you smile in the morning and the reason why you are still breathing. I also want someone to feel that way for me (sigh). I want to feel that again. I lost so many things when you hurt me. And now, I don't know those feelings anymore. I want to hate you but how can I... I know deep inside me, I hate it but I can't totally hate you for reasons I can't explain. I hate myself for that. God knows I tried hard to forget you. Still, there is a part of me that is missing and only you can find it.You have been a part of me that is hard to erase.

How I wish love is just a simple game to play. But I guess, love will always be complicated. And maybe, it's meant and created that way so that we will learn to appreciate its beauty. But I am ready to fall in love again. I know it will not be easy but still, I want to experience to live, to love and be loved.

Moving on,

The girl you played



* I found this letter in an isolated area and I wish to share this to you knowing that maybe you can relate or know the feeling.