EL NIDO, PALAWAN: Capping Off The Day Gazing At A Spectacular Sunset in Corong-Corong

There could never be a better idea to cap off the day after an exhausting tour discovering things and going from places to places than to gaze at one of the most spectacular sunsets I will ever see in my entire life. A cup of coffee and a cream cheesed bagel could be much of a delight. I have always loved the sunset. It gives me that feeling of comfort, warmth and hope. It makes me look forward to a brand new day every single time. The night is no more than a shadow of another beautiful day coming my way. And not everyday do I have the opportunity to witness the inspiring collaboration of hues as the sun bids goodbye to what have been a wonderful day in one of the country’s best destinations, El Nido.

I have heard of El Nido to be a paradise. A place home to no more than 50 islands with white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, diverse marine life and scenic views, might be the most beautiful I’ll ever see, but never have I heard of it to have such beguiling sunset. Perhaps I have not been doing my research good enough to ever come across one blog to mention about it. Or maybe I have been keying in words too irrelevant for me to stumble upon one article that tackles it’s flawless charm. Nevertheless, I’m still glad I have discovered something on my own and not through another posts from my favorite bloggers. That made things more fascinating as it far exceeds my expectations or did I even have one….

I first saw El Nido’s awe-inspiring sunset when I was on my way to it’s quaint little town from Puerto Prinsesa. I was stuck inside a van filled with too many passengers preventing me to flip my camera or even gaze at it for a very long time. I didn’t have much time to see it but I was amazed far beyond I could bare so I decided to see it one more time. It was on my second day in the town that I thought I have the luxury to indulge myself with the unsung beauty of El Nido’s sunset.

When everyone else going to Corong-Corong particularly to Las Cabanas Beach would hire a tricycle to go there, I on the other hand chose to burden myself and decided to walk 3 kilometers of what seemed like an up-and-down hill road thinking that the reward when I get there is far greater than my little sacrifice. I was sweaty and tired. I have been restless from that day’s activities. I might not have been my best self that day, guessing by the confused look of people I saw along the way. By the looks of it, they might have even thought I was going insane by punishing myself when I could simply hire a tricycle to get to where I was going. I am a tourist after all. I can never be too broke to pay P100 for a tricycle ride. Instead, I chose to be stubborn and refused the urge of hailing one.

I wasn’t even halfway through when I saw that familiar aura in the sky consist of orange and crimson color. I knew I was running out of time. I hasten up. Quicken my pace. And just when I needed them most, my knees trembled I almost fell face down. The air was thinning. I was running out of breath but at the very least I still refused to seek comfort and went on to walk that hilly road. Luck might be on my side for just when I was about to give up, I found a spot from were I could watch the sunset undisturbed. Along the road was a wall made of bamboo pipes and in the middle of it is a small gate widely open. I peeped trying to see where it leads to and I stumbled upon a staircase going down to a neatly built viewing deck made of bamboo and other native materials. I looked around for any signage which might indicate trouble but didn’t find any. I slowly let myself in. Aware I might be trespassing on someone else’s property. Cautious of any danger I might come across with.

I settled in and got my camera out ready to snap a shot. The viewing deck offered an unobstructed view of the sky and the sea ahead. I looked around but found not a single soul. I was already busy taking photos when I was startled by a voice from behind me. I flipped and found 2 teenage boys up the stairs from where I came from. My heart bit fast. I was getting really scared thinking they might do me some reprimanding only to find out that they are also another lost souls looking for a solitary place where they can spend the wonderful afternoon. They asked me if they can stay and I shrugged telling them I didn’t have the slightest idea. They went down the stairs and were braver enough to go down further to the shore. Down there they found the man who was in charge of the area busily scouring seashells. They then gave me the OK sign. I breathe the sigh of relief and went on to do what I came there for.

The sky offered a magical collaboration of hues. I thought it would never looked as pretty again as I first saw it since the sky was a bit cloudy and looked as if it was about to rain. However the sun battled it’s way through the cloud-filled sky and it neatly settled above the tip of one of the islands far away. It was a remarkable sight. Red. Purplish. Orange. Bright blue. All the colors were trying to outshine one another. It was such a breathtaking beaut to behold. I fell hardly in love with it instantly. It sculpted a very deep longing within my heart. As the theatrical sunset came to a halt and total darkness was slowly taking over, I realized that it was never suppose to become so dramatic. That it was supposed to be just another day of collecting brand new experience but there is something about the sunset that draws so much emotion in me. Perhaps in me treasures something so priceless. My love overflows for things we humans are lucky to be bestowed with and that made perfect sense.

I can always be a drama queen if that meant another priceless moment with this world’s priceless treasures.