Melting Under the Palawan Sun.
By eileenleyva
@eileenleyva (27555)
Philippines
April 2, 2019 3:38pm CST
My daughter received a well-deserved break. She called on her two doctor buddies and off they flew, without hesitation, to Puerto Princesa in Palawan.
Just three days, she said, on the white sand beach and blue waters.
When my elder daughter texted on the first day to ask how she was, she sent a quick message "Melting."
The searing sun was tremendously hot for someone who was in a surgery/delivery room for the past year.
It was exactly what she needed, the warm waters for her sore feet and dry skin. The sea salt heals.
At the back of my mind though, I was apprehensive. I just heard the news about 600 plus Chinese fishing vessels claiming the waters at the disputed shoal for their own, even arrogantly robbing the Filipino fisher folks of their catch.That is a few kilometers from Palawan.
Palawan is our last natural rain forest, surrounded by pristine isles, and site of the world-renowned subterranean river, declared a natural wonder for the intricate stalactites. In Palawan,one can never bring in even a seed, nor take out a plant. It is an ordinance, to keep Palawan the beauty that it is.
My daughter and her friends are back, and I copied a picture of a beach sand art at Honda Bay. Hope you like it.
9 people like this
8 responses
@DesirousDreamer (34776)
• Peoria, Arizona
3 Apr 19
That sounds like a much needed vacation. Amazing what the ocean and beaches can do to someone who works so much!
3 people like this
@eileenleyva (27555)
• Philippines
3 Apr 19
Thank you, Felicia Kane.
There is something different about Palawan waters. While surfers love Northern Philippines for the huge waves, Batangas for snorkeling and diving and the Zambales coastline for family outings, Palawan is warm, the waters calm and is fit for moonlight romance. 
Thus, the province deemed it better not to put electricity at Nacpan Beach @ El Nido, so the couples could experience firefly-lit romance.
Yes, amazing what the waters can do to rejuvenate the worn-out body. My daughter has re-energized and is up and about doing laptop work for the annual international hospital accreditation. Tomorrow, she goes back to duty.
Thus, the province deemed it better not to put electricity at Nacpan Beach @ El Nido, so the couples could experience firefly-lit romance.
Yes, amazing what the waters can do to rejuvenate the worn-out body. My daughter has re-energized and is up and about doing laptop work for the annual international hospital accreditation. Tomorrow, she goes back to duty.2 people like this
@eileenleyva (27555)
• Philippines
2 Apr 19
That is wonderful. 
Here's the entrance to the subterranean river, for you to remember by.
Thank you for visiting our islands.
Here's the entrance to the subterranean river, for you to remember by.
Thank you for visiting our islands.3 people like this
@thelme55 (79308)
• Germany
3 Apr 19
@eileenleyva I have photos and videos of this view. Thanks for reminding me the beauty of that place.
1 person likes this
@rsa101 (40976)
• Philippines
30 May 19
Even at this post I could sense you deep resentment of our government's way of handling the China - Philippines relations. I think that for now Palawan may still be safe from China's hoarding of territory, but with our lax treatment it is not far before they would think of getting that part of our country. Our newly acquired Benham Rise being taken by China already for reason that they say they already studied the area thoroughly and even named most of the area.
I think that for now Palawan may still be safe from China's hoarding of territory, but with our lax treatment it is not far before they would think of getting that part of our country. Our newly acquired Benham Rise being taken by China already for reason that they say they already studied the area thoroughly and even named most of the area.1 person likes this
@rsa101 (40976)
• Philippines
3 Jun 19
@eileenleyva Yeah they are the new colonizers of this land. They did by slowly interacting in our culture and influence our business, and government and now slowly encroaching on land.
1 person likes this
@eileenleyva (27555)
• Philippines
3 Jun 19
@rsa101 Rumor has it - from Grab drivers - these are Chinese militia disguised as casino workers or masons.They are ready to take over in case we don't pay, or in case the US meddles.
1 person likes this
@eileenleyva (27555)
• Philippines
3 Jun 19
The matter with China leaves a bad taste to the mouth. These illegal aliens are setting arrogance every island these droves were thrown. Can you believe these Intsik are in poetic Dumaguete, as if this is an Intsik fiefdom. Sigh,
1 person likes this
@eileenleyva (27555)
• Philippines
3 Apr 19
Thank you. I still have to tell her I copied her pictures.
I was asleep when she came home last night but felt something soft was tossed to me. I embraced it. When I woke up this morning, it was a stuffed tortoise. Palawan is also turtle island.
I was asleep when she came home last night but felt something soft was tossed to me. I embraced it. When I woke up this morning, it was a stuffed tortoise. Palawan is also turtle island.2 people like this
@eileenleyva (27555)
• Philippines
4 Apr 19
@nela13 Yes, she knows now and she's fine with it.
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (222310)
• United States
3 Apr 19
Beautiful. I'm glad your daughter enjoyed her trip. Sorry to hear about the Chinese fishing vessels.
2 people like this
@eileenleyva (27555)
• Philippines
3 Apr 19
Thank you, LindaOH, Palawan is truly paradise on earth The food is always fresh catch from the ocean. And this hot season, all the watery fruits such as watermelon, melon, starapple, pineapple are in abundance. One can avail of the fruits down the streets, for a few pesos a kilo. Plus the sweet, golden mangoes. Yum.
Sigh, the Philippines and China has a David and Goliath situation. I think I know who would win in the end. 
Don't get me wrong, please, for I love Mulan and China and Jackie Chan, but our sovereignty is sovereign.
Don't get me wrong, please, for I love Mulan and China and Jackie Chan, but our sovereignty is sovereign.2 people like this
@lookatdesktop (27156)
• Dallas, Texas
2 Apr 19
I was pleased to read this with exception to the mention of the "600 plus Chinese fishing vessels claiming the waters ..." and started to wonder just why this is happening and will anything be done to stop this apparent invasion. Sorry this is happening. I had no idea.
1 person likes this
@eileenleyva (27555)
• Philippines
3 Apr 19
I am sorry I had to include that in the post because that really was on my mind. We have a wacko of a leader who has allowed that to happen. China is gradually asserting its domination of Asia and my poor country seems diminutive to stand against China, all because of shameless, ruthless, and self-serving leadership.
Grateful for the 7th fleet who quickly comes through the Pacific to come to our aid, And the 3rd and 6th fleets, too. They constantly patrol our side of the ocean.
Thank you, anthony davis, your concern is heartfelt. I grew up in Olongapo City, right beside the American Base in Subic. I know the kindness and courage of your men in uniform.
1 person likes this
@freelancermariagrace (29342)
• Philippines
3 Apr 19
I have never been to Palawan but I have heard it is an excellent place to visit
1 person likes this
@eileenleyva (27555)
• Philippines
4 Apr 19
Studies show that planning for a vacation or a get-away increase the happiness index. Plan for one. Included Palawan, just because the island is a promise. Who knows, soon, you might be sunbathing, too, under the Palawan sun.
