Sunrise and Hope

This picture was taken at Canibad Sunrise Beach Resort at Barangay Undanao town of Canibad in the beautiful island of Samal. It was January of 2009 when I and my friend decided to explore the beauty of this paradise as most of its visitors would say that it is really one of the most fascinating beaches in Philippines.

When we arrived at the resort, it was the owner who first greeted us with a smile. At first we didn’t noticed the place because we were too busy asking for things. After a small chit-chat with “manang”, the owner of the resort, we finally had the chance to glance with the resort’s settings. We were shocked that there were no restaurants or even a cheap room. But then the owner was very accommodating that she lets us borrowed a pillow and blanket and let us sleep in a very small, open cottage. (sigh....). But to be honest, it was the most romantic place I ever seen. The seashore was so close that you can almost touch it. The air was so inviting that you can fall asleep as it touches your body. You even can smell the innocence of the place. And as night falls, we were even more shocked to find out that there was no electricity. But then the owner gave us a small lamp. It was so thoughtful that we kind of appreciate her effort for us to feel comfortable.

Then, I was looking at the sky thinking if the sun would smile at us in the morning knowing that it was already three days according to “manang” that the weather was gloomy and that some of the visitors didn’t witness the highlight of the resort, the “sunrise”. But it didn’t stop my excitement. It was past 5 in the morning when I and my friend woke up. We were so excited to witness the sunrise. It was still dark when we woke up but it’s better early than wasting a 2-hour ride in a “habal-habal” going to the resort.

We didn’t notice that the owner was already awake, she and her husband was busy doing home chores. She then gave us a hot choco to ease the coldness of the morning. Couple of minutes later, I and “manang” saw a glimpse of light that is coming from the east. She smiled at me and I turned around. Then, there it is! The moment that we all have been waiting for. The most beautiful fulgor touching us.

..it was a minute of happiness,

an emblem of hope for everyone who sees such wonderful event,

a smile that makes you realize that there are really things that is worth waiting for,

and there are those ordinary people who would give you extraordinary reason to wait.