Lately, we’ve been talking about some rather heavy topics here on the LiP Blog, right? Well, least we forget, for most of us, moving to the Philippines is something we want to do because we can enjoy a fun life here, enjoy the tropics, and generally enjoy our lives! So, let’s sit back and rest a little bit today, and even just imagine we are on a tropical beach in the sunshine! Forget about work, forget about that rain falling outside and that cold winter that you just went through. Kick back and enjoy!
Over the weekend, I took my family to a beach in Santa Maria, Davao del Sur. The beach is called “Little Boracay,” and it’s quite beautiful. I got a kick when everybody was getting ready. I’ve been to the beach many times here, but it never ceases to amaze me at the things that the people here bring to the beach. For just a few hours at the beach, it seems like you need to bring the whole house along!
I got a kick out of it when my wife had a big plastic bucket full of dishes and such – salt – pepper – all the amenities of the kitchen! For a quick trip to the beach! Back in the States we don’t bring all that kind of stuff along for a trip to the beach. What is it like where you live?
We did have a great time at the beach, though. The kids built sand castles. Feyma and I kind of kicked back and took in the scenery. A nice day was has by all!
During my first vist to my wife's family in La Union we had a day trip to nearby Aringay beach. A trip to the beach for me usually meant packing a towel, sunscreen and a hat. I was astounded at the preparation that went into our trip to Aringay beach. There was a cauldron of pancit !! It was a wonderful day and the food was fantastic…fresh bbq squid and prawns. Even the nipa shelters on the beach….unheard of in Australia where you basically have to fry in the sun, yet such a practical idea. Looking back at all my days at the beach here in Australia I can't help thinking that the Filipino version of a day at the beach is a lot more enjoyable.
Hi Laurence – It certainly is a different dynamic than in the States, and it seems Australia too! I kind of like it, though. For me, it's sort of a combination of a picnic and a trip to the beach! Two for the price of one! 😉
If only they knew the joys of beach cricket. The top end of Boracay beach is the best I've ever seen for playing cricket. I can think of nothing better than belting a soggy tennis ball into those massage pagodas at Fridays!
I shouldn't forget to bring a knife, onions (spring or red), hot sili, ginger, tabon-tabon (?) and suwa (native lime?) or lemoncito, and coconut vinegar for the kinilaw. We have to wait for the fishermen for the fresh fish! And matchbox if we want to have the fish grilled otherwise. Of course, tons of rice and pancit and bottles of coke. So we don't forget the can opener, else we might be using our mouth. Miss those weekends at the beach, Bob!
I can relate to that because we did the same thing when I was a kid back in the Philippines. A day stay at the beach is like relocating permanently since it seemed like we took everything with us. But now living in LA we just take our towels and a beach umbrella. As for the food, we buy them from the vendors at the beach. Venice has one of the best hotdogs in town.
Hi Bob,
Missed that kind of fun up here. We used to do overnights at the beach. We'll wait for the local fishermen for some fresh catch. Then we'll have sinugba(ihaw in Tagalog) or kinilaw or tinula. I used to live about 10 or so kilometers from the beach. My friends and I jogged at dawn towards the beach with packs on our backs and wait for the fishermen, then we'll have fish cookout. Yumm.
Liklik
Hi Laurence – I'd have to learn about the cricket too, as I know nothing about the sport! Ha ha…
Hi jul – It sounds like you would be well prepared! Nobody needs to worry about going hungry! Whenever you plan a beach trip, be sure to let me know so I can tag along for some good eats!
Hi rmada – Haha… that's what I told my wife – it's like we are moving to the beach to stay permanently!
Hi Liklik – sounds like you had a great time on your morning jog!
Aaaahhh—the sacrifices we have to make to live here in Paradise. Think about all the things we had to give up: A fast-paced lifestyle, conveniences, political and economic securities, a career, and the notion that if we run harder and faster than the other mice in the maze, we'll find the exit and rest. "Life Is A Beach", isn't it? But instead of dying–You Live". When a person is about to die, he doesn't ruminate on how much money he made in his lifetime; he thinks about how he lead his life. Till next time….
Hey Bob, you are right, its nice to go down to the resort, hang out on the beach, kick back, drink a few San Migs, take in the scenery, not having to worry about your Nut !!! i.e. the Mortgage/Rent, utilities, Car payment, your gas (fuel), Gym memberships, sports subscriptions, life insurance, house insurance, pet insurance, medical, auto club membership, servicing, AND A PARTRIDGE IN A PEAR TREE !
I mean, who would want all that ? just think you can kick back with a six pack, eat as much as you would like, get anyone killed for a hundred bucks, paradise..Bob !!!!!
I just started cracking up and had to pick myself up off the floor "for a hundered bucks" 🙂
Hi Julius – Yes indeed, it's a tough life!
Hi Pete – No worries in the world! Just peace and relaxation!
Hi Mitch – Pete is right – for a hundred bucks you can make anything happen!
Hi Bob,
It's interesting that, growing up, when our parents told us we were going for a "picnic", that always meant the beach. And that's what it is, a picnic. The amount of preparation involved is just unbelievable. Don't know if you noticed that some even bring lechon (a whole roast pig). Filipinos don't go to the beach for the sun (it's too hot!), we go there for the food! and oh, the beach too for those who care to take a dip. If you notice, most of the adults stay dry, it's only the kids who go in the water. Go figure!
Very nice shot of the beach there, Bob.
Ah, fond memories about our family, especially my Mom who would meticulously prepare all food items to bring at the beach trip – prepacked chicken or pansit, paper plates, plastic cups, bottled softdrinks – everything for a picnic and swim combined. And that together with the other prepared stuffs by other family members in either my Mom or Dad's side. The whole clan is on a picnic day! 🙂
I really miss the beach days there in the Philippines.
Hi Jio – I know what you mean. Having a day at the beach is really fun, and a great way to forget all the problems of the world, or just of your personal life! We just spent the past weekend at the beach, after reading your remark, I am ready to go back again! How about if you bring the chicken and pancit…. I will bring the plates, cups and drinks!
hi. bob love that picture of the beach. Reminds me of when I was stationed in Hawaii for 11 years except a lot less populated. Anyway, in regards to bringing all the amenities to the beach, I can relate. My wife is Filipino and we have went through the same thing. I guess its kind of like having all the bases covered. One of the things that I admire so much about her is the thoughtfulness that she for family, especially our children.
Hi Tony – That beach is "Little Boracay" in Santa Maria, Davao del Sur! It's a nice place to visit.
Hello beautiful couple! I'm happy to read articles that talks about my hometown, and am really glad you love our very own 'Little Boracay'. Anywho, i've been searching for info about the place cos i'm doing an article about it, so i got your site. Would you mind if i use the photo you used here?
Thank you so much.
yesa – It is OK if you use the photo provided that you give credit to Live in the Philippines Blog, with a link back to our site.
Yes, i will do that. Thank you very much Sir.
Everything you said is true. That's the Filipino way of beach picnic. It completely different here in the US. When we go to Redondo beach we hardly bring anything.
Hi Dexter Zaf – I do hope that when you go to Redondo Beach you still have a good time, though! 😆