Everyone has experienced the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. When borders closed and recreational activities came to a halt in March of 2020, like the rest of the world, I had no choice but to stay at home for safety.
Three days before the impeding quarantine lockdown, I immediately booked a flight back to Manila from Bacolod. I was having fun diving in Negros Occidental but was forced to end my three-week diving adventure earlier than expected. It was disappointing but I also felt relieved that I made it back home before flight operations were shut down.
In Manila, I spent all day- all night sitting on my sofa or my bed, watching the news and the chaos as it unfolded. There wasn’t a day that passed that I did not dream to get out. Traveling and diving were always in my mind even before the coronavirus pandemic. And it was even more magnified during the four months of the Community Quarantine.
Making Plans Happen
Prior to the Pandemic, I planned to do a road trip from Manila all the Way to Eastern Visayas. The goal was to drive from Manila, cross to Bicol, then head to Samar. In between, I would make stops to go diving in places I’ve never visited before.
In 2019, I spent two weeks diving in Southern Leyte. The underwater scene of Sogod Bay left such a lasting good impression that I changed my plans to include Southern Leyte as my final destination for my 2020 Epic Pandemic Road Trip.
When the Community Quarantine rules started easing up, I applied for the travel pass papers and swab tests needed so I can cross the provinces and towns. It was inconvenient to go to the barangay, city hall, and police station. It wasn’t easy. This is the Philippines after all.
But as cliche’ as it may sounds, if there’s a will, there’s a way.
The Epic "Pandemic" Road Trip in the Philippines
During the first week of July, with all travel passes and health certifications on hand, and a lot of courage and prayers, I packed all my gears and clothes into my car. I drove all the way from Manila to Bicol where I had family with whom I can stay with.
I enjoyed my brief time of freedom, driving and sightseeing through new towns all the way. But I was also prepared to face the delicate situation of the many restrictions and protocols. I was careful and alert and only drove during daytime. At night, I made stopovers and rested.
Bicol
My fear of undergoing another quarantine was heightened upon arriving in Bicol. Despite all the papers on hand, I couldn’t escape it. I was instructed to go into a 14-days quarantine. I was determined to make this road trip in the Philippines happen, pandemic or not. So I endured and followed the rules of the local province.
After the 14-days quarantine, I was finally released back into the community! I stayed with family and had the chance to go sightseeing in the beautiful spots in Camarines Sur. I contacted a local dive resort and after a very long dry spell, I was back in the water. It felt surreal and amazing to be back in my element.
I am so grateful for Mr. Brian Jaggard of Luluasan Exotic Beach Resort in Camarines Sur, the Dive Resort Owner who gave me such a warm welcome and took care of me while scuba diving in Bicol!
While the visibility was not so great due to the rainy season, I couldn’t be happier as I was finally back in the water. I enjoyed seeing many elephant ear sponges and swimming with the fishes once again. The night dive was incredible too.
Samar
After exploring Camarines Sur on land and in water, I got my car on a Roro (Roll On-Roll Off) ship which took me from Luzon to Visayas. The Roro took me to Samar where I got to rest and dive again!
Kevin O’shaughnessy of Seamus Scuba Shack, the only dive resort in Samar, showed me the wonderful waters of the area.
I was pleasantly surprised to find a reef filled with lots of colorful hard and soft corals. We even went diving in a sanctuary and once again got to do a night dive, which is my absolute favorite.
Check my video to get a glimpse of what Northern Samar has to offer!
Leyte
After diving in Northern Samar for a few days, I continued on my long road trip journey. Once again, I drove alone in my car through the towns and cities until I reached Leyte.
It was so difficult to be traveling especially in this time of coronavirus. But this is my passion. I prayed hard that I would be out of danger while on a road trip in the Philippines.
There was even a night when I couldn’t find a place to sleep in. It was raining so hard and no hotel wanted to take me. I was forced to park in a plaza in Ormoc, Leyte and slept in my car. It was so nerve-wracking as I was single female traveling alone in a province not my own. I was honestly scared for my dear life as this was the first time I was camping in my car.
Morning came and I felt so relieved that I survived to tell the tale. It was truly unforgettable!
Southern Leyte
I left Ormoc and continued on to the final leg of my road trip in the Philippines. Before entering Southern Leyte, I was stopped by a police at a checkpoint. My predicament hasn’t ended…
I was escorted to the town’s School Quarantine facility and endured another 14 days of quarantine! It wasn’t as bad as I expected. I had one of the classrooms all to my self and a local friend, Manelyn, whom I met from my travels last year, was kind enough to bring me food and water while in isolation.
I took this time to read all the books in my tablet and listened to enriching podcasts. The quarantine also allowed me to edit the videos that I had taken during my Philippine road trip and turn them into vlogs for my YouTube channel.
This kept my positive spirit alive. I counted the days and wished that I can complete my 14-day quarantine in Southern Leyte without a hitch.
I completed my quarantine and my day of release was epic! I went straight to one of the white sand beaches of Southern Leyte called Bitoon White beach in Liloan. And as soon as I got there, I went freediving in its clear blue waters.
The following days were all sunny and bright. I was so happy beach-hopping to as many dive spots as I can. Most scuba diving shops were still closed, but as a freediver, I was able to satisfy my diving desires with just my snorkel, masks, and fins in tow. I made sure to make the most out of my time by freediving around Sogod Bay and the Panaon Island.
This epic road trip in the Philippines made me so happy. It was not just about getting back into the water, but it was also because I was meeting new friends and divers, and exploring new places I’ve never been to before in the Philippines.
Aside from sightseeing and diving, I also did a bit of hiking to see some glorious waterfalls. Sometimes, I flew my drone and saw the stunning view of the sea, ricefields, and the mountains! It was such a sight to behold.
I am in awe of how beautiful my country is.
Diving with Rowena
The truth is my road trip in the Philippines started even long before this pandemic happened.
I have been traveling and diving in the Philippines since I learned how to dive four years ago. I used to be a non-swimmer but as a New Year’s Resolution, I decided to change that. I took a basic swimming lesson and then Intro to Freediving, followed by Discovery Scuba Diving. I loved water sports so much I took different certifications to advance my skills.
I met many wonderful people along the way. Fellow ocean lovers, dive guides, and instructors all of whom have become my friends.
Diving gives me so much joy. Whether it’s freediving with just one breath or scuba diving with all the gear and equipment. They are so different that both have their own advantages and limitations but still both activities are equally my favorites.
Two years ago, I decided to share my diving videos on social media to promote to tourists and locals to try diving the places where I go. I wanted to highlight the beauty of underwater all-over the Philippines.
It makes me so motivated when I get messages from people that I get to inspire them to try and learn a new skill and admire how beautiful my country is. There are still many places waiting to be discovered.
Moving Past the Pandemic
This road trip in the Philippines just reinforced my plan to leave the concrete jungle of the city of Manila and move to the real natural jungle of one of the most remote province of the Philippines. Yes, I am planning to relocate and move permanently in the Visayas region. Some day I hope to have a tiny beachfront place I can call mine, to unlimitedly dive anytime, create a new life and memories near sea with my fishy friends!
I am grateful for the understanding of family and friends back home about my decision to uproot myself and move to this remove province away from the city. I am determined to show that I can relocate if I needed to with my laptop in tow and continue to manage my work online and earn money to support my lifestyle and my passions, and be where my heart seek inspirations from, to live near the sea!
I’ve been to many places around the Philippines, but Southern Leyte has many untouched dive spots, rich with diverse marine life waiting to be discovered. On top of that, the support I get from the local families and friends in Southern Leyte has been unbelievable. They have shown me around the province, letting me experience local food and traditions, and even teaching me to speak the dialect. The warmness, kindness, and generosity of Filipinos continue to shine through amidst this pandemic.
My search is still on going and maybe I will start a dive tour business when things open up in the tourism/ hospitality industry. Or perhaps I will build a guest house with a small cafe where tourists can eat and rest after a whole day of island hopping and diving in my dive boat.
My dreams, ambitions, and passions are my driving forces. I am optimistic about the future when our situation gets better!
At the moment, equipped with all my knowledge, skills and experience as a diver, I teach non-swimmers in the local communities of Southern Leyte to overcome their fear of the ocean. With the assistance of Crisanto “Choi” Soledad, one of the best freedivers in the region, we organize introduction to freediving session.
I am eager to reduce the number of non-swimmers in this population at the same time raise awareness about plastic trash and get them involved in ocean conservation.
I am so glad that I get to meet like-minded individuals who are so welcoming and curious about the things I do… I feel so connected hearing their stories and the tips I get from local divers in the community.
I really believe that I wasn’t alone in my journey, God and my guardian angels were with me all throughout my trip… and I am still so excited for what to come in the future, when borders open up again. Fingers crossed!
But for now, stay safe and stay tuned for more epic adventures with Dive with Rowena.
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About the Author: Rowena Yap
Rowena is a scuba diver, freediver, and spearfisher. She loves traveling around the Philippines and making vlogs for her YouTube channel: Dive with Rowena.
Do you also have an inspirational Philippine scuba diving or freediving experience you want to share? You too can become a guest writer or contributor on PhilippineDives.com.
1 Comment
Wow! Such an inspiring story Miss Rowena. I never thought I’d be rubbing elbows with the famous vlogger and truly inspiring diver @ Bal’s Beach Resort. I thought it was just a moment with my good old buddies, HNHS Beauties ( my former co-teachers in Himayangan NHS who transferred to other schools) but it was unexpectedly an extraordinary day!! My husband, Mitch Kyll shared his spearfishing experience with you & your diving buddies..and I was truly looking forward na makilala ka miss Wheng.
Thank you Miss Rowena for sharing your story ? I’m truly inspired with your faith and confidence on how you joyfully accomplished your epic journey to Southern Leyte. Such determination of coming to our province and traveling alone that you’ve truly set out to do enthusiastically with hope made me realize that women are truly empowered.. . haha! napaisip tuloy ako and that maybe I could give diving a try?? (hmmm?! masamahan nga c hubby on his spearfishing days??) These possibilities that I had not considered.. something that I thought were unattainable, or that I never dared to dream ay pwede pala.
…Hope to see you na maFeature ulit on screen to inspire others with your stories
I believe you have lots to share ❤