PH Trip, Part 3!

Coming home to Bicol always feels like opening a familiar book—one whose pages are worn from love, filled with people and places that raised me. This trip was no different. From the moment I landed, it became a long string of reunions, comfort food, familiar places, and conversations that reminded me how much time has passed…and how some things, thankfully, stay the same.

Catching Up

One of the first people I saw when I arrived in Bicol was my best friend, Richard. We’ve been inseparable since high school—he’s practically family at this point. He’s still the person I message when something huge happens, or the one I call when life feels too heavy. Now he’s a lawyer, and a father of two. How time flies! It’s surreal watching your closest friends grow into entire worlds of their own.

Movie Date

Afternoon of the 14th, my mom, my cousin Ate Tin, John, and I watched Jurassic World: Rebirth. Mom and Ate Tin were screaming and squirming through all the intense scenes, which honestly was more entertaining than the film itself.

After the movie, we drove to Puro—a seaside boulevard in Legazpi that always feels alive at sunset. We ordered the classics: hot mami, sticks of barbecue, and fresh buko. Simple food always tastes better by the ocean. We walked around, took photos, and just enjoyed the golden hour stretching across the water.

Catching Up

The next day, we had lunch with our Ninong and Ninang—in Filipino culture, they’re godparents who aren’t just symbolic figures. They’re trusted adults who guide you, support you, and often become second parents.

In the afternoon, I caught up with Zsa, my girlfriend back in high school and one of my dearest friends. No matter how long I’m away, we always manage to pick up exactly where we left off. Visiting Bicol never feels complete without seeing her.

Escape to Sorsogon

16th of July, we drove to Sorsogon to meet John’s dad and visit their Airbnb hut tucked in the middle of nowhere—a tiny retreat surrounded by nothing but peace. Lunch was delicious, crabs and local vegetables you can only find in the Philippines! Afterwards we spent time at the beach while waiting for dinner. By evening, we checked in at Mai’s Hotel. John’s dad reserved a giant room facing the beach for us. Unfortunately, John had started running a fever, so instead of a night swim, we just rested. The next morning, we had breakfast at the hotel. It was unbelievably peaceful that I even finished a book.

 

A Familiar Resort

Dad picked us up and brought us to the next beach resort, Beach Oasis—the same place where John and I had our honeymoon in 2022. It felt nostalgic walking through the pathways again. After lunch, we explored the beaches, and I had a swim in the pool while John slept and recovered. By late afternoon, we walked to a nearby batchoy and barbeque place for dinner! The next morning was perfect: fresh pandesal, black coffee, and the sound of the waves. After a final slow walk on the shore, we headed back to Legazpi to stay at my mom’s place for the rest of our Bicol trip.

Picture, Picture!

We went out again the next day to watch Superman with Mom, my sister, and my brother-in-law. Afterwards we ate at C-Front restaurant. On a whim, we dropped by Photoline for a mini photoshoot. John and I decided the printed photos would be our gift to Mom and my sister. We were exhausted from posing in every angle imaginable, but it was such a fun, silly memory.

Goodbye, Bicol

On our last night, John met up with his uni friends, while I had dinner with my family—Mom, my sister, my brother, and my brother-in-law—at a cozy Japanese place. Our last day came quickly. We said goodbye to my family and flew back to Metro Manila to spend the remaining days of our Philippine trip there.

The familiar bittersweet tug! While goodbyes never get easier, I’m grateful for every moment we squeezed into this short visit. Until the next homecoming, Bicol. You’ll always be worth coming back to. ♡

No Rhyme, Just Reason is a Taupō, New Zealand–based blog by Ariane about books, good food, long walks, and unapologetic naps.