Marinduque: A Birthday Trip (Feb 2024)

A Birthday Trip to one of my dream destinations - Marinduque 

To go to new places will always be my birthday bucket list.

And for my 34^th birthday, we went to Marinduque – a place or province I have never been yet.

February 9,2024 Friday, was a holiday due to Chinese New Year so we took that chance to have a pre-birthday celebration with my family before our out-of-town trip.

We just bought bilao – ready to eat food such as spaghetti and siomai. We also bought roasted chicken and samgyup set. Then my cousin bought me a cake.

We had a simple dinner at home but I was overflowing with love. I am grateful to be surrounded by who truly matters – my family. 

And by 10 in the evening, Hubbs and I were on the way to Marinduque. We joined a joiner's van tour thru my husband's friend. 

February 10, 2024 Saturday - It’s my birthday!

Happy birthday, self!

At 6 am, we reached Quezon Province and then we rode a boat going to Maniwaya Island. It was an hour boat ride from the port of San Juan, Quezon.

At 8 am, we finally reached Maniwaya Island.

Next was we had our breakfast on the island and then we pitched our tent.

Then at 10 am, we had an island hopping wherein we went to Palad Sand bar.

We also went to an area where you can see fishes. I think it was mini- fish sanctuary. 

I didn’t join them because my stomach was aching during this time plus I also got my period and it’s a heavy day for me. I had hyperacidity during that time. Perfect timing huh.

Just before lunch time, we went back to Maniwaya Island.

We had a short dip at the beach then we washed off and had our lunch.

 

Then siesta time! Hubbs and I took a nap inside our tent by the beach then we woke up just before the sun set.

It was a beautiful sunset. A perfect one for me! It was quick but enough to be amazed by its glory. I’m just so grateful to witness a breathtaking view just like this one.

 

Then we had dinner – it was a hosted meal. The food was great!

And by 8 in the evening, our travel coordinator had an acoustic night and fire dancing event.

I even won on a game!

 

I slept at 10 pm because I was really not feeling well today but I still enjoyed my birthday! It was a long and tiring day, nevertheless, it was a lovely one. A core memory for me. 

Thank you, Lord God for this day and thank you for the safety, protection and financial provision.

 

February 11, 2024 Sunday

The next day we woke up at 6:30 am.

Then we had breakfast – still a hosted meal.

We then went back to Palad Sandbar and it’s a better view today than yesterday. The tide was lower today so the view was better. It was a one-hectare sand bar and it only shows up every morning.

We just had some photo ops and then we’re back to the resort to pack and get ready for boat ride back home.

 

The boat rides this time was a bit bumpy. There were high waves and we had a lot of water splash inside the boat.

Yes, it was scary. But that what made this trip more fun and thrilling.

Thanks God that we’re safe back in the mainland.

We then had a lunch and pasalubong buying at Quezon Province.

We also went to a flower farm in Candelaria Quezon but I decided not to go inside because I still have some tummy pains.

 We’re back in Taguig at 10 in the evening.

I’m happy, blessed and grateful for this quick getaway for my birthday!