Part 26: Pasalubong.....
It was time to ready our selves for the homeward journey back to Puerto Princesa, and once more make the decision of which form of public transport to use on that long bumpy journey home.
For me, it was a no brainer, I think we more than earned our backpacker 'juice' and deserved the air-conditioned people carrier back to the islands capital, even though it would blow our feeble budget, I didn't care. The cost was 200 pesos each, leaving us a measly 140pesos for food.
With the minibus due to leave at 2pm, there were a few hours to kill and we decided to go on a mission to find food for 2, for £1.20!!
Both seeing the funny side of being so 'skint' we just turned it into a joke, even briefly considering busking!
Things like this would have no doubt sent me into a neurotic frenzy previously, but it just made the whole experience seem more adventurous and exciting.
Here we were, miles from anywhere with practically no money, no phone signals or wifi, no electricity, a packet of chewing gum and half a bottle of boiling hot mineral water.
It was a bit of a concern, but hey- what choice did we have.
Well for a start, on the positive side, my friend was fluent in Tagalog and Filipinos tend to look after other Filipinos.
If I was on my own, then I'm seen as a walking cash machine, automatically thought of as rich, its just the way it is.
Anyway after speaking with some people, we were given directions to a 'Carinderia' or a food canteen, slightly away from the seafront.
It didn't really take long to find it, resembling more of a living room and kitchen than a cafe, we made our way in and sat down at one of the sticky tables.
Lets be honest, it didn't look the best, but in fairness the food smelled really good.
There were 3 elderly and cheerful ladies behind a counter lined with overflowing and bubbling stainless steel cooking pots, full of filipino stew, bone marrow soup, rice, fried fish, and baby squid.
This was more than perfect, especially for 120 pesos, and with the added bonus of free top up rice thrown in, this 'Lutong bahay' (home cooked) mini feast tasted a hell of a lot better than it looked.
Turns out these were delicious recipes handed down by previous generations that had been in the families for years, costing us 50p each!
I've been in and out of the Philippines for 4 months now and sampled a myriad of deliciously weird and wonderful dishes, if asked to describe or define the food, it would not be easy.
I've discovered that Pinoys love their food rich, fresh and spicy with sour asian flavours, vinegars, soy sauce, Spanish spices and Chinese noodles, all fused together and made into their own.
Basically its a melting pot and amalgamation of global cuisines.
The best way I can describe it is, If Filipino food were a person, then it would be a mix of all the above nationalities, quite often getting criticism because it doesn't have it's own identity, but to me, thats what makes it unique.
Provinces have regional preferences, different takes and signature recipes of their own, which seems to be the subject of much debate and discussion. Everyones families have the best recipes, everyones mamma is the best cook, I was just happy to embrace it all.
The place started to fill up with families coming in for lunch, and I really did stick out like a sore thumb in here, although it wasn't in the least bit intimidating.
I jokingly pulled faces at some of the young kids as they smiled at me, it was very heart warming.
So far all the people I had met on Palawan island were peaceful, extremely hospitable and in some cases quite shy, which to me, made them even more likeable and endearing.
There were various indigenous mountain tribes on the island, who I learned were really friendly, we had seen quite a few on our journey here but I wish there was more time to explore.
After paying our bill in mostly coins, we were down to the absolute bare bones, but we were remarkably well fed and ready for our ride back to Puerto Princesa.
Before getting on the bus I looked across the coast one last time, wondering if I would ever come back to this beautifully quaint place, it certainly kept my heart.
Our Aussie conservation workers would be joining us on the bus-ride too, which was a pleasant surprise, at least it would be fun, especially after I found out the air con typically didn't work, oh well.
Luckily the journey only took just under 2 hours, mainly because the driver was hell bent on getting us back as quickly as possible, driving like a complete madman possessed!
When the bus arrived at the terminal in Princesa city, I got mobbed!
They seemed to think I was a famous American basketball player for some reason. Kids surrounded me asking all sorts of questions, and pointing at my tattoos. I kind of just went along with it, bless them, they were harmless enough.
We still had to get to the shopping mall near the airport where the cash machine's were before the kids literally tore my basketball jersey off, so we somehow squeezed onto a trike with our Aussie buddies complete with backpacks and split the 20pesos fair between us, I am not kidding, it was the last coins in my wallet.
We went our separate ways when the trike dropped us off at the mall, wishing them both happy travels and goodbye before making my way nervously to the cash point machine.
I was a little concerned just incase It swallowed my card, well if it did, then I'd be in serious trouble.
The machine made a few strange noises as it rejected my first attempt, but luckily after holding my breath, and what seemed like ages, it finally accepted, instantly feeling relieved I gratefully snatched my crisp 3000 pesos notes.
Our Plane back to Manila was not till the evening, and decided to just hang out at the fully air conditioned mall for a few hours, it was pure bliss, especially after permanently sweating for 5 days.
Later I wanted to head to Puerto, in search of some 'Pasalubong' for my Manila buddies.
Pasalubong is the Filipino tradition of a homecoming gift.
The word literally means 'something meant for you when you welcome me back'
This is one of the most distinctive and widely practiced Filipino traditions and can be pretty much any gift or souvenir brought for family, loved ones, or friends after being away for a period of time.
So we again got in a trike, which incidentally is the only way to get around, and the cool driver told me he knew just the place on the way to the airport.
When we got there it was a huge bazaar. He patiently waited outside, watching over our backpacks whilst me and my friend took our time looking at all the trinkets and gifts.
There was such a wonderful selection of local woven attire, jewellery, home made sweets and souvenirs.
When we finished, the young driver whistled to us, immediately getting our attention and there he was outside, exactly as he promised, with his feet up sat on his trike looking cool, watching over our belongings.
He took us to the airport joking with us and had us laughing the whole way there.
I tipped him more than double as he helped us unload our backpacks, this guy was just so charismatic, and felt he more than deserved a little extra.
We checked in our bags, hoping there was no delay back to Manila, thankfully the flight it was on schedule.
whilst waiting for the plane in the small departure lounge, I once more saw the 2 grumpy French girls I met days ago at the bus terminal.
Would you believe it!! they still looked like they did not want to be here!
I could not have felt, nor looked more opposite than these 2 miserable creatures.
Quite simply, I had the best time of my life in Palawan. It was everything and more than I ever dreamt of experiencing.
Equally charming, and rugged, both unspoilt and understated, exciting and tranquil, teeming with natural beauty, this tirelessly stunning Island had it all.
And I would never tire of its charms...
Next stop: Thailand, the land of smiles......