In the scorching heat of the sun I travelled the road of a place I didn’t know what to see. The humid weather and the heat of the sun felt so good with the warm provincial air. The bus I’m riding is full packed and the excitement gets into my nerve as we were informed that we are to stop in my destination - Sultan Naga Dimaporo. As I stepped out from the bus another kind of tricycle met me and it’s another thrill to ride on an umbrella tricycle for the first time. My destination is named Umbrella Beach Resort of Barangay Payong and here I am riding in a vehicle named umbrella tricycle. Too bad I am not bringing an umbrella myself; the irony makes me feel that I didn’t fit into the picture.

Along the way, the greenery has caught my attention that made me forgot my umbrella thing. The smell of the salty sea air have enveloped my senses and the more that I felt my solitary presence upon seeing the vast horizon of the Celebes Sea. I left my slippers on the side as I want to walk barefoot on the long line of seashore with very fine grains of sands. I felt so relaxed with the greens from the trees surrounding the beach. How I want to stay until sun down and just be awed by the wonders of nature that surrounds me. I am like a teenage girl love struck by my knights in shining armor.

Knights were indeed in Umbrella Beach Resort when I came to know that the place was developed by the 35th Infantry Battalion before it was turned over to the industrious residents of Barangay Payong. The more that I was impressed when I get hold of the thought that out of the strong and firm hands of the military men of the 35th Infantry Battalion headed by Lt. Col. Ferdinand Razalan, a breath taking place was made where one can find a truly peaceful refuge. I am so left out of seeing this people as the protector of our peace and order, the strength of our nation and people noble enough to defend their country even if it will costs their life and so little did I see them as a protector of the environment and moving up to the extent of developing and beautifying a place I am glad I have stepped into. Umbrella Beach Resort becomes more meaningful and worthy then.

I was never allowed to just appreciate the nature as I’ve had my lunch at the raft floating on the seaside. I swear I have erased in my vocabulary diet this day, with the fresh and delectable seafood spread before me that simply made my mouth water. Oh, what a feast!

My lunch has made me a bit sleepy but the water is so inviting that I hop into a waiting banca and away we go into the calm azure waters. The salty water in the warm blue sky is such a bursting freedom from the busy city life. How fortunate I am to be here. I want more of this life!!! And with the news that the Provincial Information Office relayed to me about plans to add more water sports in the area like snorkeling, kayaking, banana boat ride and parasailing just makes me look forward to another fun, exciting, meaningful and soooo worthwhile visit to this new found paradise.