In 2015, Puerto Princesa became our second home. My parents frequently flew back and forth to build our eco-house. Our whole family came back in 2016 and spent our four days in our house and around the city. This year, we brought family friends who were balik-bayans from the United States to a city and island tour.

A lot has changed in the city. Having visited it thrice (and I'm still a tourist haha), I gathered some life lessons that will surely stick with me for a long period of time.

Discover a variety of food and try something new.

Ka Inato

The city has a lot of restaurants that serve delicious food from breakfast to dinner. There are also unique delicacies such as tamilok (wood worm), chicken inato (grilled chicken), crocodile sisig, and various seafood. Kinabuch's Restaurant serves tamilok, a slimy mollusk that lives inside the barks of mangrove trees. It is not so bad. Eat as if eating an oyster with vinegar.

Tamilok at Kinabuch's © Bong Mortero

My major tip is to stop eating the usual and try something new in Palawan. The only excuse is if you have a very sensitive stomach or a strict diet to follow. Eat at your own risk.  If you don't want to risk it though, eating fresh veggies and seafood are also healthier and delicious alternatives. It is even better if the veggies come directly from your garden.

One of our favorite restaurants is Ka Inato, a native restaurant that serves chicken inato and employs deaf and mute workers. Their all-day breakfast is super sulit!

Ginisang Sigarilyas at Ka Inato © Sarah Mortero

Fried Dilis at Ka Inato © Sarah Mortero

Dilis and Tuyo at Ka Inato © Sarah Mortero

Other highly recommended restaurants are Badjao Seafront Restaurant and KaLui. We dined in the latter for my birthday in 2010. We loved the food and ambiance. It has a beautiful ethnic vibe. According to my Mom, Badjao also has the similar vibe except floating on water. Aside from Filipino cuisine, Vietnamese cuisine is also available due to the Vietnamese immigrants who resided in Palawan during the war.

A unique experience awaits in every destination. 

Puerto Princesa has a long list of must-see places. During our first visit in October 2010, we spent four days touring and one day rest. Our tour included a city tour, island hopping in Honda Bay, Ihawig Firefly Watching, and the Underground River tour. Puerto Princesa is the home of the legendary Underground River, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and selected as one of the 7 Wonders of Nature in 2011. A tour in Puerto Princesa wouldn't be complete without it. It is something to be proud of about our country. But there are also a lot of unexplored places in the city.

During our second visit in Puerto Princesa in July 2016, my whole family planned to go to El Nido. I called it the PalaEWAN Trip. I was really excited to explore but then typhoon happened. Boat rides were canceled on that day because the waves were too strong. We spent most of our time in our house which was not a bad thing after all. Nothing beats rest. We ate out, shopped in the market, and attended church in Every Nation Puerto Princesa. We also visited Marina Bay Resort. It has a swimming pool and a mini floating native restaurant. It has a good view of the lake and our house could be seen from there.

On our third visit to Palawan two weeks ago, I thought that we would just be having the same tour we've taken in 2010. But I've realized that even though we visited almost the same places, each one still brought a different experience.

Baywalk © Ric Sigua

Our Lady of Immaculate Conception Cathedral © Ric Sigua

Plaza Cuartel © Ric Sigua

Baker's Hill

Ai World © Ric Sigua

Binuatan Creations

Butterfly and Eco-Garden

Tribal Village © Ric Sigua

Palaw'an Tribe

Crocodile Farm

Iwahig © Ric Sigua

Iwahig Firefly Watching

Iwahig Firefly Watching

Sadly, the Underground River tour which was scheduled on Valentine's Day was scraped off our itinerary due to a low-pressure area. In 2010, our trip was not cancelled even though we were also greeted by rain and big waves. I guess the management has a stricter policy now because of the numerous cases of people dying at sea. So on this special day when everyone's celebrating outside, we rested and quickly shopped in SM and in the wet market for essential things and food to cook. Moreover, I was not able to receive flowers from someone special on that day. But God gave us plenty of those in our garden.

Flowers for you...

Our faithful pigeons

Mom's writing session

Marina Bay View

When we almost forgot it was Valentine's Day, a salesman gave us one each.

The sun only shone brightly the next day. We were able to go to Honda Bay, an island-hopping tour. The upsetting news was Snake Island, my most favorite island where I spent my 23rd birthday is now inhabited by a private owner and guarded by two aggressive dogs. In addition, our visit to the Starfish Island was canceled due to strong waves. To avoid cancellations of itineraries, the best months to visit are March, April, May, and June.

Lu-Li Island ---short for Lulubog Lilitaw ((:

A beginning of a mangrove forest...

Cowry Island

A lot of cowry shells were found in the island before. Hence, the island name.

The major lesson is to be open to a lot of possibilities. Change is inevitable. The way you look at and navigate through those changes will lead you to good experiences in Palawan. It is still up to you how you will make your stay fulfilling and meaningful.

Tour to bless and appreciate.


Puerto Princesa is a beautiful city. I couldn't count how many times I've said, "Thank you Lord. You are amazing. This city is blessed."

On June 4, 2012, former Mayor Edward Hagedorn declared Palawan as the "City of the Living God" due to its rich natural resources in both land and water. He also stated that the people of Palawan are God-fearing, disciplined, progressive, and environment-conscious. While touring, I kept on decreeing that this place will maintain its beauty and richness whatever the circumstances are.

Home

I am grateful that God has blessed us a rest house in this place. My Mom was invited to do a groundwork for establishing a medical school in Palawan State University. This place was extra special because my grandparents and Mom's parents taught in an elementary school in Aborlan and/or Narra. Palawan was where they first met and fell in love. Until now, God is making it possible for our family to continue building a home in this land. We thank a kind and humble family who takes care of it while we are away. God is indeed preparing us for greater work.



Brave out of your comfort zone.

There are a lot of passive things to do in Palawan. But it is also packed with a couple of buwis-buhay activities. It all started in the largest water park in Asia at Kamia Bay Resort. It is located 40 km south of Puerto Princesa. It takes a 45-minute ride from the city proper. It contains 3,000 square meter inflatable play structures and obstacle courses. Think Wipeout!!!

Before that Wipeout experience, we took their Eco Trail. It was a mini-hike. We went on a perfect time, around 11 o'clock in the morning. There were no mosquitos during this time. So I recommend to take this trail before going to the inflatable play structures. We really enjoyed it! We passed by different plant species. There were a lot of mangroves and coconut trees. The limestone formations were beautiful. Trivia: Palawan islands are made out of limestone rock formations and cliffs. The best part was the wild bamboo forest and the breathtaking view on top of a steep hill. Our tour guides were also helpful and kind. Good job, Kuya #1 and Kuya #2!! I'm so sorry I forgot your names. :(

Eco Trail at Kamia Bay Resort

© Sarah Mortero

© Ric Sigua

© Ric Sigua

100 year old Palm Tree © Ric Sigua

The Climax of the Eco-Trail

I don't know what came into me and my friend, Sarah. We tried almost all obstacle courses. We even finished the hard ones! Sheesh. My Mom and Sarah's Dad, Tito Bong tried the first set but ended up kayaking for an hour. Hehehe. It was a good thing that the guides and lifeguards were skilled and patient. I commend them for such a great work. If not for them, I would not be able to make it out alive. Lol. Afterwards, I asked them if they have already held a competition. The guide said there would be something like that soon. Hey athletes, that's worth a try!

© Ric Sigua

I COULDN'T BELIEVE WE CONQUERED THAT DEADLY 40 FT SLIDE. :O

My body, although I'm not too skinny or too fat, was not fit for physical activities yet. I slept late for months due to thesis. I was not even exercising regularly. My only exercise was walking and doing chores. But by God's grace, I was able to do all the courses. It was a miracle. Hahaha. I know mind over body doesn't work all the time but it worked during the trip. In every obstacle, I was whispering to myself "Brave out, brave out. You can do this." I was reiterating my theme for this year: Braving Out 2018. What I did in that resort was an initiative step to surpass every obstacle coming my way with courage and perseverance.

Lu-Li Island © Helen Sigua

I am blessed that I acquired these life lessons meaningfully. Sharing experiences with family and friends is one of the best ways to learn. Moreover, it feels right to revisit bluer, greener, and earthier places in our country. We must allow ourselves to be refreshed by its beauty despite the noise happening in our concrete jungles. It is so easy to be strangers or tourists in our own country. There is a need to be ready to explore, recall, and unlearn always.

Remembering one of my favorite storybooks, "Where does the ocean end?" and "Where does the ocean begin?" ((: © Ric Sigua

I am looking forward to our next visit in Palawan with another group of people to explore it with. I am certain that it will bring a different set of life lessons.

No wonder this city is decreed as the "City of the Living God." In Cuyonon dialect, I say "Matamang Salamat, Palawan! Matamang Salamat, Ginong Dios!"

K

Last year (October 12, 2017), I embarked on a journey toward the Land of the Rising Sun. This trip was not planned at all. But it was a demonstration of God's amazing grace. A week after my thesis defense, my parents told me that I would be joining them. They helped me book my flight in Jetstar through Traveloka. A month after, I was sitting on one of the most comfortable plane seats I've ever had: A1. Talk about convenience! I had lots of leg room, close proximity to the toilet, and primary access to enter and leave the plane. My carry on luggage and check-in luggage were also overweight. But the lady at the counter permitted me. I didn't deserve this at all. God worked in every detail.

Every year, God gave me a theme to live by. For 2017, He gave me Overflow and Peacekeeper. He promised an overflow of love, joy, and peace. It was a year that started with tears and ended with laughter and thanksgiving. He gifted me with 12 fruitful lessons, one for each month, which I summarized in four parts. I hope God speaks to you through these.

God First Above Everything

The beginning of the year was a ground-shaking moment. God impressed me He is first above everything. There were losses and gains---amazing Prayer and Fasting, financial provision, a new venue for learning (EdPsych!), death in the family, a new door of opportunity to study abroad, and loss of a laptop that contained all my thesis files. The latter was the most devastating of all because I expected to graduate in June. But if you read my blog about this, Losing My Life for God's Glory, the Lord turned everything into good (Genesis 50:20).

Through this rollercoaster of events, God reminded me of who He is and His position in my life. When things were becoming chaotic, I mended things my way or with the help of others first. But God wanted me not to rely on human power but on Him alone (Zechariah 4:6). I need to let go of my selfish desires and started focusing on God and His will. His thoughts are higher than our thoughts. His ways are higher than our ways. (Isaiah 55:8-9). No person or thing can fill the top position in our lives which is His from the beginning. He must increase, but we must decrease (John 3:29-30). I learned how to die to self (still learning). As a result, I felt more awe at Him than ever before.

Honor God's Process

I resonated with one quote of Pastor Steve Furtick, "If we honor God's process, He will honor His promise." The process is the most nerve-wracking time of all. I had so many reasons to quit my dreams. I felt confused and discouraged with the way things were heading. In the middle of the year, the results of my applications abroad almost led me to the finish line. But it suddenly turned into a different direction. A close call! Our 11-year-old Akita, Yuki died. I gained severe asthma after attending a friend's wedding. I got so frustrated with myself for not meeting deadlines and making mistakes. While recovering from sickness, I was writing my revisions and finishing everything in a rush. By God's grace, I survived it all. But He reminded me of two things regarding the season before the victory.

First, the process involves trials of many kinds (James 1:2). There is a room for failure. There is a room for hibernation. Nothing is wasted. It is part of the process of becoming who I am called to be. After weeks of contemplation, I saw delays as God's divine strategies. I realized, "Progress no matter how little is still progress. Maybe slow progress is what I need to enjoy life. I am thankful for what I've done everyday." God was working while I was eating three or more meals a day, finishing an MA, living in my parent's house, having enough time to build relationships with people, receiving financial provision, sleeping in a comfy bed, and being surrounded by pet animals (yes, that's heaven). There were so many little things to find joy in! My perspective changed. I marched forward. Even though the present and the future were blurry, God wasn't. I pressed on and clung to Him more. He allowed me to reach certain sublevels as preparation for the higher levels He set for me. To win this game of life, don't quit. Pass the testsss! He is doing a good work and He is faithful to complete it (Philippians 1:6).

Second, the process is determined by God. No matter how great we are in planning, His plans prevail (Proverbs 16:9). It's like having a travel itinerary with every plan scraped off. But the outcome is sweet! Since June, I felt God's presence as I prepared for my final defense. It was a lengthy and tiring process, not to mention it was rescheduled three times. When I defended my research study and passed it last September 11, God and I bombed two towers of the enemy that day, The Tower of Fear and the Tower of Stagnation. I was in perfect peace. I felt the battle has been won even before my panel said, "Passed!" That was all God moving for me. It was the right time. It couldn't be too early or too late. Just like what Pastor Erwin said in a preaching at church, "God never forgets. He is never late." God used the sufferings to stretch my character (patience to the nth level!!!). He tested my faith: "(Karen) FAITH is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. -Hebrews 11:1." He crafted every detail of His plan so well, considering the innermost desires of our hearts.

Shifting Focus to the Right Door

God allowed different doors to open this year. However, he had to close some of them so I could shift my focus. Instead of standing by closed doors, I followed Him into the right door. He assured me that the rest will follow as long as I adhere to his leading. I prioritized my thesis. While working on it, He reminded me I need people. Being an independent person and a multi-tasker, I am used to doing things on my own and juggling things at the same time as long as I could bear them. He provided me strength. But He also emphasized that I am not meant to do this alone. That struck me so hard. I humbled myself and sought help. He strategically placed people to help me at the right time. It also turned into an opportunity to advocate and raise awareness for Children with Autism.

When God placed people in, He took out some. During this season, I focused more on loving myself and valuing people present in my life. I spent my time building those relationships and letting go of people and things I could not change. I also learned to be less sacrificial with my time (my love language) and to say "no" to people. It was a maturing stage for me. I threw away the "push-over Kaye" and stood up for myself and for what I believe in even though people disagreed. I listened to God alone. Aside from God uplifting me, He also humbled me down. I refocused on what matters---asking for forgiveness for my mistakes, forgiving others for hurting me, and loving despite the pain. As a disciple, He warned me about the difficult people I meet. When I attended a Biblical Counseling Training in Tokyo Baptist Church, He spoke clearly, "You will not change people. I am the only one who does that. It's not about you. It's about me. Surrender the people you counsel to me. That burden is not yours to take." That lifted the heavy load off and freed me.

God also had me undergo a self-check every now and then to refocus my goals. He reminded me this: Strive to be your most beautiful self with honed character rather than fame, merits, riches, and titles. Empty yourself and keep learning. There is nothing wrong with gaining these. But these temporary things must not consciously and unconsciously distract us from Him.

Reiterating John Ortberg's quote in "All the Places to Go," every time God closes a door, he's up to something. Thank God for closed doors!

Strong and Courageous But Brave Enough to Surrender

My decrees about graduating in June and studying and working abroad crumbled down in July. I could have given it all up. But His peace caused me to become the opposite: strong and courageous (Joshua 1:9). Instead of questioning Him, I rested in His Word: "In the day of trouble, He will keep me safe in His dwelling, He will hide me in the shelter of His sacred tent and set me high upon a rock." (Psalm 27:5) I decreed His life promise to me in Isaiah 54 again. I surrendered to Him, "Lord, I've done my part. Now, take control from here." His plans started to make sense since then.

A business opportunity and a new passion flourished. Hello, Eye for Brands! Hello, Weaving!

An opportunity to travel in Japan and live like a local for 30 days came as a surprise (after a long travel hiatus). Okiniiri!!!

My research journey has reached its peak. Kaunting-kaunti na lang!!! Hello, Graduation!!!

New job opportunities abroad came (still praying for the outcome).

It was the perfect illustration of this verse:

Our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. - Romans 8:18

2017 was indeed a year of acceleration. This year, my life underwent a reshuffle for God's glory. God removed things to give space to greater ones. I met new people of different nationalities. I braved out of my comfort zone. I learned and relearned things. Some dreams were wrecked and some took slower than I expected while some happened in a flash. But I have never felt safer. There were many reasons to mourn but there were more reasons to get up and dance with God through it all.


The Lord's love, joy, and peace overflowed despite the sufferings in 2017. I hope and pray that you also experienced an overflow in your life. It occurred to me when I put God first above everything, honored the process before His promises, shifted my focus and heeded to His direction, and stood strong and courageous yet brave enough to surrender to His will. His presence is sufficient for us to live a full and an abundant life.

In 2018, let's keep declaring Him as our Peacekeeper. Let's continue claiming His faithfulness in our lives. I will start with one of these verses that my best friend and I have decreed throughout last year. It was so timely because the theme of our church's Prayer and Fasting 2018 is "Ephesians for Christ." 

"Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us..." -Ephesians 3:20
It's time to face the unexpected in 2018! Cheers to a year of crossing over (attraversiamo) and braving out!

Always Love,
K