It’s already my second time traveling with the so called “Team Tokhang” (why the group is called that way only Johnny will know), a team that consists of 8 boys and 4 girls who just want to forget the stress brought by a week of dealing with tons of candidates and recruitment works. The first was when we went to Masasa, Batangas last November.

While Masasa was not a remarkable experience for me, mainly because of all the feels I felt — it was my first time traveling with a large group, hence the introverted me felt drained by week long human interaction so there were times when I felt disconnected, I still had fun nonetheless and decided to join them again this time in Liwliwa, San Felipe, Zambales.

Numerous stop-over and laughters — brought by the boys’ fascination (well, not really) with anything ExB — later, we reached Liwliwa just in time for lunch.

We stayed at Kapitan’s Liwa, a quaint and budget-friendly hostel that is just a few walks from the beachfront.

Upon settling in, we went on our way to hunt for a place to eat and our feet brought us to Mommy Phoebe’s Place. I can commend everything in Liwa except for its food. The prices don’t give justice to the quality and quantity of meals which is sad.

During our whole stay, we just beach-bummed (much to my delight), surfed (Kuya Fides and Marvin) took endless photos and shared random stories. Although we weren’t able to catch a striking view of the sunset, we still witnessed the sun bidding goodbye and boy was it perfect.

By 5am, we were sharing packs of pancit canton for breakfast and sipping coffee while throwing endless banters under the array of pine trees.

“This moment, right here, will be one of my favorite”, I said to myself.

There’s just so much promise that the morning holds and it was amazing how we started our day laughing our asses off. It’s liberating to see the sky shift from the darkness of dawn to the rays of sunlight with your heart feeling full.

There are a lot of things Zambales has to offer — discovering Liwa is such a dream — but more than the good company, dancing waves and sky high pine trees, I am thankful for its capability to heal. Healing comes in waves, they said. I am not fully there yet but I am willing to be washed away.

My dear, Zambales, wait for me to come back.