The Charm of a Beautiful Island: Sweet Memories Behind My Seasick

It was supposed to be the perfect vacation—sunshine, the sea, and serenity. Today, my friends and I set off on a long-awaited trip to Limasawa Island in Southern Leyte, Philippines. Known as the site of the first Catholic Mass in the country, Limasawa is more than just a historical landmark. It is a gem of natural beauty, wrapped in white sand, turquoise waters, and warm island breezes.

We left early in the morning, accompanied by our coordinator, members of the parents’ association, and their families. Our spirits were high as we made our way to the port, where we waited for our boat to arrive. I hoped that this boat ride would be smoother than the one I had experienced back in Indonesia—but unfortunately, that wasn’t the case. The gentle rocking of the waves quickly turned into a nightmare for me. Nausea hit hard. I spent most of the journey trying not to pass out while everyone else enjoyed the breathtaking view.

But the moment we arrived and stepped onto the island, all that discomfort seemed to vanish. The scenery was truly stunning. Crystal-clear waters lapped at our feet, the air was scented with salt and sunshine, and the horizon stretched endlessly. I couldn’t help but smile as we played in the water, collected seashells, and captured as many memories as we could through our cameras. We even visited a few significant sites, including one that required us to climb a daunting 450 steps. It was exhausting, yes, but the view, the experience, and the company made it all worthwhile.

As the sun began to set, it was time for us to return. And that’s when my seasickness struck again—this time, even worse.

The boat ride back was truly unbearable. I felt weak, dizzy, and on the verge of fainting. My stomach churned with every wave. I tried my best to hold it together, silently praying we’d reach the shore soon. One of my friends let me lean on their shoulder the entire time, and even one of my students looked at me with concern, asking if I was okay. I managed to smile and say I was fine, though deep inside, I was counting every miserable minute.😭

When we finally docked, I could barely stand. Several people helped me off the boat, and I was overwhelmed by how kind everyone was. Some rushed to get me warm water, others offered medicated oil, and someone even ran to find me an orange to ease my nausea. A few carried my belongings, and yes, one of my guy friends still found time to sneak a photo of my pale, exhausted face (don’t worry, I’ll get my revenge—haha!). 😏

Our coordinator—God bless her—was incredibly caring. He stayed by my side, asking what I needed, never letting go of my hand until I felt stable. Once we got back to the cottage, my friends didn’t stop until they had prepared something warm for me and found the right medicine. Someone even came over just to bring me herbal remedies to help me recover faster.

Finally, after eating something warm, taking medicine, and getting plenty of rest, I began to feel human again.

Looking back, it’s kind of funny how a day filled with seasickness and discomfort could still feel so special. Maybe it was because of the people I was with. Maybe it was the charm of the island itself. Or maybe it’s just one of those memories that stick, not because everything went perfectly, but because even in the most uncomfortable moments, I felt surrounded by genuine care, laughter, and warmth. 😇

Thank you, Limasawa, for your beauty.

And thank you, my dear friends, for your love. 💙