After five hours at sea and with my senses barraged with stunning seascapes off Ticao, I finally arrived in Masbate City from Pilar, Sorsogon. Its terra firma and its the first time that I’ve been here. What can I expect? Are there old churches or houses that I can visit? Colonial era fortifications and other tourist spots? With just nine hours before I leave for Cebu, I cannot really go beyond the city limits.

Soaring and sharp ridges dotted with vegetation clinging on the sheer rockface can give a sense of awe. A pale yellow limestone cliff rising up from the waters is a wonder. There are several cracks on these rock walls and many caves can be seen, its gaping maw sending a spine tingling sensation of the hidden creatures, real or imagined, that it might harbor.

Instead of hopping on a plane and get home via the shortest way, I decided to take the Pilar (Sorsogon) - Masbate - Cebu route. The Matnog - Allen trip via Samar and Leyte is also another possibility but I’ve already passed there before. Of course, its an opportunity to mark off the white areas in my travel history and go the longer way which I always like.