A Walk to Remember at Cloud 9, Siargao, Philippines

While my friends were still finishing their surfing sessions at Jacking Horse, I found myself in a giddy teenage girl waiting for her crush to arrive state. He's a friend but I won't deny I have a huge crush on him and you'll understand why. 😆

After our dance workshop the previous night, we decided to hang out before his departure back to Manila. I invited him to surf but said he doesn't know how to swim. When he caught up with us at Jacking Horse, he only wanted to check out Cloud 9 which was close to nearby.

Cloud 9 Boardwalk is a famous surf spot or a tourist destination for non-surfers. The place used to have a 3 story floor where one could watch surfers riding huge waves in the distance or simply enjoy a chill leisure walk as the sun sets. And to be honest, I was curious what the place looks like "post-Super Typhoon Odette".

We hop on his rented motorcycle and rode to the entrance of the place which was only about a minute or two. We almost missed it because the signage wasn't that big. Parking was along the main road and we headed to the front desk.

We paid Php100 or $1.8 each for the entrance fee. I only had Php1000 so I was asked to claim my change as we were heading out which later on I forgot because I was so distracted by my short one-on-one moment with Mr. Biceps. 😂 Though, I was able to get it later that day.

There were some souvenir shops on the right side of the path. I would have wanted to check some out but Mr. Biceps was fast on his track. Next to the stall was a well-made public comfort room. The left side path was covered with plants.

Mind you, it was noon when we visited the place! Sunny day, with clear skies. The sun's rays were piercing my skin but all that I endured just to have this moment with him. If only I could hold his hand... 😩

As we neared the boardwalk, several tourists were walking by going on opposite paths that lead to other places. And when I stood on the boardwalk and saw a wider view of the shoreline, that's when I realized that we could have simply walked from Jacking Horse to this spot! We could have dodged the entrance fee! 😆

I was dumbfounded by how inefficient we were but Mr. Biceps casually change my regret to empathy as he said our 100 pesos bill could help with the reconstruction of the place. He did put some sense into my brain.

So I averted my attention and focus on the fine, white sand, coconut trees lined up, and the wide shoreline in front of my eyes. And that was enough to bring me back to the Now moment.

The tide was low but small waves could still be seen far away. We slowly walk towards the end of the boardwalk and took some time taking photos of the vastness of the open sea and clear skies. And Mr. Biceps decided to give me a treat...

We reached the edge and we step into an empty platform. I thought there were still remnants from the old boardwalk before the Super Typhoon that happened 2 years ago but everything was gone. Everything was different. The column posts with protruding rebars suggest that they do plan to make a new viewing deck in the future.

We noticed 2 surfers returning to shore and I guess we also took it as a cue to head back as well. And as we turned around, the scenery was breathtaking...

My "self-proclaimed date" with my crush ended with him dropping me off at Jacking Horse where my other friends were waiting. I was smiling ear to ear, obviously happy with that short but sweet encounter.