One year has passed since I left the Philippines with a promise to return for a much longer stay than the 21-day free visa. After much consideration of where to travel next, I decided it was best to return to SE Asia while my connections I had made there were still strong. Philippines were high up on that list of places because I felt so rushed in my short time here last May. Before I arrived in 2011 I became friends with Harold through Facebook on a recommendation from friends. He answered all my questions and welcomed me at the airport. He invited me along on a dive trip with his friends to Malapascua leaving that evening! My first week was spent with Harold, his close friends and some EPIC diving. It was a great start to my short visit to the Philippines.
I spent the next 2 weeks rushing around trying to see as much as I could squeeze in but it just wasn’t enough time! I got to experience my first Filipino fiesta, a family party of Harold’s close friends, amazing wreck diving, and beautiful coral reefs full of life. I did some jungle trekking and swam in waterfalls, visited lush jungles, relaxing beaches, and felt the welcoming nature of the Filipino people. More than enough reasons to return.
Now I am back and to stay in Dumaguete for a few months and enjoy all the perks the Philippines has to offer. I decided to base myself in here mostly because of the hospitality I received from Harold and the friendship we continued over the past year. Harold’s Mansion is the perfect place to use a base as it is located in the middle of the Visayas and an ideal push off point for world class diving in the islands that surround it and a chance to dive with whale sharks in nearby Oslob.
Harold is an involved member of the community and is able to help connect me with plenty of opportunity for volunteering, which was an important factor. The staff at Harold’s Mansion are always willing to offer assistance and suggestions for travel around the Philippines and to make sure you enjoy your time in Dumaguete with jungle treks, lakes, waterfalls and loads of diving sites available for day trips. Harold is usually available to spend time with the guests and make sure they are getting the most out of their holiday and quick to help in anyway he can. I couldn’t be more thrilled about my return to Dumaguete and Harold’s Mansion and looking forward to some fun in the Philippines.
-Jenn Rose