When we were still in the bus, excitement already filled my heart. It would be my first time to step in the land of Samar --- Brgy. Guinob-an, Lawaan, Eastern Samar specifically. I was excited to see the place, the people, and the environment. It's very shameful to say, but it was also my first time to take a look and pass through the well-known San Juanico Bridge. It's picturesque. I couldn't help but shout in glee.
Upon reaching the place, I noticed that it is just simple. You can't see tall buildings, lots of vehicles, business establishments, etc. I said, it is just simple. But, I really love it. It's like Tabing, my hometown. I could see the beauty of nature --- not artificial, not man-made. That's why I really love places like this.
Amandaraga falls --- it's a beautiful spot in Brgy. Guinob-an. It's a pristine waterfall that cascades in the midst of a jungle. It’s four kilometers away from the barangay. Of course, we went there. We were assisted by some residents of Brgy. Guinob-an. They were very nice, so hospitable. We walked through the muddy path, up and down in a mountain. It's tiresome, but I enjoyed it. We also crossed a river. It's excitng. When we finally reached the Amandaraga falls, I don't know what I felt that time. The scenery is breath-taking. I really love it. Actually, it's my first time to see a waterfall.
When I immersed into the water, it's very cold. I don't know how to swim so I just stayed near the rocks. I enjoyed myself watching the environment. God is really so creative. We must thank Him for creating such place. It's a perfect place for recreation. I would love to spend my vacation there, of course with my family. It feels great to be with nature, you will be absolutely relaxed.
When the time came for us to go back to the barangay, I felt sad because I will miss the place. I packed my things and then started hiking with my companions. I’m looking forward to go back to this place, or if not in this place, perhaps in a place similar to this. We also did boat sailing in the Brgy. Guinob-an’s fish sanctuary. It’s a very nice experience. The water is so clean and we can even see the corals. Some fishes jumped in the air that made us yell in amusement. Again, it’s my first time.
After all that wonderful experience, we embarked in the bus because we will be going back to the mischievous world of Tacloban. We will be in the concrete jungle again. I felt unhappy. Now, I realized how important it is to preserve the beauty of nature. I’m glad knowing that there are still beautiful places in Earth despite the rapid modernization. I hope that these places will not be obliterated in the near future. Man-made can never get the better of God-made. We must always think of that limitation. As what the writer Stephen Fry said, “If we look around us, anything ugly that we see will have been created by human hands”.
