The Sweetest Escape

     Sta. Ana of Cagayan will always be an option for the beach enthusiasts of the North. Known for their rich marine resources, breathtaking views, and captivating waves. Upon waking up at 3 o'clock in the morning, my family prepared for the trip. We have arrived at 7/11 for a quick breakfast while waiting for my partner, who's also coming along with us. We then drove as a convoy towards the destination waiting to be unfolded.

     Although the trip wasn't bumpy, our body became numb with the long journey. However, upon passing by the busy roads, seeing the rolling hills made us excited about what awaits us. Our arrival at RAI Atrium Suites—who have personally invited us to pay a visit—has warmly welcomed us with a lobby that's garnished with Cagayan's pride. From the sea, incorporated treasures, and the keychains being sold as souvenirs, we knew the trip would be something. A recreation room intended for the guests that includes an aisle for tempting cocktail drinks, tasty milkshakes, and other forms of appetizing finger food. A billiards pool table and a basketball machine are also available for the guests to rent by leaving a valid ID at the front desk, which we have tried.

     Upon the three days of our stay, we have experienced several forms of bonding as a family. We watched the majestic sunset before us, with birds retreating to home with wings flapping endlessly, the sand beneath our feet, and the soothing waves, which brought a distinctive therapeutic effect among us. Together with my siblings, we bravely went against the small waves of the beach as we filled the entire coast with echoes of our laughter.

     Going back and forth to our suites and jumping off to the pool have become our routine. With an enormous slide for an intense splash to the waters that I wasn't able to try due to my fear of heights. During the dark, we would be staying inside the rented gazebos for our dinner. Afterwards, we are given the time to stay outside until 11 o'clock in the evening while the elders (including my parents) would proceed to their suites. As we lay down at the hammock placed at the playground, a stunning view of the stars before our eyes dazzled in a hypnotic way. Even though the beachfront is only available until 6pm, the late-night swims with the pool will remain as a fragment of our trip.

     We also swung by at Barangay San Vicente, or what the locals refer to as the "port". Riding at the back of our pickup truck, we arrived with our hair tangled by the wildness of air on our way. Yachts were present, alongside patrollers who are surveying the area to ensure the safety of everyone. We took several photos of the place. One capturing the picturesque view of the island nearby and another with our silhouette in front of the sun setting. A reminder that marked the ending of our second day trip.

     As our last day's trip has finally arrived, we took the chance to pick some souvenirs. Never the fancy ones, but rather the sentimental ones. Our bare feet with our toes sunken on the dusty sand brought us towards the shore to gather some seashells. Although some were only corals, we still snuck them on our shirts, serving us a temporary container for our handpicked treasures.

     With how much we've enjoyed, we left some of the shells near a spot where we stayed while watching the waves near the beachfront. An appreciation of how we will soon return to this place and a reminder of cherishing our unforgettable journey.