It isn’t everyday I get to relive my childhood memories. Adulting is real. Who would have thought planning meals, grocery shopping, and other mundane tasks would consume most of our adult life? As kids we get to dream boundless dreams. One day I was Heidi in the Johanna Spyri book, the next I got to play the pirate. I was lucky I had so many childhood friends to play pretend. One time we even built a horror house where other kids pay a fee to enter. Apparently, dressing up as ghosts and scaring kids was fun.
So whenever life gives you a moment to breathe, breathe. There are always pockets of happiness somewhere even with our full schedule.
If you’re expecting a travel guide, you’re in for a disappointment.
I didn’t plan this trip. I just got in the car, like the rest of the group. Grandma and Grandpa. Uncle and Auntie. Nieces and Nephew. The In-laws.
This trip was my second time in Gumasa. It isn’t exactly a place where you can just have a drive-by tour from GenSan. It’s far. You need some sort of plan to visit here for a day.
But, time spent here would be worth it.
All these years, the beach hasn’t changed much. Oh, there are beach resorts now, which weren’t there before. A small crowd of beach goers frolicking in the sun. The occasional karaoke songs. All the usual hum of activity in a resort.
Still, Gumasa beach is among my top 3 beaches in the Philippines. And, that hasn’t changed. Gumasa beach has this raw beauty that stood the wreckage of time — invasion of beach resorts included.
Among the activities planned for that day, biking along the beach was a blockbuster hit. The kids were on it the whole afternoon.
Someone insisted she has to learn how to ride the bike before others could borrow. Okay, let’s get on with it.
She was intent to ride.
And she never gave up.
She eventually enlisted her dad’s help after several frustrating tries.
Finally, it was her sister’s turn.
I realized it has been such a long time since I did this. I must have had a really good time since I couldn’t recall stuffing my ears with my Spotify playlist.
Even their uncle joined in.
One of those rare moments when I see my husband engaged in some sort of activity with his nephew. The bike did it.
One of the stand out feature in Gumasa beach is its frothy waves.
The wave does things to my mood just by letting it hit my feet.
Latte, anyone?
I’m glad I came back to Gumasa beach.
Until next time Gumasa. Hopefully, on my next visit to GenSan.
Traveled here before the pandemic during the Christmas season.