What’s The Most Daring Thing That I’ve Done During My Travel?

The question was asked during the Pinoy Travel Bloggers’ Christmas Party and as of writing my answer would be this picture

This photo was taken inside the Twin Lagoon in Coron, Palawan.

To enter Twin Lagoon you must swim under a small opening where you can pass by only during low tide. During high tide you need to have diving skills just to enter.

How did I came up with the crazy idea? Being a newbie to photography, I was very passionate on testing my skills with the camera so the first time I heard about the entry to Twin Lagoon, I was challenged to take a picture inside. I calculated the risks involved. Asked the question if I am properly prepared mentally, physically and equipmentally (if there is such a word) for this crazy idea many times. I even told my idea to friends and family, unfortunately I didn’t get any words of encouragement. But I was decided that I will do it, I just had to keep focus.

Before diving in I asked our guide if there was dry ground inside where I could stand and take a picture, when he said yes I stuffed my camera inside a camera bag then inside a rubber ducky dry bag, then I jumped into the water and swam to the entrance of the lagoon.

I quickly looked for solid ground inside the lake. It was still around 50-60 meters to dry ground! The thought of going back to the boat did visit me, but I was there and why would I give up halfway? I continued swimming and once in a while looked up to see if I’m still headed to the right direction.

During my swim I saw a big purple jellyfish that has tentacles that looked like dreadlocks followed by a small colorful fish. Since the water was deep blue, there was no distraction on seeing them. Too bad I did not have a waterproof camera to capture the moment.

When we reached dry land, I quickly opened my rubber ducky and water was inside. FAIL! It wasn’t as waterproof as advertised. Good thing I made a backup plan. Before putting the camera bag inside the rubber ducky, I put it first inside a thick plastic bag that I bought at Farmer’s Market in Cubao and I’m happy to say that the camera bag was still dry when I opened the plastic bag.

When we got back to our pump boat the guide approached me and said “Sir, sa lahat ng tao na nakita kong may malaking camera, kayo lang po ang unang tao nakita ko nakapagpasok ng ganyan sa loob. Totoo nga po yung sinasabi nila, kung gusto may paraan.” After hearing those words I felt that it was all worth it.

On this year 2011, let’s all make our dreams and ideas come true, no matter how big or crazy they are. We may get a lot of discouragement from people around us but if we know there’s nothing wrong with our goal, we just need to focus on it, calculate and minimize the risks, personally pursue it and most of all believe that we have a Great Provider that will not abandon us.

Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’ For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. – Matthew 6:31-34

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO EVERYONE! Let’s all explore and take road less-travelled this year. 🙂