Of all things bright and beautiful, the beach is probably the best of God's creation. No offense to those who'd rather stay cozy in isolated cabins up in the mountains but to pass an opportunity to enjoy the sun, sand, and sea is almost unforgivable. The same thought crossed my mind as I clambered out of bed one Sunday morning, dazed and undecided, to get ready for a hastily organized company escapade to Karancho Beach Resort.
I didn't know what to expect of Karancho, a tourist haven in Maribago, Mactan known for its affordable entrance fees (P50/head) and its close proximity to famous resorts and tourist destinations such as the Cebu White Sands and Maribago Blue Water resorts.
We left for our destination at around ten in the morning, went through the usual traffic jam typical of small Mactan roads, and after a short 20-minute ride from the Cebu City proper, we arrived at a resort that took pride in offering the simplest form of rest and relaxation, and total diversion from anything that spells 'work'.
Having no idea what Karancho Beach Resort looked like, I was impressed by its ample car park in addition to its well-maintained resort area. There was enough space for a game of catch, acceptable rest rooms and shower areas, and just the right number of amenities for a simple get-away. A number of cottages that could accomodate small families of four to huge groups of twenty stood facing the beach and all that have become part of it - the sunkissed white sand beach spacious enough for volleyball competitions, the neighboring resorts, and Cebu's main island serving as nature's backdrop.
Locals offering a variety of merchandise for sale from varnished shells to grilled fish to services like boat rides that range from an unbelievable P20 per head to a still affordable P 3,500 per hour were not uncommon. As Karancho also served as jump-off point of tourists to nearby islets, let it not be a surprise for first timers to encounter foreigners manuevering jet skis or island hopping aboard one of the more expensive boats - and even yatchs.
Our experience was made rewarding by the simple feast of grilled fish courtesy of the locals, and the P20 after-lunch boat ride that was as good as a tour of the Maribago area. While most of the group chose to remain lounging at the cottage, ten of us braved the currents and [too excitedly] hopped aboard the outrigger boats that took us for a swim off Blue Water territory where the water was a deeper, cooler, and clearer shade of teal. With the trusty life jackets we each took turns wearing and our rusty freestyle strokes, we spent approximately an hour enjoying the coolness of the water in the blistering afternoon heat and swaying with the rhythm of the changing currents.
When it was time to go back, I felt the weekend give way to a reality of deadlines and paperworks. Come Monday, we'd be reunited with our office tables once again where we sweat and toil and dribble responsibilities. Only this time, we'll have that one Sunday to look back on - one weekend that made a whole lot of difference out of sand drawings and water splashes, and boat rides and sumptuous lunches. Not to mention, fresh sunburns and gorgeous tan lines=)
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