Once , I embarked on a journey to the remote island of Tawi-tawi in the Southern Philippines. My mission was to connect with the farmers of Sibuto who were seeking government assistance.
The regular boat trip to Sibuto was an arduous five-hour trip. I was in a hurry because I have to also go to Basilan. I turned to a trusted friend, a Muslim cleric with connections in Tawi-tawi, to help me secure a speedboat.
The night before, I slept in a small damp hostel. The quarters were snug, each room offering a solitary bed. Throughout the night, the relentless rain tapped persistently on my window, keeping me wide awake. Nearby, my secretary and my old guide sought refuge in adjacent rooms. The ceaseless downpour only deepened my concern for the impending journey.
At the crack of dawn, I reached out to Malik, the owner of the speedboat. I asked about the safety of our voyage given the persistent rain. Malik’s reassured me it was ok to travel. After a quick breakfast, took a tricycle to reach the beach where Malik was waiting. Malik was short, with a beard that bore the marks of sun and sea. He showed us a small yellow speedboat. It was small, meant to accommodate a mere six passengers. We were eight. Despite my reservations, Malik assured me that the boat could handle the load.
I sat at the front alongside Abdul, my tall and lean guide, while the remaining members of our group occupied the stern. With a mighty roar, the boat sprang to life, starting a turbulent journey. Huge relentless waves met us with salty splashes, and I clung firmly to my wooden seat, my heart racing. Our progress was frequently impeded as the boat came to an abrupt halt, ensnared by stubborn seaweed. Malik’s assistant would bend down and clean the stern while the waves would toss us; engine dead.
Suddenly, amidst the tempestuous trip, a farmer’s shouted: “whirlpool!” Just a scant 5 meters ahead, a colossal whirlpool swirled menacingly, threatening to engulf us in its voracious vortex. We teetered on the brink of calamity. Calmly, Malik expertly steered the boat away from the impending abyss, narrowly avoiding catastrophe. Amidst the chaotic expanse of the open sea, I became acutely aware of the fragility of human existence. A sigh of profound relief escaped my lips as the tranquil shores of Sibuto beckoned.
Upon our arrival, I couldn’t help but feel a profound sense of gratitude for the gift of life, for another day’s chance at adventure. The once tempestuous sea now lay serene and beautiful, and the sunrise painted the sky with hues of orange and pink, casting a shimmering golden path upon the gentle ripples of the ocean. It was a breathtaking spectacle, a poignant reminder of the simple yet profound beauty that surrounds us. In that moment, I realized that life’s most precious treasures often lie in the embrace of nature and the awe-inspiring wonders of the world.