They Say I'm Addicted to the Beach Like It's My Heroin.

I've had the most trips to the beach this 2010 in my lifetime and I still think a little over a dozen is not enough. I don't know what keeps drawing me back but I know it's where I'm most ecstatic. Feeling the burning heat of the sun, the smell of sea and sunscreen on my skin, the warm breeze of the ocean, how swimming in cold waters beats my bedroom AC unit, and feeling the brittleness of the sand in my toes- is my recipe for a natural high. And oh! Seeing my friends get the same feeling gives me that extra dose of high. Now I'm beginning to sound like a junkie. Lol. I've had the most damaged skin ever, my hair experienced its most dry state, and my tan lines seem to not fade as this year draws to its near end. But I do not complain, all these seem to be all worth it. So I've counted down the beaches I've been to this year and ranked one as my most favorite.

#6

Tingko Beach

Alcoy, Cebu

I was surprised that this quaint little town down Cebu south owned this white sand beach. The town is a good 2-3 hours bus ride from the city and this beach is situated just by the roadside. Aside from the white sand and clear waters, the beach has the most amazing reef so I had to be in this place twice this year!

#5

Durhan Beach

Tabuelan, Cebu

Just like Alcoy town, Tabuelan is 2-3 hours away from the metropolis but this town is located up northern Cebu. You won't realize how beautiful this beach is unless the tide is really high. It has the finest white sand and the water is oh so clear. Accommodation is decently priced too! I'll definitely be back for a second, third, fourth, nth time!

#4

Basdako Beach

Moalboal, Cebu

This beach has always been an all-time favorite for quick weekend getaways that it made me frequent the place three times this year. Yes, it has become slightly overrated but I still love this beach. It has a long stretch of white sand (though not that fine but it's so white) and the coral reef is to die for. This is where I want to go everytime I feel like communing with nature underwater. I happen to be good at snorkeling! (I think)

#3

Dumaluan Beach

Panglao Island, Bohol

Its my second time in this beach with my last time being on 2009. It left me wanting for more and I had to come back this year. Dumaluan beach is world-class (at least to my taste). I swear I felt like I was in Cancun beach when I was there! The sand is powdery white just as it is powdery fine. And the waters? It perfectly mirrored the deep blue hues of the sky. I will be back next year!

#2

Boracay Island

Off Aklan in Panay Island

My third time this year and I still can't get enough. The beauty of the white beach and the waters in Boracay is a given but for some reason I always do not find myself swimming or lazing in the sand everytime I visit this world-renowned tourist destination. But don't get me wrong! I just always run out of time to do those when I'm here - it's like graveyard shift in this island for me. Nights in the island always throb with parties here and there so wake up call means past lunch time the next day. It gets really hot during mid-day so most of the time I have to pass on the swimming!

#1

Budyong Beach

Bantayan Island, Bantayan Cebu

The island is situated off the northernmost tip of the Cebu island so that means its 4-4.5 hours of ass-numbing bus ride + an hour ferry ride to reach this paradise (roughly 3+ hours if you bring your own ride). If it's your first time to visit the island, the travelling part of the trip is going to be excruciating. I have frequented the island countless times now so 4 hours seem like 2 hours for me (by countless I mean 8 times...lol). I won't even bother describing how breath-taking this island is. The fact that this is my number 1 says it all. Go find out for yourself!

p.s.

I took all these photos!

So, how am I as a photographer? lol