Romblon Island

Tucked away in the mountains of Romblon is a small Christians in Action church.  I was invited to speak at their anniversary service.  So the journey began ...

We took a high speed vessel from Bacolod to Ilo Ilo.  From Ilo Ilo to Cataclan we took a van.  Upon arrival in Cataclan we took a trike to a beach and boarded a small pump boat for a two hour cruise on the open water to the port of Santa Fe.  There was no shade and we fried under the baking sun.

Upon arrival in Santa Fe we discovered that the last jeepney had departed for the day so we rented two motorbikes and road on the back of them for a three hour journey thorough the mountains.  It was raining, which helped cool the sunburn from the voyage on the pump boat.

Upon arrival at the port in San Agustin we discovered that the last ship to Romblon had departed and the next one was not for another 12 hours.  We ate dinner and spent the night in San Agustin.

Early the next morning we boarded the ship and sailed in the port of Romblon.

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After arrival at the port of Romblon (pictured behind me), we were met by Pastor Ronaldo and taken to our hotel.

The name of the hotel is the Marble House.  Do not be deceived.  It was in fact made of marble, but it lacked a/c and our room was located on the street side.  Aside from the noise of the traffic, we had the roosters wake us before the sun rose.

We had a few days to travel the island before the service.  This allowed us to see the beauty of this hidden paradise.  It truly is a very beautiful place.  The journey in an out is exhausting, but well worth the voyage.

On Sunday I spoke at the church then had the opportunity to dedicate four babies.  It was an honor to speak at Pastor Ronaldo's church.

Monday morning at 0600 we caught the first ship to the port of San Agustin.  From there we took a four hour jeepeny ride to the port of Looc.  Upon arrival at Looc we were anxious to catch the first boat to Caticlan with dreams of making it to Ilo Ilo and catching the last ship to Bacolod.

The trike driver saw the anxiousness in our face and asked where we were going.  We said we wanted the next boat to Caticlan.  He said "9:00 tomorrow morning.  The hotel is over there". 

We spent the night in Looc then caught the first ship to Caticlan. 

The trip was to be three hours, but the ship's engine broke and we drifted for 30 minutes while they repaired it.  Upon arrival in Caticlan we caught a van to Ilo Ilo in hopes of getting the last boat into Bacolod.  We arrived with 15 minutes to spare and made it home in just two days.

It is an adventure that everyone should try.  Romblon is really a great place to see.