Coron, Palawan

I've read about this single-bullet theory in one of Michael Connelly's books. "You can fall in love and make love many times but there is only one bullet with your name etched on the side. And if you are lucky enough to be shot with that bullet then the wound never heals." Don't get me wrong, I've already met the love of my life. But with all the places I've been to in the Philippines---Coron, Palawan is definitely my bullet. It was love at first sight. Picturesque rock formations. Crystal-clear water. Fine white sand beaches. And ultimately, the beauty of what I saw underwater.

Looking back, it was my trip to Coron in December 2009 that ignited my love for diving. Went there with my Sumasabog na Kalan or SNK friends. We were 10 in the group. We checked into Coron Reef Pension House in the city proper. It is probably one of the cheapest accommodation in the area with an overnight aircon room rate of P1,500 for 8 pax, just add P100 for extra bed.

We were able to explore the city and nearby islands for 3 days:

1. Kayangan Lake tagged as the cleanest lake in the country featuring rock formations, caves and islets

2. Twin Peaks where we enjoyed endless snorkelling

3. Privately owned Vivian Beach with a unique strip of white sand beach

4. Isolated Coron Youth Club Beach where you can lounge on the white sand and snorkel to your heart's content

5. Barracuda Lake where you can experience a different mix of temperature called thermocline. This has been named such because of the discovery of a large barracuda fish skeleton in its depths.

6. Siete Picados Marine Park also known as the "Seven Sins" and stands true to its name as the islands boast of amazing marine life

7. Maquinit Hot Springs, which is one of only few saltwater hot springs in the world

The group just shared the (P2,200-P3,500) rental for the boat each day. Snorkeling endlessly in Coron made me realize how blessed the country's marine life is...and can sometimes be dangerous. While snorkeling around East Tangat Wreck, I was stung by a sea urchin! Good thing my friend, Dee-aye, offered to urinate in a container and it was immediately applied as first aid. Somehow it managed to lessen the agonizing pain. Be careful of sea urchins when snorkeling---always keep in mind to wear booties or any protection for the feet. It's also good to bring a handy pouch of vinegar as it is the best first aid for usual sea injuries.

Seeing the East Tangat Wreck during our last day made up my mind about diving. I promised myself to get certified as a diver and I did. I was back in Coron 3 years later. Was able to dive in 3 World War II shipwrecks, Barracuda Lake, Twin Peaks and Siete Picados.

Tip to fellow divers: Don Pedro Street in Coron is lined-up with various dive shops. We looked around and found the cheapest dive shop in the area, Coral Bay Dive Center. Back then, the package for 3 dives including lunch is P2,500. Cheaper by P500 compared to the rest. Hope their price didn't change though.

Coron Reef Pension House contact numbers: 0919-887-7151, 0918-336-1661