I love this beach

Bagasbas Beach
Daet, Camarines Norte

I have fond memories of this beach (well, mostly). I used to come here a lot as a child. It was always a treat to come here during the weekends just to sit in the sand, and play with the waves. I remember coming here in the evenings, too. As a treat, after having done our homework, my cousin would drive to the beach, and we were allowed to run around in the sand for a bit before heading back home to sleep.

But... I almost drowned here when I was 12. That thing about having flashbacks/images in your mind when you're about to die - that happened to me. When I went underwater, I saw images of the people I care about and thought about how they would feel when they find out I drowned. In my mind, I saw my mother crying and I thought, "I cannot die. I don't want her to cry." Then, someone saved me.

This beach and I, we have a history. So, it was just fitting that I pay homage to her. We dropped by on our way back to Manila and marveled at how much it has changed since we last saw it about six years ago. We would have loved to stay longer, play with the waves and soak in the sun but we didn't have the time. There will be other times though. Bagasbas remains waiting...