My girlfriend’s mother is from Baybay, a small city located in Southern Leyte. We actually visited her last summer! At first, though, I really didn’t expect much. Being and having lived in a fast-paced, modern city since my birth, the thought of staying over in small quaint town did seem overwhelming. And having to find out that we’ll be staying there for more than 2 weeks did made me cringe and wonder at the same time. Luckily, all of my fears were realized – living in Baybay may have been the one of the most fulfilling and wonderful experiences that I’ve ever encountered in my life. Want to know why? Let’s check out some of the reasons why Baybay is such a cool and fun place to be in:
Ride a potpot
A potpot is basically Baybay’s commonly used mode of public transportation. It’s a bike, with a small metallic extension used as a seat. It does come in two versions – one that uses a standard, manually-pedaled bicycle; the other using a motorcycle. It’s a thrill and fun time riding in one. It makes a good photography subject as well – either a shot of a single potpot, or a crowded street filled with wonderful vehicles. What does make the potpot such a fun ride is the conversations with the drivers. Since its such a small, quaint town, the potpot drivers would usually recommend some of the city’s best spots to visit. Also, they offer a great way of getting to know how citizens from a small town live their daily lives. It’s a humble – yet very fulfilling – job, of meeting and speaking with strangers.
Go to the beach
Baybay is mainly known for its seaside attractions. The beach may not be as progressive as some of the best beaches in the Philippines, it even lacks proper tourist facilities – but that’s just what makes it so great. It’s a primal, down-to-earth experience, of being in a beach nearly untouched by man’s progress. Early dawn walks in the sand offers treats of all sorts. Hundreds of small lobsters crawl around, providing a fun experience for kids and kids-at-heart. If you do get the chance to visit the beach during the low tide, you’re in for an even bigger surprise. Local fisherman, up even at the unholiest of hours, would have their freshly caught sea bounties for the market. You’ll be lucky if you spot a fisherman just about to get off his boat. He’ll offer you a very good price for possibly the freshest catch you’ll ever get to taste!
Feast on Kinilaw
And in terms of fish delicacies, make sure to feast on Baybay’s Kinilaw. Kinilaw is basically raw fish mixed with vinegar, sort of very similar to the Japanese sashimi. These gastronomic delights can either be found from the many fisherman haunts in the city, or by vendors hawking their wares door-to-door. It’s truly a great addition to complete your day – it can even be considered a full meal in itself!
I do hope I get the chance to get visit this wonderful city. It sure changed my perception on living in a big city. I’d rather live my life – hopefully with my girlfriend – in a quiet, peaceful and friendly town like Baybay, than in progressive, profit-driven metropolis.