Throwback 2017: My ‘Muladbucad’ Soul-Searching Experience

I haven’t thought of this for a while, but there was yet another beach that fascinated me during my summer escapade last April 2017 – the Muladbucad beach!

Talk about another impulsivity, but it was when I went back to Bicol on March 2017 after I resigned at my previous job in Manila for 11 months. I don’t know why or how, but I suddenly felt depression kicking in when I knew there wouldn’t be a salary to look forward to every 15th and 30th day of the month this time, and my last paycheck could still be claimed a month after. Ergo, I was broke.

That was also the time I got diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome on January 2017 due to my on-again-off-again fever. I thought it was dengue when I decided to get checked up at St. Luke’s Medical Center, BGC since my fever hadn’t stopped for a week! Back then I was asked to take contraceptive pills by my OB so my period would regulate. But since it was making me super fat back then, I immediately stopped the prescription.

That was what caused my initial concealed depression, in all honesty. But it was later that year when I realized it was because of the contraceptive pill I stopped taking. If you happen to experience delayed menstruations and irrational hormonal imbalance, you might want to check out this article to see if you’ve got PCOS too.

Anyway, going back.

Due to my unemployment, I decided to go back to freelance writing and editing academic papers. To cut the long story short, I landed at few jobs at Upwork, and had this offline client from De La Salle University (DLSU), Manila who paid me P5, 000 ($100) for three essays. I’m glad I helped her get a grade higher than she was expecting.

Since I’ve got the money to pay my bills, I decided to go out and about alone to travel.  At first I was rooting for Paguirian Island in Sorsogon, but thought it was too far away from home. Eventually, after posting a Facebook status asking how to get there, here’s my grade school teacher recommending another: the Muladbucad beach in Manito, Albay.

The night before, I bought myself a new one-piece swimsuit, snacks to bring along with me, a selfie stick, and packed money. Since my mom and dad didn’t allow me to travel alone yet, they let me bring my brother with me.

Here’s the instruction on how to get there if you’re from Legazpi:

1. Ride a jeep going to Manito, Albay at the jeepney terminal located near the Legazpi Bus and Van Grand Terminal. If you happen to miss the ride, proceed at the back of Albay Cathedral and there are jeeps you can find there that are on standby to wait for passengers. It’s going to be a long 2-3 hour drive from Legazpi, so you better have breakfast before boarding.

2. Once you arrive at the Centro of Manito (Manito proper), rent a tricycle going to Muladbucad beach. That’s roughly a 15-30-minute ride.

You will end up on a small esikinita (lane) going to the beach as it is located underground. What’s cooler is that you’ll be experiencing free trekking until you hit the bridge where you can pay the entrance fee of P10 (¢2 cents) before you get there.

This is how amazing Muladbucad Beach experience was! It was really fascinating to look at!

The main reason why I did this because I wanted to break-free from stress and soul-search. I wanted healing so bad that I really did end up going to places just to search ‘me.’ Glad it was worth every penny. And I’m GLAD I did bring my brother with me (although I shouldered all his expenses) because it would be TOO boring to go alone.

We’ve had an amazing conversation about life, love, and all of that – which we rarely do nowadays due to our busy schedules – and had a good laugh with the local kids there, thinking I was an ‘actress’ because I looked ‘too beautiful.’ LOL!  

My brother and I went home at 1 PM and got back in Legazpi at 3 PM.

We’ve had late lunch since then.

Overall, this experience was amazing. Although I found it too boring because I was scared to get tanned and didn’t have much itinerary to go to, the good conversation I had with my brother, the laughter, and the amazing view deemed worthy.

If you’re from Manila (or outside of the Philippines, having your vacation in Manila and are interested to visit this unspoiled beach), here’s how to get here:

Via Bus

1. Book a 12-hour bus ride from Cubao or Pasay going to Legazpi, Albay (Bicol). Usual air-conditioned bus fare is at P800 – P900 pesos.

2. Apply steps 2 and 3 from the “From Legazpi” directions.

Via Plane

1. If you’re going for a plane ride, and touched-down Legazpi airport, ride a tricycle from the Airport exiting Airport road.

2. Ride a Letter “B” going to Legazpi and drop-off at Pacific Mall, Metro Gaisano mall. You have the option to walk or ride the Jeep terminal there, so it’s entirely your choice.

3. Apply steps 2 and 3 from the “Legazpi directions.”

Now, this is if you want to go there at a minimum cost. However, if you’re feeling excited to be there at the beach, you can always call for a taxi ride from the airport.

By the way…

I’m pretty sure you’ll appreciate the beach more as it is raw, untouched, and unspoiled. Meaning, Muladbucad beach in Manito, Albay isn’t commercialized yet, unlike the Calaguas Island.

Everything feels serene, peaceful, and happy. It’s perfect for people who want to relax and have a peace of mind. And mind you, there is no signal there, so if you’re literally escaping from the toxicity of the urban, Muladbucad beach is one of the best choice!