Baybay: It’s Not Just the Place, It’s the People Too

Population: 102,841.
Land Area: 180 square miles.
Bay Area: Stunning as they come.
Rubbish Content: Discordant for a developing country.  

For all intents and purposes, Baybay is still untapped. I hope it stays this way forever and a day. And if it does bloom, here’s wishing it won’t change the inhabitants for her allure isn't just the awe-inspiring sunsets, the old-world ambience or that idyllic island stride of the day, but more so because people embrace you with their smiles and sense of rectitude. 

 

In the “smile” meter, we (Taclobanons) can learn from Baybayanons, I waved to an unknown gentleman sitting on the side road while passing through and he stood up not just to wave back but also to tip his hat off, so to speak, is this not a breath of fresh air? They do not have Tacloban’s razzmatazz but on my word, that air of courtesy is one I would trade in half of a heartbeat. 

Baybay has a spectacular nature scene, if you have the majestic mountains to your back the deep blue sea is to your front and the carbon by-products are certainly kept to a minimum. An established university named VSU is also here, the university itself is secluded near the mountains and appears to be serious with education, now this part I am hoping will get more favor with funding so it may be developed as one of the country’s premier universities because the potential already exists. 

And on to the streets, where is the rubbish? Yes there is a stray wrapper here and there but certainly not mounds of it like in Tacloban and other major cities. I have not checked Baybay’s footing in terms of politics but this will make one curious, could good governance and enforcement of the law be the reason for the impression of their orderly locale? For certain, if people live in a milieu of peace and order, courtesy and warmth is a sequelae. 

If I could wish some things for Baybay, it would be for a culinary revolution and a bona fide library or bookstore. The street barbecues are heralded as one of the best in our region and 2 coffee shops are in business here but it could use more. The coffee shop named "Ciudad" is the one that stands out as it is located foremost by the bay with coffee and tea to be enjoyed both indoors or al fresco. Other than that, it is as revitalizing as far as island living goes.

Baybay.
Population: 102,841 today, soon to be 102, 843?

The Zapper:

Before continuing on with the outdoor adventures, cruising and resto food tasting, a word from our sponsor. Well, not really.

No, that’s not me with a fencing sport mask. It’s an insect zapper shaped like a tennis racket and it’s a very handy deadly weapon against island nemeses such as the mosquito, fly, fruit flies, bugs attracted to light and even yourself if you like to get an electric sort of high. The racket makes a stunning sound when the target finally gets electrocuted, burns and dies. I understand it sounds vengeful but if you live here in the Philippines, you will appreciate the death of these vectors and knowing you had a hand in their demise, albeit only one bug at a time. The item can be purchased in department and general merchandise stores such as Gaisano, Save more, Robinson's Place at the home section items and the hubs got ours at "578" Store for a nominal amount.
Bzzzt..
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