Dosplaya Day 2 - Robinson Crusoe Day

Wednesday, February 4th, 2026

Sunkissed and ocean-blissed!

I woke up so early when it was still dark outside. I was surprised to see that Papu had already gone out. I slowly walked towards the beach as the first brush of orange painted the horizon. 

Nothing soothes the soul like a day by the water

The world was still sleepy. The sea had pulled its waves in like a slippery silk blanket. The secret gems of the ocean laid bare on the sea shore waiting to be picked. Papu and I walked along the beach looking for tiny treasures, a small piece of bright orange coral here, a cute shell with a star-print there...

"Shell-abrating life"

Papu embracing her inner Moana

Early mornings were especially magical. During low tide, the sea would recede far out, leaving wide stretches of shallow water. We would walk through it slowly, collecting  shells and corals. One morning I found a large, beautiful white shell that I absolutely loved.

The island was full of quiet little joys like that.

Papu held her big shell in the crook of her arm using it as a bowl as she walked along the beach collecting little shells. She wanted to display her beautiful collection with a handful of pearls strewn among the corals.

What a pretty sight that would be! And to think that we handpicked each one of them in paradise!

Starting the day with a smile and a plate of deliciousness!

 Happiness is a deserted tropical island

We wandered along the beach eager to explore. What else in store in this beautiful island?

Good times and tan lines

We saw a small path cutting across the island through tbe bushes and coconut trees. Wonder where this would lead us...

Those days there were wonderfully relaxed. Mika and I spent much of our time just being still — doing a bit of Bible study, talking about life, watching the sun rise and set, and walking slowly around the island.

A vacation is having nothing to do and all day to do it in!

The path ended in a beautiful resort on the other edge of the island with hammocks and beach chairs to chill. We found a shady scenic spot and settled down.

Sometimes we just need some time in a beautiful place to clear our minds

This was an ultimate island getaway! Silky sand under our feet, lazy hammock to sit on and a gentle sea breeze. We were lounging, talking, sharing about God's word. 

Master Study

We study the masterpiece to know more about the Master. We should take time to consider the lillies, to wonder about the sunset colors, to watch the sparrows...Jesus asked us to!

We sat there till lunch time. I walked along the beach looking for shells and coral pieces. I enjoyed the huge rocks on the beach where the waves were crashing and rolling making the rough edges so smooth.

Even the little flowers with their bright colors, the pretty shape, the soft petals, the symmetry...everything jumped at us evoking a renewed appreciation for God's creation as we walked back to our room. 

Papu wrote a song later praising God with a video of all the flowers in her garden!

Walking a pig on the beach...such a Philippines thing to do!

You can find me where the sand meets the water

Yummy in my Tummy!

Chicken topped with creamy sauce and mushrooms and a crispy plate of spring rolls!

Massage Time

As an ultimate pampering Rose arranged for a massage for us at the beach. Can this day get any better!

In between meals, we played Scrabble, watched Pride and Prejudice, and even got a relaxing massage on the beach. The whole place had this peaceful, healing atmosphere — the kind of place where you could truly rest and recharge.

We dressed up and shot some reels

Unforgettable island memories!

Let’s wander where the Wi-Fi is weak

Our stay was in a cozy tent-style room. It was like a small open hut covered with cloth, with a zipper entrance. Just outside was our private bathroom, a short walk away. At the entrance of the tent there was even a basin filled with water so we could wash the sand from our feet before stepping inside. We would climb a few small wooden steps and enter our little island home.

It truly felt like living the island life.

Golden Hour...sky on fire!

My happy place

This is how much "Vacation Papu" have evolved. We were sitting on the beach with front-seat views to the spectacular sunset and Papu asked me which drink I would like to have. "The most colorful one", I said. She walked over to the bar and came back with the most beautiful drinks for us to enjoy while watching the sun go down the ocean.

Sip, Sip, Hooray!

There we sat, on the bamboo chairs on the beach, watching Pride and Prejudice.

              Mr. Darcy, we like you...most ardently!

        The food was fantastic. The chef was very friendly and cooked everything with such care. 


      The world slows down when you're on island time

They say, "At the beach, life is different. Time doesn’t move hour to hour but mood to moment. We live by the currents, plan by the tides and follow the sun."

This is so true. We were on the island for only a day and a half so far but it felt like more than three days. 

In a good way.

 It was relaxing and fun. It was refreshing and delicious, It was engaging and beautiful all at the same time. That seemed to stretch the time into a string of endless sweet standstill moments.

We wanted to tally the account for the food we ordered, and when Rose gave us the final number we couldn't believe why it cost so less for 3 whole days. Even when we tried to count the number of meals we had while we were at Dosplaya, we couldn't count right because in our minds we were convinced it had been three days!