Vanilla Beach and Night market

 Monday, February 2, 2026

"Sunny days and sandy toes"

Vanilla Beach

We simply hopped onto a tuk-tuk and told the driver, “Take us to the best beach.” No research. No comparison charts. Just pure, spontaneous trust — in a random tuk-tuk driver.

But deep down, we weren’t really trusting randomness. We knew God was in control. After everything He had already carried us through, we were certain He would lead us to the right place.

And God did.

The driver took us to Vanilla Beach — and it was stunning. There was a stretch that almost felt like a mini open promenade leading toward the shore, and beyond it, the sea opened up wide and endless. The tide was high, the waves gentle but strong, and the entire place felt alive yet peaceful at the same time. La Isla Bonita Song by Madonna playing in the background.

We found our little spot and simply stayed.

As if the gentle waves and the powder sugar sand against the creamy sky is not perfect enough, there was a beautiful tree slanting into the ocean. Leaning against its age old branches while the waves kept slowly splashing at our feet felt very serene. If I could bottle that feeling, I would...

We watched the sunset slowly paint the sky in soft gold and peach.

We took countless photos. 

Happiness is the sunset and the seashore!

We sipped on chilled, yummy drinks and just soaked it all in.

There was no rush. No agenda.

Just calm.
Just peace.

Just two sisters sitting side by side, watching the sun disappear into the sea.

It was serene in a way that settles your heart.

My favorite color is sunset!

And in that quiet glow of the evening, I felt it again — this trip wasn’t just about travel. It was about togetherness. About joy. About being fully present.

Hanging out there with my sister, with the waves in front of us and the sky changing colors above us, felt almost too good to be true.

We got on a tuk-tuk and came back to El Nido downtown. As we walked towards our room to change and freshen up, an outdoor seafood BBQ on the beach caught our atttention.

Oh — and just when I thought the beach couldn’t surprise me more, something at the far end of the road caught my eye.

Right next to the shore was what I can only describe as a seafood paradise.

An entire display — laid out beautifully — of the freshest seafood imaginable. Big, glistening jumbo prawns. Massive shrimps. And lobsters. 

Real, stunning, almost majestic lobsters just sitting there like royalty waiting to be chosen.

For a full minute, I just stood there staring.

They were grilling everything right in front of us — flames dancing, butter sizzling, that smoky sea-salt aroma rising into the evening air. 

It looked unbelievably good. I really wanted to try the lobster. I should have tried the lobster.

Now when I think about it, I wonder why I didn’t just go for it. It looked so perfect, so fresh, so tempting. But for some reason, I just admired it… smiled… and moved on.

I know!!! Why didn't we try the lobster? Is that because the sight caught us by surprise and our brains weren't ready? I wish I could rewind time and just snatch one jumbo shrimp off the grill...grab just one lobster dripping with butter and dig into it right there near the waves...

Maybe I was too full. Maybe I was overwhelmed. Or maybe something else was waiting for me later.

But that sight — the glowing grill, the jumbo seafood, the ocean just steps away — is still etched in my memory.

Some regrets are small and delicious. And that lobster might just be one of them.

Well...we always need something to look forward to...maybe we can go back one day and enjoy it! One day...

Serena Rooms

Our room was simple, but so cozy — it had everything we needed. There was a bunk bed, which immediately made it feel like a school trip all over again.

And of course, Mika quickly claimed her territory.

Before I could even think about choosing a side, she had already thrown one of her jatti (yikes) dramatically onto the top bunk — a clear declaration: This is mine. It was so unexpected and territorial that I burst out laughing. That was her official “reservation system.”

She took the top bunk.

                                                                  

But I must say, I got the better deal.

The lower bunk was wide, spacious, and incredibly cozy. It came with a big, warm blanket that felt like a hug at the end of a long day — something the poor top bunk didn’t have. I secretly felt quite victorious about that arrangement.

Yes, the lower bunk was twice as big...but top is the top, always the best!

After resting a bit, we dressed up and stepped out again, excited for the evening. 

We wandered through the night market, picked up a few lovely things, soaked in the lights and buzz. 

I got a key chain with a small Philippines style boat and a wooden board that said El Nido. I used the boat as a souvenir and converted the name to a magnet.

While we were browsing the roadside shops, we met the group of boys from the Puerto Princesa airport. They were very excited that they managed to visit the underground river before leaving for El Nido in the van. They also had finished one of the Island Hopping Tour. When I asked them how that went, they were all mumbling a little. 

I asked them why didn't seem very excited about the tour they said that many of the boys in their group didn't know how to swim and while snorkeling they ended up drinking a lot of sea water. They said that the snorkeling gear didn't fit well and water kept going up the tube into their mouths. Poor guys.

Later on while we were looking for a restaurant, I saw them entering the Indian restaurant for biriyani!!! I was laughing why there were eating biriyani in Philippines...One of the boys named Rukmanthesh was really cool. They were headed to Cebu after one more day of island hopping.

Then began the very important mission of finding the perfect dinner spot.

And we did.

It was cozy, intimate, and the food was absolutely delicious. One of those places where you sit down and instantly know you made the right choice.

We sure did make the right choice! A huge restaurant right on the beach with no one but us, the young attentive waiter boy who gave us good suggestions to try, the sound of the waves in the background...

Dinner that night deserves its own page in this diary.

Garlic shrimp soaked in butter — rich, glossy, dripping with flavor. Each bite was warm, garlicky heaven. Then came the thinly shaved fried beef, perfectly cooked, tossed with those oh-so-heavenly green chillies that made every mouthful exciting. Paired with fragrant garlic rice, it was comfort and fire all at once.

I had wine.

What a tall glass of wine that was!!!

Mika had the most beautiful tri-colored drink — layered, vibrant, almost too pretty to disturb. 

It perfectly matched my dress too!

We spoke.We drank.We laughed.

Papu shared what she learnt from the Bible about fish and the ocean.

Conversations flowed as easily as the wine. And yes — after a sip or two, everything in life suddenly felt clearer, lighter, funnier. Hehe.

Empty plates, happy tummy!

Papu in a little mappu :)

When we were done, we didn’t rush back.

Then came one of the best moments of this vacation...

We walked along the beach, the night air wrapping around us, waves softly crashing beside us. And of course, we sang —

“Oorai therinchikiten, ulagam purinchikiten, kanmani en kanmani…”

Loud enough for the sea to hear us.

And in that moment, it truly felt like we had understood the world a little better. Or at least, we understood happiness.

Good food.
Good music.
The ocean.
And my sister beside me.

What more could anyone need?

Maybe we should have gone for the massage too at the end of the day ?!!!

That night we went to sleep on the bunk bed. After we got ready in the morning, we wanted to check out of the room and we were looking for the room key. Only then did we realize I had left the key on the door outside our room. The way that place was situated, everyone had to cross or door to get to their room. We were very thankful to God for His divine protection. 

Unless the Lord watches over the city,

    the guards stand watch in vain.

Ps. 127:1