From the moment we arrived on Biliran, we were welcomed with open arms by Rudy and Paola, who live in a simple but lively wooden house with their five children. Rudy, a fisherman by trade, often took us out to sea. I was able to go out with him, learning to fish and to recognise the best fish. I loved spending time with these fishermen, watching them and understanding a little of their life. A simple, happy life.
Paola, for her part, stays at home and looks after her children and the garden. She taught us to make sinigang, a kind of sour fish broth made with vinegar; we spent lovely moments in the garden picking the right herbs, or at the market in Naval. Meals were a chance to see a little of the children, who were at school during the day. The children, always curious and cheerful, taught me a few words of Visayan, and every day with them was full of games and discoveries. And what about the karaoke evenings at friends’ houses! Such fun.
The day at Sambawan was magnificent, and don’t forget to bring earplugs: the engine is deafening!
The family picnic at the waterfalls was a lovely day. The children climbed up the rocks to jump from higher up; it was great to watch. Knowing that this is their everyday life really made us think of this island as a paradise.
We got a little carried away when Rudy suggested a Lechon Baboy. We should have chosen a small pig: that one fed the whole family plus the neighbours, whom Rudy ended up inviting! Still, it was a wonderful moment of sharing. And then there was the feeling of having helped, a little, to improve some people’s everyday menu.
Living with Rudy and Paola showed us a very enriching kind of simplicity, based on constant attentiveness. There was no room for artifice aimed at tourists; everything was authentic and deeply human. This experience made us realise how beautiful life can be when it is lived so simply and truly.
When we had to say goodbye, it was a bittersweet moment. Although they are not very demonstrative, we could see a great deal of emotion in their shy eyes. We left part of our hearts on Biliran, taking with us indelible memories and a new perspective on what it really means to live.
ChezMamang.fr is not just a travel service; it is a bridge to genuine human exchange, and we are grateful to have lived this unforgettable adventure. Charles-Eric and Diane in France did a preparation job that blew us away. On the ground, Rose was wonderful: from her welcome in Tacloban until our departure, she regularly checked in to see how we were doing. We are delighted to have been the first to try out Chez Mamang, and thank you for organising all of this at such short notice!
Alexis and Claire, Paris 11e.
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