The Place I Will Always Miss — Bonawon, Siation, Negros Oriental

Hello Hivers, it’s me @cupckate. For this blog, I will be talking about the place that I always miss the most. ❤️‍🔥 Have you ever had a place so special that even the simple thought of it puts a smile to your face? A place where every corner carries a memory, every aroma takes you back, and every sound seems like a warm embrace? For me, it is Bonawon, a small but vibrant community in Siaton, Negros Oriental. This place is more than just simply a location on a map for me, it is a treasure rich of memories, emotions, and moments that have created who I am today.  I remember the very first time we went and eventually moved there. I was really scared and didn’t want to leave. It would be a new environment, a new home, and new friends (I guess??) for me. And it would take a lot of time for me to adjust. The day finally came when we would be moving to Bonawon. I recall sitting in the ceres liner bus, clutching my favorite toy, and quietly watching the scenery change as we drove. I felt both excited and anxious. What would this place look like? Will I ever feel at home here? My fear and overthinking melted away as we arrived. I was stunned by how breathtakingly beautiful the place was. The air smelled so fresh, and the sound of the waves softly caressing against the shore gave me a unique sensation of serenity. Tall coconut palms swayed in the breeze, and the sight of children playing outdoors made me realize that maybe this transition wasn't that terrible after all. Looking back, that move marked the start of a new chapter, one that I never thought I would treasure for the rest of my life.  Sadly, after two years of living in Bonawon, my parents decided to move back to Danao City. After that day, I felt a part of me was missing. I missed the quiet mornings, the sound of the waves, and the welcoming faces of the Bonawonon. It felt like I had left a piece of my heart behind. Even now, I find myself wondering about the life we once had there. These are those things I really miss the most in Bonawon: (1) First, is their Puto (made with glutinous rice) mixed with hot chocolate (‘sikwate’ in Cebuano) and white sugar. There’s no puto quite like the puto in Bonawon. Up until now, I still crave for their puto. But sadly, there’s no puto here that taste the same in Bonawon. The puto and hot chocolate are usually served at the painitan. This "painitan (comes from the word "painit" which is translated in English as ‘to warm up’, and adding the an at the end of this word turns it into a word for a place to eat and keep them warm at the same time) word means a spot where some small snacks are being sold, especially for those who are early risers. These light snacks are meant to keep them warm and make them satisfied until they can have a heavier breakfast. In Bonawon, these are located near the sea, where most of the early risers are fishermen and people who will wait for the fishermen to arrive at the shore.  (2) Second, this may sound weird, but it’s the sound of the pumpboats at around 4:30pm – 6pm. This means that the fishermen will now go fishing at their designated area (each one of them have an area where they will fish to avoid conflict, and others are not allowed to go there unless they have permission). It’s one of those things that I do really miss because when I was still a kid, I used to watch my Papa whenever he would go fishing. I would watch him until he was out of my sight. And in the morning, during weekends, I will wait for him to come home. Then, we will eat puto with hot chocolate together (my Mama is not too fond with eating Puto, that’s why it is just me and my Papa).  (3) Third, my friends. I miss all of our bonds and tend to reminisce about all the memories we’ve shared together, such as those moments when we play near the sea. We used to laugh freely. I still miss the simple joy of spending time with them. Even though we are now separated, those memories will forever remain with me, and I want to make more with them in the future.  (4) Fourth, the sunset and sunrise. I miss Bonawon's calm sunsets and sunrises. The sky would transform into lovely tones of orange and pink, putting a soothing glow over everything. It was the ideal time to pause, take a deep breath, and appreciate the simple beauty of nature. Watching the sun rise and set near the water always gave me a sense of calmness and peace.  (5) Fifth, aside from my friends, is everyone who lives there. Bonawonon residents are really nice, helpful, and thoughtful. They are one of the reasons why I was able to adapt with the environment in such a short period of time. Their friendliness made me feel welcome from the very start. Whether it was a neighbor providing a helping hand or a stranger greeting me with a smile, the people of Bonawon made me feel right at home. Their sense of companionship is something I will always cherish.  (6) Sixth, is the fresh seafood there. I really miss the various seafood found in Bonawon — fresh, healthy, and very tasty. The seafood, from shrimp, squid, crabs, and fish, is always caught fresh and prepared to perfection. It's among the best parts that contributes to the uniqueness and special memory that can be made by each of various meals there.  Bonawon also has their fluvial parade for Sr. San Vicente Ferrer, held in the month of April, a day before the fiesta. This beautiful festival makes the community together, with colorful boats and memorable celebrations along the river. It's a special ceremony that highlights the town's strong religious and cultural ties and gives all the people a wonderful chance to feel the friendliness and warmth of Bonawon. The town's essence is captured in the fluvial parade, which is a memorable experience for both locals and visitors.  What a wonderful people, foods, and a place to live or have a vacation right? Don't worry! Just like other places, there are also different beaches and resorts near Bonawon that you can visit. Most of these paradises are just one and short ride away from Bonawon. Here are some beaches and resorts that you might want to visit, where you can relax and enjoy the stunning views of the sea. 1. Sevens Hideaway Beach Resort (called before as ‘Villa Maria Luisa Beach Resort’) 2. Kookoo’s Nest 3. Antulang Beach Resort 4. MajectView Events and Resort There are also additional stunning waterfalls there, if you're feeling adventurous and want to explore further. These are some that you might wish to go to. They're ideal for those who appreciate the outdoors, a place with peace and beauty of falling water. 1. Mantabios Waterfalls Adventure 2. Bobong (Calangag) Waterfalls 3. Pasalan Waterfalls 4. Balanan Waterfalls 🌊 Whether it’s a day by the beach or an adventure to a hidden gem, this place has something for everyone. Its natural beauty, warm people, and peaceful atmosphere make it a perfect destination to relax, recharge, and reconnect with nature. No matter what kind of traveler you are, Bonawon will leave you with an unforgettable memories and a feeling of longing to come back. 🏝