A Family Trip to Lapu-Lapu and the Treasures of the Sea

 Our trip to Lapu-Lapu was one I had been looking forward to a simple escape to enjoy the fresh air and spend quality time with my cousins and tita. That morning, the atmosphere already felt exciting as we all prepared for the drive. I snapped this photo of Kuya Ruben and Papatito in the front seat. We were riding in Papatito’s Hilux, but it was Kuya Ruben who took the wheel for the trip. I remember how the cool morning breeze came in through the open windows, mixing with the laughter and chatter inside the car. The road stretched ahead, and with every turn, it felt like we were leaving behind the busyness of the week and heading toward a place where we could simply relax and enjoy. In the front seat, Kuya Ruben was focused on driving, but you could still see the little smile on his face. Beside him, Papatito seemed content, looking out at the passing scenery. For me, it was more than just a picture—it was a snapshot of family togetherness.  While on the road, we couldn’t help but notice how heavy the traffic was. We left at around 3 in the afternoon, expecting to arrive much earlier, but time seemed to move slower than the cars ahead of us. By the time the clock was almost striking 6, we still hadn’t reached our destination. We were already in Lapu-Lapu, so close to where we wanted to be, yet the traffic was still crawling. Despite the delay, we made the most of the moment—chatting, laughing, and enjoying the ride together, reminding ourselves that the journey is also part of the adventure.  In this photo, we were already in Barangay Buaya, Lapu-Lapu City. This place is known for its mercado, a busy seafood market where fresh catches from the sea are sold every day. You can smell the ocean breeze mixed with the aroma of grilled seafood from nearby stalls. The market sits close to the shoreline, and you can almost hear the gentle waves if you listen closely. Even though we were already here, we still hadn’t reached our final destination. Still, the sight of the market and the sea made the trip feel more alive and exciting as we continued on.  In this photo, I captured a building that caught my attention while we were still on the road. The sky was already turning dark since it was almost 7 in the evening, a reminder of how long we had been stuck in heavy traffic. Even so, the moment felt peaceful in its own way. The warm lights from the building contrasted beautifully against the deepening night sky. I couldn’t help but admire its design—the clean lines, the glowing windows, and the way it stood out in the dim surroundings. We were almost at our destination, and this view made the wait worth it.  I made sure to bring a balde with me because I knew we were going to collect shells, crabs, and maybe even jellyfish later—yes, manginhas was part of the plan! I didn’t want to arrive unprepared, so I thought it would be best to have something ready to put all our finds in. The excitement was building as I imagined the fun we’d have exploring the shore, bending down to spot small treasures in the sand and shallow water. I was with my cousin, tita, and friends, and I knew the experience would be even better with them around. We were all eager to see what the sea had to offer that day. For me, this balde wasn’t just a container—it was part of the adventure, a little reminder that sometimes, being ready makes moments like this even more memorable. I couldn’t wait to finally get started.  This is my cousin Johnrey. We decided to leave him and the three young nephews in the car because it was already nighttime, and it could be dangerous for the kids. It felt safer for them to stay inside while we headed toward the shore. The sea was already at low tide, which meant it was the perfect time for shellfish gathering. The moonlight shimmered faintly on the wet sand, and the sound of the waves called us closer. While they waited in the car, we were ready to explore the shallow waters and see what treasures we could find.  By this time, I was already home. I had just finished cooking the crabs we gathered earlier. I wasn’t able to take any pictures while collecting shells and crabs because I didn’t want to risk dropping my phone into the water, and I also wanted to focus on the moment. It was better to fully enjoy the experience rather than worry about taking photos. By the time we got back to the car, I was already feeling tired, so I didn’t even bother using my phone on the way home. As soon as I arrived, I went straight to the kitchen to start cooking so everyone could enjoy the fresh catch. The aroma of the crabs filled the house, and soon my whole family gathered around the table. Sharing the food we had worked for together made the day even more special and worth every step of the adventure.