While our canyoneering and whale shark adventures stood out as top highlights of our entire trip so far, my favorite part of the Philippines was getting to see my parents visiting from the U.S. and reconnect with lots of my extended family whom I hadn’t seen in six years. And one of the best days we all had together was when we went island hopping around Cebu.

Our large group of around 25 people gathered early one Sunday morning to board our private, chartered catamaran. We loaded the boat up with lots of food, drinks, and snacks to take us through the day, and then we we set sail on the sea.

Our first stop was by Pandanon Island—though technically, we just stayed in the water and never touched land so we could avoid paying an island tax. We all jumped into the deep water and swam across a sea urchin-filled algae patch to a shallow area, perfect for hanging out in the sunshine.

During this time, local fisherman flocked our boat to sell fresh seafood. We took some conch to go!

I also loved playing with my cousins’ children Button and Chill (and Banana, when she wasn’t being too skeptical of me). They are all so cute and fun-loving, and Button in particular is a very adventurous swimmer!

After about an hour of playing in the sea, we boarded the boat for our huge lunch: lechon (roasted pig), pancit noodles, grilled squid, fried chicken, and, of course, rice. This feast was a perfect prelude to relaxing, chatting, and napping on the boat as we sailed around the islands.

The final stop was a marine sanctuary off the coast of Ollango Island, where we could admire some fish and coral—plus continue just goofing around together as we swam and jumped in the sea!

It really was a great day, not just because I love the ocean and swimming, but because I got to spend it with so much of my family. It’s hard to not be able to see my cousins, aunts, and uncles more regularly, so I’m grateful for what time I do get with them—and we can’t wait to see everyone again on our next trip back to the Philippines!

Thank you J.B. and Jovel for the pictures!