There’s something magical about Makatira Island, or Hermana Menor, that makes me return to it time and time again. Its white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and the sense of tranquility it offers never fail to capture my heart. I had the opportunity to revisit this beautiful island recently, and I was beyond excited. When I saw that LIVE MORE ADVENTURES AND TOURS was organizing an event there, I didn’t hesitate to sign up. It wasn’t just a getaway, though—it turned into a reunion of sorts for my fellow CAWAG PENTA co-participants, some of whom I hadn’t seen in quite a while. We were a group of 20 people, including the driver, all set to relive the magic of Makatira.
It had only been two weeks since my last visit, yet it felt like a lifetime. In those two weeks, I posted a blog entry and shared a series of photos on Facebook and Instagram, hoping to share the beauty of the island with my friends and followers. To my surprise, the island gained popularity almost overnight. I began seeing other event organizers promoting tours to Makatira Island, some even offering cheaper packages. But despite the options, I knew I had to stick with Live More. Why? Because I’ve been with them on previous trips, and I know their events are always a guaranteed good time. Their trips are filled with laughter, excitement, and genuine connections. I’ve always walked away with a heart full of memories and new friendships.
There’s something special about how quickly people bond on these trips. Some of the participants may be strangers when the day begins, but once everyone piles into the van, the atmosphere shifts. It’s like instant camaraderie forms, and by the end of the trip, we’re all friends—sharing jokes, and stories, and making memories together. Live More has an incredible way of bringing people together, and I was looking forward to that once again.
When we arrived at Makatira Island, I was initially surprised by the crowd. The last time I visited, the island had been peaceful and somewhat secluded, but this time, the number of people had doubled. It was evident that the island had become more popular since my last trip, which was a good thing in many ways. More people meant more attention for the island and its beauty, but I also wondered if the quiet, serene experience I had grown to love would still be there.
Luckily, we still had access to our old spot on the island—the one where no other tourists were around. It was the part of Makatira that felt like our own private paradise. As soon as we set foot there, all of my worries melted away. It felt like we had the entire island to ourselves once again, and it was the perfect escape. The soft sand beneath our feet, the sound of the waves gently crashing against the shore, and the lush greenery surrounding us—it was all so peaceful and beautiful. It was a reminder of why I keep coming back. The island’s magic is undeniable.
After settling into our space, it was wonderful to reconnect with old friends and make new ones. There’s always something so special about catching up with people you haven’t seen in a while, and this trip gave us that opportunity. We spent time reminiscing about past adventures, sharing stories of what had happened since we last saw each other, and making new memories along the way. The trip had a perfect balance of relaxation and adventure, with plenty of time to unwind and enjoy each other’s company.
One of the highlights of the trip came after our day tour of the island. As we made our way back to our spot, we were fortunate enough to spend some time with the locals who live along the shore. I wish I could remember their names, but I’ll never forget their warm hospitality. They welcomed us with open arms, offering us the use of their restroom to freshen up and change clothes. It was such a kind gesture, and it made us feel like part of their island family.
As if their hospitality wasn’t enough, the locals also treated us to a delicious merienda. They prepared Calamares and Fish Lumpia—two local delicacies that were nothing short of amazing. The Calamares was so fresh and flavorful, each bite bursting with the taste of the sea. The fish lumpia was crispy on the outside and filled with tender fish on the inside, creating the perfect combination of textures. It was one of the best snacks I’ve ever had, and I couldn’t help but smile as I savored each bite. The warmth and generosity of the locals made the experience even more special, and I’ll forever cherish that moment of bonding over food and laughter.
The time spent on Makatira Island was truly a reminder of the beauty of simple things—good company, good food, and a place that feels like home. As much as I loved the trip, I knew it would be a while before I’d be able to return. Life has a way of keeping us busy, but the memories from this trip will stay with me for a long time. There’s something so special about Makatira, and it’s a place I know I’ll visit again, whenever the opportunity arises.
For now, I carry with me the memories of laughter, sunshine, and new friendships, as well as the warmth of the locals who made our trip even more memorable. The island may have gained popularity, but it still holds a piece of my heart. I’ll be back, without a doubt, to experience its beauty once again. Makatira Island has a way of calling you back, and I know that someday soon, I’ll find myself standing on its shores, feeling the sand between my toes and the gentle breeze on my face, ready to create more memories in this little paradise.
***Photos without watermarks were grabbed from the participants of this tour.***
