A Day In My Life As a Student

The perfect barkada getaway after a year of hard work and endless requirements.

After a long and busy school year, my friends and I decided to unwind at Sibugay Mountain Resort in Albuera, Leyte. With its unique combination of a swimming pool and a natural river, plus exciting activities like pool slides and a zipline, the resort was the perfect place to relax and have fun. The aesthetic bridge connecting the overnight accommodations also added to the beauty and charm of the place.

What made the experience even more special was the chance to truly bond with my friends. Since there was no mobile data signal, we spent our time talking, laughing, and making memories together instead of being on our phones. Although a peso WiFi is available, being disconnected helped us enjoy each other's company even more.

This trip was more than just a getaway—it was a chance to recharge, reconnect with nature, and heal my inner child. From sliding into the pool to sharing endless laughs with my friends, every moment reminded me that the best memories are made with good people and simple adventures. 💙🌊🌿

Quiet, green, and full of surprises, Biliran Island is one of those places that doesn’t need luxury to impress. What it offers instead are real experiences cool waterfalls, multiple beaches, unforgettable food, and celebrations that bring the whole island together.

1. Tinago Falls: The Famous “Hidden” Wonder of Biliran

Located in Barangay Caibiran, Tinago Falls is one of the most visited natural attractions on the island. Its name comes from the Cebuano word tinago, meaning “hidden,” because the waterfall is tucked behind a lush forest and reached by walking down hundreds of concrete steps. The reward is worth it: a powerful cascade of water flowing into a wide, refreshing pool surrounded by greenery. Tinago Falls is best visited early in the morning, when the air is cool and the place feels calm and magical perfect for travelers who love nature and peaceful escapes.

2. Binagol: The Sweet Delicacy Cooked in a Coconut Shell

No trip to Biliran is complete without tasting binagol, a famous local delicacy made from taro (gabi), coconut milk, sugar, and nuts, traditionally steamed inside a coconut shell. Binagol is widely sold in Biliran and is often bought as pasalubong by visitors. More than just a dessert, it represents the island’s agricultural roots and creativity. Each bite gives a taste of Biliran’s tradition, patience, and love for homemade food.

3. Subing-subing Festival: Biliran’s Biggest and Brightest Celebration

Every October 24 in Kawayan Municipal, Biliran Island comes alive with the Subing-subing Festival, a cultural and religious celebration held in honor of it's patron saint Raphael the Archangel. The festival features energetic street dancing, drumbeats, colorful costumes, and performances inspired by Biliran’s history, faith, and daily life. For tourists, this is the best time to visit the island when the streets are full of music, smiles, and a strong sense of community.

Biliran Island may be small, but its experiences feel big. From the cool waters of Tinago Falls, the sweetness of binagol, to the joyful energy of the Subing-subing Festival, the island offers a journey that is authentic, affordable, and deeply memorable.

Living the Dream, One Step at a Time: Meet Judieah, the Tourism Student.

Hello! I'm Judieah, a third-year Tourism student with big dreams and an even bigger heart. My story isn't just about textbooks, exams, and class schedules it's about resilience, growth, and a journey filled with challenges that shape who I am today. If you're curious about my life, here’s a glimpse into what it’s really like to walk in my shoes.

I come from a farming family in a small island in Biliran, where every day was a lesson in hard work and sacrifice. My parents worked in a farm tirelessly to provide for me and my four siblings, always pushing us to reach higher and dream bigger. As the youngest, I felt the weight of their hopes resting on me. They worked endlessly to send me to a private school in Ormoc City, believing that education would be the key to a brighter future.

Living alone in a boarding house in Ormoc City is both an adventure and a challenge. The small room I call home often feels like a quiet refuge, but at times, it can be lonely and overwhelming. I’ve learned to live life independently, from cooking my own meals to managing my time and money carefully. A simple breakfast of rice and eggs, lunch and dinner that stretches my budget sometimes I do what they call OMAD (one meal a day) to survive the weekly budget.

I wake up early often at 4:30 AM to get ready for my 7 AM classes, making sure I can shower before everyone else and start my day. When I take the tricycle to school, I sometimes get asked to pay the regular fare of 15 pesos instead of the usual 10 pesos since I'm still a student. As someone who’s shy and doesn’t want to argue, I end up paying the extra. (Every peso counts when you’re on a tight budget, hehehe). As Usual, I always attended every class I have. I'm a very studious student, so every second as I step into a classroom I really take it seriously to learn. And every end of the day as I got to my BH, I always deposit a 20 pesos per day to my piggy bank.

Though life here isn’t easy, I may not have the luxury of extra spending money, but I’ve learned to be resourceful and take life one step at a time. One of the things that keeps me grounded is my daily walk at 5:30 PM with a close friend. It’s a simple routine, that clears my mind and reminds me that I’m never really alone.

This journey isn't just about earning a degree it's about honoring my parents' sacrifices and making them proud. There are days when I question myself: Can I really make it through? Will I finish my degree and build the life I've always dreamed of? But with every step I take, I remember that quitting is not an option.