Bantayan Island, Holy Week, Nomad Journeys , April 22

(blog in progress)

Santa Fe Bantayan, Holy Week, April 2022

In March and April of 2022, the Philippines was finally beginning to rise back up after the long, isolating struggles of the pandemic. Communities were cautiously reopening, businesses were regaining momentum, and people were rediscovering life outside their homes. It was a time of quiet hope and small celebrations—an attempt to rebuild what had been paused for so long.

For me, it marked a personal turning point. After being isolated at home for what felt like ages, I decided to take a leap forward, both for myself and my art. I booked a trip to Sta. Fe, Bantayan Island, traveling from Cebu with a mix of nerves and excitement. Bantayan, with its serene beaches and vibrant local culture, felt like the perfect place to reconnect with people and share what I had been creating during those quiet, solitary months.

This wasn’t just a trip; it was my chance to show my art, to sell what I’d poured my heart into, and to find inspiration among the island’s beauty and its people. For the first time in a long while, I was stepping back into the world—not just as a spectator, but as an artist.

The trip became more than just a venture; it was symbolic of my own recovery, mirroring the resilience of the Philippines itself—rising, rebuilding, and finding joy after a long season of stillness.

This was the Holy week season , A time of Connections, and Religious solemnity. 

My usual compact set up if i want to travel light. 

I decided not to bring my full set up gear as i was still fresh out of pandemic feels and wanted to pack light as well. 

I was blessed enough to know a local who is also my friend and im able to stay in one of the good places in Santa Fe Bantayan called  Kota Beach Resort

Here is a link to Quickly know about Bantayan island:

bantayan-island-travel-guide

Finally at the beach, ready to set up

My Set up face. 

This is what my compact Set Up looks like. 

Quite a simple set up but good enought to be able to sell my art and showcase them. 
Wanna know more about my art?here is my Philiipine Instagram link Lilila Primitive Art but my Australian Sector is Carvr Arts Au

MY first customers for the day. 

At the night, We would checkout Food stalls by the shore called Hungry Beach Co. , They have good food ranging with local delicacies, mexican inspires, seafood of course and some rice bowls.  My favorite stall was Sunday Co. 

Sunday Co.  

I met a few people who were residing in Kota beach and asked if i could display my art, i didnt mind and opened up my "fantastic " suit case for them . 

and some kids choosing some stickers. 

We also met a friend who has been learning tarrot reading and he gave us a free reading as well. 

Ligaya, a local from cebu and also a film maker has just moved in to the island and lived her best life there. Such a good soul. 

I saw that one of my fellow Artists had a stall and they invited me to sell beside them. So many good souls in this world! 
They are called Alampat crafts. 

After selling my Art at the Shore with my friends from Alampat Crafts, Sunday Co. was kind enough to offer me to display my Art and my stickers while i chill and have a meal at their shop.. What a blessing. 

Here is my art displayed at Sunday Co. 

My Cousin and My niece came to the island and saw that i was in the area via social media, they came to visit me and my niece checked my art out. 

Local street art always amazes me. 

I never fail to join and [ay respects to the real purpose of the week. The Holy walk or Procession of the passion of the Christ. 

Time to go home

A trike going home. 

Pier walk way

My "Fantastic" Suit case! 

 

In Conclusion: 

After a week in Sta. Fe, Bantayan Island, the trip became more meaningful than I could have imagined. Days were spent selling my art, connecting with people who shared stories of their own struggles and triumphs during the pandemic, and finding moments of quiet reflection along the island's shores. Each conversation, every small sale, and even the prayers I whispered under the vast skies reminded me of why I create—to connect, to inspire, and to heal.

Meeting people from different walks of life reignited something within me: a renewed sense of purpose and gratitude. Seeing others resonate with my work, appreciating the pieces I had made during those isolated months, made me feel seen and understood.

By the end of the week, as I packed up my art and prepared to head home, I felt lighter—like the weight of the past few years had started to lift. The trip wasn’t just about selling art; it was about reconnecting with the world, rediscovering my passion, and learning that even after so much stillness, there is always room to grow and share.

Sta. Fe became a reminder that healing is a journey—one we don’t take alone. It was a week of faith, art, and human connection that I carried with me long after I left the island.