I, Aksel, take you along for what was supposed to be a simple, romantic getaway to celebrate a major milestone for Jessa and me. It was our second wedding anniversary, and we decided there was no better place to mark the occasion than the mystical and beautiful island of Siquijor.
The journey started with a bit of a trip from our mountain home down to the port. Traveling in the Philippines is always an adventure, and getting to Siquijor involved a mix of land travel and a ferry ride. I remember the feeling of excitement as we boarded the boat, leaving the heights of Ginatilan behind for a few days of sun, sand, and sea.
When we arrived, Siquijor greeted us with its signature charm. It’s known as the "Island of Fire" because of the fireflies that used to swarm the molave trees, and there's definitely a special energy there. We checked into a lovely resort right by the water. After living a very simple, rustic life in the mountains, it felt like a real treat to have a bit of luxury—a nice bed, a pool, and the ocean just steps away from our door.
At the time we filmed this, we had no idea that the world was about to change. We were just two people in love, enjoying a vacation and celebrating our marriage. There was no hint of the lockdowns or the "stranded" situation that was just days away. This video captures a moment of pure, uncomplicated happiness before things got complicated. It’s a reminder of why we fell in love with the Philippines in the first place—the beauty, the peace, and the chance to create unforgettable memories together. It was the perfect way to toast to two years of marriage, and even knowing what came after, I wouldn't change a thing about that beautiful start to our Siquijor trip.
