Third time's a definite charm. Having visited Gigantes a couple of times before, I've come to the delightful conclusion that its lure never fades. The islands scattered here boast crystalline waters and powdery white sands, making them a perfect backdrop for enjoying a delightful lunch featuring an array of fresh seafood, including the popular scallops and wasay-wasay shells.

I found myself riding inside a cramped van with a few friends, heading straight toward a group of positively raved islands in the Western Visayas Sea—only a three-hour sleep removed from walking the rain-soaked streets of Iloilo City.