For many Filipinos, December is a month of celebration and pause. Yet, for writer Lyka Amethyst Perandos, the closing month of 2025 arrived with a heavier weight. In a time where the economy feels fragile and basic needs edge toward luxury, the concept of rest began to feel like an indulgence, even an irresponsible act.
The Search for Rest in a Weary Season
Perandos described a season where daily survival demanded immense effort, leaving little room for genuine reprieve. The constant pressure of urban life in Davao City created a cycle where simply getting by was the nightly goal. Despite these challenges, holding onto faith, Perandos and her family decided to embark on a journey to Surigao City to visit her sister in late December 2025.
From there, the trip extended to the coastal town of Lanuza in Surigao del Sur. Their destination was the Lanuza Marine Park and Sanctuary, a protected area renowned for its vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life. Arriving with what she called "modest expectations," the writer was unprepared for the transformation that awaited.
An Encounter with Whispering Waves and Gentle Rain
What she found was an immediate and palpable peace. The environment spoke in a gentle language far removed from the city's demands. Waves lapped softly at the shore, a cool breeze provided constant comfort, and birds soared overhead with an effortless freedom. A soft drizzle began to fall, an element that seemed to encourage every visitor to slow down and simply be present.
In this serene setting, a profound realization dawned: this was the rest her weary soul had been desperately craving. The world, in that moment, was not shouting but whispering. It was a powerful reminder that life was not meant for relentless rushing, but for intentional, steady living.
The experience was anchored by a strikingly accessible detail: the entrance fee to this sanctuary was only ten pesos (₱10). This minimal cost stood in stark contrast to the priceless value of the mental and spiritual relief it offered.
Renewal Found in God's Creation
Standing with the sea at her feet, Perandos reflected on the scriptural words from Matthew 11:28-30, where Jesus invites the weary to find rest. The natural symphony of wind, water, and wildlife felt like a direct, gentle invitation from God to release the burdens of worry and the weight of daily survival.
For ₱10, the trip transcended being a mere sightseeing visit; it became a profound encounter with renewal. The writer left with a renewed sense of strength and inspiration, though duty called her back to life in Davao City. She returned with a lighter heart and clearer perspective, already longing for a future return to such "quiet places."
Perandos concluded with a hopeful prayer for the preservation of Lanuza's natural gift, urging the local government and community to continue protecting the marine park and sanctuary. Her story underscores a vital message: in challenging times, affordable and accessible sanctuaries for the soul are not just luxuries, but necessities for enduring the hustle of everyday life.
