"Semirara Island Volleyball League Adventure"

Last June 2024, I got an invitation to play volleyball as an import for the Semirara Island volleyball league. I had only heard rumors of this coal-mining town in Antique, Philippines, which is better recognized as one of the wealthy municipalities in the province. It wasn't what I expected to be a major tourist attraction. But as I soon discovered, Semirara delivers a unique beauty that really amazes me. It reminds me of Boracay Island. I had no idea that my trip to Semirara would combine stunning landscapes, the people of the area, and intense sports to create an experience I would never forget.

On June 29, my journey started in Semirara with a ride on a ferry for 4 hours from Libertad port to Caluya port. As we approached Caluya Island, I was greeted by powdery white sand beaches bordered by clear turquoise waters. After 4 hours of stopover in Caluya Island, it's another ride of ferry from Caluya to Semirara Island. As I set foot on Semirara Island, I was greeted by a warm breeze and a view that instantly made the long trip worth it.

I stayed in my teammate's house near the volleyball venue, where the owner, a long-time resident of the island and a friend of mine, shared stories about Semirara’s history and its transformation over the years. After settling in, I took a quiet walk along the beach with my teamates. As we walked, it reminded me of Boracay Island with its powdery white sands and its view.

For almost one month of stay on the island, since I already visited the three beaches, I was eager to explore more of the island. With my local teammates, they invited me to experience finding and eating tirik (sea urchin) and sikad-sikad (sea shells). The water was so clear that I could easily see the coral formations below. It was peaceful, and I could feel my excitement not just for the games but for exploring what this island had to offer. I visited different villages on the island and met a lot of people, and I was able to witness their daily lives. It was refreshing to see that despite the island’s reliance on mining, many locals still depended on traditional livelihoods like fishing. But some of the products and goods are from Mindoro and transported to the island, just like the sack of rice it delivers through the ferry. Since the island is far away from the city because the Semirara Island is only a barangay in the Antique and their municipality is the Caluya, from which the island was separated, it's expected that the price of the products or goods in the islands is pricey. I also met the barangay captain of Semirara, who's very kind, generous, and hands-on, and she shared with us that the people of Semirara are from different places in the Philippines and are now living and working in the company, which is the Semirara Mining and Power Corporation (SMPC). She also told us that not all of the people on the island speak in karay-a, so they use Tagalog to communicate and are easy to understand each other.

Playing volleyball on Semirara Island was a surreal experience—where else could I play a sport I love? More locals gathered to watch every game supporting different teams; the shout of the crowds makes the game intense; seeing them cheering every player makes us motivate and enjoy the game; and I really appreciate their efforts, especially those people cheering to us with tarpaulins and their giving.

As I boarded the ferry on my last day, leaving Semirara behind, I realized how special this trip had been. It wasn’t just about volleyball, though the games were incredible. It was about the island itself—the way its natural beauty made me slow down and appreciate the moment, the warmth of the local community, and the unique experience of playing a sport I love in such an extraordinary place. I wish I could go back to this island. Well for those planning to visit this island well I assure you that this island well exceed your expectations.