BevVoyage 5: Travel Stories Throughout The Years (My Ride or Die Journey to Seasalt Cafe)

Seasalt Cafe is situated by the road of the national highway of Catmondaan, Cebu. It is a cafe with a sea view; overlooking the ocean.

I found this gem on Tiktok and it did not fail to pique my interest and curiosity for someone who is a sucker for cafes. Adding it to my bucket list.

My determination urged me to visit and try the cafe. So one Monday, June 17, holiday, I prepared all the necessary for my long ride to the cafe. Good thing the weather permitted me to do so.

With my backpack with me and all geared up, off I went to my destination. This was my first long ride ever since I received my driver’s license. I drove carefully at my maximum speed, expectant and excited. The beautiful weather added the joy in me. I fondly hummed some of my favorite songs while enjoying every picturesque scenery I passed. I always pass these sceneries every time I travel to Cebu via bus but through driving a motorcycle brought a therapeutic feeling. The ride transported me to another country specifically New Zealand with its green lands and mountains and the blue skies and white clouds above it. I could not help but stop over in between the ride to capture a photo as my appreciation.

Reached the boundary between Bogo and Tabogon.

Seflie with the nature.

Just look at the greens. It is pleasing to the eyes.

However, after an hour, the weather turned sour in the middle of my ride that made me hurriedly looked for a shelter from the rain. Fortunately, a nipa hut was on sight along the road so I drove fast to it and took a shelter. I sat on a wooden seat while waiting for the rain to stop; watching each rain drop to the ground. Little by little, few riders and passengers came to the nipa hut with the same reason as mine. Time check, it was already 11 in the morning, almost time for lunch.

Stopped over a nipa hut while the rain is pouring.

My hope for the rain to stop was unclear yet it even poured heavily. I could not wait there for long and felt like it was a waste of time believing that the pour would definitely take an amount of time to stop. Hence, I went to my motorcycle, opened my ubox and took out my rain coat and wore it. All settled, I turned on my engine and started driving amidst of the heavy rain. A dangerous risk that I took. I had already reached that far and there was no turning back.

I drove slowly and carefully preventing myself from any accident. I don’t want to end up in a hospital again. Slippery and foggy road definitely challenged my ride. Everything was kind of blurry and I could not find any spot to shelter on. The highlight of it all was the constant thunder and lightning. My courage gradually faded and was replaced with fear that I started to feel panicky everytime another flash would occur indicating a loud thunder will follow coupled with big trucks and buses behind me. The flash seemed like a photo was taken and you were the subject. I love being the subject of the photo but at that time, how I wished it was not me or else, it will be the end of me. God forbid. I started to question my decisions yet still driving my way to the cafe.

To somehow ease my fear, I just laughed it all out and prayed to God to spare me from any harm. Thinking of negative things would even put me in more danger.

A great sigh of relief was released when I saw the Seasalt Cafe sign at the left side of the road. My smile reached from ear to ear signifying the feeling of achievement and being grateful. Grateful for the safe arrival.

The rain stopped just when I was about to enter the parking area of the cafe and went inside immediately. Its cozy and warm ambience greeted me when I entered the cafe. It was aesthetic with their wooden interior. There were only few customers that time which was perfect for my solitary moment.

I sat on a table overlooking the vast sea and placed my helmet and gloves. I then headed to the counter to take my order. Their menu has variety of food from korean, western and filipino dishes, to coffees, to drinks and desserts. All at an affordable price.

Their menu. They are also pet friendly.

I just ordered a pizza and their matcha latte for my drinks. The movie eat pray and love which I downloaded on my phone beforehand kept me entertained as I waited for my order. Remembering my intention of visiting the cafe, I turned off my phone and stared at the sea which seemed endless. The solemnity and calmness of the surroundings greatly helped in my solitude. Minutes after my ordered arrived and I slowly savored them while inhaling the sea breeze. Though gloomy, the environment still provided its own kind of peace and healing. There is just about the sea that calms my mind.

Thank you very much ate for taking my pic.

People slowly flocked into the restaurants as it was already lunch time. Some intended to visit the cafe while some just stopped over for lunch on their trip to somewhere. Not minding them, I continued staring at the blank space as if I were in my own little world. A world of carefree and pure joy. An escape from the reality. I stayed there for another hour enjoying my food and the view.

The sea view.

When the clock turned to 3pm, I started to pack my things and go home. The rain already stopped and hoping not to experience what I experienced a while ago. The ride took me around 1-2 hours thus, I don’t want to drive on a dark road unless I wanted another adventure. Thankfully, it was a safe ride home.

Thankfully, the weather went fine when I traveled back home.

In all honesty, that was a risky adventure. I had every chance to make a U-turn and go home but did not do it. I was persevered to visit the cafe. Safety is the most priority. I was blessed that nothing bad happened to me at that time. Nonetheless, the visit marked a check in my bucket list. And that was also a debut of my long ride. It was an achievement unlocked. It was somehow worth it.

Hoping to more safe rides and cafe visits.

Until my next blog. Thank you for reading.

With so much love - XOXO,
Bev 😘