Apple and Star Apples

One of the servers at the resort tiki bar was a diminutive girl of perhaps twenty named Apple. I love the name. It’s a simple twist on a common word, but for some reason it stays with me. Unfortunately, I did not get a photograph of her to share.

But I will be sharing a couple of photographs of another kind of apple: the star apple. It is a rather softish fruit I had not encountered before coming to the Philippines, known locally as caimito. From the outside, it does not look particularly remarkable, usually a smooth purple or green sphere about the size of a small apple. But when it is sliced across the middle, the seeds inside form a small, natural star, which explains its name.

The flesh is soft and slightly jelly-like, with a gentle sweetness that reminds me a bit of grape and custard combined. It is typically eaten chilled and scooped from the rind with a spoon, as the skin itself is not eaten. It’s one of those simple tropical treats that seems perfectly suited to a warm afternoon, when something cool, mildly sweet, and refreshing feels exactly right.

Star Apples and Tangerines

Star Apple Ready to Eat

—Mitchell Hegman

Goodbye to Mövenpick Resort

Today I am sharing a few parting photographs from the beautiful Mövenpick Resort. Our time here has come to a close, and the next several days will find us in the Manila area.

Our Private Beach

Waves Rolling In

At the Pool

—Mitchell Hegman

In the Water

One of the first things I did before we embarked on our series of water adventures here in the Philippines was give an underwater sports camera we’d purchased in the U.S. to Desiree’s youngest daughter, Ina (Shanaia). She’s a water bug and will get plenty of use from it.

Yesterday, while swimming at the coral gardens off the shores of Boracay, Ash, Desiree’s brother, grabbed the camera and managed to get a few photographs of me snorkeling with huge schools of tropical fish.

Good stuff, this!

Lots of Fish

Me Snorkeling

Fish Under Me

Feeding the Fish

—Mitchell Hegman

Snorkeling Day

Yesterday (though by no official reckoning but our own) was snorkeling day. We chartered a boat out to two “coral gardens” just offshore from Boracay. Though the wind made for some choppy waters, we were treated to plentiful small and colorful reef fish. We also stopped for lunch at a fairly quiet private beach.

Posted are a few photographs from the day:

Walking out on the Floating Pier to Our Boat

Me Snorkeling

Our Boat Landed for a Lunch Break

Feb on the Beach at Boracay

—Mitchell Hegman

Boracay

In the central Philippines, in the province of Aklan, lies a small island that has fully embraced all that makes tropical destinations warm to the soul. Boracay sits just off the northwest coast of Panay, a sliver of land surrounded by clear, seemingly jeweled waters. Its shoreline is famous for powder-fine white sand that feels almost like sifted flour underfoot, while turquoise waves shuffle in and out without particular hurry.

Boracay has long been a favorite destination for tourists from the Philippines. In recent years, travelers from all corners of the world have discovered its charms as well. 

Morning Calm

Desiree at the Ocean’s Door

Desiree and Her Girls

A Storm Brewing on the Other Island

At the Grotto

—Mitchell Hegman

Mövenpick Resort, Boracay

Yesterday, after a jump from one island to another by plane and then a boat ride from there, we landed on Boracay Island. A short drive by van then deposited Desiree, me, and a good chunk of her family at the beautiful Mövenpick Resort.

I will be sharing more on Boracay later. For now, here are a few pictures from the resort.

Boarding the Boat

The Whole Family on the Boat

The Pool at Movenpick

Everyone at Dinner

Desiree with a Coconut Drink

—Mitchell Hegman

Taal Volcano

Taal Volcano, located on the island of Luzon about two hours outside Manila in the crawl of traffic, is one of the most active and complex volcanoes in the Philippines. It sits within Taal Lake, creating a picturesque yet deceptive beauty. Geologically, Taal is a caldera volcano with numerous smaller craters and a history of frequent eruptions due to its position on the Pacific Ring of Fire. Historically, Taal has erupted more than 30 times since the 16th century, causing significant loss of life and property. Interestingly, the last major eruption occurred on January 12, 2020, only one day after Desiree and her family visited Taal. That eruption led to widespread evacuations and disruption. Ash even fell on Desiree’s sister’s house in nearby Cavite.

Desiree and I visited Taal with her sister and family in 2024. We ate dinner at a lovely eatery overlooking the lake and the volcano. Yesterday, on a flight back to Manila before we hop off to Boracay today, we flew over Taal, allowing for a perfect view from above.

I am posting two photographs of Taal from 2024 and one captured from the plane yesterday.

Taal (2024)

Desiree with Taal in the Background (2024)

Taal from the Air (2026)

—Mitchell Hegman