The Dogs of Sunrise at Santiago Bay, Camotes Islands

It's a work-related trip alright but despite the hectic sked, I make it a point to try and wake up early enough for the sunrise (if it comes out alright for photographic purposes) and perchance, to play with the friendly dogs of the place.  Sort of a personal barometer for me I guess as to the friendliness of the area.   Santiago Bay Beach reminds me of Corong-Corong in El Nido, Palawan, what with all the nice and playful dogs on a nice stretch of fine sand beach.  It only took some 10-15 minutes of meeting up and playing; the next day, the two friendliest dogs were coming up the stairs to the Santiago Bay Resort where we were initially billeted, some 45 minutes drive from the main wharf in Poro.  No regrets though as the ambiance is much more relaxed here in Santiago.  After two days, we had to move closer to the venue of the Rare Philippines activities (but not after seeing kayaks for rent and Pito's Sutukil right there, tucked on one corner of the cove).

We would come back for some sort of celebratory-cum-farewell dinner two nights later and all it took was a whistle and the dogs came back to me, playful as ever.   It's my first time visiting Camotes but the dogs made sure I wasn't a stranger.   Santiago beach and its dogs certainly made a good impression on me.  Next time, would love to stay longer for recreation, play with the dog, kayak during the serene mornings, eat sinugba an sutukil right there on the beach.