Firefly watching at Donsol River

In my search for activities to do in Donsol, Sorsogon, I came across the term “firefly watching.” I had no time to make further research but since a comment from www.virtualtourist.com said that it is a must, I included it in our itinerary. And it was the first thing that was offered to us when we reached the Casa Bianca resort.

Having no expectations whatsoever, we just settled in our little banca and let the boatmen motor us into the Donsol River . It was eerie though. There was total darkness. Except for the tiny houselights along the shoreline. And the flashlight that our boatman turned on and off throughout the cruise. The same kind of light was flashing from time to time in other areas of the river signifying the presence of other bancas. I just rationalized that there couldn’t be a lot of light since we wouldn’t be able to see the fireflies.  

The darkness became beautiful though once you look up. The evening sky was dotted with hundreds of stars.  With the continuous breeze of fresh air, the gentle movement of the currents, and the constant humming sound of the motorboat, I could only marvel at God’s wonderful creation. It was the same kind of sensation I felt once we entered Donsol River and saw certain trees pulsating with lights. It looked like the fireflies were languidly dancing to a common song that only they can hear.

As we continued plying the river, it became darker and darker, leaving behind signs of civilization. But as the night became more black, I appreciated more the distant stars, the occasional firefly or fireflies and the intermittent flash of light. I remembered a common knowledge that a little candle can light up a gloomy room.

The show of the fireflies was not spectacular. The stars were not brightly shining. But as we traversed the long river, I appreciated the fact that in the darkest night of our lives, we can be fully confident that someone is guiding our paths.