The Sunbird and the Silence of Romblon

By John Dela Cruz

I went to Romblon Island not for comfort, but for quiet. The trip from Boracay Island was long—land travel, then sea, then another boat. It felt tiring at first, but I later realized that the distance is what protects this place.

High above the coast, overlooking Bonbon Beach, I found a simple place called Sunbird Ridge Coffee Shop. Built by Anthony (British conservationist in Romblon) and his wife Jocelyn (co-founder Sunbird Ridge), it is more than a café. It is a quiet space where nature is respected.

You sit, you look at the sea, and you wait.

Then suddenly, a small bird appears—the Aethopyga magnifica. Its colors are bright and alive, like a moving jewel. It does not stay long, but that short moment is enough. You realize that real beauty does not need noise or attention.

In Romblon, everything is simple. No crowds, no rush—just wind, trees, and open space. It is very different from Boracay, where life moves fast. Here, you slow down and feel more.

I understood that not all places should be easy to reach. Some places must stay protected so they can remain beautiful.

Romblon is one of them.

And somewhere in that quiet ridge, the sunbird continues to fly—free, peaceful, and untouched.