The Sweetest Treat of Tiwi Albay

Have you ever thought of one sweet reason why you wanna go back to Albay?

Aside from the majestic and perfect coned Mayon Volcano, Misibis Bay, Lignon Hill, Cagsawa Ruins, Mayon Resthouse, the black beaches in Bacacay, and now the latest attractions Kawa kawa Hill,and  Embarcadero de Legazpi, whats  that sweet reason that keeps me wanting to go back home?

I have long answered this question when I first had the chance to taste the cool and sweet pride of Tiwi Albay, who would ever think that aside from Amater  Hot Spring and its Geothermal Plant, Tiwi has something sweet to offer?

I am referring to the famous and the most enticing Halo Halo I've ever tasted. DJC's halo halo in Tiwi Albay.Indeed this place spiced up my hot summer vacay and served me he coolness of summer Bicol Style.  Its whereabouts is easy to find since it is located adjacent to the Municipal Hall.  If you are from Tabaco City Turn right on the  first block beside the municipal hall, the place is on the right side of the road roughly around 100 meters from the main road.

When I was a kid my recollections of Tiwi, aside from the Gethermal plant is  Amater Hot spring and the Pilgrimage to Joroan. DJC halo halo gave me another reason to put Tiwi  on my map as I trot my home province.

The serving consist of the pretty normal stuff Chowking Halo Halo has to offer, cheese, finely shaven ice, milk, ube, leche flan,sago,and sweetened banana, pretty looks like the mainstream halo halo, but be warned, once you tasted it,you get addicted by it.The price is ranging from Php 50 (ordinary)  to Php75 (special)
ordinary doesn't have a scoop of ice cream unlike the special order.

How did we get there?
From Nasisi, Ligao ,  we reached Tiwi Albay Via Motorbike using Sabloyon Road, passed through the town of Tabaco and Malilipot  and turned right along the street beside Tiwi Municipal Hall.

Subic Beach and the Rock Formations in Appari : Matnogs Secret Frontiers in Calintaan

Subic is equally magnificent as that of Tikling Island. Still Part of Baranggay Calintaan, this island consist of two shorelines, namely Subic one and Subic 2. Having been tired of my encounter with the school of fishes and of course my bonding moment with seakyu, ( Kuya Alex Huge Sea Cucumber )in Juag Lagoon, I had decided to just content myself with the sight of both islands. Although I wasnt able to spend too much time in these islands, I ran out of the best adjectives to describe the islands stunning beauty.

After 20 minutes of boat ride from Juag, I was about to call it off since were running out of time yet our itineraries for Cagsawa and Hoyop Hoyopan Cave needs to be completed the same day. However, as our boat draws near the island of Subic 2, I couldn't help but ask our boatman to spend a little time while the group enjoys the beauty of the said part of subic.

I didnt wasted much of my time and immediately got my camera only to find out that it drained its battery. Good thing though that we had Tintin's to back up our documentation. Subic 2 looks like that of Puting Buhangin In Pagbilao Quezon, less kuwebang lampas. The powdery white sand is inviting and its pristine waters is perfect for swimming, snorkeling and diving as its coral reefs still looks intact. When I visited Subic 2 there where nocampers nor visitors in the island, I felt a small amount of regret since we dont have the luxury of time to bathe and play on this another marvel of Matnog. I contented myself taking photos of this yet another piece of heaven in Calintaan.

We hadn't stayed that long in Subic 2. I'm not sure why a sun worshiper easily got irritated with its heat. The only reason I could a blame on is my anticipation and excitement over our next itinerary which includes a visit to Cagsawa Ruins, Zip line adventure in Bangkerohan, and the Hoyop Hoyopan Adventure. After 15 minutes we left Subic 2 and immediately proceeded to Subic 1.

Subic one  is an inhabited by locals of Baranggay Calintaan. The charm of Subic One is its People's warmth and their unending love of nature. It is said that in the pursuit of preserving its natural resources, the place is in the verge of being converted into a fish sanctuary. A little harsh to its fisherfolks, but its long term effect is priceless. With Subic's long stretch of pinkish white sand (maybe washed off from the island of Tikling ) It is not surprising that one day this place of paradise will become a busy tourist hub. I just wish that it's pristine beauty will be protected against the adverse effects of irresponsible tourism.

Having been isolated for a day from the mainland, plus the summerheat that for some reasons besets me, the group decided to freshen up with Manang's Halo Halo. While taking my first sip on the refreshment served upon us, I remembered how the halo halo in Anawangin. (Hindi sila nagkakalayo: Parehong di masarap lolz)

We decided to moor in the long white sand stretch of Subic one, filled our lungs with its  fresh air, had a chat with some kids, and decided to go back to the boat that would take us back to Matnog port. It has been fun sight seeing in  Subic 1  and 2, though our bodies were tired, our insatiable desire to be with nature even just for a while is still wanting. It is the realization of our next itinerary that kept us from deciding to stay yet another day. While on our way to the port Kuya Alex showed us the magnificent view of the  rock formations and caves in Apparri. Once Again my eyes are sealed in total awe, of this yet hidden paradise. As our boat traverse this part I cant help but be amazed with its corrals, perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving. Its rock formations are gorgeously arranged like a powerful fortress that protects its inhabitants. Its pristine waters is so inviting that I almost jumped out the boat had it not for my Cagsawa itinerary.  Indeed God had been so generous to this place that I almost thought there's no room for ugly sight in this part of Sorsogon. Subic for me is yet a must visit island in this part of the Philipine Archipelago.

Astonishing wonder's of Juag Lagoon: Matnog's Hidden Treasure

On the second day of my Tikling stint, I and my travel buddies woke up early to catch the sunshine in Tikling Island. One thing to note though is that the front side of Tikling island is not a good spot for sunshine photo opp since the sun shines on the eastern part of the island and it is situated on the hind part of the said paradise.Hence, we contented ourselves sight seeing and playing hide and seek with some of the islands permanent residents: the little crabs that roam around the beach's shores.

We had our breakfast at 5:30 AM, and afterwards I decided to mooch around and took a last glance at my piece of paradise. Later on I decided to take a last dip, and swim to my hearts content as my way of saying goodbye to the island. As I played in its crystal clear waters I realized that swimming is best done in the morning in the island of Tikling. As I lay afloat its waters, I heard the rev of an approaching boat. True to his word, kuya Alex arrived on time, good thing Arturo had dismantled our tents and were ready for our next adventure: Island hopping in Juag Fish sanctuary and Subic beach.

After nearly 20 minutes of traversing the Pacific ocean, our boatmen manuevred us to a cove that consist of several fish cages. It was then when we just arrived to our first stop: Juag Fish Sanctuary.The lagoon looks like an ordinary site of fish cages, with very spartan shelter in its center which serves as the owners recieving area. Next to it is an isolated cage that can be reached via bamboo raft, that serves as the viewing area. A couple of minutes after we docked, a group of students from Bicol University arrived too.

Never get excited to swim once in Juag Lagoon, Since its a fish sanctuary, anyone who applied sunblock is not allowed to swim in the area. The waters is good for swimming,
this time one can enjoy swimming with the school of fish that is under kuya Alex care. Too bad we don't have an underwater camera to capture the moment. I feel so lucky and blessed that I had the opportunity swimming with the school of fishes, you know the feeling that you are swimming freely with this little creatures, without any sign of fear from them, I had much of good time and could't thank the people like Kuya Alex for having the heart and compassion for this creatures!! When asked if they are for sale, he replied quickly, his friends are not for sale. It was then that I realized that Matnog is so blessed with people like Kuya Alex.

The lagoon also serves as a temporary shelter for endured sea animals like dolphin, sea turtles etc. I took my last dip in the lagoon, thinking that people who doesnt have too much of money has so much to give to maintain a balance in marine ecosystem. As I continously swam I wished I could raise funds to make the fish sanctuary in Juag a role model not just in Sorsogon but in the entire Philippines, but this time as a tourist, I would buy tokens from Juag to help the family earn a decent living, I would pay the fair (which is literally fair enough) and give extra to show my appreciation on these people's unending care and compassion to the little marine creatures, as a tourist I would spread the word to promote eco tourism in the area,that in turn helps people promote and solicit environmental awareness not just from tourists but from the locals themselves.

I concluded my Juag adventure by taking a photo opp with my beloved seekyu (short for sea cucumber)Yes, the sea cucumber's soft texture reminds me of how soft and big are Juag's people's heart for this marine creatures. Looking at this unique creature, I told myself Juag Lagoon is uniquely beautiful and its splendid nature is simply incomparable.

Proprietor /Banca Operator : Alex Geneblazo
Contact number :09183045437

Tikling Island and its Pinkish White Sand: Matnog's Hidden Paradise in Baranggay Calintaan

My first 3 days in Ligao City had been spent visiting my relatives and friends and planning my trip to Caramoan Island. I had been asking some of the locals while aboard RSL bus if the island is indeed closed for tourist because of the Survivor Philippines Shoot. Some said yes and some said they had been to the island just recently and there are just some part of the island that is closed to public.

As much as I would love to visit the place I always had second thoughts as I don't want to spend my day travelling and being told in the end that Matukad Island is closed to public. Hence I opted to visit my new found love in Sorsogon; Tikling Island.

It was an uneventful 6 hour travel from Ligao City to Matnog Sorsogon. This time I was with my brother Arturo Jr, and his long time fiance Tintin. I am glad I was able to share my passion in travelling to this family members. I promised them that they wont regret this travel ever. We left Nasisi Ligao City at exactly 5:30 AM via tricycle to Tuburan, catched a Saint Jude bus bound to Legaspi, alighted in Daraga, took a jeep to Baranggay Banag and from there took a bus bound to Sorsogon City. We arrived in Sorsogon city at exactly 8 AM, we had 30 minutes before the jeepney leaves Sorsogon, so we decided to shop for our food. Luckily there is a Savemore Shop that opens that early so we were able to shop for our provisions. The jeep bound to Matnog left Sorsogon City at exactly 8:30 AM. The rev of the vehicle signaled another trip via long and winding road to Matnog Sorsogon. Good thing though that the road to this part of Luzon is well concreted as opposed to that in Quezon province.

Our boatman was already waiting for us as we arrived Matnog port.A very charming lady guided us to a small karenderia were we will eat our lunch and our last meal with rice for the day. We indulged ourselves to a sumptuous meal before leaving Matnog. Afterwards Grace guided us to the port were Kuya Alex and his crew are waiting.I was stunned with the family's hospitality that they opened they're home for us so we can rest from a tiring trip before finally boarding the boat bound to Tikling.But our group was too excited to reach our destination that we hadnt wasted much time. After giving our boatman Php500 for gas, we immediately left Matnog port.

While it is true that the waves in the Pacific ocean are horrible, I was well prepared of an encounter with huge waves having braved the waves in my Calaguas Adventure but this part of May, the sea is generally gentle and it seems like were being lulled by calm waves to sleep before finally reaching our destination. It was the smoothest trip I've been to and I almost cant believe I'll be reaching paradise without much of an effort. It was indeed a lucky trip.

The group originally planned in staying at Subic Beach in Matnog, but having fallen in love at first sight of Tikling island made changes to the original plan. As the group alighted the boat, plans had suddenly changed and I then immediately looked for our host/ caretaker Kuya Anday and family who had been so kind to us during the rest of our stay in the island. After a short while we then asked kuya Alex to fetch us the next morning for our island hopping adventure in Juag fish Sanctuary and Subic beach. I reckon I might love to stay for the night in Subic Beach that I decided to do the island hopping the next day to make sure I would spend my night in Tikling island, and I was not wrong, Tikling island is simply magical.

As starters I asked if we can buy buko from our host but they politely declined to my disappointment yet they give it to us for free. The generous people of the island resonates the generosity and abundance of the place. Though the signage in the beachfront clearly indicates that the island is owned privately and one could be easily warned, its peoples hospitality is contrary to what the signage has to say. True indeed, you can not judge the box until you see whats within.

We pitched in our tents under the tree house in the beachfront, and immediately went on a siesta. It was 2:00PM and we had ample time to explore the island in the afternoon. This time I enjoyed a laid back afternoon while listening to videoke songs from passing ferry boats to and fro Samar and Sorsogon. Every single minute of the long journey to this place had been compensated. I closed my eyes with a smile thinking that every paradise in Bicol Region are situated on both gateways. On the Northern Gateway lies Calaguas, on the Southern Gateway Lies Tikling Island.I was brought to sleep by the chirps of some wild birds, and the summer breeze that blew beneath my cradle.

I enjoyed swimming in its turquoise green waters too. Though one needs to be very careful as its water becomes deep even in a short distance from the shoreline. While swimming in the waters of Tikling I remembered that the lake in MountPinatubo becomes unfathomable at a short distance too. Strong current could happen too at the southern part of the beach thus swimming in the area 15 meters south of the no trespassing signage is not allowed.

At day break I decided to go sight seeing. I originally planned to trek the whole island since its low tide but doing it solo is not a good idea, I then decided to go back after clicking my shutter on some panoramic views. I could say that Tikling island is simply amazing, just the way it is.Its pinkish white sand distinct to the place, its birdlike formation from afar, its lush vegetation, and the mangrove areas at the back of the island could be the reason why its people could catch their food without going too far from the beachfront.

We ended the day with the bar session and our easy open canned goods. At 8:00 PM everyone fall asleep in their tents. We had so much to do the next morning. I closed my eyes with much apprehensions and excitement for the next day's island hopping experience.

It was a blissful experience just being with Tikling Island, and enjoying God's given wonders without spending a fortune. Tikling island is indeed a hidden Paradise and its memories will remain in my heart forever. We left Tikling Island with a smile and a promise that we will be back someday to this hidden gem in Matnog Sorsogon.

Caretakers : Anday Geneblazo et al

Banca Operator : Alex Geneblazo
Contact Number : 09183045437

KAWA KAWA HILL : A HILL WITHOUT A HILLTOP AT THE HEART OF THE SUNFLOWER CITY OF LIGAO

Too many stories had been told about this lakwatsero's adventures, but none of them from my hometown. Hence this Lakbay Bicol trip was catapulted, my way of saying adieu and seek temporary solitude from the fast paced work environment, where I could seek comfort of my own home far down south. Hence my first stop, Kawa Kawa Kawa Hill.

Kawa Kawa Hill is slowly rising to fame due to its unique stature. Indeed a hill without a hilltop.Situated in the heart of Ligao City, who would have thought that this hill would be frequented by tourist from all walks of life?

Its distinct characteristics draws attention to all visitors. Like every beautiful wonders of nature, it requires an extra mile of trekking and determination before reaching its top. As most beautiful destinations are, every rewarding experience requires an ounce of perseverance. Before getting to its top, one has to endure nearly an hour of trekking sans your sweat glands fully activated. I was totally wet when I reached its top but my affliction got compensated with total awe as soon as I got there.What looks like an ordinary hill turned into a unique beauty.

The journey to the top starts with the station of the cross life size figures, and the lush vegetation to and from the top. I saw several families and group of excursionist clicking their shutters at every panoramic view in the park.

Aerial view of Ligao City can be seen atop the hill without the hilltop, as well as a stunning view of Mounts Mayon and Masaraga nearby. True indeed, what could have been a hilltop is a six hectare crater that resembles like that of a cauldron where the hill got its name " Kawa Kawa" This unique characteristic of the hill could have been the inspiration of the Local Government of Ligao Through the then city mayor now Albay 3rd district's Congressman, Dr. Fernando Gonzales to transform an ordinary hill into a famous park.

The park has concreted chairs and tables under the shade of its trees ideal for family outings and picnics. whereas, other recreational facilities are available such as volleyball net, and scouting facilities. It also boast a collection of Philippine eagle and some wild cat.

In line with Ligao City's endeavor of Making Ligao City a Sunflower City in the making, part of its land is planted with sunflower while the rest is planted with dinorado rice, pineapple and vegetables to promote agriculture.

Kawa Kawa hill's glory is at its best during dawn and day break. The cottages in the park is a good site for couples on a date, while the vast ampitheatre sized crater is best for jogging and even for some who just wants to mooch around.Tables and chairs are available for big family picnic goers. The Park is open from 4AM and closes 8PM.

As of yet the park can be visited without fees being imposed.

Hernani Beaches and Wonders : Beauty in Mediocrity ( Memoirs of an Hernaninhon)

Dear Hernani,
Words are not sufficient to describe the separation anxiety of a child who was set asunder from your arms years ago. The child who use to play in your pristine and lovely beaches who, despite the corals that lies in its sea beds, you never forget that your children has this needs of playing incessantly at your beaches so you had set aside pools where families, friends and group of excursionists can still bathe in your turquoise waters. Your corals are home to sea shells and fishes that serves as food in your children's table, your serenity has been a silent witness to the dreams of a child whispered in the air.
Tonog Beach in Canciledes

At times when I was tired, you had never failed to beckon me in your loving arms. Your natural walls along Tonog Cove never failed to listen and like a mother telling me she heard what I said, you simply echo the words I shouted at you, and thats what your name stand for; echoing sound. Tonog that for Canciledes people could simply mean sound, but Tonog beach is not just like that. Tonog beach is where most of the food from our table came from. Tonog beach is a temporary place for solitude for me and my mom, who had been sharing life's troubles in my early years. How I miss those days I simply lie in youre course white sand, when I was young albeit some share of troubles yet carefree; those days of my childhood was at its best because of you. As I'm writing this memoir of you, my tears are rushing down because of the longing inside to see you again. When I was down, I simply shout at your cliffs, and my voice resonated through it with clear audacity, and as a child I knew you were listening.

Nagaja

This young lakwatsero's knees couldn't have been strengthened without Nagaja, which is one of the upstream barangays in Hernani. Its no wonder why most of the local's call you Bulan, and in fact I would love to call you that way. Bulan, which means moon, is indeed perfect to call you dearly. Those people that loves you call you by this name. I call Nagaja Bulan not because its less complicated to say it, but it simply means light in my darkest hour.When I was a child I often wish reaching the moon is as easy as reaching Bulan, because if so, I'd go there a thousand times. You're rock formation in Babato simply reminds me that life is not merely composed of a long and winding road, but with its obstacles that could topple you down if you're not strong, and when you passed through those obstacles, you will see that there's more beauty in this world. Thanks Babato for the rock formations, I owe you the tenacity and determination in me.

Cascading Waterfals in Canhugas Beach

Like most of your children I had enjoyed those countless treks from Babato to Canhugas. Like I was not contented with the tiring baktas (trek) from the feeder road connecting Canciledes and Nagaja,it had always been a pleasure to trek along the boundaries of Babato and Canhugas Beaches. Although it is not recommended doing it on hightide, this stubborn child enjoyed the trek more when its almost high tide. I always argue with my mom then that the trek is best done during these times so when I get tired of walking at least I could swim. I still feel the incantation over the islet that signals that the trek is drawing near Makaandog Bridge. Yes the pool near this place is my favourite. And the mangrooves behind it, is a clear synergy of natural resources that is devoid of rubbish yet fragile to over consumption.
Makandog Bridge

Like many of your youngsters, I had always been bedazzled by your magical stories about the mystical hero of Nagaja. Makandog bridge is said to be one testimony of his mystical existence. As a youngster who is endoctrined of science rules of empirical, testable, demonstrable protocol,I had always doubted his existence, yet in my heart I was hoping those stories were true. The mysticism that was Makandog Bridge, its passivity and endurance that mirrored the character of all Hernaninhons,these were the Hernaninhon traits that has always been embedded in my system, and the trek from Bato Bato to Canhugas is resonance of how us Hernaninhons live this journey called life. After all those rise and fall from steepy terrain, Canhugas, just like life is indeed a worthwhile journey.

Just like life with its ups and downs, a pool in Canhugas called Hika Hika is the highlight of the trek to Canhugas. Hika Hika which means asthma is synonymous to its name since its water rises up and down caused by the incessant waves that flows down under. Just like Hika Hika Pool, Hernaninhons know that life is full of ups and downs, yet it is full of blissful experiences. How I love playing in this pool, notwithstanding the danger that a careless jump could entail. Yes, this child learned the meaning of adventure because of you, yet, despite this adventures I am proud to say that your beauty astounded from them all;priceless, beautifully dangerous.
Hika Hika Pool in Canhugas

Basyao Beach in Poblacion

And how will I forget my high school life colored by Basyao Beach? As a teen faced by life's challenges and family issues, it is in your shores that I learned the true meaning of comfort zone. Like the families that had adopted me during those times when I was in need and homeless, you took care of me and became my home that was next to none.I always cherished those new year celebrations with my Auntie Terrie's family held at one of your caves. Those memories were priceless. Thank you so much Basyao, you were the first to teach me that while blood is thicker than water, there are angels in this world that looks after you even in the absence of hope. Just like my Auntie Terry's home, you treated me as your child that can come home anytime. The cliffs in your northern boundary is like a fortress that watch over you, unfazed by the giant pacific waves, trying to keep the quietude that is you.Yes I would say that your beauty is so simple yet my countless encounters with you was rather a total bliss. Yes Basyao beach you are simply amazing, and the vagabond in me had always been haunted by my insatiable desire to come back home. When will I see you again?
Cacatmonan Mountain

My chemistry class introduced me to Cacatmonan Mountain range, where my friend climbed just to get a sample of coal from their coal miners. Though I had never been to this place at all, I had always been amazed by the beauty of its people. The coal miners who had been a silent player to Hernani's thriving economy, their next to spartan way of life is a manifestation of all Hernaninhon's endurance. For Cacatmonan folks, the coal mine and its vast land is their life and the home of their dreams and aspirations. True indeed for Cacatmonan folks, Ain't no mountain higher.
Bura beach in Batang

You were like an elusive dream to me Bura Beach in Batang, this wanderlust had been longing to see you even during my younger years,when my feet and untiring endurance was the only investment I need just to see you, but the opportunities are so rare that I found it impossible to be with you. Someday I will have the opportunity to see you and it would be better to save the best experience somehow. For now I will just cherish the feeling of being enchanted over your rough waves that could be a good surfing site. Your azure to blue jade waters is a magnet to me and the days are drawing near that I could be next to you.
Panay Beach In Garawon

I could say that I was not so amazed by your beauty back then Panay Beach. I always had this feeling that aside from the islet amidst your coral reefs that set asunder to sea waters at low tide , your beauty in itself looks mediocre to me, but there was something in you that my people in Hernani are so dearly enchanted over you. As a kid, I would just be contented to mooch around and play in your shoreline, never entertaining the idea of bathing on your turquoise waters. It was just me, I am not seeking perfection, as a child I consider your fame to Hernaninhon's to be threatening that my austere personality had always been against with. You might not believe me Panay, but the lakwatsero in me had been wanting to pitch in a tent in one of the nicest spot I've seen in your shoreline, someday I'm still hoping to see you in its perfect shape, I am still hoping that one day I could feel the same enchantment of my fellow Hernaninhons who had been under your spell.

As a child who had limited access to some parts of his house, you had kept some of your natural wonders secret to me and there's more in you I need to discover.
Magsisigin Island in Barangay San Miguel

Bangon Falls in Baranggay San Isidro

Someday this child will be reunited with his roots, someday I will explore all your magnificent beauty that has enjoyed mediocrity yet remained unexploited, I will climb your mountains and enjoy spelunking in your caves, i will trace your streams and walk on your rock formations, I will tour your mangroves and catch my meal for a day, I will eat your famous Bakintol, Langbay and Biko. I will pitch in my tent in all your shorelines and commune with you even for a short while, and most of all, once again I will be the child seeking temporary solace from his long lost mother.

Thanks Hernani, for building a good character in this child, for molding me to be a better person with the bittersweet experiences I had with you. Thanks for all the happy memories and the endless treks that made this lakwatsero's feet sturdier than the others, thanks for the way of life that you gave me, it made me strive for more, and even if I thank you a gazillion times I think it wouldn't be enough.And most of all thanks for listening to those dreams whispered in the air. Somehow you had been my shining star that guided me through all those journeys in life. Hinigugma ko ikaw Hernani ( I love you Hernani )

Your child,

Ariel Bagarino Rodriguez aka iamstyxxss

Credits : thank you Winston Candido, Wilma Candido, Carlo Yabora, Richard Busa and Hernani LGU for the Pictures.


For more info Contact Hernani LGU
Contact number :0555740015

Anawangin, Nagsasa, and Capones; Island hoping on budget

The trip was originally designed to be an overnight camping in the uprising beach up north: Anawangin Cove in San Antonio Zambales. I could say that I was too excited and I insisted to invite myself for the adventure. And yes, I was in. The trip was planned by my former boss and his then fiance. It was intended to be a pure beach bumming activity in Anawangin but later on plans would escalate to something more fun than what I originally figured out.

The trip started with the team fetching me at Chowking Balintawak, ( Near Total Gas Station) It was a close to 5 hour trip till we reach the town of San Antonio. Our boatman, Mang Rolly was already expecting us. We had to pay him Php500 per person for the boat ride that would take us to Anawangin with side trips to Nagsasa and Capones.

Our voyage to anawangin started from Mang Rolly's designated jump off point: a beach resort along Baranggay San Miguel in the said township. I was a bit wondering why not the usual Pundaquit Route, maybe just like in Barreto, in Olongapo, their barangay officials or the beach owners impose entrance fees even though we are en route to Anawangin cove, this I was suppose to ask Mang Rolly but I was captured by the amazing beauty of San Miguel Beach where the waves are quite big suitable for board surfing. This could be the same beach my collegue keeps on telling me in his unending harrangue of his bedazlement and love of Zambales. I was amidst this thoughts when Mang Rolly and the rest of the group called my attention. Were ready to take off. This is the beginning of a close to an hour boat ride to Anawangin Cove.

Being used to the waves of the South China Sea, I was a bit of reluctant wearing the life vest provisioned in every passenger boat in this area. I had always trusted the waves along this part of the Philippine sea as opposed to the waves in the Pacific Ocean. Although everyone should be extra careful because waves here can be rough in the afternoon. We passed through the Pundaquit Mountain range and on the right side are the islands of Camara and Capones. Camara Island looks like a male shoe while Capones would remain to be an ordinary island if without the lighthouse erected at its peak. I was too busy thinking about Anawangin Cove that I really didn't bother much on how Capones would look like up close.I almost fall asleep until I noticed the rev of the boats engine tuned down. We were then in Anawangin Cove.

Anawangin to me is a more popular version of Sampaloc Cove, same grayish white sand, almost the same length of shoreline,the presence of a lake akin to Sampaloc Cove. the only difference is the volume of it visitors. I could say that Anawangin has its magical aura that is devoid of Sampaloc Cove. Despite it Anawangin and Sampaloc's kindred idiosyncracies, Anawangin has its distinct beauty and character distinct to its own. Its ambience, peaceful despite the presence of a crowd of excursionists from different walks of life.

The waters in Anawangin cove is perfect for swimming too. I had spotted a british family who, like the rest of the crowd are swimming like fish. The waters in the beach is a combination of clear to turquoise to jade. The coolness of its water is a healing potion for those sun worshipers who doesn't want to do anything but bathe under the sun, and play in the turquoise green waters.The antisocial in me got intimidated with the bunch of people along the beachfront and just got contented camerawhoring after a sumptuous lunch. I was also enticed to try Manangs Halo Halo but was too cautious it would taste plain so I asked Manang to add some more milk to my serving, luckily my charms worked and my serving of Halo Halo is not as disgusting as to that of Alec.

The lake in Anawangin cove is home to some fingerlings seeking for temporary abode. Placid and calm, the breeze that passes through it is soothing and viral to someone looking for inner peace.On the upper part of the lake you can see Mount Pundaquit. This is also a popular route for some mountainers who likes trekking the mountain en route to Anawangin Cove.

We never stayed long in Anawangin. As opposed to the original plan which is to stay overnight in Anawangin and just pitch in our tents at noon time, my boss decided to stay overnight in Nagsasa Cove. My austere personality was silently thankful of this abrupt changes in plan. Thanks goodness I could enjoy this adventure less the crowded place that is Anawangin. We left Anawangin Cove at exactly 2:00PM and reached Nagsasa Cove after roughly an hour of boatride.

Sunset In Nagsasa

Upon reaching Nagsasa Cove, Mang Rolly introduced us to Mang Martin, one of the owners in the Nagsasa stretch. Mang Martin who happened to be an acquaintance from Subic Zambales had been very attentive to our needs. He even gave me special discount for my tent rental. One thing I noticed from the time I set foot in Nagsasa is the opulent supply of free flowing water,as opposed to Anawangin where one has to fetch water from a makeshift water pump.

We had ample time swimming and playing in the calm waters of Nagsasa Cove. Unlike some of the beaches I've been to, the beach in Nagsasa Cove is family friendly. I say this because the seabed here is still shallow even if your distant away from the shoreline. And the calm waters of the beach is as gentle as its people. You cant help but smell the cool summer breeze coming from the mountain while staying afloat the waters. I filled my lungs with the air that my lungs had been wanting for so long, once again, I let myself asunder with the noise and pollutants of metro living, Once again I am free of this worlds complexities but this time enjoying the simple things that life can offer, that once again I am a child, yes Nagsasa is my piece of Paradise up north, indeed swimming in the afternoon is more fun in Nagsasa Cove.

Like most beaches in the Philippines sunset watching is a must do activity in Nagsasa cove. The view of the sun bidding adieu to the waters is such a bliss. Its a constant reminder of temporal communion with nature, that everything in this world is temporary, that we only live once therefore we should live our life the way we want it to, that we should cherish and invest not on the tangible ones but in our relationships. That life after all is not about the wealth that we gain as we grow old, that life after all is about relationships. Relationship with our loved ones, our relationship with the things unseen, relationship with our Divine creator, relationship with mother nature.

We pitched in our tent just near the cottage with an easy access to the bathroom. we had plans of spending the night with empoy session (Emperador Light Party) but something happened that broke our momentum. We ended up getting to our tents as early as 7:00 PM, I was still hoping someone would call me that would signal the party isnt over yet, but my hopes of getting drunk and pass out went astray. The winds coming from the mountain is like a lullaby bringig me to sleep. However the wind gets stronger as the night passes by, it was almost 2:00AM when I was saddenly awakened by the strong winds that seems to topple my tent, I was too afraid I hold on to the ground afraid that the wind could blew my tent carrying me and my teammates to the ends of the sea. I was literally shaking when the wind stopped. I uttered a sigh of relief that the wind was over. When asked Mang Martin told me such strong winds is normal phenomenon in Nagsasa Cove in the early part of summer.

We stayed until lunch time in Nagsasa cove. I enjoyed the rest of our stay swimming in its clear waters, with my new found travel friends Kaye, Mico and Alec. No one cares about getting sunburned, everyone just wanna enjoy the time left for us before we left Nagsasa for our Capones sidetrip.

The Lighthouse in Capones

We left Nagsasa Cove before lunch time. Our foods for lunch had been cooked in Nagsasa so we can have lunch as soon as we docked to Capones Island. We stayed in a lime stone formed cave and set up our picnic style lunch there. This part of the island is popular for picnics,here the sand is course white unlike the grayish white sand in Nagsasa and Anawangin. No entrance fees are imposed at least as of yet, hence some traces of plastic and other garbage are scattered in the area, courtesy of some of our not so environmentally friendly friends who wouldn't bother taking with them their rubbish as they leave the place.

From the cave it would take nearly an hour trek to reach the light house in Capones, so the team decided to take the alternate route which is taking the boat and swim to a the rocky shore that serves as the main entrance to the lighthouse. A bit dangerous way of getting to the lighthouse specially if there's current in the said point of entry. The waves here are a bit bigger but everyone was wearing their vests so getting off to the shore was not an issue. From the shore we climbed some close to a hundred steps, in total it would take at least 20 minutes trek to the lighthouse using this route.

According to one of our boatmen, Capones Lighthouse was built around 1890 or during the Spanish era. Looking around, the light house was still in good shape and there's a solar panel that I would say was just built recently, but the keepers house is a total wreck. My acrophobia stroke me and I didnt finish the climb to the lighthouse, after getting close to the top.Too bad I was really wanting an aerial shot of the island from its tower.

We left capones with a smile on our faces hoping someday we will be back and this time I will conquer the fear in me and will reach to its tower. It has been an early summer getaway full of adventure, less the expenses, all in all every member of the team spent Php1,400 for the 2 day adventure.

Banca Operator : Kuya Rolly
Contact Number : 09094989432