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

A day of beach bumming in Puting Buhangin

My younger days are long gone now since I was in grade school. Those were the days when my mom would take me to the sea named Pook somewhere in Hernani Eastern Samar, to catch some sea shells and other sea foods. These where the thoughts running through me when I was leading our team of 12 to Kuwebang Lampas, in Puting Buhangin Resort in Pagbilao Grande, Pagbilao Quezon. Just like Pook, the trek to Puting Buhangin is nearby a cliff that an iota of a wrong move could bring accident.

It seems to me that once again I am a child, trekking the rough and rocky way to kuwebang lampas, balancing my way not to fall in the cliff on the left side of the trek, whilst ensuring my teammates are guided well through the
muddy trek. The chirping of the birds and the cool summer breeze of the pacific console me, and the memory of my childhood brought life to the supposed to be dangerous trek, a bit dangerous than the trek to Mount Pinatubo.

My legs could only complain about the turns and curves and the sharp pebbles along the way, and the barefooted me could only enjoy the spa like sensation of the mud in my feet. The trek to Kuwebang Lampas seems so endless, but the thoughts of the beauty that is beyond seems incomparable than the aches and pains incurred along the way, I was so sure mother nature wont fail me, I am sure that the trek is worth all these.

After a rough 30 minutes of trekking from the lagoon we finally reached our destination, Puting Buhangin resort and kuwebang lampas. As per previous blog posts Puting buhangin used to be called Lukang Beach ( the beach used to be a property of Lukang family) this time, the signage tells it all, this small piece of a Paradise now belongs to Pagbilao Development Corporation. We passed through the gate and after such a long trek, Lo and Behold, the splendid beauty of a secluded paradise.Enchanted by the bliss that surrounded me, once again the beauty that an off-beat beach has to offer knocked me off my feet. This is indeed paradise!!

Puting Buhangin is composed of an approximately 70 meters long sea shore, almost the same length to that of Anawangin cove. Puting Buhangin which literrally means white sand speaks for itself. The white powdery sand though not as fine as that of Calaguas,is the essence that defines the beach identity.Just I step my foot on the mixture of powdery and coarse white sand, I then decided to mooch around and get the most out of the trip. Exploring both ends of the resort wont take that long since the shore line is merely 70 meters long. I was amidst exploring the beachfront, walking barefooted trying to feel the difference of the sand form all the other beaches I've set my foot into, while my friends are busy camerawhoring striking all the best pose that would soon be their new profile picture in facebook.

This is the simplicity of a beach that defines Puting Buhangin's beauty, the ambiance is so full of positive vibes that would regenerate one's polluted system. The air is fresh that defines cool summer breeze. The lush and greenery is like an army that protects its enthroned Goddess. This birds chirping is music to people seeking temporary solitude. The torquise like waters of its beach promise a blissful swimming experience, and like a lullabye that hums a child to sleep,its gentle waves is so caressing and soft that is irony to a bit of rude attitude of its caretakers.
And to add up to this, the weather which like a bluff preparing for a rainfall which never happened at all, is indeed conducive to a day of beach bumming.

Nevertheless, despite the beauty that my view encompass, it is undeniable that there are some guests that doesn't care but enjoy its beauty and leave their rubbish behind. The sightings of plastic bags scattered along the shoreline is evident of this laxity and insensitivity. Indeed nature is so generous,despite this some of us are ungrateful.

I dont want to elucidate on the not so good things about Puting Buhangin, from the unecessary fees to the fact that you need to pay Php30 per pail of fresh water, instead I would like to dwell on all the beautiful things that the beach has to offer.

Puting buhangin is a mere sight of a beach without kuwebang lampas. In the right end of the shore line lies a medium sized cave. The cave has two openings, one that faces the northern part of the beach while the other faces the bay. Here the waters is clearer and is good for swimming. One must wear his/her sleepers before indulging into swimming in this part of the beach though, because of the sharp stones in the cave's bed. I enjoyed swimming in kuwebang lampas too. The sight of vandalism on its wall though, is a bit disappointing.

Here are some views you wont miss on your way to Puting Buhangin

Pagbilao River

Pagbilao Powerplant

Mangrooves

The Other Side of Kuwebang Lampas ( This view broke my heart )

We rented a van for Php3500 per day, so I cant post more info on how to get there. Just read the blog posts of romanleoreyman.wordpress.com and lakwatseradeprimera.com for more info.

Caretaker : Rolly Ferrer
Contact Number :09182689402