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

Calaguas : The Enchanted Paradise in Bicolandias Gateway

The Inception

As soon as the sunburn I acquired from our Zambales beach caravan started to heal, I and Kaye, my newfound travel buddy who is also my teammate started planning the next beach trip after Nagsasa Capones and Anawangin adventure.In between searh engines and browsing blog sites, we stumbled upon this site Lakwatsero's do it yourself guide to Calaguas and that marked the 2 weeks planning of our next adventure. Our goal: to conquer Calaguas.

It took us two weeks to plan the trip and in those days I never had a day passed without browsing on different travel blogs that would later on help us in planning our very own version of a DIY trip to the unexploited paradise.

The 2000 challenge.
Like many travelers who would like to get the most out of their money, we started challenging ourselves to the "2K challenge". We would be spending this money just for the Calaguas trip albeit we know the blog has been posted a year or 2 ago. Hence some price increased especially the boat rental.Nevertheless, the team is determined to carry on with the challenge. As the song would say, it’s not about the money.

Meet up
Our meeting place was in Farmer's Plaza 3rd Floor in front of KFC in Araneta Center. Call time was set at 8:PM since the last trip to Daet was at 9:00 PM via Amihan Bus. The team was complete at exactly 8 :45 PM. We paid the tickets to Talobatib Junction for Php580 per person, and boarded the bus after bio breaks at the bus terminal's toilet.
The 9:00 PM departure was delayed by 15 minutes due to some issues with the air conditioning system of one of their buses so we were instructed to transfer to another bus. We left Araneta center at 9:15 PM. The rev of the bus engine signaled the beginning of an exciting summer getaway.
The Journey to Talobatib
While in the bus we entertained ourselves by musing at Karen's never ending ride at the MRT, joking at Don for he will be missing one group member who didn’t make it to the finals, and so on. After nearly an hour of chatting, the group then started to get tired and turned to sleep. I was in the middle of a dream when Kaye woke me up and asked me if I want to freshen up.

I was familiar with the place, Kamsa Kamsa restaurant in Gumaca Quezon. Like most travelers do I took the opportunity to pee after paying Php5 Pesos at the toilet's gate keeper. I ordered mami for Php40 pesos, the air conditioning system in the bus is like a freezer, that my blanket won’t even protect me from its cold. I was literally freezing and a bowl of mami gave me enough heat. We boarded the bus right after we finished our food.
It was 5:00 AM when the bus conductor woke us up. We are already in Talobatib junction. We crossed the street and decided to wait for the bus that would take us to Paracale. There was an open Carenderia right accross the street and the Bicolano in me got too excited to order pancit bato for my breakfast.After learning that it would only cost him Php10 for a plate of pancit bato, Don decided to treat the team for breakfast. I got disappointed with its taste since the one I'm used to is not consistent with what I just bought, that one tasted so plain.

While waiting for the bus the group of tricycle drivers along the street insisted to take us to Paracale at a cheap rate of Php200 per tricycle, we were hesitant at the onset since it would only cost us Php25 if we are going to take the bus via Paracale, but due to their persistence and too much excitement of our team to get to Calaguas as early as possible we decided to take the offer. We left Talobatib junction at exactly 6:00 AM and arrived in Paracale 30 minutes thereafter.

My haggling skills deactivated
The group decided to chip in Php300 Pesos for our food and grocery expenses. So we had a total budget of Php1800.00 for our food and its good for four meals for 6 persons. Our boatmen lives in Mahabang Buhangin so they politely declined our offer to share our food. We had chicken adobo and pinangat na tuna for lunch, grilled pork for dinner, egg omelet and steamed hotdog for breakfast, and grilled tuna for our next day lunch. As opposed to our trip to Anawangin Nagsasa and Capones, where we spend the same amount and we were a group of seven then, I would say that we were able to get the most out of our money, in fact we managed to buy a styrofoam container and a griller which I assumed would not fit with our budget. Luckily Don volunteered to pay for our drinks. (3 liters of emperador light ) while my boss brought with him an absolute vodka (which we weren’t able to drink after all).

While Wayne and Don where doing the rest of the shopping for our food, I and my boss looked for kuya Nelson, our contact for the boat that will take us to Calaguas. It’s not hard to find him though since they have this meat stall in the paracale market. If you asked anyone his whereabouts,for sure they knew where he is. It seems to me that the people in Paracale, just like my people in Hernani and Ligao, knows each other.

I strongly believed in my haggling skills but this time, it did not work at all. In short I wasn’t able to lower down the boatride to Php2300, but paid Php3000 instead. Kuya Nelson insisted that the price quote I was referring to was 2 years ago and on top of my head - this guy is correct. So I set aside my haggling skills this time, what's important to the group now is to reach Calaguas as early as possible. I know we had all day but there was something in me that is driving me to get there as early. Later on I would realize what it was.

The Boat ride to Calaguas
Although I’m not used to getting much of an attention, kuya Nelson’s crew/boatmen made us feel were very important and that it was a custom in this place to load the stuff of the passengers in the boat, though it seems to me that I am not worth their attention, and that I can manage, I just decided to go with the flow rather than insult someone’s hospitality. After loading all our stuff into the boat, we all hoped in to the small boat that can load up to 15 person.We left Paracale Port at exactly 8:30AM.

The port is not that extra ordinary, it is a place where fishermen docks their boat to sell their bounty in a place where the river meets the sea. Nevertheless this port serves as an avenue to everyone’s dream paradise. So I just ignored the not so good things I’ve seen in the port and focused in the picture of a paradise that my feet will set in to in less than 4 hours from then.

Unfazed by the billowing waves
The sea looks calm at the onset but as we get closer to a nearby island called Maculabo, Kaye and Karen started to get nervous. Kaye having used to the Zambales waves was a bit tormented by the waves she is experiencing in the Pacific Ocean. Though we learned from most blogsites that the waves are indeed horrible, it is far opposite than what was expected. If the waves are as huge as a 2 storey house, what would it look like if we did the trip via Vinzons? The waves are said to be bigger in Vinzons than in Paracale. Nevertheless I just ignored the waves; by just looking at our boatmen’s facial reactions I knew for a fact that these waves are the normal ones. There’s nothing to worry about. Every once in a while the noise coming from the boat’s engine lowered down, signaling a huge wave coming our way, this is how the boatman maneuvered the boat, his experience in the sea was my comfort, and the promise of a beautiful paradise was my hope.

After more than 2 hours of traversing the sea against the wind, the team got accustomed to the big waves, like a couple on a get to know each other stage, this time we were acquainted with the wave and no fear can be seen in everyones face but the team is overwhelmed over the spectacular view in the nearby islands of Cumalasag and the rest of Tinaga. It was exactly 11:30 when we reach Mahabang Buhangin the happy beach.

Enchanted Calaguas
God must be in his brightest mood when He created Calaguas: a very gentle paradise, inhabited with warm and gentle people, a long stretch of white powdery sand that even if you walk on it barefooted at noon time it wont burn your soles rather would caress it and gently relieves your pain acquired from the long journey, and then, it ultimately heals your soul.The initial sight of the beach would bring one's self total awe and it would lead you to thank God for this very beautiful creation. One would forget that he/she almost died in nervous breakdown while traversing the Pacific Ocean caused by the billowing waves and the whistling wind.

At last I finally set my foot to Calaguas. I felt I became free from my incantation over its unimaginable beauty, from the first time I've heard about Calaguas up to the last hour while in the boat, I could not rid myself with the thoughts of it. At last I had been with my first love in Camarines Norte. The mere sight of the long stretch of white powdery sand in Mahabang Buhangin is a total bliss, and the serenity of the place is a cure for Karen's heartache, for my insatiable desire to be with nature, for my boss work and non work related stress, a norturing add on to Wayne and Kayes relationship, and a rejuvinating potion for Don's aging body ( peace Don). At last I could stay with you within the next 26 hours, at last I could bathe in your crystal clear waters, that is so revitalizing and brings me back to life, At last my teammates has the chance to strengthen the friendship that flourishes in every adventure we embark into, at last my soul will be healed from my unending search of freedom and a temporary solace, at last I am in Calaguas. At last I'm home.

The Accommodation
Once we arrived in the island, I immediately looked for Mang Bert but later on found out that his place has no space for camping since the said part where there's enough camping space of the beachfront had been sold to a certain Dr. Sacay. Thus the team after all the debates and my persistence, transferred over to Mang Ramon's place which is at the far end of the beach. Here we were able to spot a good camping site and the toilet and kitchen is easily accessible. We paid Php75 per person for camping fee , Php20 per person for environmental charges and Php150 for cottage. All in all we paid Php120 per person for the accommodation and environmental charges, but we gave the couple extra just to show them our appreciation of their hospitality and kindness. Because of Mang Ramon and Ate Elisa I would say that the people in Calaguas acepted us wholeheartedly and these people are less money oriented than most resort caretakers are. Calaguas is indeed a place for happy people who is contented with the gift of nature and the kindness of humanity. Calaguas Island is indeed a happy beach.

While Wayne, TL Ro and Don were setting up the camp I prepared our first meal in Calaguas; we had pinangat na tuna and chicken adobo for lunch. Perfect to re energize us after a long travel. We had our lunch at exactly 1:00 PM. Just before we finished setting up the camp and preparing lunch, exactly after 40 minutes after we docked at Mahabang Buhangin, it rained hard which is accompanied by a strong wind. I was so thankful that we were not in the middle of the sea when this happened or the boat were riding with might sink. The wind that blows up my face and the rain it comes with, brings me shivers not because of its cold but because of the thought that it could have happened to us in the middle of the sea if we decided to wait for the bus in Talobatib junction. Thank God we gave in to the tricycle driver’s persuasion. Maybe this was the reason why there is an urgency among us to get to Calaguas before noontime.

The Happy Beach
Just as we finished lunch, everyone decided to explore Calaguas. Karen and Don had their version of footprints in the sand picture, the couple Wayne and Kaye with TL Ro decided to take a dip in the crystal clear water of the yet pristine beach of Calaguas. While I would love to join the group I had decided to regain energy and take a short nap. Calaguas is so beautiful and I would need energy to better express my appreciation of this unexploited part of the Philippines, who according to bloggers I subscribed to is well loved than that of Boracay. Now this would be hard for me to elucidate on the comparison since I never was and never dreamed of going to Boracay, but my take on the matter is, the beauty that Calaguas has to offer, and the serenity and tranquility of this place, is a perfect getaway for those who seek to commune with nature, and escape the hassles and bustles of the metro, this is a perfect place for you. A back to basic concept of travelling less the luxury of electricity and sophisticated water system, which I really don't care about, this is the place of my solitude. My haven. My paradise. As I roam around and feasted on the panoramic view I only see in postcards, I remembered this song, Heaven is a place on earth. And at that time I felt I was in heaven.

Being in Calaguas is a fulfillment of my dream. Even when I was still in high school it has always been my dream to visit all the beautiful and pristine beaches in the Philippines. I closed my eyes and fall asleep of the thought that my insatiable desire to be in places like this is once again fulfilled. As I closed my eyes I said to myself, this is indeed my happy beach.

I was awakened by the noise of a raven right on top of the tree in our campsite.It was then that I realized it was already 5:00 PM. My teammates are taking a dip in the beach and I decided to join them. Here water is really good for swimming and the sand is still fine even if you go farther from the shore. My cynical mind would really not believe that I would not be stepping in a single pebble in the beach water and in fact I didn't. After 30 minutes of swimming albeit not being convinced that I havent stepped in a pebble nor stone at the beach, I decided to tag Karen and the group for a walk to the southern end of Mahabang buhangin.

A sunset to remember
We walked barefooted along the shore up to the rocky part of Mahabang buhangin, where Kaye had her not so daring pictorials, that I even thought it was designed for a men's magazine. hahaha. Anyway, the golden sunset in Calaguas is yet another picturesque in the said paradise. Silhouette pictures of couples in vacation is something that shouldnt be missed. For one thing sunset in calaguas is magical. It makes me think that the day just gets better as it nears to its end. Just like people, we get more substance as we age. We gain knowledge as we grow, and as we travel we learn a lot of mysteries from God. Looking at the sunset is so surreal,although sunset really dont last that long, it teaches us that nothing is permanent, in someway or another it teaches us that nothing in this earth is tangible, even those we love so much we have to let go, hoping for the promise that someday everything will be in its perfect place.

Party at the campsite
It as past 8:00 PM when we finished our dinner. The group decided to stay in the campsite and enjoyed the next itinerary : our empoy session. I almost passed out after i sipped my last shot of emperador light. This is one of my greatest frustrations, to get drunk in the beach and pass out.I had been declining invites from my teammates for a drinking session after shift, for the very same reason that I would reserve my appetite for liquor on occasions like this. I fall asleep never noticing that I was responding to Don's Lunatic harangue in the tent.Karen just informed me about it the next day, and as usual Don was once again in the spotlight hahaha.

Last Day in Calaguas
Karen Don and myself woke up almost all at the same time although we just wanted to lie in the tent a little bit more, I think all three of us has the same reason; hang over from last nights drinking session. After 30 minutes of snuggling at the tent, hoping to get more sleep, It suddenly hit me that its 7:00 AM and its our last day here so I'll make the most out of it. As usual, I volunteered to prepare our breakfast though Karen had always been willing to help I just felt cooking is easier done solo. hehehe.

TL Ro was done with his coffee when I started preparing breakfast, just like what I thought, he woke up early and had an early jogging exercise at the shoreline. I was a bit of an envious but its okay, I had this plan that right after breakfast I would swim like a fish until we hit the sea again back to Paracale, just like what I did in Nagsasa, I will only stop swimming once I smelled from the air the aroma of a grilled fish. Although we had an enticing meal for our breakfast, the call of the beach was more powerful than the food served in front of me,so I finished the food as fast as I can, and, thinking its our last day, I hurried down to the beach and swam to my hearts content in in its crystal clear waters. I made sure that I was able to apply sunblock before indulging into a 3 hour swimming.

Swimming is a tiresome form of an exercise, but for all of us this only happens every once in a while, so we decided to enjoy the remaining time left on our stay in Calaguas Island. That time, I thought, right after we alight the bus from Araneta and go back to work again, I could carry on with a new perspective, and a new hope. As I look at Kaye and Wayne, who, by the way was celebrating their aniversary in the island, I could say that this trip made their relationship stronger. After this trip I'm sure Karen will be ready to move on, and as a whole, this trip made each one of us a better person.

After our lunch time I decided to take a last dip at the beach. Karen, Don and Kaye came along. It was 12:30PM so the group has 15 minutes to swim and the next 15 minutes to pack up. We left Calaguas Island with a smile although we know we will surely miss our happy beach.We left Calaguas at 1:20PM

Our boat rental comes with a side trip to Maculabo Island, however since the girls were once again intimidated by the waves, the group called out the sidetrip. Good thing so we have ample time to prepare for the next journey, that will take us back to Manila. Except for Wayne and TL Ro, all four of us wll be reporting back to work at 5:00 AM the next Day.

We reached Paracale Port at 3: 15 PM. Kuya Nelson was waiting for us. As we alight the boat, the ever generous Don gave our boatmen extra for taking care of us while aboard. Before we parted ways with kuya Nelson I informed him Angel Juares of http://lakwatsero.com said hello, he smiled right back.

Side Trip to Daet
We left Paracale at 4:00 PM and reached Daet at 5:00 PM . We then took a tricycle that will take us to Philtranco terminal in Daet. Fair is at Php10. The aircon bus leaves Daet at 8:00PM so we had ample time to roam around the town of Daet. We asked from locals. where to find a restaurant that sells pinangat, I recommended Graceland to my boss but I didn't know that their menu includes the said delicacy ,luckily one of the locals informed us they do. So we didnt waste our time and immediately hurried to Graceland. We ordered their Soo Bicol menu that includes boiled rice, pinangat and grilled liempo, not bad for Php106. I was so famished that I didint wait for the others hahaha.After our diinner we roam around and shopped for our pasalubong right accross Graceland. We embarked into the bus at exactly 8:00PM.Yes were back to reality, but the memories of Calaguas Island will surely stay.

Expenses :

Round Trip fair ( Philtranco and Amihan) Php1160.00
tricycle fair from Talobatib to Paracale 67.00
Food ( stop over on our way to Daet ) 40.00
Pansit Bato 10.00/plate
Grocery/food 300.00/person
BoatRide 500.00(3000/6)
FX from Paracale to Daet 90.00
Entrance fee + Cottage fee + Environmental Charges 120.00/person
Tricycle fare from FX terminal to Philtranco Daet 10.00/person
Dinner at Graceland Daet( Sooo Bicol+mango yoghurt) 181.00

Total Php2478.00

Itenerary

Day O

8:30PM Assembly
9:00PM Departure (Last trip to Daet )

Day 1
5:30AM Arrival to Talobatib
6:00AM Arrival to Paracale
6:00AM to 8:30AM Finding our boatman and food shopping
8:30AM departure from Paracale Port
11:30AM Arrival to Calaguas
1:00PM Lunch
2:00PM to 3:00PM Siesta
3:00PM to 5:00PM Swimming
4:00PM to 5:30PM Exploring Mahabang Buhangin/Sunset watching
7:00PM Dinner
8:00PM to11:00PM Empoy Session
11:00PM We called it a day

Day 2
7:00AM Waking up and all that morning rituals
8:00AM Breakfast
8:30AM to11:30AM Swimming/hiking to the southern part of mahabang
buhangin to text Karen's Mom
12:00PM Lunch
12:15PM to12:45PM Last Dip in Calaguas Waters
12:45PM to 1:00PM Pack Up
1:20PM Depart Calaguas
3:30PM Arrival to Paracale Port
4:20PM FX ride from Paracale to Daet
5:00PM Arrival to Daet fx terminal
5:20PM to 5:30PM tricycle to Philtranco Daet
5:30PM to 5:40PM purchased ticket and left stuff to manong guard so
can explore Daet


6:00PM to 7:30 Exploring Daet,dinner at Graceland, shopping for
pasalubong
8:00PM Left Daet for Manila

Day 3
3:30AM Arrival to Manila
5:00AM Back to work


Name Of Caretakers : Mang Ramon and Aling Eliza
how can you reach them? Ask Kuya Nelson's boatmen

Boat Owner : Kuya Nelson
CP no. 09203179315

** Some of the locals sells fresh catch at relatively low price ( Php 40.00 to Php70.00 per kg)you might want to consider this.
** Unlike some beaches in Zambales I haven't had an annoying encounter with any mosquito here but I would still recommend you bring off lotion.
**Pacific waves could be at rage in the afternoon so it is recommended you leave the place not later than 2:00PM.

Thats it... Enjoy your Calaguas vagabonding..