Tracing Back and Moving Forward

Posted by romanleoreyman on

Paying a visit to Magalawa Island early this year didn’t cross my mind. In fact, even spending my summer at the beach or somewhere in the Philippines didn’t have a place in my calendar for work will be occupying my weekends and holidays. That was the reason why I declined most out of town trip invitations for summer because I couldn’t afford to say yes at the onset and retract it before the “the day.”

But here I am, writing about the beach this early. Odd, right?

It all started with a phone call from a friend who just arrived in the country. It was her birthday month and she wanted to visit Magalawa Island during her one-month vacation before flying abroad again. I said “ditto.” However, I didn’t confirm if I could come. But she was very relentless in pushing me so I agreed later on sans giving any assurance if I could organize it because of my erratic working schedule.

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On Monday of January 21, upon finding out that I’ll be having a free weekend, I immediately plotted our itinerary for a two-day jaunt at the island. Due to short notice, some of my high school buddies weren’t able to come to our supposed get-together. It was me who rushed everything.

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Real adventure began when we all rode a non-air-conditioned bus bound to north from our regular meet-up point during the heyday of our teenage years. We all occupied the back seats so other passengers would be spared from any possible disturbance we might cause. But the boisterous mirth circulating inside the bus couldn’t just go unnoticed. Our behavior was patterned this way: rowdy, quiet (when someone stares at us), burst into laughter again after a moment of silence. The cycle continued for two hours.

We were confused then if we made the spirit of overwhelming happiness contagious to other commuters or we only infuriated those having their “emo” moments while staring at the green fields of Zambales to escort their gloomy hearts. Remember, there were seven people aboard a bus with different stories, experiences, realizations and rumors to share; they haven’t seen each other for years; and they were only given one and a half day. Imagine how challenging it was for us to wrap and pack all the things we wanted to talk about with a very restrained time.

When we were about to alight, a commotion happened. One of our plastic bags carrying five kilos of rice suddenly erupted. After bursting into scream together with other passengers, we hurriedly picked the grains using our bare hands while leaving one of my friends and the bus attendant busy doing their own stuff—my friend was videotaping everything and the bus attendant was scratching his head. We were apologetic to everyone inside for causing the delay. However, we can’t help but laugh about it after.

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This is where I spent my first night when I traveled the entirety of Zambales solo. When I visited Magalawa almost three years ago, I knew I was in a phase where everything in my life was unfolding into something surprising. So when I finally had the chance to take my first paces at the shore, find a place to watch the fullness of the ocean, and sit to observe how motions around me fill my soul, I knew exactly that I was at the right place.

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Magalawa Island is still as placid and enigmatic as it was during our first meet and greet. Until now, it’s still an occult how it makes me feel untroubled and how it acquires the ability to wipe away thoughts and worries between my two ears whenever I look at its every angle. That’s the reason why it remains to be my favorite among the islands in my home province. So when a friend told me she wanted to go here, albeit I wasn’t sure at first whether or not I could join, I was jumping inside for sooner I will possibly be reunited with an island that reminds me that a place need not be perfect for it to be captivating and beautiful, sometimes, it only needs to be peaceful.

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Our boat reached the island an hour shy before noon. While waiting for another buddy who traveled all the way from Manila, we started preparing our lunch. We had pork adobo, chicken inasal, grilled tilapia, steamed veggies, shrimp paste (bagoong alamang) and variety of fruits. Fronting the beach, we all took our first meal for the day without spoon and fork.

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The tranquil atmosphere has found its way to complement our full tummies by making most of us sluggish at half past two in the afternoon. Although the temptation of not taking a long nap was too hard to resist, I imposed a rule that no one is allowed to sleep until midnight. So most played volley ball and some found their nook somewhere in the island to catch up.

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It was before twilight when I asked my friends to chase the sun. As the sun rises from our location, it entailed a long walk for us to witness its setting. While traversing the other side of Magalawa, we’ve seen how people in a very small community live each day to survive. Their lives are so simple but they look happy and content. I guess because some of them realized how fortunate they are for having the island and for waking up every day in a very peaceful place.

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Lovely sunset passed and we rushed back to our cottage for dinner. Bonfire by the shore wasn’t possible that night due to the forceful and unbearable monsoon wind. So all of us decided to stay inside our nipa hut to continue the delayed welcome party of a friend who missed being with the group for two years. And what was in store for two years of not seeing a friend? Yes, the customary. Aside from fresh tales about career and romance wrapped in a long-winded and unedited version, imported goodies from abroad were also flooding, literally.

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We envisioned that it would be a long night of endless laughter, anecdotes, and revelations. But the booze that was supposed to accompany us after dinner failed to keep us awake. Instead, it kept us all snoring upon consuming the last drop of tequila. The next morning, one of my friends almost spent her entire morning in and out of the comfort room, blaming the combination of tequila and softdrink the other night. We later realized that that was the price of not bringing lemon or lime.

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Morning arrived very swift, reminding us that we only have a few hours left before we bid adios to the island. I forced them to wake up but only some got the courage to leave the bed, in our case, the floor, because all the guys slept on the floor.

Lo and behold, sunrise received us as we were about to consume our coffee by the beach. It was a rare occasion in our lives to see the sunrise since we’re all busy during our regular days. We all enjoyed the moment and took it slow because we don’t know when we’d be able to glimpse at sunrise again.

We left the island by noon, rode a bus, and got off at our hometown in Zambales. From there, we went separate ways. I’ve seen the full moon at NLEX on my way back to Manila and remembered the scene etched in my mind during our night in the island.

All of us stood and walked towards the shore upon seeing the beach gleamed over the dark surrounding. The image of the moon mirrored through the waters and everything around turned so beautiful. In an instant, we forgot the conspicuous cold winds crashing with our body temperature as we all looked up and admired the natural satellite’s splendor.

An island, humming waves, cold breeze at night, and a full moon. A seemingly surreal scene that was made real by the presence of seven good souls that were once separated by distance and time. Aside from joy, island’s empty spaces were also occupied by laughter, tales, and memories we altogether reminisced.

 

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Every journey begins and ends the same way—packing. It is inescapable before and after every trip. Some hate it. But I always love packing after the trip because along with the dirty clothes and local goods, I also pack experience with me. This time, I shared it with my high school friends.

A Story with No Period yet

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Nueva Vizcaya mountains

I refused to join heaven as it wept so badly that afternoon when we were crossing the thoroughfares of Nueva Ecija to Quirino province. Squinting through the car windows to see signage in order to be familiar with the place didn’t help due to zero visibility in the area. The raucous sounds of wind and rain showed no sign that storm would soon die down. I stared blankly at the blurry atmosphere until I was unconsciously hummed to sleep.

After an hour or so I slightly woke up and heard nothing but silence. My body was still slackened at the car’s seat while we were gearing up to the higher portion of the road when something I read made me totally awake in a jiffy, it said: “Welcome to Nueva Vizcaya.”

The strong rains stopped when our car entered the vicinity of the province. I looked around and was surprised that everything around me was in gleaming green, except for the thoughts forming inside my head. Thought bubbles between my good side and rebellious side started fighting. The latter was convincing me to ask our driver to stop so we could explore. The former didn’t heed so the good side prevailed.

A lovely place like that of Nueva Vizcaya isn’t just worthy of glances, no matter how wide and infinite that glances would be. One must stay for several days to immerse himself on its abundance hiding beyond the rolling mountains. If the mountains served as its façade, what else can be found beneath those?

That moment, I was dying to find out the answer. However, I felt powerless. Because I knew that I would only pass by at Nueva Vizcaya and I wasn’t going to Quirino for any personal reasons. It was just the prelude of the many work-related trips I am looking forward to unfold where hi, hello, and goodbye will soon be the words that would constantly escape my mouth whenever I visit places.

Was I fortunate being in that situation? Or was I only making myself feel sullen by allowing nature tease me and all I could do was just to stare?

I eventually gave more leaning to the first question because of all mortals in the world whose eyes were maybe trapped to look at something hostile and unwanted during that time, mine were privileged enough to witness perfectly-crafted marvels.

The scene was comparable to watching a movie trailer. A trailer gives you the idea of the movie but you will only understand the whole story after watching it. Since I was only passing by at Nueva Vizcaya, I only know what to expect but would never experience its real richness unless I quit staring and start exploring. The only difference is, a movie can make or break my standards, but Vizcaya will surely satisfy and surpass my standards.

I made myself pleased by merely observing how things with life moved around me. My companion kept on sharing her experiences from the time she was struggling at various aspects of life up to the time she defeated all adversities. I was listening but not focused enough to digest everything she was saying. Our driver was very serious manning the steering wheel. I only heard him speak when I asked him several questions before he started driving. The trees and wild plants swaying with the blowing winds were very lively. It was a rare occasion where all living things were meaningful to me.

The van headed again all the way through the winding roads. This time, faster. My eyes were still immobile. I was taking advantage of the remaining sunlight before it succumbs the surrounding to darkness.

We reached the town where we are spending the night after two hours. We settled in a very decent place. Before closing my eyes, I was still wondering what lies behind the mountains of Vizcaya. So I stood, peeked through the window, savored the fresh air and professed: “If I desisted hunting the treasure behind those mountains I’d seen earlier, I will never complete this story. But if I remained steadfast in pursuing my plan to experience the treasure by myself, I will end this with a fulfilling story.”

I don’t have any plans to write an incomplete story

:)

Adventures on the Road: A Mother-Daughter Story

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Sailing on the splendid beaches of Coron; immersing themselves at Bohol’s beauty; relishing the richness of Bali and spending nights in Greece specifically in Santorini are the trips they wish to fulfill as they continue living their roles as a mother and a daughter.

They have explored Callao cave of Peñablanca, Cagayan, sojourned at the historic pavements of Vigan, enjoyed the friendly weather of Tagaytay and Baguio, and flew June of this year to Hongkong, but the serenity brought by Sagada left the greatest impact on them because it made them feel closer to nature and to our Creator. It is for this reason that they consider it as the best among the places they have been to in the Philippines.

Annie Aliggayu, a retired educator in her late 50’s, learned to love traveling when her daughter—whose penchant to explore different places, taste different food, and observe different cultures is unrelenting—invited her for a trip to Sagada. It was when Annie got nibbled by a travel bug and started to like the idea of traveling. From then, her daughter Jessanie Agnes Aliggayu Luna, with a budding career in IT at 26, began planning trips with her mom.

“Do you know that feeling when all that you have to worry about is how to have more fun and how to make the most of what you have for the day? It’s not easy to describe. But try having at least a day or two in your life where the only task is to give in to what your heart really wants– that! That is what traveling is! And it is when I travel that I really live my day to the fullest, experience the best that I can have and overcome all the fear there is! What’s not to look forward to that?” Although Annie goes out once in a while, this outlook of Jessanie has convinced her to discover more of the world.

Sagada

At Sagada Rice Terraces

Bomod-ok Falls, Sagada

Vigan

Tagaytay

Callao Cave, Peñablanca, Cagayan

Harbour Point, Hongkong

Before booking a flight, making a hotel reservation, and plotting itinerary, our primary concern is our companion (unless we prefer to travel alone). Admit it, sometimes companions are our first problem even before planning a trip. Depending on the occasion and places we want to visit, most of the time we choose to be with our friends, special someone, and sometimes strangers on a trip. Chances are very rare that we prefer to be with our parents. Of course we all have this luxurious dream vacation for our whole family and/or give our parents an all-expense paid vacation somewhere for them to enjoy their remaining years and their nth honeymoon. But, have we asked them to join us on our next trekking and island hopping activity? Maybe we are considering so many hassles in bringing them with us—security, safety, finances, freedom, etc.

For most who did not think it is possible and it won’t be possible, Annie and Jessanie learned to embrace their limits to make every trip possible. The two conquered the exhausting one-hour trek to Bomod-ok falls in Sagada and startled over the sunrise at Kiltepan. But Jessanie did not let her mom enter the Lumiang and Sumaguing caves or the cave connection for she knows it would be arduous for her to do so. When both of them went to Cagayan together with a great man (Annie’s dad, who recently went Home with God) that molded their lives into what they are now, they endured the 20-hour bus rides from Cagayan to Zambales. They took a public transport from Cagayan Valley to Ilocos to Pampanga to Zambales. That cutting trip, according to Jessanie, was the craziest thing they’ve done on the road just to grant the wish of her Lolo who wanted to do “sight-seeing” but slept all throughout the trip.

Annie cannot recall any hassle during their trip together. But Jessanie has this to say, “She changes her mind fast! (ha ha ha!) As much as possible, whenever we travel, I have this list of must-do, see or try. So far, we haven’t completed any of the lists I made. Good thing though that we are flexible to any changes. I guess the biggest argument so far is deciding what to eat, since both want to give in for the other.”

Never argue with our parents when we are traveling with them. We must understand that they have so many demands sometimes.

“I don’t recall any argument we had. Maybe argument is not the word. Most of the time she asks me what I like to eat and I tell her it’s up to you. And she asks again and I tell her it’s up to you.  Then she brings me somewhere. She knows what I like that’s why I don’t have any problem wherever she brings me. She takes charge. And I love it when she does. That’s one thing I love in her. She always wants me to be happy and enjoy,” Annie told me when she was trying to recall if there was any instance that she argued with her daughter when they were out of town.

A mother and daughter who travel squeeze effort and patience to make every trip memorable and to fit in in each other’s world. It’s the time when one or both feel the tenacious presence of the words “limitation” and “boundary” sans letting these ruin their time together. Is traveling with your mom or daughter a boon or bane?

Annie is happy traveling with her daughter, “We always wanted to let each other see and enjoy whatever we find enjoyable. It makes us feel closest. I enjoy and love traveling with Jessa ‘coz I feel so secure. She always sees to it that I’m okay, and that I’m enjoying. I don’t have to worry over anything because as what I’ve said, she takes charge. At home I take care of her. But when we travel, she takes care of me. We get to know each other more ‘coz we talk and share our thoughts about the beauty and meaning of life in everything we see and experience.”

On the other hand, Jessanie finds it rewarding traveling with her mom. “Whenever I take mom out it’s my little way of giving back the love she continuously gives me. We talk regularly over cakes and coffee about anything under the sun. But the discursions we have during our trips are usually deeper, and I learn a lot from those discussions. Also, traveling together is our way of looking and learning the other side of the world. She shows her perspective, I show her my side, and together we look at the world.”

The genuineness of their contemplations made me believe that travel does not only mold our attitude towards life. It does not only sharpen our knowledge about the things around us. More importantly, it fortifies all kinds of relationships on earth: friendship, intimate relationship with someone, brotherhood, marriage, and parent-child relationship.

What Annie and Jessanie have is a testament that is not only through having dinner, going to church, playing the same sport, talking over a cup of coffee, a glass of wine, and a bottle of beer can a parent and child grow together. Sometimes, it requires them to go out of the comfort of their home and travel…further and farther.

Do not be cynical. Every journey can be a source of learning and inspiration.

“Traveling with my mom allows me to see and feel the world through her. It also allows her to see things in my perspective. The concealed bond between us permits us to view the world closer to the horizon,” Jessanie revealed.

While Annie conveyed a message that would surely touch her child’s heart, “Jessa is by nature a very thoughtful, caring and loving daughter. Yet, traveling makes me know her more, feel her love more. Thus, making me feel secure that she will always be here beside me no matter what. Being a single mom, this is more than the world a treasure for me. So when we travel, we not only see the beauty of the world, but more so, I see the inner beauty of my Jessa.”

The story of Annie and Jessanie  will certainly inspire parents and children to travel together. Theirs might be different from how a father and son travel together. But, regardless of who we wish to travel with, I am sure it would cultivate a strong bond between us and our companion.

If there’s one thing I learned from Annie and Jessanie, that is to put to rest for now my luxurious dream vacation for my parents (because it would take years for me to become a millionaire) and start traveling with them while they are still healthy and able. I hope months from now I won’t only ask my parents to walk the dogs with me, eat with me, and play tong-its with me, but to have an adventure and chase paradise away from home with me.

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(Annie and Jessanie are my relatives. Jessanie is one of my travel buddies and Annie [I call her Mamu] will always be one of my lifetime educators. To the both of you, thank you so much for taking time to respond on my questions. May you always be blessed with memorable trips together.)

Roving in Macau on Foot

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The frigid breeze of December has escalated the altitude of the unobtrusive atmosphere as I was promenading somewhere miles apart from Pearl of the Orient. With my hands tucked inside my pockets, it was a fearless attempt to just wander right at the center of the district where posh hotels border me. I was confident—even though I was a total stranger—no one would harm me, not even a pickpocket for he wouldn’t be fortunate enough if he ransacked me.

Upon arriving at the Macau airport

In a city like this, I surmise almost everyone owns a luxury vehicle. One reason why I can count people doing the same thing I was doing with my ten fingers. I continued until I reached a traffic light, waited for the green light, and then proceeded walking again.

After passing through the tunnel of darkness for some time, stars in different forms and tones came to life. That moment, stars were closer. I can almost touch them. Okay. I am just kidding. There were no stars that night. What came dazzling to my eyes were the conspicuous lights that orchestrated the buildings dotting the area. It was inescapable even from a distance.

The sign “City of Dreams” was very evident while I was crossing the pedestrian towards Venetian. Was I dreaming when I reached this city? No. I came here in flesh.  Did I fulfill my dream in this city? Yes. A dream to travel abroad. Besides, it was my first out of the country trip.

As soon as I entered the Venetian hotel, a man in black suit greeted me. I just nodded and smiled because never did I understand any single word he uttered. Language was one of the barriers I dealt with during my entire stay here.

It was my first time to enter a Casino hotel.  Although I did not intend to play and gamble, with the infectious alacrity of the people inside, I got tempted to try. I was a spectator at first until I pulled 20 pataca from my pocket only to be abashed and dissed by the two men beside me who betted their 1200 pataca. By then, I surrendered my money inside my pocket and decided to remain as watcher for the rest of the night.

View of The Venetian from afar

As the evening collapsed, the milieu was becoming livelier. The new world I entered looked like a big social event. And I was like an unidentified walking object (UWO) because I was speaking a different language. While most of them were having fun, after an hour, I’ve gone enervated.

Minutes later, I suddenly felt the rush for bedtime. I started to hear murmurs from angels, enticing me to rest. It was my second night in the city. Meaning, second night of pampering myself, enjoying the buffet meal every breakfast, sleeping without being bothered by any phone alarms and calls, and thinking nothing except for the places I shall remember so I could write and share something in my virtual journal—here. I stayed in a four-star hotel. Too bad five-star hotel was way expensive. Even though it appeared elusive at that, right time will come that I will catch it.

Macau Museum

I lay down just after having a refreshing hot bath, stared blankly on the wall, leaving no signs that I was prepared to take yet another uninterrupted snooze. While ceiling gazing, in my mind I was mentally computing my expenses for the past 2 days and how much I only had for the next 4 days as I will be spending 3 nights in Hongkong beginning next morning (hahaha!). Kidding. But seriously, it was part of the equation, though much dealt with the experiences I have had.

Display inside the Museum

My thoughts went as far as to the churches and monasteries I visited that day. Some Filipinos I interacted with when I was tracing my way to the renowned landmarks of the city; the Macau Museum that served as my immersion tool to the culture of Macau; the Ruins of St. Paul steadfastly perched at the end of the stalls filled with local goods— Rua de S. Paula was my favorite street in Macau because it satisfied my cravings for local delicacies without having to spend a single penny, everything was gratis so long as you don’t bite offers of the merchants; the Senado Square filled with energy due to the contagious spirit of Christmas and protesters barricading a portion of the square. I found some protesters lying with placards containing characters unknown to me accompanied by a background speech of some sort being played using large speakers.

Senado Square

I spent the whole day walking, starting it from Venetian during the long morning and ending it in the same place. Of course I did ride cabs while touring Macau but doing in on foot—albeit exhausting—was more enjoyable as it helped me see the place in a more precise angles.

Ruins of St. Paul

I ought to forget about the food I consumed that day except for the McDonald’s burger and the buffet breakfast being served in a hotel where I stayed.

Everything was vivid in my mind, especially the scene when I had to gust towards the portion of the city where enthralling edifices congest. For the record, I had crossed five streets just to have a glimpse of it and ran back and forth for five minutes from where I was because I had to get in the queue of taxi’s bay before mounding passengers occupy my spot.

Closer view of Ruins of St. Paul

Somehow I have had regrets. Earlier that day I planned to take jaunt on Macau Tower to experience the world’s highest bungee jump, but I had strike the plan before reaching the tower due to budget scarcity. Back story has it that unintentionally, I had given a wrong direction by a fellow Filipino or maybe I only misunderstood the instruction passed on to me. While I was at the Ruins of St. Paul, I got rerouted to another place where I found stores selling authentic perfumes for very cheap prices. Since it was Christmas season, I decided to buy each member of my family (me included) as my Christmas gifts. I spent six thousand pesos for perfumes alone which is why I abandoned my plan to bungee jump and just devoted my time looking for cheap finds. I don’t think the cliché “the more the merrier” was propitious in my situation. Because the more I find cheap souvenir shops, the shorter the list of places in my itinerary has become since I had to convert “places” to “souvenirs.” Like, instead of going there, better spend the money for this (souvenir). That was my mindset.

Tired of thinking and ceiling gazing, when I was about to sleep, I received a text from a friend who was about to arrive in Hong Kong same date as mine, prompting me to veer away from my reminiscing-stage-of-what-happened-in-Macau for two days and inciting me to make a backup itinerary in case new travel companions join me. But I was too lazy to get out of bed, pull a pen from my backpack and create a scratch out of the expensive-looking notepad the hotel provided. Above and beyond, I was already in my sleeping position. So I immediately turned the lights off and closed my eyes just to be prodded by another thought that my things gone wild all over my room and I had to pack them right away since I was scheduled to leave early for Hongkong the following morning. I ended devoting another 30 minutes to make sure that all of my belongings are packed and everything is ready for my next destination. However, that 30 minutes gave enough leeway for sleep to escape. And no matter how I fervently prayed for sleep to come back, it has gone out of reach. Oh, such is life sometimes.

So there, for another hour or two, I made myself busy looking at photos I took in Macau until my eyes finally retired. I knew I was smiling while asleep because I can’t contain all the wonderful things happened to me that day.

Learning How to Spell Vacation in Anvaya Cove

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The idea of having a hiatus from a draining daily routine and the craving to seek for a diversion started with a call—an invitation from a travel buddy who informed me that we can go to Anvaya Cove because she happens to know someone who can sponsor our trip. The resort is exclusive for members only.  Members can provide sponsorship, so that’s what we’re availing.

Membership entails six figures from your bank account and if you want to own a prime property, you need to have at least seven figures. Come on, as a government employee, I need 5-10 years to produce that provided that my salary will go straight to my savings. However, since 80% of my salary goes to my monthly expenses, I need to work like a horse for 20 years unless I win the lottery.

Bearers of good news came at the right time, just before I suffered a mental coma. A week after that invite, another friend approached me and recited the same invitation, adding that I could tag people along with me (just minimal).

I said yes to both invitations, but since the second inviter was so adamant, forcing me to map out an itinerary to Bataan and Subic right there and then, I labeled the first invitation as “in May this year,” which I earnestly hope to fulfill.

Came March 24, six happy creatures were set to meet at Trinoma when all else were in deep torpor. It was all systems go for four people while the couple was still traversing Edsa. We were already expecting that the two will be late, but since the lady-driver happens to own our service car, we were barred to say even a single rant.

We head off to our destination at 4:30 in the morning. Thirty minutes later, while Cindy was gearing our speed towards SCTEX, all of us were caught with mouth wide open. We almost got hit by a 10-wheeler truck; or it’s the other way around. We could’ve occupied the front page of the major dailies the next day (of Tabloids I suppose) with the headline “Tourists ended their trip when it is about to start with a failed stunt.” Bad construction of headline and bad ending of six fresh faces. The only good thing is our guardians with halos did not permit such ghastly incident to happen. Maybe there is a sign in heaven written as “never with these people.” :)

We all talked and laughed about it all throughout the trip and the only time we stopped discussing that ice breaker was when we took the first meal of the day in SBMA.

Upon entering the vicinity of Anvaya Cove, we became kids at heart again. How a child’s eyes spark whenever he sees something that is pleasing; how a child smirks whenever he notices something wonderful; how a child blabs something that is interesting; that’s exactly how we acted.

We all walked to different directions the moment we park our car. And in every corner of Anvaya Cove, there was bliss to treasure.

The infinity pool enshrouded by coconut trees overlooking the sea was my replacement to a whole body massage. When you are mentally relaxed, it circulates within your whole physique. But I believe physical massage is still something our body needs once in a while.

At first, we thought that we’re just here to be beach bummers. To our surprise, there are recreational activities we can avail for gratis such us the zipline, wall climbing, rappelling, and other outdoor and indoor games. We haven’t tried all, just the zipline. We also played table tennis and beach volleyball.

Our lunch was one of the best parts of our trip. There are various restaurants in the resort that offer buffet meal but we preferred to dine at Pawikan Restaurant where everything is grilled, except of course for the appetizers and desserts. While we were feasting on our food, trees became our shade; the wind that caresses our bodies was our fan, and the small waves whipping the shoreline served as our music. Forces of nature combined to give us a very soothing ambience. It was a perfect meal, making me wish every day to be the same.

We spent the whole afternoon doing nothing that is work-related and thinking nothing that is problematic. We were nestled in a place where the source of energy emanates.

However, just like every day, no matter how unspoiled it is, it has to come to an end.

When my friends started packing their things, I ran towards the beach. Then suddenly memories of my childhood began to revive.

Before it became Anvaya Cove, its famous name was Ilingin. Just before Ayala acquired and developed the property, the cove looked like a virgin forest. Its pictures remain vivid in my mind because I used to spend my childhood vacation days here. Its proximity with my grandparents’ house in Bataan is one of the reasons why my family prefers to be here during vacation. Summer is not complete without visiting Ilingin. I still remember how my cousins and I pestered our Lolo every time we visit his abode. We grew up forcing him to man his boat and bring us to this cove.

When I was in college, I brought some friends to Ilingin. Prior to that, we were warned that there was an ongoing construction in the area and it has already been cordoned. I was kinda stubborn, so we rented a boat and pushed through with our trip despite of the warning. When we were a few meters away from its shoreline, a man in uniform with a gun sling on his shoulder while blowing his whistle so hard appeared, and shooed us away.

I felt that part of my childhood days were taken away from me. We were so helpless that we ended up cursing the guard when in fact he was only doing his job.

Fast forward.

After almost 12 years, I was reunited with Ilingin. It still acquires almost the same features even if so many years had passed during the last time I saw it. I will be lying if I said that I’m not happy with its transformation as Anvaya Cove. In fact, I was mesmerized with its current shape. It is a perfect place for family and for people looking to release the stresses of everyday life. Some say it only gets to enjoy by people who belong to the middle and upper classes because it is exclusive for members and those sponsored by the members. Although there is a spirit of truth with the sentiment of others, I cannot discredit the advantage of its exclusivity. Aside from people get to enjoy more Anvaya Cove because it is not crowded, it also protects the place from harm. Remember, the more something is exposed the more it is prone to harm.

We ended the day with a kiss from the sun. But more than that, during this whole day visit, we learned how to spell the word vacation correctly.

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Thank you to Mr. J and Ms. S for sponsoring our trip.

Advanced Happy Birthday to Abby and thanks for the pre-birthday dinner.

Congratulations to Mary Anne Mendoza for passing the Real Estate Broker examination. This also served as our pre-celebration.

Godbless and goodluck to Cindy. Thank you for the invitation.

Ken and Ado, you guys rock!

I wasn’t able to encapsulate all info about Anvaya here on my blog. Just check Anvaya Cove’s website here: http://www.anvayacove.com/

Nang Masilayan Ko ang Bagong Daigdig sa Bohol

Posted by romanleoreyman on

Halos takipsilim na noong ang aking mga paa’y dumampi sa isang mataas na bahagi ng lupa at ang aking mga mata’y tila walang kurap na pinagmamasdan ang naggagandahang mga burol na animo’y inihasik ng ating tagapaglikha sa isla ng Bohol. Nang masilayan ko mismo ang Chocolate Hills, ang ngiting namutawi sa aking mga labi ay tila iniukit ng isang tanyag na manlililok dahil wala itong bahid ng pagkukunwari. Ako ay nagmistulang larawan ng isang bata na sa kauna-unahang pagkakataon ay ginawaran ng medalyang ginto. Ang aking saya ay walang sisidlan dahil alam ko na katuparan iyon ng isang pangarap.

Ayon sa alamat, ang Chocolate Hills daw ay nagmula sa luhang pumatak galing sa isang higanteng sawi sa pag-ibig. Kung ito man ay isang katotohanan, ang pighati ng kanyang puso ay nagdulot naman ng kaligayahan sa bawat nilalang na makakakita nito. Sino nga ba ang hindi mamamangha sa kariktan ng libo-libong burol na ito? Marahil s’ya ay isang  bato.

Hindi nagtagal ay kinailangan kong lisanin ang tanawin na bumuo sa isang araw na nagdaan. Sa aking paglalakbay sa panibagong destinasyon kung saan madarama ko ang ibang bersyon ng buhay sa isla, minarapat kong  alalahanin ang mga kaaya-ayang bagay na nangyari sa akin sa kabuuan ng aking paglalakbay, hanggang sa ako’y bigla nanamang napangiti.

Tarsier

Sa nakatutuwang Tarsier na iilang pulgada lamang ang haba, hindi ka ba mapapangiti? Ang namimilog at dilat na dilat nilang mga mata ay nangungusap at mayroong mensaheng hatid na, “tingnan mo ako at ako’y alagaan mo.” Sa haba ng biyahe patungo sa kabilang bayan ako’y natatawa lamang sa aking sarili dahil minsa’y inisip ko na sila’y ibulsa at iuwi. Subalit, batid ko na ang ilayo mga Tarsier sa natural nilang tahanan ay hindi makabubuti para sa kanila.

Bangkilas na naglalayag sa Loboc River

Noong ako’y makarating sa inupahan kong bahay panuluyan at nang lumapat ang aking likod sa malambot na katre, wari kong narinig ang agos ng ilog. Ang kulay luntian na tubig ng ilog ng Loboc o mas kilala bilang Loboc River sa  mga turista ay muling nanumbalik sa isipan kong nais nang mamahinga. Ngunit, ang aking buhay na diwa ay naglakbay sa ikalawang pagkakataon sa masarap na pananghaliang aking natikman noong araw na iyon kasabay ng saliw ng magagandang musika mula sa isang mang aawit. Sinabayan din ito ng indak ng mga katutubo sa kalagitnaan ng paglalayag. Hindi ako nag-iisa sa paglalayag sa Loboc, lulan ng isang malaking bangkilas, kasama ko ang iba pang turista na nagsasaya. Maihahalintulad ko sa piyesta ang kapaligiran noon—matiwasay ang paligid at lahat ng tao’y nagagalak.

Halos dalawang dekada na pala ang lumipas noong ang aking murang isipan ay mamulat sa mga naggagandahang pulo dito sa Pilipinas. Tulad ng isang ordinaryong yagit na namuhay sa daigdig ng pangarap at pantasya, ako ay isa sa mga nag-asam na gawing realidad ang bawat istorya na produkto ng aking kamusmosan at tuklasin ang mga bagay na nasisilayan lamang ng aking mga mata sa libro at sa “black and white” na telebisyon. Hindi man kasing ganda ang kanilang larawan ng mga nakalathala ngayon sa peryodiko, ngunit, para sa akin, ang mga tanawing iyon ay walang kapantay sa kariktan.

Bitbit ko ang pangarap na iyon hanggang pagtanda at hanggang sa ako ay maging hinog upang magpasya sa mga bagay na nais kong tahakin. Supilin man ng panahon, pagkakataon, at balakid sa buhay ang aking pagnanais na maglakbay, nanatiling matatag at matayog ang aking pangarap na marating ang mga isla na unang binigyang buhay ng larawan.

Ako ay tila nasa alapaap pa sa unang pagtapak ng aking paa sa lupang ang sa akin ay banyaga. Marahil ay dala rin ng isang oras na pananatili sa himpapawid na aking naranasan sa kauna-unahang pagkakataon. Ang samyo ng sariwang hangin na nanunuot sa aking kalamnan ay tanda ng isang kaaya-ayang pagbati sa simula ng aking pagtuklas sa panibagong dako. Ako nga ay nasa pulo na ng Visayas.

Butterfly Garden

Hindi ko lubos maisip na ang maliit na isla ng Bohol ay siksik sa yaman. Ang akala ko noong una’y mayroon lamang itong Chocolate Hills at Tarsier, bukod pa rito ang Panglao, subalit, ako pala’y isang mang-mang nang tumambad sa akin ang katotohanang ikasisiya ng bawat tulad ko—isang taong sabik sa yaman ng kalikasan. Ang buong pulo ay puno ng  tanawing hindi lang bubusog sa mata ng bawat tao, ngunit pupukaw rin sa ating puso. Ito ay tila idinisenyo sa bawat bayan upang bigyang buhay ang buong isla. Ilan sa mga tanyag ay ang Hinagdanan Cave, Virgin Island, Balicasag Island, Man Made Forest, mga lumang simbahan tulad ng Baclayon at St. Peter at marami pang iba na naghihintay lamang masilayan ng bawat Pilipino.

Simbahan ng St. Peter o ng Loboc

Kampanaryo (belfry) ng Simbahan ng Loboc

Ilang araw bago ang unang anibersaryo ng aking paglalakbay noong ako’y unang makarating sa Bohol limang buwan na ang nakilipas mula ngayon. Ngunit, ang ala-ala ng bawat dako ay nananatiling sariwa sa aking isipan at tuwing  ito’y aking binabalikan, ako ay bumabalik sa  panahong lahat ng bagay sa aking paligid ay maaliwalas. Hindi ba’t napakasarap balikan ng mga sandaling tayo ay masaya?

Dumarating ang panahon sa  ating buhay na nais natin ng pagbabago at gawin lamang ang mga bagay na makapagpapasaya sa atin. Ang tanging inaasam natin ay mamuhay sa daigdig ng kaligayahan. Ang daigdig na mahirap marating para sa karamihan, ngunit kayang marating ng iilan. Ako ay naglalakad sa kalagitnaan ng Man Made Forest ng Bohol noong aking mabatid na ako’y nasa daigdig ng kaligayahan. Dinig ko ang saliw ng hangin kasabay ang pagaspas ng dahon ng puno at langitngit ng Kamagong. Dama ko ang lamig ng kapaligiran dahil sa pagkakakulong ko sa bisig ng kalikasan. Pawang kulay lutian ang aking nakikita saan mang dako ako tumingin. Ako ba’y nasaan? Ako ay nasa Pilipinas. Dito ko rin pala matatagpuan ang daigdig na hinahanap ng karamihan. Bawat hakbang ko sa Man Made Forest, ako ay nagagalak. Sa anong kadahilanan? Dahil doon ko napagtanto ang kakayahan ng bawat Pilipino.

Man Made Forest

Batid ko na alam ng bawat isa na tayo rin ang dahilan ng unti-unting pagkasira ng ating kalikasan, na ang ugat ay ang kawalan natin ng disiplina. Nang makita ko ang matatarik na puno ng Kamagong, ako’y biglang nabuhayan ng kalooban at napaisip, “kayang kaya naman palang gumawa ng mga Pilipino ng isang obrang makakalikasan tulad nito, bakit kaya hindi tayo gumawa ng maraming Man Made Forest sa Pilipinas.” Alam kong iyon ay posible.

Protesta sa hindi mangangalaga sa kalikasan

Muli ako’y naglakad hanggang sa nilapitan ako ng isang ginang at nagwika, “sir, bili na po kayo ng buko.” Ako’y sumagot, “sige, bibili ako pero kunan mo muna ako habang nagpa-planking.” Yun ang kauna-unahang pagkakataong ginawa ko ang isang bagay na aking kinaiinisan. At ngayon ko lang napagtanto na bawat planking na aking gagawin, kahit na ito pa ay hindi na uso, ay magiging tanda ng aking protesta  sa bawat taong hindi mangangalaga sa ating kalikasan.

BEST OF MY HOME PROVINCE: A TRAVEL GUIDE TO ZAMBALES

Posted by romanleoreyman on

Wake up! Stop dreaming about roses, chocolates, exclusive dates, fancy restaurants, and cheesy moments. Love month is over. Get up, ransack your closets, and prepare your most comfy summer attire. Keep your school manuals and reading materials in a box, file your leave from work, get your phone, contact your friends, relatives, officemates, dates, and plan your vacation. Tell them that you’re gonna take the lead in planning; that they need to relax and put respite on their busy days.

Since it’s officially summer, this is my simple way of helping you plan your itinerary to Zambales. For the purpose of giving directions, I am going to use public transport because I don’t own a car.

Things to remember first:

1-      Zambal is not the main dialect in Zambales, it’s Tagalog. Only those located in the Northern tip of the province speak Zambal. Also, most Zambaleños speak fluent Ilocano.

2-      Olongapo is part of Zambales. It’s the first town (the only city) and transport hub of Zambales. Terminals of buses to other parts of Luzon are located here.

3-      Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) is different from Subic town. Most tourists commonly refer SBMA as Subic, not the Subic town.

4-      All towns in Zambales are accessible via public transport (jeepney and bus). Transportation is not a problem except those in far-flung barangays.

5-      Zambales is easy to explore. As long as you know its 14 municipalities, you no longer need a map.

6-      Zambales has the best mangoes and pastillas.

Once you put these 6 things in mind, you are good to go.

Zambales map

BUS TERMINAL AND FARE MATRIX IN PHILIPPINE CURRENCY (PESO)

 

DESTINATION

VICTORY TERMINAL AND FARE

ESTIMATED TRAVEL TIME FROM BALINTAWAK (in hours)

Caloocan

Cubao

Sampaloc

Pasay

Olongapo

202

207

207

218

2:40-2:50

Subic

221

226

226

236

3-3:15

Castillejos

230

235

235

245

3:20-3:30

San Marcelino

247

252

252

262

3:30-3:45

San Antonio

260

265

265

275

3:50-4

San Narciso

272

277

277

287

4:05-4:15

San Felipe

282

287

287

298

4:20-4:30

Cabangan

301

306

306

316

4:30-4:40

Botolan

332

337

337

347

4:40-4:50

Iba

342

347

347

357

4:50-5

Palauig

364

374

374

384

5-5:10

Masinloc

403

408

408

418

5:25-5:45

Candelaria

422

427

427

437

5:50-6

Sta. Cruz

451

456

456

466

6:10-6:20

Masinloc

 403 408 408 418 5:25-5:45

Candelaria

 422 427 427 437

5:50-6
Sta. Cruz 451 456 456 466

6:10-6:20

*Genesis (Cubao and Pasay) and Saulog also have trips to Olongapo.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA)

ATTRACTION

ENTRANCE FEE (in Peso)

FARE (From SBMA gate in Peso)

Zoobic Safari

449

400

Tree Top Adventure

Package starts at 350

150-160

Ocean Adventure

500

400-450

*Minimum taxi fare is 70.

Zoobic Safari

If you want to experience exotic wildlife, this is the right place for you.  Aside from tigers, its natural environment makes someone feel that he is actually having encounters with wild animals in their own habitat.

There is a restaurant inside that serves affordable food. I suggest bringing your own snacks though, beverage and other refreshments like ice cream and popsicles are a little bit pricey. The management allows food inside as long as you don’t feed the animals. Safari can be toured in 5-6 hours including lunch and the animal show.

Tree Top Adventure

Wanna feel an adrenaline rush? Conquer your acrophobia? Or just pretend to be braver even just for a day? You must try this adventure. Tree drop is a must! Get a package in order to save cash in case you want to experience most of its adventures. In Tree Top, breath of fresh air and jungle-like view are a plus.

You can spend at least 2 hours here depending on your package and the number of visitors; the more the visitors the longer the queue in every adventure.

Ocean Adventure

After the wildlife and jungle, it’s time to experience the marine life. Watch sea lions and dolphins perform, wow their audience and show how adorable they are. Swim with the dolphins for 45 minutes and pay P4,200. Yes, you read that right, four thousand two hundred pesos. I am sure that would hurt my pocket but according to a friend who recently tried the encounter, it is priceless.

Happy Aleli while swimming with a dolphin. She’s wearing her priceless smile.

There are several beach resorts in SBMA, but I haven’t tried exploring its seas except when I had a quick night swimming at Camaya resort way back in 2009. Cargo ships that are very visible to my eyes dissuaded me from swimming. It gives me a feeling that the sea is exploited. This is just me.

I love the night life in SBMA though—very frisky and relaxing. Bars by the seashore are the most visited; with Pier One as the most famous. Restaurants are also dotted in the area— from the most affordable to the most expensive. Not to mention the casino and hotels. Whenever I have time and budget, I bring my family here to experience an atmosphere of the city in the province once in a while.

Reminders and Directions:

-I would recommend that you use your car if you are traveling with your whole family or with a group. SBMA is only 2 and ½ hours from Manila via SCTEX. The cost of commuting and having your private transport is almost even if you’re in a group. Besides, it’s hassle-free.

-Take a bus bound to Olongapo. Get off at Olongapo terminal. Ride a yellow or red jeepney to SM Olongapo. From SM, walk through the gate until you’re inside SBMA, and then rent a cab to your preferred attractions. Though there are buses inside SBMA, your only choice is to hire a taxi.

Islands and Beach Resorts

Zambales is a hit for many because of its unspoiled islands and beautiful beach resorts, making it as one of the most favorite vacation spots in the Philippines (yes, I pronounce! J). Its accessibility to Metro Manila and nearby provinces also contributes to its popularity.

Anawangin Cove

Nowadays, who does not know Anawangin? This is the most renowned and sought after cove in Zambales. Due to irrepressible hype, it becomes congested during summer especially in the month of April. When you try to visit it in January or February, the cove is all yours. Albeit it turns as congregation of campers this season, Anawangin still has its beauty.

There are two ways to reach Anawangin: via land and water. By land, you need to trek Mt. Pundaquit for 4-5 hours. By water, a boat from Pundaquit will take you there for 30-40 minutes. I haven’t tried to traverse Mt. Pundaquit, but travelers claim it is a very rewarding experience. I’ll do it next time.

Nagsasa Cove

This is the sister of Anawangin, and I have to be fair, Nagsasa is more beautiful. Aside from it looks more bucolic and picturesque, it is less crowded too. Its pristine waters hemmed by the mountains are soothing to one’s eyes. It got me charmed in an instant.

Photo by: Agnes Navales

Nagsasa is accessible via boat from Pundaquit for 1hr and 15 to 30 minutes.

Capones Island

Capones is famous for its lighthouse that was built during the Spanish era. It’s a good side trip in case you plan to visit either of two Zambales’ coves. Don’t forget to ascend to top of the lighthouse to get a glimpse of the peerless view of the West Philippine Sea.

It would take you 25-30 minutes from Pundaquit to reach Capones.

I’m also including here the Camara Island as another quick break in your journey going to Anawangin.

20 minutes via boat from Pundaquit.

Pundaquit

Though it serves as the jump off point to many islands and coves, for me, Pundaquit is a gem on its own. It also has a cove-like characteristic because it reclines in between mountains. Stay here until sunset and you will witness how the sun seamlessly recedes in the island. You can find classy resorts here too.

Reminders and Directions

-Hop a bus to Iba or Sta. Cruz Zambales. Get off at San Antonio public market. Ride a tricycle to Pundaquit (P30/each). From Pundaquit, hire a boat to any of your desired island/cove. If you missed your trip to Iba or Sta. Cruz, choose Olongapo instead. Get off at Olongapo terminal, and then ride a bus or jeepney that passes through San Antonio.

-I suggest you make reservations early for the boat. If you don’t have any camping gears, there are also tent for rent in Pundaquit.

This might help:

Contact person: Alvin Bonan

Numbers: 0928-779-9849 and 0917-993-5166

RENTALS:

TENT: 2pax- P250, 4pax- P400

BOAT: (Round trip) From Pundaquit to

Anawangin Cove- P200-250/ pax

Capones Island- P200-250/ pax

Camara Island- P200-250/ pax

Nagsasa Cove- P300-350/pax

Taliyasin -P300-350/pax

Smallest boat can carry 4-5 pax. Largest or the ferry boat can carry a minimum of 20 pax. Kuya Alvin can also provide a service (tricycle) to pick you up at San Antonio Market.

Prices here are as of March 2011. I’m not sure if the rates are still the same until now. You can save money if you’d do island hopping. Before, I rented a boat for 5 persons to Camara, Capones, and Anawangin for a day trip and paid discounted amount.

Crystal Beach

Crystal Beach resort is located in San Narciso, Zambales. Its friendly environment makes it a good venue for recreation, team building and family get together. It provides good spot for surfers as well. I have been here for numerous times but each visit feels like the first time.

Reminders and Directions

-There is a restaurant and canteen here. As much as you can, bring your own food because goods are a little bit pricey in the resort for budget travelers.

-Ride a bus to Iba or Sta. Cruz Zambales. Get off at San Narciso. Take a tricycle to Crystal each.

Magalawa Island

Magalawa Island will always be my personal favorite among the islands and beaches I visited in Zambales. Every time I think of Magalawa, I always remember the tranquility that snagged me while I was gazing at its scintillating white sand beach and sitting under a tree untroubled. The picture of me camping alone, feasting on variety of sea foods, and resting without minding the ticking of clock was a scene to reprise over and over.

Reminders and Directions

-You can camp here or stay in one of the resorts in the island. You are free to bring food. Worry less if you didn’t have enough because there’s a cafeteria here that serves affordable food. Palauig public market is out of way. So I discourage you to entertain any idea of buying raw food in the market. Buy goods in Manila or in Olongapo instead.

-Ride a bus en route to Sta. Cruz. Get off at  Brgy. Pangolinan, Paluig, Zambales (you will see a Pangolinan sign at the right side of the highway).  From Pangolinan, ride a tricycle to Brgy. Luan (20-25 minutes). Fare is P150 if you rent the whole tricycle. They usually allow maximum of two passengers per tricycle because of the rough roads. From Brgy. Luan, ride a boat to Magalawa Island (10 minutes).

Potipot Island

Potipot is the most prominent white sand island in Zambales. Although it is situated in the second farthest town of Zambales, tourists are willing to travel extra mile just to have a feel of its powdery sand. Potipot is a very small island that looks like a scoop of ice cream from afar. You can explore the whole island in less than 30 minutes just by your feet.

Reminders and Directions

-If you want to stay overnight in the island, I strongly suggest to bring your own tent. Although there are cottages and tent for rent in Potipot, there’s no way to make reservations because the management follows first come first served basis. Since it is just 5 to 10 minutes away from the mainland, where a lot of beach resorts are situated, you can just stay in any of the resorts that suit your taste and have a whole day visit in Potipot. There is no electricity supply in the island when I last visited it in April 2011. Even if there’s a water supply, toilet is a problem during summer due to heavy influx of people.

-Ride a bus bound to Sta. Cruz, Zambales. Get off at  Brgy. Uacon, Candelaria, Zambales. Walk or ride a tricycle to your preferred resort. Rent a boat to Potipot (400 roundtrip for 4 persons).

Mt. Tapulao

Mt. Tapulao is slowly gaining its reputation not just to mountaineers but also to travelers wanting to experience a worthy climb. I haven’t climbed this mountain yet, but a story from a mountaineer-friend would be of great help to those who long to conquer its summit one day. (story of tramping philippines)

Photo by: trampingphilippines.com

Mt. Tapulao is located in Palauig.

President Ramon Magsaysay Ancestral House

The ancestral house of the most loved Philippine president, the late Ramon Magsaysay, who died in a tragic plane crash, is located in my beloved hometown Castillejos. Since you will pass thru it before reaching Zambales’s beautiful islands, might as well include it in your itinerary. Inside, you’ll get a glimpse of his life during his childhood and when he became the chief executive of our country. Sometimes, it feels good to trace the lives of our previous presidents and be inspired by their legacies.

Directions

-Ride a bus to Iba or Sta.  Cruz. Get off at Brgy. Sta. Maria chapel. The ancestral house is located beside the chapel.

Mapanuepe Lake

Mapanuepe Lake in Aglao, San Marcelino  may be considered as one of the least recognized spots in Zambales, but it has already been featured  on Destination of Truth, an American TV series. This lake was formed during the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo. Flash floods submerged two barangays which later on formed into a lake. Now, only the cross of the sunken church is visible—a limpid testament how catastrophic the Mt. Pinatubo eruption was for Zambaleños.

The lake looks calm with scenic mountain framework, but its story remains disturbing and enigmatic. Visit tips and directions here

If you are a fan of old churches, you might be interested to visit these houses of worship in Zambales.

Upper left: Botolan. Upper right: Iba. Lower left: Sta. Cruz. Lower right: Masinloc.

Zambales is not only for Zambaleños, it is for the people who know how to take care of our environment regardless of nationality.  So if you are only going to tarnish the natural beauty of my home province, just stay out. And if you are a resident but participating in the devastation of its natural wealth, shame on you.

I’m indeed fortunate and blessed that I have all these in Zambales. If you think I have already explored enough, I’ll be honest, I am just starting because I am sure there are still a lot to discover about my home province.

If you visit Zambales this summer, you’ll end up singing this: “I wanna dance in Zambales, I wanna feel the heat in Zambales!” LSS right?  :)

______________________________________________________________________________

Last Monday, I posted these questions on Facebook: What do you love most about Zambales? Which for you is the best place in Zambales?

Here are some of the answers:

Ng Clara: Punta de Uian kuya.. sa Pundakit San Antonio, Zambales. :)

Jans Julhusin: Potipot Island- it’s like having our own VIRGIN version of BORACAY!

Dane Policarpio: Definitely Mt. Tapulao. Punished us for 2 stormy days last year that’s why we came back to redeem ourselves and did a dayhike on this mountain 2 months ago. Semi-absurd and insane idea of dayhiking the highest mountain in Central Luzon but it was worth it.

Jhoy Lagman: Anawangin island is one of the best when we visited 1st time in 2009… Sad part when we visited last yr dami n nagbago, pero we still enjoyed the island…

Mary Anne Mendoza:  I really love the idea na nasa tabing dagat yung rest house mo. I have witnessed the development of your tita’s rest house, and every time n pumupunta ako dun (4-5x na?!?) there’s always something bago. So I always look forward to visit the place. Everytime I am back home from that “resort” super stress free and relax yung feeling. I really love the place kc I always feel at home! Beautiful place + Good friends + friendly people + “Micro budget” = Happy Us!

Maria Isabel Reyman: I love Pundaquit and Subic beach. It’s fun to reminisce our childhood days.

Sarah Jane Trimor: Island hopping in San Antonio

Avriel May Visitacion: I love Zambales beach.

Aleli Geraldino: Valentines day was memorable to me. I’ve finally found someone to celebrate it with. I had  a splashy date with Cito & Kira, two of the  adorable dolphins in Ocean Adventure Subic.  It was a “dream come true” for someone who loves the ocean. I’ve been yearning to touch them, to kiss them and to swim with them and that dream materialized last month. I’ve  traveled all the way from Cebu to experience this once-in-a-lifetime dolphin ride encounter. The experience might be pricey to some tourist, but at that moment, I didn’t care, I was living on a dream and from what I’ve experienced? It’s priceless.

 I hope to include yours too.

Poster made by: Felix Guiang