In April of 2007, Amrei and I went to Bicol in time for the Holy Week vacation, we were going to meet with Angku and Ryan who were currently vacationing there (Angku’s hometown is Bicol), the day after we arrived. Then Abet and Hasmin will follow from Manila, on our third day.

Jetski

Our first stop was where we would be staying – EcoVillage. It was only very lucky for us to be able to book a room in EcoVillage because it was the holy week so all accommodations that we contacted near CWC were all fully booked. We got a room because we very eagerly followed up for cancellations. The Eco Village management was nice enough to notify us when a room became available.

Fooling Around

Ate Lyn (but we call each other “Teng” short for “Ateng”), my sister, her husband and their friends were already in Bicol for three days when we arrived. They’ve already swam with the whale sharks in Donsol. On their last day in Bicol, they tried out the Camsur Watersports Complex (CWC) where we met them up for breakfast.

Pancake with Bacon and Egg (Php 100)

We had pancakes and omelet. I remember that the breakfast foods were only around Php 90-110. I was a vegetarian then so I requested for a tomato and mushroom omelet.

Vegetarian Omelet by Request (Mushroom and Tomatoes only)

CWC at that time only had a few accommodations, the containers were under construction.

The Clubhouse

Pool with Bamboo Lounge Chairs

I was delighted to enter the complex, with a big pool that’s surrounded by cabanas for spa and lounging, the clubhouse, and the 6-point cable ski system. The whole walking area is made of wooden flooring too! It’s a very relaxing atmosphere.

Cable Park

The place also has a good view of Mt. Isarog.

Pool Surrounded by Cabanas

Read what you can do when in CWC here.

Contact Camsur Watersports Complex at these details:

Camsur Watersports Complex Office:
Provincial Capitol Complex
Cadlan, Pili, Camarines Sur
Contact Number: +63(54) 4773344 / 4773347
Fax Number: +63(54) 477-5162
E-mail: infocamsur@gmail.com

Related Posts:

The Great Bicol Adventure: Rest and Relaxation in Awesome Camsur
Eco Village, Pili, Camarines Sur

Last Saturday was my friend Ktin’s bday celebration (today is her birthday, Happy Birthday, Ktin!) in her house in Cavite. We drove for about two hours to get to Dasmariñas. After the party, we visited Souk Kafe in Robinson’s Dasmariñas and met with the very bubbly owner of the restaurant. We were there until 12 midnight.

Sorry it's a bit blurry, but you get the picture :)

We already had a plan to go to Tagaytay after the meeting. I searched for lodgings that are economical since we’re only going to sleep the night away until we go sight seeing in the morning. Too bad it was hard to find these places in the internet. Only the more famous, and of course more expensive accommodations were at the first few pages in the searches. I even searched for resorts, so just to be prepared, I brought a set of swimwear.

Since we finished late, we still tried to call up Microtel, which was said to be 10 minutes away from Souk Kafe, but it was fully booked, and so was Days Hotel. I was ready for an adventure, anyway, so me and my travel buddy decided to go up to Tagaytay and canvass for accommodations when we get there.

It was a really dark drive from Dasmariñas to Tagaytay, and there were a few forking roads, but stay on the right side until your gut feel says you’re almost there! Well, our gut feel would know because our way started to get foggy with a really fine drizzle. We rolled down the windows a bit and… brrr! The second sign of getting near the Tagaytay Junction is the “hotels / room for rent” signage in every couple of meters. Then the famous rotonda (junction) with 7-11 on the right.

From the rotonda, to the right (side of 7-11) is the way to Nasugbu, Batangas and to the left is to Sta. Rosa, Laguna. And somewhere there is the famous Taal Lake that we were not able to see because of the darkness.

I dropped by at 7-11 to pick up some snacks (that amounted to Php 485) and from there, I could see Overlook Inn so we checked it out. They have a room for two at Php 1350 with a small bed and Php 1670 with a bigger bed. Both have a T&B, TV and free breakfast (hotdog, egg, rice). Since the rooms were a bit small, we tried to look for other places further down the street to Nasugbu. We found Tirona and Eufel. We did not ask for the rates of Eufel because we did not quite like the look from the outside (like a real house, so there’s probably some common areas with the other guests) and Tirona seemed fully booked with all the cars parked around it. Then a man, from nowhere, came y my window holding what seemed to be two coupons. I opened my window and in his hands he held two business cards for Jessar Inn and REHM Rooms for Rent, their rates and amenities. He talked to us saying that Jessar is his Aunt’s place and he’s on his way home and he could guide us there with his tricycle, which was four minutes away, en route to Sta. Rosa, the opposite side of where we’re at. He even wanted to show us his ID. He does not look shabby so I said there’s no need for identification. What got us interested was that there’s free wi-fi connection on both places. And so we followed him. It was around 10 minutes away at 40 KPH.

Calabarzon Map (image from from www.guinayangan.com)

There’s a hundred peso difference between the rates of the two Inns, the cheaper one, REHM, has two available rooms while Jessar was fully booked.

We checked out the next day at around 2PM, went to Ming’s Garden and Sonya’s Secret Garden. Had super-late-lunch/early-dinner at Taj of Tagaytay and passed by Olivarez Complex (where there’s Mercury Drug and Mc Donalds) and left at exactly 9:20 PM. We were in Kamuning at 11 PM with no stop-overs but with a bit of wrong turns and getting lost, when already in Manila! All in all, it was a fun time though I was not able to use my swimwear.

A decoration at Ming's Garden, Tagaytay City

I’ll be posting separate articles about the places I’ve mentioned, but for now, I shall hit the sack.

Related Posts:

Souk Kafe
REHM Apartelle, Tagaytay City
Ming’s Garden
Sonya’s Secret Garden
Taj of Tagaytay

Though the sun setting and fading out from the horizon is not visible from Anawangin Cove, you will surely appreciate the sky at dawn. As I have mentioned in previous articles about the cove, the sky that one sees from Brgy. Pundaquit to Anawangin Cove has a naturally beautiful blue gradation, fading to white as it touches the horizon.

As there is no electricity in the cove, no one will miss the vibrant colors of the sky as it changes from blue to warm colors, while the water catches and reflects the hues.

Related Posts:

Getting to Anawangin Cove, Zambales
Anawangin Cove, Zambales (part 1) – The Beach
Anawangin Cove, Zambales (part 2) – The River
Anawangin Cove, Zambales (part 3) – The Open Field
Anawangin Cove, Zambales (part 4) – The View Deck
Capones Island, Pundaquit Zambales
Camara Island, Pundaquit Zambales

scenic

Continued from Anawangin Cove, Zambales (part 3) – The Open Field

I wondered why the photos of Anawangin Cove that I see online are shots from the top. I did not know that there’s actually a view deck. No one mentioned it in blogs that I’ve read. It always seemed like an areal shot from hiking Mt. Pundaquit. Truth is, the view deck is only about 5-10 minutes of trekking. Easy, breezy and really pretty. :)

easy

These are what you see on the way to the top:

breezy

pretty

The view deck has two levels, the one steeper than the other. We settled for the lower deck. Enough to see the whole cove.

view of the sand, swamp, trees and mountains

cove next to Anawangin

We would have waited for the sunset but we did not bring flashlights with us, and the group’s mainly composed of inexperienced hikers, so going down the hill would be difficult in the dark. Sunrise and sunsets cannot be seen on the cove because mountains and rock formations would obstruct the view. But the blue sky turning red was a wonderful scene.

before the blue skies turn to red

Thanks to Reden, Redentor and Dave, our tour guides from Adventure Road Trip for the fun weekend!

Related Posts:

Getting to Anawangin Cove, Zambales
Anawangin Cove, Zambales (part 1) – The Beach
Anawangin Cove, Zambales (part 2) – The River
Anawangin Cove, Zambales (part 3) – The Open Field
Anawangin Cove, Zambales – The Sunset Skies
Capones Island, Pundaquit Zambales
Camara Island, Pundaquit Zambales

From Anawangin Cove, Zambales (part 2) – The River / Swamp

Dave took us to the Anawangin Cove’s open field at the back of the island. It’s a nice place to play frisbee! He said wild tamaraws roam freely there. Too bad they were not around when we came. But there were a lot of dungs and mud baths. Since there’s no electricity in Anawangin, and the open field reminded me of the UP Sunken Garden, but much wider, and Jma said it’s like a “party place”, I named the area as “The Anawangin Concert Grounds”. We would have a blast mosh pitting in the mud baths! Haha.

The open field is like a challenge in Tomb Raider, you can see a vast open field, and the trees that surrounded it. You can run towards the trees, but some are dead ends, some are opening up to unknown forests.

The golden Mt. Pundaquit more visible in the open field.

After taking photos, Dave led us back to the beach. Crossing the shallow river once more, I did not pass the chance to experience it more than dipping my feet on it. I laid down the shallow flowing water. It was soothing. I did not want to leave, but we need to go to the view deck to see the whole island.

Related Posts:

Getting to Anawangin Cove, Zambales
Anawangin Cove, Zambales (part 1) – The Beach
Anawangin Cove, Zambales (part 2) – The River
Anawangin Cove, Zambales (part 4) – The View Deck
Anawangin Cove, Zambales – The Dawn
Capones Island, Pundaquit Zambales
Camara Island, Pundaquit Zambales

From Anawangin Cove, Zambales (part 1) – The Beach

the river

There were barb wires fencing off the river or swamp of Anawangin Cove from visitors. Red2 said there used to be no fence there. The fence is probably because of the Frank incident where the river rose and produced massive flash floods.

clear water

Red2 checked the river, it was only ankle deep, sometimes knee deep in some parts. One member of our group went in, I did too. A little later, everyone was in the river, taking photos of each other. The setting was like the in the movies where you see a fairy in the wild, nearby a beautiful river.

tall Agoho trees, with white sand beach at the end

The river was calm, clear and glistening. From afar, green plants and shrubs, sun rays penetrating the leaves of the taller trees. We walked a little farther, in the mini forest, then met another river. We followed the river’s current. And it led us to a wider opening, to a white sand area at the end. A river with white sand, yes. It turned out that this area is connecting to the beach, and to the first river that we crossed. Anawangin’s layout is really amazing.

river connecting to the white sand beach

If I had more time, and if I had my life vest with me, I would have explored that area with the wider river more. I was taking precautions because I don’t really know how deep the water ahead could be.

like a scene from M. Knight's The Village. Haha.

Of course the river is shaded by the Agoho trees that dwell well in Anawangin Cove.

the river and the Agoho trees

We came back to camp for lunch. We had a feast, of course. We took our time eating and digesting our food. It seemed that Anawangin has this calming breeze that made us slow down. I wasn’t even in a hurry to go the water, I even took a nap at around 3-4 PM. Ktin woke me up and it’s time to explore the island, again. Next destinations: the open field, and the view deck.

Related Posts:

Getting to Anawangin Cove, Zambales
Anawangin Cove, Zambales (part 1) – The Beach
Anawangin Cove, Zambales (part 3) – The Open Field
Anawangin Cove, Zambales (part 4) – The View Deck
Anawangin Cove, Zambales – The Sunset Skies
Capones Island, Pundaquit Zambales
Camara Island, Pundaquit Zambales

relax in nature

It is really beautiful. I’ve been to a lot of beaches before, and this, by far, is one of my favorites. Imagine the layers of Anawangin Cove: alighting the boat, the water touches your feet – it is really calm and clean. Then walk towards the sand that is white at high sunlight. After the clear shoreline, rows and columns of tall Agoho trees (which look like pine trees), behind them, a river, only ankle deep, with brown flat stones. Surrounding the sand, Agoho trees and river, as if embracing them, are green and yellow gold mountains.

layers of Anawangin Cove

the view from Anawangin Cove

campers coming in

look up, what do you see?

campers

We arrived at the beautiful cove at around 7:30 AM, there were only about three groups that were already there. We chose a table nearest Aling Ligaya’s kubo (nipa hut). Aling Ligaya is the caretaker of the island. We then set up our tents, in the sands. I helped set up two tents :)

our tents, overlooking the beach, the mountains and the sky

There are no resorts or lodges in the cove and the only way to stay overnight is by tent camping. There’s also no electricity. It’s a good thing the cove is not infested by mosquito and other insects or bugs. You have to bring your own drinking water, or arrange for delivery from the barangay/mainland. If it’s peak season or weekend, the locals may have a few gallons to sell.  I only saw one make shift store there and they sell beer at double the price, so better bring everything you need. If you’ll hike and would camp overnight, you can send your stuff (tent, gears, food, water) via pump boat, make sure someone comes along with your stuff to prepare/unpack because the pumpboat ride is only 30 minutes and the hike is about 6 hours, you do not want to spoil your food.

After setting up the tent, some of us started to prepare the our stocked foods in the table, some surveyed the place, some looked for a spot to set up our grill and cookwares. I walked away from the sands to be under the canopy of the Agoho trees, picked a table in the middle of a wide human trail, and lied down on it to relax. This was my view above:

my view with moving clouds

Tall Agoho trees that are probably in the family as the pine trees:

tall pine trees

A few minutes later, I went back to our camp to check on the group. Some were already grilling pokchop and chicken wings. Our tour guide Dave was preparing his SuperKalan (a small stove). Our two other tour guides namely Red1 and Red2, were also busy preparing other stuff. Before lunch, Red2 invited the group to walk deeper into the woods to see the river.

preview of the river

Getting to Anawangin Cove, Zambales
Anawangin Cove, Zambales (part 2) – The River
Anawangin Cove, Zambales (part 3) – The Open Field
Anawangin Cove, Zambales (part 4) – The View Deck
Anawangin Cove, Zambales – The Dawn
Capones Island, Pundaquit Zambales
Camara Island, Pundaquit Zambales

I’ve heard about it so much. Friends recommended it to me several times. They showed me photos of the beach. Yes, it was lovely. Since it’s only in Zambales, I decided to go for it. I was determined to conquer Anawangin Cove, until Frank happened.

It’s a known story in the mountaineering community. Typhoon Frank killed three mountaineers in Anawangin last year. My trip was postponed right there and then.

Last month, Ktin, one of my best friends in college sent me a message saying that she’ll be organizing a tour to Anawangin. I’ve booked all my weekends from 3rd week of March to end May, except for two weekends — May 9 and 10, and May 16 and 17. Luckily, Ktin’s scheduled trip is on May 16 and 17, I said yes in an instant.

gradient in the sky, sparkles in the sea @ Brgy. Pundaquit

I was looking for Anawangin articles and photos to excite me. Wow, Anawangin has white sand, pine trees and yellow mountains surrounding it. Is this really in the Philippines? Then I stumbled upon several blogs that said that Anawangin is dangerous, and notorious for several drowning incidents, even on a good weather. It’s been raining the past few days, and a couple of storms have been passing by Luzon recently. As a safety precaution, I decided to buy a life vest. I’m not fond of life vests because I cannot move or swim with ease when wearing it. But since I travel and go snorkeling on open sea a lot, I have long decided to buy my self this very useful gear. But never had I imagined that I will be buying it under panic mode. My selection process in buying gears and gadgets is really long. But with the beauty of Anawangin in mind, and the danger it poses, I have got to get a life vest ASAP!

So I got myself a yellow Speedo life vest on Friday night, four hours before boarding a van to Zambales, went home and packed my stuff.

At 2 AM, we were meeting up with the group. Every one was excited, and wished for no rain for the whole trip. We stopped over at Bonjour somewhere in Pampanga and arrived at San Antonio at around 6:00 AM when the sun was already rising. We could see Mt. Pundaquit from afar. It was majestic. The sun’s rays bouncing yellow gold colors in the mountain’s grasses made it really beautiful, almost surreal. As if it’s not in Luzon, Philippines even. I wasn’t able to take a photo of the golden mountain because I was on the other side of the van, and it’s got tinted windows. But the fresh morning sunlight really makes Mt. Pundaquit a golden treasure.

Mt. Pundaquit's view from Nora's Beach Resort

We had breakfast at Nora’s Beach Resort. We only ordered coffee from Nora’s because we brought our own cooked breakfast. Nora is open to visitors who bring in their own food. Maybe as long as they don’t stay too long so other customers could be accommodated.

Nora's Beach Resort Brgy. Pundaquit

Handsome Monkey @ Nora's Beach Resort ,Brgy. Pundaquit

We then went to Apo Baket Resort to rent the boats. While boarding the boats, we could see the pretty Mt. Pundaquit.

Brgy. Pundaquit's 'boat terminal'

There are only two ways to reach Anawangin Cove. One is to hike Mt. Pundaquit at 5-6 hours (some say 3-4 hrs.) or ride pumpboats for 30 minutes. Although treks and hikes are mostly more scenic, the view via boat was actually good too.

Brgy. Pundaquit's shore from afar

view from the boat: sides of the mountain.

Amazingly, this area of Zambales has its naturally magnificent blue skies. The gradient fading to the horizon is natural, really beautiful, and the water is clear.

sky that fades to the horizon

clear water in front of the first cove after the Brgy. Pundaquit jump off point

It was a fast and calm ride. We passed by Camara Island, and Capones Island. It was easy to tell when nearing Anawangin Cove. For one, your boat will pass by low rock formations in the middle of the ocean. It’s like a breakwater, but almost just sea level, and made of natural rocks. And two, yellow mountiains and giant pine trees surrounding white sand and light blue waters will be seen from afar. That is Anawangin Cove.

Related Posts:

Anawangin Cove, Zambales (part 1) – The Beach
Anawangin Cove, Zambales (part 2) – The River
Anawangin Cove, Zambales (part 3) – The Open Field
Anawangin Cove, Zambales (part 4) – The View Deck
Anawangin Cove, Zambales – The Dawn
Capones Island, Pundaquit Zambales
Camara Island, Pundaquit Zambales

I would like to congratulate the AMCI Mountaineering Club Inc. for its successful Anniversary Weekend held at Mengie’s Beach Resort in Talipanan Beach, Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro.

amci anniversary weekend - iron manny

I was tagged along  by my friend Jay, a member of the AMCI, to the event. We had a fun climb at Mt. Malasimbo, one of the mountains surrounding Talipanan Beach. I am proud of myself for completing the trek, my first, without stairs! I’ve trekked Mt. Isarog and Sagada already and both had concrete steps. I experienced the real thrill of falling or slipping on narrow and sometimes steep mountain trails, resting on top of the mountain with a wonderful view of the beaches below, and traversing on a path with sharp grasses and plants with thorns.

view from Mt. Malasimbo

view of the Talipanan beach below

Back on the beach, I had a few bottles of beer and a relaxing afternoon, while watching the swimming leg of the org’s first Iron Manny triathlon. At 7:30 PM, the party started with a live band and a feast. Then the booze started flowing. It was a night full of fun. :)

beer on the beach

AMCI members watching the swimmers

AMCI members posing for the camera

jay skimming (look at the purple sky)

The next morning, we awoke at 8:30, had breakfast and prepared to walk to the next beach (which was said to be Don Jaime Zobel de Ayala’s property) to go swimming. Jay brought a friend’s skim board so I tried it as well. No luck, my patience kinda ran out, so I did not learn how to ride the board. But I had fun swimming and chatting with a group of kids on the beach.

We left the resort at 3PM. And I have to say that I enjoyed everything in Talipanan – the beach, the party, the trek, the people and the wonderful experience of nature tripping. :)

*Thanks Jay and Nelson! I will post the photos very soon! :)

I have always loved traveling.

When I was younger, I wished I was I Traveler, remember that show on Discovery Channel?

And now that I am older, I work my arse off in OTs, save up, and well, travel. I thought I’ve been to a lot of places. But hey, the Philippines has more than 7000 beautiful islands. Who am I to say that I have traveled?