Anawangin, Capones, Camara Islands of Zambales 

Day 1

6 AM. Assembly Time. McDo, Quezon Avenue.

Item List: (Thanks to Leia for preparing the bulk of the list)

1. Flashlight

2. 3 liters of water (for camping)

3. Bonamin

4. Clothes

5. Sleeping bed

6. IPod and Speakers

7. Frisbee

8. Convertible bag-o-beach mat

9. Etc.

Check. Check. Check.

ETD Manila was 7 AM. Since I only had an hour sleep since the day before, I tried to get some winks in the van. There were 3 vans in all, about 10-11 people in one van.

Pundakit. We arrive at the market around 11am and had our lunch there. Zambales is known for its mangoes. A couple of us bought mangoes and Maan was the expert on the fruit, so we depended on her “chosen ones.” She even assisted in weighing and packing it for us.

After 10 minutes, we arrived at the dock site. It was the smallest and slimmest boat I’ve ever been on. Locals call it banca. I was anxious that the banca might topple over. Surprisingly, it wasn’t much of a bumpy ride and I actually enjoyed the 20-30 minute tide to our first Island destination.

Anawangin Cove. Time check: 1:30 PM.

Even from afar, Anawangin looked like Paradise Island. When I had my first step on the island, my foot felt nothing short of soft, powdery sand. The beach is a long stretch of pristine white sand, laced with never-ending rows of Fernwood/Pine type of trees that had needle-like leaves.

There is zero visibility of resorts, houses or restaurants. There were about 10 other big groups there already comfortable in their tagged area. Otherwise, Anawangin is as virgin as virgin can be –so pure, so delicately soft, and so untouched.

Even if we already know half of the group (since the time of Pagudpud trip almost 2 months ago, avilon, pampanga, ym chats, emails and multiply), Leia, the Travel Factor organizer, suggested that we introduce ourselves. In one big circle, one by one, people started declaring their names and one distinct description of each.

 

 

The Bum. Traveler. Tambay. Photographer. The girlfriend. The assistant. The Chinese. The boyfriend of the Chinese. Photographer con Model. And so on.

Leia, the super girl, was a one-man team. Mike and Jonel were missing in action. But even if she was flying alone, she was assisted by the 5-man team of Outdoor Club. They started to build our camp area.

I’ve been apprehensive about Day 1 because this is the “camping” day, which means being one with nature. Although I love the high seas and nature, I’ve never gone camping in my entire life. In college, I missed a lot of camping activities. I’ve never slept outdoors –without toilet and bath, bed, amenities and accessibility of running/drinking water. And another worry is the coldness of the night breeze.

We did a quick ocular of the island and came across a stream/swamp. Ced, Marc, Francis, Bek and Jolan took pictures of the stream lining toward the mountain.

The outdoor guys set about 8-10 camping tents. Chris and I took a nap in the common area. The common area is the space where a big blue mat is laid, which is allotted for gathering. Twas our watering hole.

After napping, I slipped into my bikini and hit the water along with the group. Unfortunately, even Leia’s Nikon camera took a dip.

Sunset.

You get mesmerized at the tamed star as it swiftly fade from oblivion. And as it settled in the horizon, I lost myself too looking through the clear eyes of my love. (Kudos to Maan for the wonderful photos!!!)

Then darkness settled on the island. There were only a few available light from gas lamps and flashlights. Everyone gathered in the common area as we began dinner. Dinner was cooked by firewood and served by the outdoorsy men. Tinola and grilled fish. One common learning during dinner is never to eat fish again in the dark. Jaja even equipped, “parang pag-ibig lang yan. Minsan matitinik ka…” that triggered a collective response.

(Madz and Chris)

On full stomachs, we proceeded to the tent to rest but we fell asleep. Contrary to the cold breeze, there was no strong wind billowing the tents. I woke up and walked towards the blue mat where some were drinking and playing games. Chris trotted after me and followed where the merrymaking was.

We bonded and exchanged stories mostly with Deneb who was seated near us. At this time, most were already pit drunk. We also took a few shots of the lime gin which is my first time to try and listened to the group sharing before we retreated back to our bunk.

We woke up at 7 AM, brushed our teeth and washed our face by the poso. We ate tocino and egg for breakfast and packed our things.

Break camp.

We left Anawangin Cove around 10 AM, but not without the traditional jump shot. I haven’t left Zambales but I wanted to be back in Anawangin again. If I loved Pagudpud for its solace, I love Anawangin for its simplicity and purity. As we took our seats in the boat, I sadly bid the beautiful island goodbye.

Roar of the banca’s motor. Off to Capones island we go!

20 minutes passed and we docked at a much smaller island.

Day 2

Capones island.

ETA was 11 AM. I sunbathe as soon as we stepped on the island (which was really bad for me because I’m allergic to the sun.) The pack went on a mini-hike to the light house, which was the one of the oldest lighthouse since it’s been there since the Spanish era. Jaja, 2 of the Outdoor guys, Chris and I were left behind. Jaja fell asleep. Chris and I spent some quality time talking. We shared a moment by the beach. It was one of our best talks.

Lunch of liempo and eggplant and tomato salad was yummy!!! After lunch, since Joan wasn’t feeling well, they decided to go ahead of the group and we decided to ride with them to Canoe Beach resort.

Finally, civilization. Shower. Seats. Shades. Bed. Rooms. Time check: 5 PM.

I suggested that we play Ultimate Frisbee since Chris brought one. We got so into it that the photoholic photographers actually disrespected the sunset by snubbing it and continued to play instead. It was so much fun. Although we led 3-1, the other team beat us with 5-3 score. I felt a surge of adrenaline playing, which made me miss playing basketball in High School. It was such a fun and good workout.

Dinner Time. Feast. So much good food. Bubba and I had liempo, sisig, ginataang kalabasa and Spanish sardines that I brought. We ate until we were so heavy. After dinner, we laid on the beach mat, watched the stars and reminisced about our beach escapades. We played some of our favorite songs from the IPod. We remembered significantly the Deftac beach outing at Mark Nep’s rest house in Batangas.

DRINKING SESSION. Ced, the master drink concoctor, taught us what Leia would dub as the Anawangin experiment –Gilbey’s Gin and Lime mix. It wasn’t bad at all but since I haven’t been drinking in almost a year and I’m not really much of a drinker except for a few choco or lychee martinis/bailey’s/margaritas, I wasn’t used to the taste of liquor. Ley was the designated one to call the shots –translation: taga-tagay. A few shots got me tipsy already.

Everyone was singing to Eraserheads, Rihanna, Neyo, Chris Brown, etc. I don’t know how it started (except that Chris kept volunteering me!) but I began unleashing my Knock Knock jokes (terrible terrible!) Much to my awe, people were laughing and asking for more. I was totally embarrassed but I enjoyed hearing people’s laughter. All were happy happy!!! (Uhm, I think there was also a part where Madz and I started dancing and grinding when people started singing, Please don’t stop the music. Funny how the lights flickered on and off like we were in Emba/Piedra)

Day 3

Camara Island. The last island stop for the Zambales weekend.

Similar to Capones, it was a small island. We ate breakfast there and climbed rocks. After 2 hours, we headed back to Canoe Beach Resort.

Overall, the Zambales trip by Travel Factor was one of the awesome getaways to start off the year right!!! What a launch pad to take off my 1^st quarter adventure!!!

There is so much more to each location in the Philippines than meets the eye.  Be a foreigner in your own country and learn what the country is all about.   Cherish each destination like it is your first time to step in Philippine soil. Wherever I go around the Philippines, be it Pagudpud, Bicol, Boracay, Davao, Polomolok, Batangas… Metro Manila, it is the richness of culture that gives so much depth to the different islands.  Each town has a personality of its own laced beautifully with vibrant people, sumptuous food, magnificent views, fiestas, craftsmanship… but at the end of the journey, it is the amazing stories (http://www.ourawesomeplanet.com/awesome/) and Filipino pride you bring home with you kept in the heart that lasts far more than a lifetime.

The Beauty of Anawangin. The friendship that has been forged by the group. Ultimate Frisbee competition. Food food food. Island hopping. Bathing in the sun. Music. Fun. Bonding. Love.

I was swept away.

Link: http://www.janedchua.com/2008/03/07/in-the-beginning/ 

Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/371/08_0223-_Anawangin_Cove

Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/376/Zambales_Francis_Set

Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/373/08_0224-_Night_Canoe_Beach

Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/373/08_0224-_Night_Canoe_Beach

Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/372/08_0224-_Capones_Island

Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/374/08_0225-_Camara_Island

Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/383/Zamba-_Brian_Set

Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/378/Zambales_Ced_Set

Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/374/08_0225-_Camara_Island

Anawangin Link: http://www.janedchua.com/2008/02/29/anawangin-capones-camara-islands-of-zambales/

In the Beginning Link: http://www.janedchua.com/2008/03/07/in-the-beginning/

Jitters at Anawangin Link: http://www.janedchua.com/2008/02/20/jitters-at-anawangin-cove/  

With You

Chris Brown

I need you boo, (oh)
I gotta see you boo (hey)
And the hearts all over the world tonight,
Said the hearts all over the world tonight [2x]

[Verse 1]
Hey! Little mama,
Ooh, you’re a stunner
Hot… little figure,
Yes, you’re a winner
And I’m so glad to be yours,
You’re a class all your own
And…
Oh, little cutie
When… you talk to me
I swear… the whole world stops
You’re my sweetheart
And I’m so glad that you are mine
You are one of a kind and…

[Bridge]
You mean to me
What I mean to you and…
Together baby,
There is nothing we won’t do
’cause if I got you,
I don’t need money,
I don’t need cars,
Girl, you’re my all.
And…

[Chorus:]
Oh!
I’m into you,
And girl,
No one else would do,
’cause with every kiss and every hug,
You make me fall in love,
And now I know I can’t be the only one,
I bet there heart’s all over the world tonight,
With the love of they life who feel…
Wat I feel when I’m

With you
With you
With you
With you
With you
Girl…

[Verse 2]
Oh girl!
I don’t want nobody else,
Without you, there’s no one left then,
You’re like Jordans on Saturday,
I gotta have you and I cannot wait now,
Hey! Little shawty,
Say you care for me,
You know I care for you,
You know… that I’ll be true,
You know that I won’t lie,
You know that I would try,
To be your everything… yeah…

[Bridge]
’cause if I got you,
I don’t need money,
I don’t need cars,
Girl, you’re my all.
And…

[Chorus]
Oh!
I’m into you,
And girl,
No one else would do,
’cause with every kiss and every hug,
You make me fall in love,
And now I know I can’t be the only one,
I bet there heart’s all over the world tonight,
With the love of they life who feel…
Wat I feel when I’m

With you
With you
With you
With you

[Bridge 2]
And I…
Will never try to deny,
That you’re my whole life,
’cause if you ever let me go,
I would die…
So I won’t front,
I don’t need another woman,
I just need your all and nothing,
’cause if I got that,
Then I’ll be straight
Baby, you’re the best part of my day

I need you boo,
I gotta see you boo
And the hearts all over the world tonight,
Said the hearts all over the world tonight [x2]
Woo Oh… Yeah
They need it boo,
They gotta see their boo,
Said the hearts all over the world tonight,
Hearts all over the world tonight [x2]

[Chorus]
Oh!
I’m into you,
And girl,
No one else would do,
’cause with every kiss and every hug,
You make me fall in love,
And now I know I can’t be the only one,
I bet there heart’s all over the world tonight,
With the love of they life who feel…
Wat I feel when I’m

With you
With you
With you
With you
With you
Oh…

  

Please Don’t Stop the Music

By Rihanna Please don’t stop the music (4x)It’s gettin late
I’m making my way over to my favorite place
I gotta get my body moving shake the stress away
I wasn’t looking for nobody when you looked my way
Possible candidate (yeah)
Who knew
That you’d be up in here lookin like you do
You’re makin’ stayin’ over here impossible
Baby I must say your aura is incredible
If you dont have to go don’t

Do you know what you started
I just came here to party
But now we’re rockin on the dancefloor
Acting naughty
Your hands around my waist
Just let the music play
We’re hand in hand
Chest to chest
And now we’re face to face

I wanna take you away
Lets escape into the music
DJ let it play
I just can’t refuse it
Like the way you do this
Keep on rockin to it
Please don’t stop the
Please don’t stop the music

I wanna take you away
Lets escape into the music
DJ let it play
I just can’t refuse it
Like the way you do this
Keep on rocking to it
Please don’t stop the
Please don’t stop the
Please don’t stop the music

Baby are you ready cause its getting close
Don’t you feel the passion ready to explode
What goes on between us no one has to know
This is a private show (oh)

Do you know what you started
I just came here to party
But now we’re rockin on the dancefloor

Acting naughty
Your hands around my waist
Just let the music play
We’re hand in hand
Chest to chest
And now we’re face to face

I wanna take you away
Lets escape into the music
DJ let it play
I just can’t refuse it
Like the way you do this
Keep on rockin to it
Please don’t stop the
Please don’t stop the music

I wanna take you away
Lets escape into the music
DJ let it play
I just can’t refuse it
Like the way you do this
Keep on rockin to it
Please don’t stop the
Please don’t stop the
Please don’t stop the music

Ma say ma sa, Ma ma coo sa
Ma say ma sa, Ma ma coosa (2x)

1997 is more than a decade ago and in fashion, a decade translates to Neanderthal age.  Fall season of that year was when Naomi Campbell strutted the runway with Prada.  On February 19, 2008, Jourdan Dunn walked on the same breathe of air as one of the few women of color to be in a Prada show.

Next stop for this fashion label to refute talks of discrimination is to cast supermodel Dunn on a major Ad campaign. 

Accolade to my black Prada bag of 6,000 years that I accidentally destroyed recently.

My top favorite Chinese restaurant is Shang Palace.  If there is any other Chinese restaurant that gives a similar ambience, it is the newly opened Choi Garden in Annapolis, Greenhills.  

I first discovered this place early January when we were driving along Annapolis and I suddenly had the urge to eat there.  That time, they were still in their soft opening.  There were only but a few choices available in the menu.  The first floor is the area for Shabu-Shabu while the second level is strictly for fine dining, which is only open during lunch and dinner.  Even during the dry run, almost all the tables were already reserved.

Now that they are fully operational, reservation is a must since it is always packed.  No reservations after 630pm since they can’t spot a table for someone who isn’t there when there is an active line waiting in the wings.

Last time I had Shabu-shabu were years ago and I remember that I had so much fun cooking and eating as well.  It takes a while yes, but watching the food sizzle in the hot soup and adding your own condiments and what nots dissipates the anxiety. 

Short orders that are a must –Baked seafood rice, fried wanton, beef curry and salted garlic squid.

When you’re planning to eat at Choi Garden, make sure it’s not on an empty stomach.

Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/343/08_0119-_Choi_Garden

Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/358/08_0203-_Choi_Garden_CW_Fam

With a lot of Middle Eastern places to go to nowadays, Arya is a refreshing change of pace. The menu will tantalize your palate with truly authentic dishes made with a harmonious mingle of unusual spices and flavors. Exotic and festive, with Persian décor as the background, your eating experience is heightened to a new level. With subdued lighting, Arya adds a touch of elegance with the intricately designed lamps and chandeliers.

The first dish was Roti Chanai (P185). One of the staple orders when eating this type of cuisine. Bubba liked the crispy roti and the curry sauce that accompanied it, while I was biased with my preferred Roti (Prince of Jaipur or Long Grain –which I learned only Tuesday that it was replaced by a new restaurant in Rockwell). My preferred Curry sauces at those places are bursting with more flavors than the one I had in Arya. Arya’s version bore my taste buds.

Don’t judge a book by its cover –or in this case, don’t judge a restaurant by its starters.

I went through the next four dishes with much gusto like leafing through the pages of a John Grisham novel. Your eyes work double time as you become engorge with more information. The same with Arya, the plot thickens as you go from one plate to another. They couldn’t serve it fast enough. Chicken, beef, and fish kebabs are popular entrees and are accompanied by basmati or you can request for Biryani rice for an additional P58 (which the waiter forgot to tell us! A total No-no!)

On to the next plate which name I forgot, it’s a tomato type stew (P280 ++) that consisted ground beef, onion and fried eggplant served with pita. It had a mild spicy flavor to it. It was the least popular of the dishes we ordered. I ended up having to finish it since nobody wanted to. And I don’t want to waste good food –especially pricey ones! (And yea, that’s the reason I gain weight. I’m the garbage bin.)

Next chapter, Lamb dish served with Biryani rice. My mom really enjoyed this dish and we were fighting for the last piece of meat. Although I would have preferred a spicy sauce, we had to tone down the level of heat since my mom and sister were eating with us. It was a big shank of lamb cooked stew type with fried potatoes.

Persian dining wont be complete without a taste of their curry. The Chicken Curry was the highlight for me since it stood out from the rest of the dishes. It had exotic flavors and the curry sauce was distinctly original.

5^th order was Bubba’s Beef Kebabs. It was served with Basmati rice and roasted tomatoes. Tender beef cubes really made an impression on Bubba. I had a bite and was satisfied.

The tab worked around PHP 1,800 for all 5 dishes. Next time, I’ll be more mindful of the price for your reference.

I have a list of restaurants I’ve been meaning to try out and sometimes you just don’t know which one to prioritize. I’m glad that finally I was able to go to Arya. Thanks to mom for the Valentine treat! The way to a happy Valentine is through the stomach!

Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/367/08_0214-_Arya

I am so psyched about the Anawangin Cove – Capones – Camara island-hopping this weekend!  Thank God that Feb 25 was declared as a special non-working day since I need my leaves for the load of travel I have for this year.  I think it’s my first time go to Zambales (if I ever went as a kid, I don’t remember…) and I’ve been hearing a lot about the fruits in Zambales –especially green mango (yum!). The first night will be spent at the scenic Anawangin Cove sleeping in a tent!!!  Even from tomboy of HS to girly-girl of DLSU, I have never gone camping.  There was one time that the Pol-Sci block went camping but I was not able to go.  My dad was super strict then about places I have to spend the night at –security and all, so I wasn’t able to attend all the out-of-town trips that were part of the curriculum.  It will be my first time to camp and boy am I just so anxious!!!  Anxiety about food/water shortage, bugs, cold night (we will sleep on the beach) and rain is making me feel jittery –but with a lot of excitement too.  It’s one night only and the following night, we will head to a beach resort in Capones island then hopping to Camara island on Day 3.

I love the comfort of home-cooked meals. You get exactly that feeling when you eat at Mom and Tina’s.

Very busy and lively, this sparkling clean little pastry café is known for its Toblerone walnut desserts and simple yet satisfying meals with friendly service. Delicate wooden fixtures and a display cabinet with little ceramic houses are the immediate interior.

The usual suspects in the menu are Chicken Caesar Salad (P105), Spinach Lasagna (P128), Shepherd’s Pie (P128), Paella Valenciana (P160) and White Toblerone Walnut Torte (P115).

If you love cheese and savory dishes, one can never go wrong with their Spinach Lasagna and Paella Valenciana. The former is smothered generously with melted cheese while the pasta is evenly layered with spinach and ground beef. It is only served in a small ceramic container, which is good for one. For P128, it’s not a bad treat. The Paella on the other hand is good for a hungry one or a sharing two. I only have to quip that they don’t serve the Paella with lemon, which almost made a dent in the whole Paella experience, but with reasonable price, things like this is allowed to be overlooked.

Be homebound with a scrumptious meal at Mom and Tina’s.

*Prices might not be accurate.

Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/355/08_0201-_MomTinas_Bday_Lunch

Mom and Tina’s

9140833

106 E. Rodriguez Ave. Pasig (near House of Mini’s, Good Burgers and Panciteria Lido)

January 31. On the eve of my birthday, I get an unexpected treat. Bubba dropped by my office for lunch. Twas so hard for us to think of where to eat in the Ortigas area for a quick bite since all the establishments get full during lunch hours.

I was craving for Korean so I asked Bubba if he was game to eat Korean. I’ve never eaten Korean with him before with the impression that he doesn’t like it. I brought him to the Korean hole-in-the-wall restaurant where MBC treated our team a month ago. I ordered Bulgogi with Mountain rice while Bubba ordered this noodle dish served on a clay pot. Eating in the clay pot really gave a different taste to the meal. It had the crunchy toasted rice that you need to scrape off the pot –just like with paella. Bubba’s food was really spicy but he surprisingly survived and finished the whole thing.

The MBC President, Joseph Um, happened to eat there that same day. When we asked the wait staff for our bill, the owner at the counter said it was already paid for. A free good Korean meal is the right build up to a great birthday weekend.

Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/363/Korean_Resto

CW made dinner plans for our Anniversary at Alba.  He knew how I love paellas.  That night though, I wasn’t too hungry and I didn’t want CW to spend P600++ each for the Alba buffet that would not be maximized.  I suggested another place.  Katre. 

A two-story restaurant quietly tucked in an unassuming street.  Katre can hold its ground against the other restaurants in the Timog area.  The dining area is dimly lit but the minimalist interiors give an aura of posh.  The wait staff is very knowledgeable about their menu and can explain what the 15% extra charge is if you ask the dish to be split into two.

 The price of dishes is normal at first glance but becomes ridiculous with the 10% service charge, 12% vat and local tax added. I ordered the Chicken Quesadilla while Chris had Lamb Curry with Papadum. The Chicken Quesadilla was sliced into 6 servings and was doled out with hummus, tomato salsa and thick sour cream.  The Quesadilla was tasty and was toasted to a get that perfect crunch.  It had the right amount of cheese and meat, which made each bite

glorious to the last bite.  

The Lamb Curry was nicely done as well.  CW is very particular with lamb because he doesn’t like the fishy taste of the meat when it’s not properly cooked.  The spice of the curry tingles the taste buds but doesn’t leave it searching for water.  It wasn’t overworked with spices too.  The taste was subtle yet flirty.  The Crispy Papadum was the perfect match to the dish, but CW had to order white rice on the side. It turned out to be a swell choice since we were able to enjoy a wonderful, relaxing dinner. 

Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/361/08_0210-_Katre