Guide to Happy Life #47 

Argue for Your Limitations, and They’re Yours 

Many people spend a great deal of energy arguing for their own limitations; “I can’d do that,” “I can’t help it, I’ve always been that way,” “I’ll never have a loving relationship,” and thousands of other negative and self-defeating statements. Our minds are powerful instruments.  When we decide that something is rue or beyond our reach, it’s very difficult to pierce through this self-created hurdle.  When we argue for our position, it’s nearly impossible.  Suppose, for example, you tell yourself, “I can’t write.”  You’ll look for examples to prove your position.  You’ll remember your poor essays in high school, or recall how awkward you felt the last time you sat down to write a letter.  You’ll fill your head with limitations that will frighten you from trying.  In order to become a writer or anything else, the first step is to silence your greatest critic –you. 

I had a client who told me, “I’ll never have a good relationship.  I always screw them up.”  Sure enough, she was right.  Whenever she met someone, she would, without even knowing it, look for reasons for her new partner to leave her.  If she were late for a date, she would tell him, “I’m always late.”  If they had a disagreement, she would say, “I’m always getting into arguments.”  Sooner or later, she would convince him that she wasn’t worthy of his love.  Then she would say to herself, “See, it happens every time.  I’ll never have a good relationship.” She had to learn to stop expecting things to go wrong.  She needed to “catch herself” in the act of arguing for her own limitations.  When she started to say, “I always do that,” she needed instead to say, “That’s ridiculous.  I don’t always do anything.”  She had to see that arguing for her limitations was just a negative habit that easily be replaced with a more positive habit.  Today, she’s doing much better.  When she reverts to her old habit, she usually laughs at herself. I have learned that when I argue for my own limitations, very seldom do I disappoint myself.  I suspect the same is true for you.   

(Photo courtesy of Francis, Ced Valera, Bek, Marc, Brian, Maan, Jolan) 

This coming weekend is my much-awaited return to Anawangin, Zambales.  I was first introduced to the island (or more appropriately, cove, as someone has corrected me in my multiply entry) when I signed up for Travel Factor’s Anawangin-Capones Photoholic Trip (Link: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/371/08_0223-_Anawangin_Cove)  This time around, Jerome, from DEFTAC, is organizing this overnight trip and Chris and I are tagging along.

 

Only more than a month after, I’m already all so fired up to go back to the curved island with pristine white sand beach. 

What to love about Anawangin

Travel Time.  There are a lot to love about Anawangin.  It’s not so far a drive from Manila for one.  I used to frequent the Batangas resorts since it’s only 2.5 – 3 hour drive from Manila and the semi-white beaches are not so bad.  I liked White Cove Resort (which was under the management of UCPB) in Nasugbu, Punta Baluarte in Calatagan, Playa in Calatagan, La Luz in Laya to name a few.  I remember in college, Gina, King, Ryan and I spontaneously go to Batangas at our whim, regardless if we packed any bikinis or brought food.  Having my conservative parentals, it was usually a day trip since I wasn’t allowed then to stay overnight.  (How cruel right?  Haha.) Nowadays, with the heavy traffic along SLEX, it turns me off to travel south nowadays.

Going to Zambales last February took us a quick 3 hours time.  My friends tell me now that with the birth of the Subic expressway, it’d be so much faster an en route to Zamba.  2 hours maybe?  We’ll test that this weekend.

There are no roads leading directly to Anawangin.  One must take off from the Pundaquit beach and catch a 20-30 minute boat ride to the Cove.  Boat ride costs around PHP1,000 one way, which can be shared by 5-6 people.  You can also be more daring and go the long way by trekking 6 hours of open trails through the Pundaquit range

Virginity.  It’s a double-edged sword.  No resorts built around the cove preserves the pine trees laced around the vicinity for one.  No resorts also mean that the place stays clean because there is lesser trash produced –which means no commercial pollution.  But this also equates to not having a fluffy soft bed to lie in, no personal toilet and bath (which means you have to take a bath using the pump/deep well or take a boat ride to one of the Pundaquit resorts and use their shower), and all the other perks that hotels/resorts have like satellite TV.  There are absolutely zero resorts in Anawangin, either you bring your own camp gear (tent and sleeping bag) or rent one from one of the resorts in Pundaquit.  There are a few tables and huts (?) that you can rent for PHP 150 the whole day.  By being virgin, I also mean there is no signal site at the Cove.  One carrier has one bar of signal sometimes, but you have to be near the water to get a signal.  Anawangin’s virginity sets it apart from other popular beaches like the overcrowded Puerto Galera or Boracay.  Only about 20 mini-groups recline their tents in the area.

The Beach.  White sand.  Pine trees.  Cool water.  This is the perfect scene to lounge around, read a book, or watch the sunset.  There’s also a marsh in the Cove streamlining to a mountain where you can practice photography. 

Beach Must Haves:

Nivea Sunblock SPF 50

My skin easily burns so I need a higher SPF. I have Beach Hut, Banana Boat, etc. but I find Nivea’s non-greasy sunblock as the best in the market.  It dries up fastest among the other brands and protects my sensitive skin the most.

Mosquito Repellant

As far as I can remember, there weren’t that many mosquitoes at Anawangin, but it’s always better to be safe than have a constellation of mosqy bites on your legs.  I personally use Johnson’s & Johnson’s clear anti-mosquito lotion, but you can always rely on OFF lotion.  If you really want to be over protective of your legs, or you’re just really paranoid about Dengue/Typhoid or whatever, you can buy this small gadget that steers mosquitoes away using its very low and indistinct sound that it emits.  It’s only two inches small and has a clip-on, which makes it easy to clip on your pants or shirt.  I forget what it’s called but I used it in Sorsogon during the Fireflies encounter along the Ogod River.

Digital Camera

If you have an extra battery pack, bring it.  Two batteries are always better than one.  There is no way you can charge anything on the Cove.

Drinking Water

Bring gallons.  To replenish your skin and body of loss fluid due to heat and for washing in case there’s a long line by the pump.  There are two water pumps on the Cove, but since people wash their dishes too. Sometimes you don’t want to wait 20 minutes just to get your hands and face clean.

Flashlight/Lamp

It’s absolutely pitch dark at night except for those who brought they’re own flashlights or gas lamps.  Bonfires are prohibited in the area.

Beach Mat, IPod, Altec Lansing In Motion speakers, frisbee, food food food, wine or any booze, any good book…

I’m slowly drifting back… Letting the waves sweep me back to Anawangin.

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

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

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/

(Photos: Brian Sahagun.  Other credit to Francis, Deneb) 

In the Beginning, rocks were formed.  The land was called Earth (sometimes Pundakit beach).  Then rock was found to be too hard, a counter form was created in the outline of water.  The water was called Sea.  Or sometimes Zambales sea.  Big waves crashing against the rocks.  Breaking shades and making daze.

In the Beginning, there were pine trees.  Anawangin pine trees (–are they really pine trees? Baguio locals might contest.)

In the Beginning, there was Chris and Jane.  But no apples to act as the forbidden fruit.  Only Bananas.  From a box.  With Bangus fish and rice.  And Vinegar too.

In the Beginning, there were no caddies, so Chris and Jane had to carry their own stuff.  No tips too.

In the Beginning, hair has to be put up to attract wandering eyes of this Chris fellow looking for monkeys high up on pine trees as a form of entertainment.

In the Beginning, Chris fellow gives a smug smile (refer to photo) while placing an unassuming hand on Jane’s back.

 In the Beginning, there are already Paparazzis.

  

Paparazzis mean photographers who look good while taking really great pictures.  And sometimes get to date Britney Spears too. 

In the Beginning, a lighthouse is to be discovered through hard labor of walking in the scorching heat with a rewarding lunch after.

In the Beginning, when you get smacked by crashing waves, you talk to a higher being.

In the Beginning, water from the Sea cannot be drunk.  Lime Gins are then created by the genius Hand.  It is the glowing fountain of youth.  It is the Beginning of Wisdom.

In the Beginning, there was only darkness.  Then flickers of light were created.  And then there was music… and chanting…

From a faraway distance, chants are vividly heard…

 “I wanna take you away… Let’s 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.  “

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/  

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.