Between Bites - Bites of Food, Travel and Lifestyle
An appetite for the good life!
On October 29-31, 2011, Travel Factor is again making surf history, together with Aloha Boardsports, as they hold one of the biggest surfing events to hit Philippine shores:
Surf & Music Festival 2011
Aloha Boardsports & Travel Factor
October 29-31, 2011, Baler, Aurora
This awesome weekend will be filled with exciting surf and beach activities, nature tours and really, really good music. Complete details are available at the Travel Factor website: www.travelfactor.org
Ced Valera of Travel Factor will be doing the talk on Offbeat Traveling.
25 June 2009 (THU), 7PM @ 3/F R.O.X. (CORE Room) Bonifacio High Street
Bubba and I met up with Francis and Madz for some late-night drinks/desserts at Oyster Boy in Metrowalk two Saturdays ago. We met 10ish and I suggested to hang out at Sanctuario Tagaytay. Francis looked at me puzzled but ready to say yes. I had to clear that Sanctuario Tagaytay has a Metrowalk branch. We walked over to the restaurant but too bad it was already closed… I wanted to say hi to Carol.
We ended up having drinks at Oyster Boy. Francis and Madz bought ordered the new San Mig Premium All Malt Beer, while I had a cocktail. We ordered chocolate cake, and two appetizers. It was so much fun babbling away with these two that we didn’t even realize that it almost 5 hours had passed.
October 26 marked in our calendars to meet again for some LazerExtreme day with other friends.
Related Posts:
https://www.janedchua.com/2008/06/27/sanctuary-sanctuario-tagaytay/
Ultimate Frisbee on a Sunday Morning
The day started out really early as our flight to Cebu was scheduled at 430am that day. We were at the airport by 315am ready when a lane opens up for check-in. Still yawning from the short sleep, we secretly hoped that our flights wouldn’t get delayed since we’ve been seeing in the news that the recently opened Terminal 3 caused a lot of delays for passengers. Thank goodness that Cebu Pacific was very efficient and the flight went on as scheduled. The Cebu routes are the most efficient flights for the said carrier, and most worked out schedule, since it bears its name.
Even if the flight was only an hour, we tried to grab some shut-eye during the air travel to Cebu. This was my first time to go to Cebu, whereas it was Bubba’s second time to go. I’ve landed on Cebu once during a return trip from Davao. There was a layover at Cebu for 15 minutes then we were off to Manila –I was on a different carrier then and twas a memorable ride because that was the first time I flew alone and the first time I was ever inside the crew/pilot cabin during a flight. That was some experience! (Link: )
We arrived at Cebu airport 10 minutes earlier than our declared ETA. Yay! Any extra time is gold when you’re traveling. We registered with Travel Factor for their Cebu: Bantayan –Virgin Island –Malapascua trip but decided to join them on Day 2 of the tour.
On our first day, it was Norman Go who toured us around Cebu City. He woke up early and fetched us at the airport around 530am. Norman studied in DLSU –Manila but he had his practicum at the Cebu airport. I spent the morning asking him so many questions about airplanes and terminal operation.
Norman treated us during the whole day affair despite our vehement disapproval. In turn, we fervently insisted that we pick the tab for dinner. It was mentioned some time during the day that I haven’t tried Uni yet so Norman brought us to a Japanese restaurant in Cebu that serves really fresh sushi –Chibori. Chibori was a spacious sleek Japanese restaurant at the heart of the business district of Cebu.
On the Table:
Assorted Sushi Platter –Premium PHP 800+
A good sushi platter makes for a great appetizer or main course. In this case, it was the main course of the entire meal. 6 kinds of sushi were plated on a wooden rack with some side garnish salad. It was my first time to try uni (sea urchin) and although it tasted like “sea,” I really enjoyed the salty fishy flavor and velvety texture. The boys let me finish most of it.
California Maki PHP
Ebi Tempura PHP 250
Deep-fried battered shrimps
Sukiyaki PHP 600++
Sukiyaki is a Japanese beef hotpot with thinly sliced beef (ooh lala), carrots, leeks, tofu, other veggies and vermicelli noodles. The broth has a sweet note to it. Sukiyaki used to be a staple order for me every time I dine Japanese but haven’t ordered this much lately. Chibori’s sukiyaki is a winner because it has a good balance between the sweetness of the broth and flavor of the beef. The veggies were soft but still had a bite to it.
2 weekends in vigorous Manila will be missed this August. The upcoming Cebu trip, organized by Travel Factor, which will take us to Cebu City, Bantayan Island, Virgin Island and Malapascua, very much excites me. I can finally cross Bantayan on my old list of things to do.
However, nothing electrifies me more than the thought of another out-of-the-county trip with Bubba. I have to start preparing myself mentally for bungee-jumping.
Calaguas Beach. July12-13, 2008
Photo Courtesy: Jerome
The clouds are wonderful -very much in action.
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Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/506/08_0712-_Calaguas_Island
Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/507/08_0712-_Calaguas_Ayla_Set
Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/508/08_0712-_Calaguas_Brian_Set
Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/510/08_0712-_Calaguas_Deneb_Set
Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/510/08_0712-_Calaguas_Deneb_Set
Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/511/08_0712-_Calaguas_Leia_Set
Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/517/08_0712-_Calaguas_AJ_Set
Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/518/08_0712-_Calaguas_Jerome
Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/512/08_0712-_Calaguas_Rex_Set
(Photo Credit: Brian Sahagun. Others: Ayla, AJ, Jerome, Deneb, Leia, Rex)
July 11, 2008. 10pm, we were headed to Bicol for Travel Factor’s UBBE (Ultimate Beach Bumming Experience) Calaguas chapter. Our seat assignment was in the first row left side, which is the row opposite the driver’s side. I was happy that we got the first row since I’m claustrophobic. The extra space where the back of another chair should be but isn’t, helps, which means more leg room for Bubba too. Unfortunately, a mini-cooler is installed in the front seats, which actually made the leg space smaller. I was fidgeting all night trying to give more space to Bubba knowing that he was having a hard time positioning his long legs. At one point, I had it resting on top of my legs since there was more room diagonally. I barely had any sleep plus the drive was like going through a snake’s path. I had to wake up once in a while to see if the bus driver was maneuvering safely.
5am, we arrived at Daet and made a brief stop for breakfast and toilet break. I was so excited to stretch and more excited that we are so near our destination point. Though a big part of me dreaded the boat ride, which I heard prior to the trip was 2 hours (if we’re lucky!). Knowing this is my perennial dilemma, how responsible of me to forget to bring a sack of Bonamin.
8am, we set off to the Island via a huge fishing boat. 30 minutes into the boat ride, I fell asleep. I woke up just in time to see that we were some meters away from a spotless stretch of sand. The waves weren’t very strong that morning thus we were able to arrive at Calaguas Island in a short of 2 hours.
A small community is the only occupant of the island. There were no other “tourists” around except for us. The island looked almost deserted which added to the charisma of the place. Soft white sand greeted my feet as I set foot on the land. As usual practice, Leia initiated the brief introduction of the group and gave us our assigned camping tents. Bubba and I agreed on a location and set our tent, which wasn’t so hard to do as I initially thought.
Lunchtime, we all gathered to the main area to feast on the lunch prepared by the Bicol boys who were also our guide around town. After lunch, I read the book I brought (the one I haven’t finished since Anawangin) and fell asleep. When I got up, I headed straight to the beach where Ced and the rest were.
That afternoon, after 20 minutes of rules orientation, we played Ultimate Frisbee –or at least tried to play. The wind wasn’t cooperating. The strong winds drove us to play different local games instead –Patintero, and a game similar to cops and robbers where you have bases, I forget what they called it but Leia passionately proposed that we play it. It was fun but it was so hard to run on sand, which made for a good workout.
Dark clouds loomed near and we had to transfer camp. With combined efforts, Bubba and I moved the tent and resettled it in its new location, under a tree. We also had to improvise an outer cover just to make sure that rainwater wouldn’t go inside.
Drinking and social time enthused immediately after our hearty dinner. Leia and Gerry were our resident bartenders who came up with different concoctions –Bailey’s ala Gran Ma! An hour or so later, we exited to retreat to our bunks and catch on much needed sleep. In the wee hours of the morning, it rained. Thank heavens we didn’t get wet but there was practically no air inside the tent. I kept getting up to open the flap and let some air in.
I have to give props to the drinking group left outside who braved the drizzle and were still having fun under the rain, singing and engrossed in muffled chatter.
The next morning I got up earlier than Bubba and walked along the beach. A few minutes later, I decided to wake him up by tickling his feet that were sticking out of the tent. One of the things I love about Bubba is: it is very rare that he wakes up with a groan. We basked in the beautiful morning walking on the beach.
(Photo: Need to poop… lest not forsake morning rituals.)
By 9am, we were in our assigned boats again returning to Daet shores. Bubba said the trip back was shorter than the trip going there. I want to disagree but I was asleep for most part of the first boat ride so I can’t really tell. Upon reaching shore, we moved our things back to the bus again. While waiting for others to load their stuff, Bubba and I treated some of the local kids to ice cream, which was loads of fun. Nothing brightens one’s day like a kid’s smile.
Next stop was the lunch at Kusina ni Anghel. We shared a table with Jaja and Brian. After lunch, we headed to Bagasbas beach where we’re supposed to spend an afternoon of surfing. Unfortunately, when we got there, it was flat. There were no waves.
Although Bagasbas beach wasn’t white, their sand was soft. The group drowned their surfing sorrows to playing intimate (that’s not a typo of ultimate. Har har.) Frisbee. Bubba’s group won. Too bad Jaja was not around to win it for us (tee-hee). I greatly enjoyed the afternoon lounging at Bagasbas beach, bonding with Ced, Ayla, Jerome, AJ, Cha, Wai, Gerry, Rex, Deneb and Leia in the water. Afterwards, we tried our skills against skimboarding. Although surfing could have been more fun, skim wasn’t so bad. It was interesting to try it out and learn how to do the skips. Skimboarding proved to be challenging for the rest of us except Gerry, but Cha and Rex incurred the biggest blows.
Learned a few pointers on skimboarding. Tried Langka shake for the first time. More memorable, my eyes have unearthed another beautiful island in the Philippines. New friends were made. I missed some people from the previous trips while having fun with new ones. I miss Madz, Marc, Tinio, Francis, Jolly, Maan, Zarah, Karen, Joan, Divine et al. It would have been great if they were with us during the trip. Calaguas Island is definitely the Boracay of the North as people claims it to be. The beach was as beautiful and the water was as clear and cool. If it weren’t so difficult to go here (at least difficult for me because I have anxiety over boat rides), I’d be back in a heartbeat and become oblivious to the rest of the Philippines.
We travel initially to lose ourselves, and we travel next to find ourselves. –Pico Iyer
Albums:
What an eventful week this week is going to be for me –the opener for a fully booked August. Not only are my days packed with meetings, but the busyness also extends even after office hours starting with a Healthy Shabu Shabu event tomorrow at Shangri-la. Wednesday is the evening of reckoning as I made dinner reservations for 15 pax at Mamou –Home Kitchen, bringing a new set of friends in. Dining during the 2nd dinner schedule at 830pm, I’m excited to poke my fork in their popular PHP 1,680 steak again, which are their claim to fame as I’ve witnessed through the blogs of Market Manila, Table for Three and Margauxlicious.
One of the first dinners where I noticed CW was flirting with me was at Prince of Jaipur. I was waiting for Kenny to pick me up at the gym to go an event in Absinth but CW lured me away and insisted that I have dinner with him first. (Oh yes, I’m already expecting him to deny all this.)
Good portion of lamb meat and just the right curry spice
I missed the Travel Factor group a lot. The last time we were with them was when we met up for Ultimate Frisbee one Sunday morning. Schedule has prevented us from joining them at the first Caramoan-Calaguas-CWC trip and the recently concluded Palawan trip.
A TF drinking party loomed on a Saturday night. It was a hectic Saturday schedule as we came from a chiropractor schedule in the morning, a lunch schedule at Angel’s Kitchen, and the Dialogue at Starbucks event that Fran invited me to. After having dinner at Pepper Lunch in Rockwell, we headed off to Greenmeadows. Venue was at party master Ced’s crib. Maan and I caught each other at Ced’s gate. Leia and the rest of the group arrived within the next 15 minutes. I brought Chili Con Carne and Wasabi Chips for Pica-pica and Vodka.
It was great meeting the people we haven’t met from the recent trips. I’m bad with names but I think I remember, Ayla, Mitoy, Sonia, Jaycelle, Cha… Okay, my brain just twitched (pain… pain…) ß excuse for not remembering a lot of names…
Too bad we had to leave early because Chris had to pick up his parents from the airport. But I cannot wait for the Calaguas trip!!!
Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/479/08_0614-_TF_Party_Ceds
(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 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.
Time check: 09:55 PM. I timidly approached a slim guy holding a Photoholic banner at the assembly venue in Mc Donald’s Quezon Avenue. It was the night of the Peninsula Siege and the government declared a 12MN curfew. I’ve never experienced a curfew imposed by the government before and I was terribly afraid of breaking any law. Leia who said that we have all the necessary papers and identification to validate our trip to Ilocos calmed my fears.
I first stumbled across Travel Factor through their post in the PH Photo yahoo groups. I was deeply intrigued since the trip was dubbed as Photoholic. I am not a professional photographer nor am I a photo hobbyist since I can’t find the time to actually go out and shoot. I’ve only taken my Canon DSLR for a ride on 11 occasions since I first bought it 2 years ago. I love taking pictures though of scenery, people, food, captured moments… does that consider me as photoholic? Nevertheless, I booked Bubba and me for the Ilocos trip, again unbeknown to him. It was my pre-Christmas trip for him. I deposited the payment before the cut-off date and availed 2 slots.
Let me take you to a photo essay cum time blog of the tour.
DAY 1 (11/30/2007)
6:00 AM
ETA Vigan
St. Augustine Parish Church of Bantay and Bell Tower
7:00 – 8:00
Breakfast at Villa Angela Heritage House
First taste of authentic Vigan longganisa. I still prefer the crunchy Lucban or Alaminos longganisa but Vigan’s was yummy.
8:00 – 11:00
Walking Tour of Vigan Crisologo Street
St. Paul’s Cathedral @ St. Paul’s Bell Tower and Plaza Salcedo
Paburnayan Pottery Making
11:00 – 12:00
Buffet Lunch at Villa Angela Heritage House
12:30
Batac and Paoay
Marcos Museum
Paoay Church
Malacañang of the North
Laoag
Fort Ilocandia – X Sand Dunes – X Sinking Bell Tower
07:00 PM
Check-in at Polaris Beach House, Saud Beach
Buffet Dinner at Polaris Beach House
08:00 PM
Karaoke Time
DAY 2 (12/01/2007)
5:30 AM
Sunrise at Bangui Windmill
Brrr… It was freezing cold when I stepped out of the pink bus. The cold morning did not let up. I didn’t realize what was in front of me. Amazing, gigantic windmills!!! I’ve never seen anything as large and as many. It was a sight to behold, an experience to see. It’s weird but I can just stare at them the whole day and remain fascinated.
8:00 AM
Trekking at Kabigan Falls
It was my first time to trek and it wasn’t so bad. It was one of the activities I enjoyed during the trip. It only took 20 minutes to trek to Kabigan Falls. We had to walk in the woods and cross mini-streams.
It was also my first time to see a bee hive –and a massive one at that.
12:00 NN
Picnic Lunch at Maira-ira Blue Lagoon
The picnic lunch here was my favorite meal of the trip. They served Filipino Style Curry Chicken, Barbeque Chicken, Rice and Eggplant Salad and everything was delicious.
After lunch, we all took a stroll along Maira-ira beach.
Bantay Abot
Patapat Viaduct
5:00 PM
Sunset at Agua Grande
06:00 PM
Sunset at Pagudpud
07:00 PM
Buffet dinner at Polaris Beach House
DAY 3 (12/02/2007)
Lounge day at the beach! Our free day for beach bumming @ Saud beach.
08:00 AM
Breakfast at Polaris Beach House
09:00 AM
Lounge by the beach
12:00 NN
Buffet Lunch at Polaris Beach House
04:00 PM
Buffet Merienda/Early Dinner at Polaris Beach House
Pagudpud
Sunset at Cape Bojeador’s Lighthouse
6:00 PM
Pagudpud to Manila
9:00 PM
Pasalubong Pit Stop
4:00 AM
ETA Manila
The investment to the trip was worth every cent. I’ve reached the top most part of Luzon and was able to lounge by the golden beach of Pagudpud.
Nothing beats a good exercise in the morning. Having loads of fun while doing it is the icing on the cake! March 9, 2008. We all met up in Gonuts Donuts early morning, 730 am. We weren’t able to start on time as we had to wait for a couple of people. Nevertheless, off to the Fort field we went to play some Ultimate Frisbee.
Feb 24, 2008. This all started when I initiated the group to play Ultimate in Zambales. We lost during that first dry run. My teammates then were Ced, Florence, Francis and Mac. The other team composed of Ayie, Brian, Deneb, Jaja and Madz. Team B started with 2 points and then we scored back 2 to tie the game. Team B suddenly scored all the way to 5 points winning the entire game. It was such a fun activity!!! We were so tired that afternoon because it was so hard to play on the sand, but twas so exhilarating to be part of a team play again. My heart rate shot up that afternoon (that meant more calories burned and more sweat opened up the pores and glistened the skin!)
Since that time, we have scheduled another Frisbee meet, this time in the Metro, dubbed as the First Manila Frisbee Meet. New players were on board, Rex, Ley, and Christian.
The White Team (in white hehe): Ced, Francis, Jane, Jaja, Rex
The Blue Team (in blue): Ayie, Christian, Deneb, Ley, Madz
After a short orientation by Ced, each team went to their area to strategize their play.
ULTIMATE!!!! I screamed like a gunshot fired to signal the start of a race.
What a heated game, everyone was running and gunning to make a goal! Blue Team scored the first point courtesy of Madz. Not a few minutes after, we were able to tie it. After much defense and failed offense, we closed the first half to 1 point apiece.
2nd half was more exciting as each time scored 1 point a piece again. Heat is rising, physically and figuratively, as Francis jumped 2 feet in the air trying to intercept a pass to Deneb. Deneb and Francis collided in mid-air, which resulted to Deneb twisting his knee. We took another 10 minute break as the boys carried the injured off the field.
Game resumed. One team sizing the other, not easing up. Then with grunt determination under the Sunday morning sun, the White team blazed past the green lawn and scored succeeding goals. Blue Team trailed 2-5, then to 2-7. And with a final surge, the White team nailed the mark at 9-2, a swooping glory over the Blue Team.
Leia and Chili the dog watched the game unfold resting by the tree shade.
Some small tokens were given away. Winners got the first dib at the simple prizes (premium items sent to me by the channels). After the puffing and huffing, we all decided to go to Francis’ house to freshen up before lunch at Hula-Hula. Dessert at Starbucks followed as Florence and Divine joined our group.
Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/385/08_0309-_Ultimate_Frisbee?replies_read=2
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)
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 1st 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 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.
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Between Bites is a FOOD, TRAVEL, and LIFESTYLE BLOG that AWAKENS an appetite for the GOOD LIFE.
LIVE a HAPPY, VIBRANT, POSITIVE LIFESTYLE!
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Eating is a continuous event but in the spaces in between, my time is spent taking photos, traveling, dancing, hitting my drums, having fun, tinkering with the latest gadgets, conversing, writing, boxing, LOVING the people around me, LEARNING a thing or two, and PEDDLING HAPPY DREAMS.
I am…
Animated.
A glam ghost and the biggest dork
A ghetto queen, a jack of all trades
A revival, a reinvention, a rarity, a simplicity and complexity
I am a lover of JESUS!, food, dance, music, rain...
I have my own concoctions you can’t resist
–Magellan needed to discover
I LOVE the heat of the sun on my skin
And the wind blowing my hair
I LOVE wild laughter.
I LOVE making adventures out of the routine
I LOVE the lowest and highest points of my life
I want to build gardens of sunrise and sunsets
I move to the beat of rhythms and base. RnB.
I move to the beat of LIFE.
I move to the beat of LOVE.
I’m every inch human.
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Majestic Angkor Wat in Cambodia
ME finding roots at Ta Prohm, Cambodia
SKY JUMP, Macau Tower.
Milan, Italy
Colloseo in Rome
Parasailing in Manukan Island, MALAYSIA
Recent Table Guest