Nagsasa Cove: Another Gem in Zambales

The week before the date going to Nagsasa Cove had been really stressful for me. Being in charge of almost everything, I started working on our expenses, collected funds, started doing the grocery, buying our food in the market, even accompanying friends hunting for affordable tents that will be used in our camping. I, together with Ynah also cooked our group's packed lunch prior to leaving for the bus station. The good thing is, Nikko was always there to assist me with almost everything.^_^

Those are the things you have to look into when planning to go to Nagsasa Cove. Like Anawangin, there are no facilities/amenities in the area except for a faucet and restrooms. You really need to bring every possible thing that you'd need specially drinking water and food. Regardless of that fact though, the place is still often flocked by people who learned of the place for it boasts of a very wide coastline, peace and relaxation.




Our plan was to leave Manila through Victory Liner located in Pasay. Last trip going to Iba is 11:30 PM so before that time, we all were already there. As I was buying the ticket for everyone of us, I overheard the girl behind me talking to her friends. They were also headed to San Antonio and they are a big group as well. I'm really thankful that I arrived earlier than her and was in line first, otherwise, we won't be able to leave that night. The last seats of the bus were sold to me. After the 11:30 trip, you'll have to wait for the 5AM trip the following day. Maybe, if you're planning on a trip like this, it will pay to buy the tickets in advance especially when you're with a big group. ^_^




We arrived in the town of San Antonio at around three in the morning. Mang Alfring (thesame boat service I used in Anawangin and Capones) sent me a message to drop by the Local police office first to register our names. That maybe, is a safety precaution if something happens. We we're then fetched by tricycles (which was arranged by Mang Romeo - Mang Alfring's son for us)to bring us to Brgy. Pundaquit, the jump off point to Nagsasa Cove. We waited for the break of dawn in the shores of the beach before riding the boat taking us to the cove. I made sure I texted my parents before I hopped into the boat because there's no cellphone signal in Nagsasa.

I was so sleepy since I didn't even had a nap the day and night before. The calmness of the water induced me to sleeping in the boat. I didn't know how I managed to sleep sitting but I really dozed off, for few minutes, waking up just before our boat docked the extensive shores of the cove.






We had breakfast ( champorado and cupcakes fom Gen) with our boatmen before setting up camp. Some hit the beach right away, while others were organizing our things. I, on the otherhand lay down on a bamboo table under the agoho trees to steal a nap. I wasn't successful though.

The day was spent cooking, swimming and just exploring the area. The boys also tried skimboarding and were mostly occupied playing Ultimate (frisbee). What occupied us girls was far more interesting,:D since we have to endure the dizzying effect of Gen's concoction. lol! Nobody got drunk though. The first day was a blast! When I looked into everyone's faces, I can tell they were all having fun.










When we woke up the next day, we waited for the fisherman that is said to sometimes drop by the area to offer their catch to campers. Truthfully enough, they arrived.






We hurriedly walked to the knee high waters since they can't dock closer to the shore. We were busy checking out their catch, with Eileen haggling the price of the fish very well. We're also able to get a freebie (2 pcs of fish) free. Being a restaurant manager, maybe that's her forte and we just couldn't thank enough that she's there, lol!






The guys cleaned what we bought and prepared the grill while us, girls, prepared the stir-fry vegetables. That's a very sumptuous combination for lunch that everybody got to enjoy. After resting, we settled to go and check out the said "mini waterfalls" at the mountains on the opposite end of the cove.




We walked further, noticing more of Nagsasa's charm. There was a part where the sea water flows into a basin where fresh and salt water meets. The beauty is almost enchanting. With the mountains on the background and agoho trees (pine like trees) everywhere, you'd really tell yourself that the Philippines is a very beautiful country.




We needed a guide to bring us to the "mini waterfalls". We met the locals (Aetas) on our way and had a bit of chat with them. They were drinking gin without chasers and some of the guys were invited to drink and I think it's Kuya Dave that obliged.




We were given a guide and was asked to pay minimum of Php50 but at the end, we decided to give him Php150 anyway. I have to tell you though, I'm not impressed with the mini waterfall at all, the catch basin is almost dry and there's almost no water flowing into it. I felt like it was a waste of time. What I got to enjoy though is the view from the higher grounds of the mountain. You get a nice view of the cove from there.






When the night time came, I had the worst migraine of my life. I took 2 pain relieving capsules yet it didn't work its purpose. As everybody's having fun eating marshmallows and drinking around a bonfire, I was confined inside my tent, trying to sleep and hoping resting would take the pain away. I could hear the loud laughters outside since they were playing charades and I so wish that I'd feel even a little better so I could join them. Unluckily for me, they already called the night a quits but my head was still pounding very hard. :(




I slept so late and woke up a little later than usual. Breakfast was already being served. :) After breakfast, I headed to the beach. I didn't know how to swim or just float when we went to Nagsasa so I told myself, I'll never go home unless I learn how to just even float. I don't know if it's Nikko's patience or my determination to learn that paid off, but I eventually learned how to float before we headed home. I just told myself while in the waters, I don't care if a lot of water goes into my ears (which happened to me when I was a kid), or if I swallow water or if I drown.. I just want to do it and be done with it. So that's one thing that I'll always remember about Nagsasa Cove besides its pristine waters and beauty, that's where I learned how to conquer my fear and learned ow to float.




Lunch time and our boats arrived to take us back to Pundaquit. There's this feel that almost everybody didn't want to leave yet, but since we have to, what can we do? haha! In the seas going back, the water was really rough! Boats are swaying wildly and I know our boats might be toppled anytime. The comfort came from knowing that our boatmen are skillful enough and we were all wearing life jackets. Thank God since we arrived in Pundaquit and in Manila all safe and sound - tired but happy for the time spent together in a place that's almost a paradise.

And oh, we only spent Php2000 for two nights and three days, another proof that cheap can be wonderful. ^_^

Efforts paid off - the Capones Lighthouse Adventure

I've been thinking on how to start this entry about Capones Lighthouse. I don't know why but somehow, I'm not satisfied with how my intro is coming out so I guess I'll just start with the basics.

Capones Island can be seen when you're in the shores of Pundaquit Beach in San Antonio, Zambales. That will be the same drop off point when going to Anawangin Cove. It will probably take about 15-20 minutes to reach it by boat.



The first time I was there, our boat docked on the part of the island where there are tall rock formations and almost white yet coarse sands. (might be dead corals) It's very scenic. The downside is, we don't have any idea on how to go to the lighthouse from where we currently were.



Tatay Alfring(the boat man) discouraged us from still going to the lighthouse by telling it will still be a long walk and it's dangerous without a guide. Well, the truth is, I can walk for miles and for hours, I won't really mind. :) What bothered me is the fact that there are no visible trails, the grasses grew very tall at that time and I was thinking of snakes. lol! But the adventurer in us won. My boyfriend and I decided to go on.



We started walking towards our left until we're in higher grounds. We saw a structure of a building that I'm guessing was an unfinished resthouse. We passed through its ground floor and continued walking, downhill this time and just kept on walking until we realized that we've already reached the other side of the island and instead of walking in soil/sands, we're stepping on pebbles. I'm really delighted that we've come that far!



As our walk progressed, we saw a pile of stones beside what seems to be a narrow upward trail and thought someone intentionally left it so one would know that's the right way to the lighthouse. We started hiking, not so sure if we're on the right track but full of hopes that we were. And you guessed it right! You wouldn't imagine our relief and excitement when we saw a part of the lighthouse from afar. It really felt soooo good.




The feeling of ecstacy from having reached the lighthouse faded when I realized it's just my boyfriend and I in this run down place where nobody could possibly hear you even if you give it your best shout. I suddenly visualized those Japanese horror movies I had watched especially when I noticed the well in the yard. Silly me,lol!




But then again, the beauty of the surroundings have a calming effect. It was very rewarding when we got to the top of the lighthouse, which by the way is still operational with the use of a solar panel).





I believe though that the local government of San Antonio can still do lots of improvements for Capones Lighthouse.



The second time I was there, Tatay Alfring(the same boatman) led us to the part of the island that will be nearer the lighthouse. The rough waves prevented our boat from docking right in the shore so we ended up getting off the boat while still on the waist high waters. No complaints though, it was a new sight and anything new is welcome. We climbed a steep and rocky stairs and voila! We've reached the lighthouse in no time.



If you're planning on seeing the lighthouse, you might want to start from the part of the island where there are stairs then arrange for the boatman to fetch you at the other side where the sea is calmer and the view is more picturesque. You might go there just once so why not see everything there is?

The Wonders of Anawangin Cove

I have first heard about Anawangin from a colleague at work. He's a fellow mountaineer and backpacker. His words about the place easily fixated images in my restless imagination. Then I heard it again from a friend who is a pro photography hobbyist. For a moment there, it was like I'm already witnessing how beautiful the place is.. that was when I know, it's impossible for me not to pay a visit. And so I hurriedly requested for a vacation leave and maybe it's meant to be (halleluiah!) because it was approved right away. :D




Anawangin Cove is a really magnificent place. During the boat ride, I can't help myself but admire the rock formations we've passed by. As our boat gets nearer to the shore, excitement kicked in and I can't wait to step at the clean sands of the shore.




When we finally arrived, I told myself, this is the place! C'mon! It's not commercialized, there are no accommodations, no electricity, no cellphone signal and no whatever you might need? (Except for a bathroom and waterpump ofcourse) This is nature at it's finest!






When we arrived, the place is almost deserted. I can probably make a quick headcount of how many people were there. In the afternoon they already left and it was just the four of us, Jean, Lester, Nikko and I plus Nanay Ligaya, the caretaker and Lupin his loyal dog in that Western side of the cove. It was tranquility at it's best!




When night time came, it rained a bit, almost a drizzle and the night is so quiet except for the howling of the wind. It's almost a bit creepy but how often do we hear the melody of the wind? (that's how I want to put it)we got to enjoy it anyways. :D




The waters in Anawangin is very calm, ideal for swimming. I was also amazed that instead of towering coconut and other tropical trees growing in the shore, agoho trees (looks like pine trees) abound the area. It's one of the wonders of the cove.




Second is the stream just steps away from the beach, with the agohos separating them. The stream is very clear and has it's own mystery that will surely captivate those who pass by it.






I spent three days and 2 nights in Anawangin with the company of really good friends then spent another 2 nights on my second visit. It made me feel like life can be really simple - so let's not make it too complicated.



Witnessing the wonders of Anawangin, I can't be happier that the Philippines has still comforting places like this. I hope Anawangin will be kept as it always is - a place of serenity and beauty. A charming display of what mother nature has to offer. :)

How to go to Anawangin

Ride a Victory Liner Bus going to Sta Cruz or Iba, Zambales. Ask to be dropped in the town of San Antonio. From the town, ride a tricycle going to Brgy. Pundaquit, the jump-off Point to Anawangin Cove/Capones and Camara Island/Nagsasa Cove and Silanguin Cove. Then ride a boat going to Anawangin.

I've been in the same area thrice and I always get Tatay Alfring as our boatman. I've encountered really rough waves and until now I'm still alive because of his skills. Here's his contact numbers: Tatay Alfring/Kuya Romeo(his son) 0928-3829947 and 09196498563.