Zambales Coves

This week is the 'APEC Holiday' in NCR. Students and Public Sector employees get to relax on November 17-20, and Private Sector employees on November 18-19. A holiday like this could mean people will be flying out for a vacation but because flights are also suspended, just as the classes and offices are, it's time to go on a road trip!

Wondering where to go? How about a 4-hour drive to Zambales? With an additional 1-hour boat ride, you can take photos at the lighthouse in Capones Island, relive the Twilight feels walking through the woods at Anawangin Cove and go camping, hiking, swimming at Nagsasa Cove. That's worth the road trip, right?

What's even better is that a trip like this could easily be found at MetroDeal. I am not associated with that site in any way but I really have to say they make travelling affordable! I've seen some sites say that a boat ride to the coves would cost around 1000 pesos. I bought my MetroDeal coupon for 888, which already includes boat transfers, tent rental for one night, and two meals. Downside is that you have to share the boat with strangers but it's okay because you get to save money and make friends at the same time.

I hate road trips, I've said that again and again. I also hate boat rides. But seeing Nagsasa Cove, even just from the boat before actually arriving, I can't help but smile. Such a view! If you're like me, who'd rather be tired exploring a new place than sleep the entire morning, you'd know that the experience is as beautiful as the view.

I know after some research you already know about the lack of network signals in the area, the costs of transportation from Manila, and the things to bring, among other things. But here are a few more things you should know before you pack your bags.

1 Bring waterproof bags. On the boat, bags are randomly placed on the floor which means liquids other passengers brought may spill on your bag. Also, because of strong waves, water may get inside the boat. My bag got wet, don't let that happen to you too.

2 Bring easy-to-eat food. MetroDeal vouchers usually just include overnight tours so don't be a hardcore camper bringing cooking wares and stuff. They also provide you two meals for the first day - lunch and dinner - because you arrive around 2pm. You'd also be leaving around same time the next day so really, you just have to pack food for 2 meals. A loaf of bread, a few sachets of sandwich spread, a pack of maybe pork and beans or corned beef, and a few bags of chips could already make you survive. Drinks? A store in the cove sells drinks. You could even buy ice from them.

3 I've read a lot of articles saying there's no electricity in Nagsasa Cove. But there is! You can't use it to charge your gadgets though, but there's light during the night so leave the flashlights at home. Use the space to pack extra batteries for your gadgets instead.

4 What to do? You would want to go swimming during sunset, and in the morning, when the waves are crazy. Also, wake up early and hike Kamp Rira Rika because seeing the sun rays peeking through the trees is just immaculate. Just don't use the actual entrance because you'd have to pay. There's another trail just a little farther and it's for free!

5 Know that there's a waterfall about an hour hike away. My friends and I knew this information from a boat guy around 11am that's why we haven't gone there. In case you don't like hiking so much, you can rent a boat and follow the river up to the waterfall. You can instead, like us, enjoy the lake and its freshwater goodness. You would want to, after all the salt.

6 There is another island after the lake separated by a narrow stream of water that you should NOT underestimate. If you want to go that island, come when the tide is low because that little stream gets crazy during high tide. It's becomes so deep and the water current gets so strong. My friends and I amazingly survived it while keeping my phone dry. I warn you it's not easy. A group of friends and a couple also tried but failed. We were just super determined.

7 Bring sunscreen and apply as needed. Don't let the fun let you forget that. I had sunscreen when we were there but because of excitement, we forgot to use it. My friend went back to Manila with intense sunburn and blisters on his shoulders we had to consult a doctor and found out they were 2nd degree burns. So don't EVER forget your sunscreen! Ever.

That's all I can tell you, in addition to other information you already knew. This post is already lengthy so I'd stop here and let the photos convince you to visit Anawangin and Nagsasa Coves in Zambales.

you'd be in a boat like this for an hour

and see views like this

Anawangin Cove

The beautiful Nagsasa Cove...

It's a good morning...

...for a little hike.

This is what you get when you wake up early!

... and the beautiful experiences with beautiful people.  :P

enjoying the lake

our camp site

My first bonfire by the beach

This is me, selfie-ing..

Bluezoo tank top | Nike shorts | Speedo shoes | Sun and Sand swimwear

There are a lot of beautiful things in the world if you dare to find them.

Andaman Sea

August in Phuket is also like August in the Philippines - a little rainy. I was imagining a day at the beach with the sun burning my skin. Yes, I actually like the warmth being under the sun..

I usually wake up at seven and Phuket is an hour late from PST which explains why I woke up around 6am. I stayed at our room's balcony and noticed the rain. I was a little worried our island hopping tour would be cancelled. We only had a few days and I want to make the most of it.

One thing I like traveling with my family is that we're early risers. We all agree that we travel because we want to see other places, and not because we want to sleep at a different bed. We usually don't get tour guides anymore but this time we think we have to because some places are just not contactable through the internet. Anyway, we walked along the beach and had already finished breakfast when the van arrived and took us to our boat.

I'm really grateful I was born into a crazy family because even when the tour guide warned that staying at the front of the boat is super bumpy and could be a little dangerous, my mom allowed my sister and I to stay there and my dad stayed with us. We were sitting on the bench when a crazy wave lifted our butts off and I unfortunately landed on the floor and my sister was laughing hard at me. Yeah, I bruised my bum but it was so fun I didn't care.

Also, when we were taken to the caves, my dad couldn't wait for the canoes to get us so he jumped out of the boat into the water! Who wants to go canoeing the Andaman Sea when you can dive into it? So my sister and I followed my dad and enjoyed Phuket a little different from the people around. We sort of panicked when the tour guide told us that there are a lot of jellyfishes in the area. My sister got stung before and her legs got burned leaving scars on her legs. I don't want that to happen to me so I swam to the canoe where my dad was and looked for my sister who was already climbing back to the boat. That was close! The tour guide really wasn't joking because when we were dropped at a beach where swimming is supposedly safe, there was a child who got stung by a jellyfish.

The whole day around Phang Nga Bay was fun but that canoe experience, for me, was the highlight. The cliffside beaches and rocky mountains can also be seen in the Philippines like Palawan, and the caves in Sagada are as amazing as the ones here. You may think I'm a little biased because it's where I'm from but you can go check the place out and tell me about it after. ;)

my crazy family...

...canoeing...

...and getting to know this harmless jellyfish...

...after this crazy swim.

James Bond Island

I agree that where you're going is as important as who you're going with and traveling with my family is really like traveling with friends. We're crazy and I love it!

Swimmies Cebu swimwear | Anemone shorts | Speedo aqua shoes

Sagada Spelunking

I see myself as an adventure seeker because I like different outdoor activities like snorkeling, hiking, and paragliding. I was checking off a lot of adventures on my bucket list and I felt satisfied until my friends and I went spelunking.

"Explore a cave" is not on my list and never actually crossed my mind. Not that I don't think it's fun, but because I never thought there is such an activity. I didn't even know 'spelunking' is a word! I first encountered it when my friends and I were planning a trip to Sagada, Mt. Province. It was new to me, both the word and the kind of adventure, which made me really excited..

It was around lunch time when my friends and I arrived at Sagada, and note that we left Manila around midnight! Ugh, I hate roadtrips. That's a different story though.. Anyway, we were scheduled to go to the caves by 4pm.

There are two types of caving we could choose from - normal caving and cave connection. Since we all love to make the most of that looong trip, we decided we'd take the cave connection. It would normally take 3-4 hours but if you have the time, go for it and try to finish it. It won't be something you would regret.

No words could share the experience and not even the photos could give justice to the emotions and the struggles we went through within those caves.

We went up and down the cave on barefoot with only gas lamps and our cave guides to show us the way. It's raw adventure - no safety equipment, no activity orientation. We trusted our lives to the guides and to each other, and to the ropes and the rocks.

It is a very important thing that you come to the caves with people who genuinely care for you. The ones who know your fears and weaknesses. The ones who are willing to assist you and cheer you through the obstacles and challenges. Because this cave connection is an adventure that seals your relationships with these people.

Before I get too emotional, I'll share these photos to give you a glimpse, a glimpse, on what to expect, because again, not even all these photos summed up can share what it's really like to be spelunking the Lumiang and Sumaguing Caves. Enjoy..

During these moments when one slip could literally kill you, it is of great importance to note the people, risking nothing less than their own lives, who held your hand and kept you safe.

I'll forever thank God these girls.

To adventures and friendships..

Sarangani Paragliding

Happy New Year! My holiday break checked off 2 items on my bucket list and I''m so excited to share them with you.

I am not fond of road trips but if it's adventure I'm heading, I make exceptions. One example is the Sarangani Paragliding Adventure, a 3-hour drive from Davao City. This one's worth going because I want to try everything and anything that is associated with flying.

I believe there is no better way to share the experience with you than showing the photos because some things just can't be explained, right? :)

First, you take a bumpy ride up that mountain...

Then, you gear up and try to run and drag the chute...

And you FLYYY!! :)

every glider gets to bring home a GoPro video for free! thanks to the Sarangani Paragliding Team, especially to Carla and Titoy for our glide above Sarangani.. :)


Contact them through Facebook - Sarangani Paragliders and plan your trip to Safi Ranch. Try it. It's breathtaking.


How did you end 2014?

Until next year's adventure..