Cagbalete Island, Quezon Province

welcome to Cagbalete Island, Quezon Province

my friend and I decided to spend our weekend somewhere far...

somewhere so very far...

on an island somewhere in the Quezon Province... 

and we had chosen Cagbalete Island... 

we depart Manila around 11 am bound to Lucena for a 4 hours land travel

and the first bus we saw was JAC Liner via Lucena Bus Line

along EDSA Kamias.. Current fare is around 300.00 php...

you may check JAC Bus Liner Schedule

we arrive in Lucena Grand Terminal around 3 pm...

we are supposed to depart Manila earlier...

but my friend was taking so much of her time!

we ride another bus going to Mauban...

It seems that there is no buses that goes directly to Mauban... 

our fare is 100 php per person for a 2 hours travel

we miss the last boat going to the island that departs at 4 pm...

 so we rent a boat for 600 php for half an hour boat ride

we stayed in Pensacola Beach Resort...

and since the tropical storm just left the country...

there are no other guest but my friend and I...

amazing!

for our first night we paid 400 php each..

there is an electricity between 6 pm to 10 pm...

 they provide mattress, pillow and blanket... 

thanks to the very nice care taker of the resort

we had a simple packed dinner...

the next day, we spend the very first morning walking along the shore...

it was very low low low low tide that welcomes us... 

like I had never seen before... 

we walk to the little village just at the back of the resort for our market day! 

they offer everything fresh..

from fishes to crabs to vegetables... the cheapest!

after going to the community market... we will cook!

i love watching them cook and i love eating.. hahahhaha

thanks again to the kind care-taker of the resort...

had our lunch and siesta and an afternoon chill in the beach

and an evening massage... 

we stayed for another night for an extra of 300 php each! 

I am quite good in my haggling skills.. hahahaha

went back to Manila the next day at 8 am...

the only boat schedule out of the island for 45 php..

total expenses: 1,500.00 php 

companion: 1

Bataan, Philippines

 welcome to Bataan, Philippines

 we initially plan to have a cruise to Corregidor but because of impending weather issues... 

it was then cancelled..  so, we settled to take a side trip instead...

furthermore... we were lost as well...

we went to the end of Mariveles, Bataan...

 so we pose and smile instead....

along the coastline!

even if chances say no..

 I still believe that choices...

 will always let you see where is your proper place under the sun 

so off we continue to roam the countryside...

 and found our way to our grade 5 history book...

 that foretells a story and a picture of a cross in a mountain...

Dambana ng Kagitingan

I never had a chance to visit this place when I was in grade 5.

I only had a glimpse of this on my history book...

 I know in my heart that one day... I will be in this moment...

design of the cross...

we went back to the high way and drop off near Mt. Samat

hire a trike for 300 php to get to the mountain...

carvings on the door... 

KKK stands for Kataas taasang Kagalang galangang Katipunan... 

and it shouldn't be four K's in here...

we ride in an elevator going to the top to see some nice view...

breath for a while... 

and let your mind relax...

some rain forest on the other side of the mountain...

and we continue in our little side trip in a nearby ocean... 

truly... there is a storm coming but it will hit the country later that night...

not a typical beach to chill... 

later that day...

 some surfers came to play with the waves....

... let's just that life is amazing when it caught you in surprise...

 as so much fun that I want to never forget that beautiful Thursday afternoon! :)

total expenses: 1,500 php 

companion: 1

Anawangin, Zambales

welcome to Anawangin Cove, Zambales

here... time is indefinite... time is not a question

it is never been ask... it is already given...

it is set by sun rising and moon shining...

wind here is forever... forever lustful...

nature here is peace!

mountain is in depth with the sea... giving river a warm embrace...

blue is never a color... it is a seen serenity

trees are warm and uncluttered...

sands are pure

and so as the heart that finds this place...

thank you to my friends who share this intimate travel with me on the other side of the world

until next time...

going here is the same as going to Nagsasa Cove

but this one is nearer but there is no waterfalls....

you may check my Nagsasa Cove, Zambales adventure for the direction...

total expenses: 1, 500 php

companion: 3