Ulog: Lost in Paradise "Zambales Adventure"

Where do broken hearts go? They say, the beach is a place of healing and joy. The potent power of the saltwater that cleanse the wounds, heals the hearts and replenish the mind and soul.

This perhaps one of the reasons why we gather together, because we need some saltwater and our wandering hearts took us to this wonderful place.

We planned our getaway two weeks prior to our set dates. We looked for travel agencies offering a two-day tour package. Since, there are many travel agencies popping out on facebook with alluring places at its great deal, it became easier for us to choose where to go. Anawangin cove was our top choice, aside from its enticing views and solemn ambiance, it is more affordable with just 2,000 pesos budget each, you are then good to go. enjoykadito travel agency offered us 1049/pax for 4persons exclusive however, the transportation and meals, but the total expenses we spent was just almost 2,000 pesos per person.

The agency gave us the schedule of the victory liner bus going to zambales. If you are going to commute, it is vital to know when is the first trip and last trip as well as the alternative routes, just in case you missed the last trip of the bus, like what happened to us.

We departed from Laguna at 8:30pm headed to Cubao then dropped to Victory liner bus terminal at 10pm.

As instructed, we have to ride a bus going to Iba or Sta.Cruz that would drop us off to San Antonio Zambales. However, we missed the last trip. So we took the other option. We took another bus going to Olongapo then ride another, going to Iba Zambales then dropped to San Antonio, Zambales.

We arrived to San Antonio at 3:30am. We waited for another 2hrs at 7/11 convenience store, then we went to wet market to buy some fresh meats and goods.

Our resource person, Kuya Joven, picked us up from San Antonio going to Pundakit which was a 30-minute tricycle ride.

We arrived to Pundakit at 6am. This beautiful scenery of the sunrise awaken us.

Kuya Joven handed us the tents and kitchen tools to be used at the camp site. Then took a 30-minute boat ride going to Anawangin Cove.

At the camp site.

Reminder: at this point there's no signal and electric source. So, might as well, you bring a durable power bank that could support your electronic devices for the length of your stay. And also some flash lights, or candles. Anyway, it will be reminded if you get a travel agency. Howbeit, if you choose to walk in, it is important that you know these things.

The assistants of Kuya Joven helped us assemble our tents.

Okay, the hardest part..cooking. Not actually the cooking part, but how to lit a fire. The only tool we had are matches and dried leaves. We thought it would work out easily, until we gone to the last piece of match stick, yet no flame came out. Luckily, the care taker generously offered a kerosene to easily lit up the fire.

tips: bring lighter, matches, and pieces of scratch papers. Nonetheless, if you are a lame boy/girlscout like us. It would be extra helpful to bring combustible liquid as well.

After we satisfied our guts. It's time to allure our eyes with the beautiful creations.

We went to the mountainside, about 30 minutes trek and this enthralling view captured us.

tip: bring suitable clothes and footwear for trekking. One of these girls was wearing slippers with designed heels 😆 . So, it became difficult and risky for her during the climb. Long sleeves and hat will also keep you from excessive sun exposure, it's too sticky and uncomfortable to trek if you only rely on sun block lotion. Otherwise, endure the scorching sun rays.

The place was just too attractive not to spoil ourselves in the enchanting scenery.

On the first night, since we hardly had neighbors, we partied in the mid of the woods with bonfire and loud music.

tip: There is a ready driedwood sticks available at the camp that's worth 150 pesos per bundle, good for overnight campfire. But we chose to collect the left over woods of the previous campers.

Day 2 activities: explore the neighboring island and appreciate the sea creatures by snorkling. The captivating nature of Capones which made our hearts dance under the blissful, blazing sun.The white sand and turquoise water will surely satisfy you. Also, only in this isolated area has phone signals.

This adventure truly allayed the nostalgia and satiated the thirst we had that totally renewed the hearts and souls.

This place is highly recommended most especially to those who want to find peace, or thinking of searching one's soul. The serenity of the place will allow you to concentrate and internalize, while enjoying the beautiful natures. It's kinda therapeutic, though.