Zany in Zambales

August 30, 2008 - September 2, 2008

It was one of those all of a sudden decisions to pack our bags and take a vacation, and sort of like his birthday gift to me. After a thorough research, we decided to go north this time, and the place? Zambales.

We were supposed to go to Potipot island, but after some internet investigation, we decided that it would be more cost efficient if we go to Pundaquit, the jump off point to three of the best places one could ever go to in Zamabales - Anawangin, Capones, and Camara island. This would be our second trip on our World Domination tour and as trying hard backpackers, we tried to do it like they do - sans the sosyal factor.

I called Victory Liner just in time to get two reservations for the 11 pm trip which would bring us to San Antonio, Zambales by 5 am. We met at SM Muntinlupa at 5 pm to get our supplies for the trip. Total cargo consists of two big backpacks, two camera bags, and a tripod (no laptop! yehey!). The trip went on smoothly, and just as expected, we arrived in San Antonio Zambales which is around 15 mins away from Pundaquit, by 430 am.

The wind was cool and I was glad to finally rest my butt from the long trip when an unfortunate incident happened... they can't find my backpack on the bus compartment! I was the first to get irritated by the whole incident. He was kinda cool about it but when he saw me about to cry out of frustration, he took matters into his own hands and bullied the conductor to calling the last stop we had to trace my Agent Orange which contained all my clothes and survuval stuff. Unfortunately, even his bullying can't do anything to recover my missing everything. That left me already in Zambales with only my camera bag with me. We decided not to let it affect our vacay so we proceeded hunting for a cheap resort and were able to find one with the help of manong driver. Canoe Beach Resort will be our abode for the next three days and for 1500 a night, it was already a steal for us.

We settled inside our native inspired room. Cargo count- 1 backpack, two camera bags, a tripod, and a partridge in a pear tree. It was still kinda early to go swimming so we took a blind trip to the shore and were amazed by the little sparklies being washed up on the shore. Truly, I don't wanna be bothered by the memories of a lost baggage so we slept first and woke up by ten, which is one bad thing about our trips - we usually oversleep on our first day which we think should be the thing about vacations - you get to do things you rarely do. Ready and refreshed, we're on our way to have a good time (without the mention of my lost bag, of course).

DAY 1
- slept the morning off
- took pictures of the shores of Pundaquit
- bought Mr. Squidward from the local fishermen for P180
- took pics of Mr. Squidward
- handed Mr. Squidaward over to the cook of Canoe Beach Resort
- Ate Mr. Squidward for brunch (we're brutal, we know)
- took a trike ride to San Antonio Public Market (P15 each) where Hans took me to a shopping spree for clothes, swimsuit, and undies which was sort of his consolation treat for me since I lost my bag which contained Pookie Monster - his first ever gift for me
- swam and took pictures of us on the shores of Pundaquit
- had a sumptuous dinner that included, what else?, beer

DAY 2
- rented Mang Jose for a boat trip to Anawangin, Capones, and Camara islands (P800 pesos back and forth the three islands that includes the boat ride, having a personal assistant, and a photgrapher. take note: boatmen there know when to protect your privacy. It's like they were trained regarding HIPAA and privacy laws. Parang nag training!)
- first stop was Anawangin which is a good 15 mins away from Pundaquit by boat. I ran out of batteries for my DSLR before we reached the site so I was kinda cranky by then, but all of the crankiness faded away when we got there... it was absolutely beautiful! We were fortunate to be the only tourists present there by that time. The only other people were Mang Jose and this old lady who was in charge of keeping Anawangin clean. A donation of P50 per head was required to keep it at pristine condition. The camp site reminded me of The Blair Bitch, este, Witch Project -- kinda creeped me out and I felt like I'm Little Red Riding Hood having a tryst with the Big Bad Wolf to conjure how we're going to eat up poor old granny.
- Took pictures of us
- Went skinny dipping! I tell you, he really felt at one with nature doing that!
- Next stop was the famous Capones Island (sounds masculine, eh?). We wounded ourselves trying to climb the rocky cliff that would lead us to the lighthouse located on top of the island. I lost a few pounds just trying to reach the top but the view was well worth it.
- took pictures of the creepy lighthouse site.
- Proved we were fit enought to reach the top of the lighthouse where we took pictures of the spectacular view of the sea and Zambales.
- Ate snacks at the top of the lighthouse (we had to regain the pounds we lost just reaching the top)
- Collected Mr. Crabs and placed him inside a PET bottle to take home to Skye
- Proceeded to Camara Island which we unanimously voted to be the best among the three. Two islands separated by a sandbar that would rival any white beach - it was paradise! Much better was the fact that there were only three people on that island - me, him, and Mang Jose. It was fun posing for pictures that would make you appear as if you're walking on water.
- went back to Canoe Beach resort where we made banlaw on their pool. By dinnertime, we have made friends with the other guests on the resort, Nikko and Grace. Nikko and I share the same birth date so we welcomed our birthdays with pizza, tapsi, and booze. It was then where Nikko told of stories that made us crack up with laughter. Viva Confiado Apartelle!

DAY 3
- took pictures again
- breakfast at Canoe (where it'll be served in twenny minuites)
- left the resort
- mini stop at the public market for doughnuts
- went on our way back to Manila
- changed buses at Olongapo
- Lunch at Andok's Gapo
- Pitstop at Dau

We finally alighted on SM megamall and rode a bus to Pacita and made it home by 630. The whole trip was tiring but it was one trip you wouldn't forget for the rest of your life. We promised we would be back for more of Zambales in time for the mango season. Thank you, Zambales... you made it a very happy, happy birthday for me.