Since last Thursday we were all on Emong watch. The tropical cyclone was wrecking havoc in the north and we were all pissed if it will rain in our parade come Saturday. By Thursday night Emong was getting stronger than ever and PAG-ASA declared Zambales with a signal #3 warning. We were joking that we’ll perform a collective sun dance* in the hope of scaring Emong away. Haha. And it worked. Apollo answered all our prayers as the sky was cloudless and the sun was blistering the next day.
The obligatory narcissistic shots
We met up 7 pm at Philcoa (Jing’s orders). As usual, I was the earliest. I met Kenneth, Jing and Jonathan there then we went straight to Caloocan. It was my first time going and my gawd the place was chaotic. People were everywhere! It was like an anthill. I was carrying a heavy duffel bag and it was quite a task maneuvering myself through that crowd. By the time we reached Victory Liner my arms were aching like hell.
The last trip of the bus was 11:30. It was still 9 (early bitches) so we decided to eat at Mc Donald’s first while we wait for the others. Jing had a mishap with the tickets so she went back to get a refund. This mishap story is actually funnier if Jing tells it. And she also wouldn’t stop talking about it. Eric, Roy, Joy, Aika, Jeyson, Louie and RC arrived later. Then off we went to the bus.
The girls (Joy, Aika and Jing)
2 am we arrived at San Antonio, Zambales. The bus was extremely fast that we arrived hours early than the expected time. We were all bummed since what the eff are we gonna do for three more hours? And it was also drizzling adding more to our frustrations. If it was 30 degrees in Manila, it was hella cold in Zambales. Thank gawd Louie found a Mami stand still open. We stayed there till 5 after we were kicked out.
When the market opened Jing and the guys bought food for lunch and dinner. Anawangin is a camper’s beach so we had to cook our own food. Selecting what to cook was a long debate but we settled for liempo, fresh tuna and adobo. I had no complaints. By about 6 we rode a trike to Pundakit. The ride was quite something. Our trike had a door! Once in Pundakit we looked for a boat to bring us to Anawangin. The boys found one and off we went. Pundakit, by the way, was a disappointment. It looked better in pictures. Anyway, we were all still disheartened since it was still raining. I was cursing under my breath.
The boat ride was sweet. It was my first time and I loved it. It wasn’t scary at all even if the waves were huge and very angry. It was such a thrill. I’ve never traveled by sea before. I always thought planes were safer. Now, I think boats are cool.
We finally reached the Anawangin cove. There were only a few people there when we arrived. Emong scared all the beach goers away. So how is Anawangin? My gawd, it was beautiful. Once my feet touched the soft sands I knew I was in paradise. No. I’m exaggerating but it really is as beautiful as everyone says it is. The first thing I noticed in the scenery were the pine trees. They’re scattered all over. Looking farther I can see some campers with their colorful tents. On the right were rock cliffs with big waves lapping underneath. For some weird reason, this reminded me of Marina (don’t judge me). The sea itself was a beautiful turquoise punctuated by huge boulders on the sides of the cove. It was a magnificent sight. But it was still drizzling.
Anawangin
The boys then set up the tent and also cooked the food (with Jing). Boys are really handy. I on the other hand slept. Haha. When I woke up brunch was served. After eating we all went straight to the beach. By this time the sun was shining. Thank you. We stayed in the water for quite some time. The waves were strong. We just stayed on the shallow side since we heard stories of people dying in Anawangin. In the afternoon we went hiking. That I will never do ever again. We hiked up the small hill on the side of the beach and it was pure torture. The incline was so steep and it felt like you will fall any minute. And take note that I was wearing flip flops which made it all the more difficult. But we were rewarded with a gorgeous view once we reached the top.
The boys (Eric, Louie, me, Rc, Jeyson, Kenneth, Roy and Jonathan)
Night came. The boys (mostly Jeyson) set up the bon fire. It was so cool. Just like in the movies. Times like these I regretted not joining the boys scout when I was younger. Tequila and rum were served. Aika, Jing and I drank the most. Aika devised a drinking came using cards and it was so much fun. I was forced to smoke one stick in 30 seconds. Haha. We also very noisy. No. We were causing a commotion. Haha. Our session was pre empted by a sudden drizzle. It was a false alarm and we were to continue drinking but everyone was tired so we slept. Boo! We only had one tent from Roy. Only one. So they decided to sleep by the shore. When some of them started snoring I sneaked out and went to the tent. Haha. I had a good night sleep while they were all freezing. Seriously, I feel bad especially for the girls. L
The next day we all went to see Capones. It’s an island just across the cove. We were supposed to see the lighthouse but the waves were too strong so we decided to go to the island beach instead. And I was glad we did. The sand was whiter and the water was clearer.
Capones
After Capones we had to say goodbye to the sun. I had so much fun. Thank you so much to you guys! I will remember this forever. Chos. Thank you Jing for constantly forcing me to come and I was glad I did. Let us do this again.
*a Sarah Geronimo reference
P.S. I did not edit this so forgive the grammar and the mixed up tenses.