Ever since I saw pictures of the
Anawangin Cove in Zambales, I knew at once I had to get there. And so when my
brother found a cool deal to get the chance to visit Anawangin for only P799.00
in one of the more popular discount coupon sites, I didn’t let the opportunity
pass and without thinking twice, paid for the vouchers.
We had our trip scheduled on a
Saturday. We left the Victory Terminal in Caloocan City at 7:00 A.M. The trip
lasted for almost four hours which by the way, was longer than the usual.
We got off at the town of San
Antonio where we waited for the tour operator’s guys to pick us up and take us
to Pundaquit. When they arrived, we
asked them if we could pass by the market to buy fresh fish, hotdogs, bread,
spread, booze and other stuff we needed for an overnight stay in Anawangin.
Minutes later, we were again
bound on our tricycle service on the road to Pundaquit.
In Pundaquit, we met with our
tour operator, Ate Sally, who was nice and gentle, and made sure we got
everything we needed – charcoal, petroleum gas, pan, knife, tents, etc. In
short, we got all the “works” which make for a hassle-free and comfortable stay
at the cove.
Once ready, we were led to the
ferry where colorful outriggers with bamboo-like wings that extend from their
side lined the shore.We hopped onto one of them and the
sea journey to the Anawangin Cove began.
The wind blew a bit strong and so
the water was a bit rough. But I have sailed on worse so it was ok. For me, it
was just the right amount of rock when you’re sailing on waters facing the
South China Sea. After a close to a 20-minute boat ride, we ferried on the
shores of Anawangin Cove and Wildlife.
The pine trees that seemed so small
from afar, all of a sudden appeared huge. The white sand turned black when
touched by the water. A sense of adventure filled me at the site of a number of
tents set up from behind the fence perimeter that separates the beach and the
camp site. I was ready to go swimming, hiking, explore the place in its
entirety but too famished to have the energy to be able to do so. The spirit
was very willing but the stomach then was just weak so the former conceded.
After surveying the place and
making sure we got enough photos, it was time to take a dip. The water was warm
which made up for the cool weather.
We enjoyed the sunset while
preparing for dinner of fried hotdogs, rice, bread, and tuna paella. After
dinner, we took turns taking a bath at the toilet and bath area which, during
the night, has power supplied only until 9:30 P.M.
Campers started to set up
bonfires and gathered around for the usual marshmallows and hotdog barbecue
moments. We, on the other hand, enjoyed the night with interesting
conversations over bottles of cold light beer.
There was nothing much to do in
Capones. We ferried at a spot which was far from the Lighthouse so we didn’t have
much choice but enjoy the place for more photo ops. At close to 10:00 A.M., we
were headed back to Pundaquit where our journey to Anawangin ended.
It was another unforgettable
vacation to a place that’s worth another visit. The Anawangin cove offers a
rare chance to experience something that we, people who live in the city, don’t
get too often.