I can't remember how all these happened too. One day, Dada just told me that their lab was making some outing plans. And, they thought of inviting the girlfriends again. By that "again," because there was a first time already. The first-ever was an eat-all-you-can feast at The Alley and a movie sesh of Star Wars: The Last Jedi which was definitely a fun and memorable day! But joining Dada's friends once more in this kind of get-together that is out of town? Geez, kaexcite! Since I was really stressed with life, as in overall, I really, really, really looked forward to this exhilarating weekend to come. 💖
ISLAND HOPPING The friends were given one day to roam San Antonio, Zambales. And since it is a favorite island-hopping destination of the province, that became the main activity of this trip. We were already up at 5 AM. Konting kulitan muna until Dada was able to look for our boatmen. We then ate our prepared breakfast quickly and dressed ourselves up so we would not be toasted by the sun. And at eight, we walked to the Pundaquit Beach and saw the waves say hi. Aside from the sea of boats in Pundaquit, it is the grayish and firm sand that welcomes you. This beach makes the tourists excited as to what they would see in the other islands because dito palang, you would know that this is an idyllic place. How much more on Camara, Capones, Nagsasa, and the most popular, Anawangin? *insert us singing Anawangin ko sa habambuhay... Makapiling ka, makasama ka -- yan ang anawangin ko* Camara Island Camara Island was the first island to stop for this voyage. Almost two to three kilometers and just 10 to 15 minutes away from Pundaquit Beach rests a creamy sand beach that is dominated by big rock formations. I think I posted already how much I love rockies so, this island is, of course, a heaven on earth for me. It also has an underground rock formation where you need to crawl in order to reach that hideout. That secret corner made me remember Taylor Swift's Style music video and uttered, wow! Compared to the next islands, this seems smaller. But! This is my most favorite of them all. Every corner seems so peaceful, so calm, so rejuvenating. I don't know? Camara just opened my lungs and breathe. What an amazing way to start the day! Capones Island Second stop? Capones Island! Also known as Isla de Gran Capon and Capon Grande Island. It is popularized because of its two-kilometer bone-shaped island stretch. If Camara is the smallest of the four islands we went to, Capones is the biggest. It also highlights enormous rocky shores and cream-ish sand with rich marine waters, perfect for diving and snorkeling. The Spanish-built lighthouse, Faro de Punta Capones is situated here too. It is an additional go-to for people who visit this island. Similar to other lighthouses, it guides and protects the ships that enter and leave the vicinity (particularly Subic Bay). Sadly, we enjoyed swimming in the turquoise ocean that we were not able to go there. We didn't know too eh. Next time! At least, we have a reason to go back. Anawangin Cove Our third island was the most famous of all, Anawangin Cove. It became the talk of the town because of its unquestionable view-ty. With its blanca sand and sea pine trees, Anawangin is then dubbed as the Boracay-meets-Baguio island of the Philippines. Yup, it is not as privy as before anymore. Actually, it was the most crowded island we ever been to. I guess, this is since what most people know. But good thing, you would not get bored in Anawangin. You can trek and see the crescent-shaped beach or snorkel and greet the fishes if you want. It also has camping sites inside with an entrance fee of PhP 75. We had no plans staying here that long so we just ate a forty-peso halo-halo instead of going in. And by the way, I had the best halo-halo this summer here! I love seeing the old school way of preparing this summer dessert. Ahhh, so much love! Add those random conversations that just feel good inside. Yay, yay, yaaay! Nagsasa Cove And the last but never the least island we visited? Nagsasa Cove! It took us 30 to 45 minutes going here from Anawangin. Uhuh, it is a little far. Yet, worth it! Nagsasa is almost the same as the third island. However, less crowded. I can see that this would be the next pasyalan people would go to next time so, very glad we came here already. After two hours of hopping - around 10:30 AM, I think - the group arrived in this paraiso. Nagsasa Cove offers not just beach bumming but also trekking, snorkeling, and cliff jumping. This paradise even hids secret waterfalls which I would make sure to see on my future visit. And having this as our last stop, we stayed here on this island the longest. Le friends spent almost the whole free time here that is why many things happened in this haven. And for me, it is in Nagsasa Cove where the happiest parts of the day happened. Kuyang bangkero let us chose our pick-up time between 1 PM and 4 PM. We think the first was too early so we chose four instead. It is where we had our lunch and where we actually discovered our Survivor skills. Haha! We were able to do all the activities we wanted to do then -- eat, converse, swim, eat, converse, swim, and even played beach volleyball (and eat again, and swim, and converse, and repeat lol) We left Nagsasa Cove at 4 PM. Well... I wish we didn't leave agad. If only we don't have any agenda waiting in Manila... Hayy, nakakabitin eh! Pero ganun talaga. I just cherished the moments in the boat ride instead -- all those big waves rushing, sun shining brightly that added more tan lines in my skin, and every second ticking with my newfound friends. I told myself that I'm so gonna come back to Zambales soon! And I wanna dance with you... With Zambales who loves me! :)))) HANGOVER FEELINGS AND THOUGHTS I love going to new places -- it opens my eyes to the wonders of the world that it makes my soul refreshed and awed. Dada and I have been together for almost seven years already but never have I stepped in his birthplace until these guys invited me to. Qt ‘no, mga kaibigan pa niya una kong nakasama pumunta dito sa Zambales. Hahaha! I was actually weird out why he doesn’t come here often when Zambales is such a beautiful paradise! I'm not kidding, it really is. Zambales possesses treasures that it can compete with Palawan, Boracay, and Siargao. If I were Dada, I would always come back here, summer or not. Because I felt it. There is a magic in Zambales that makes people forget their problems and just live the moment and be happy. There is something about the New Zealand feels of its mountain range that totally gets me. I can’t get enough how amazing the rock formations were formed on the island. Moreover, the white turning black sand made me heart-eyed! I would really love to go again and see the other hidden gems of Zambales. I don’t know but the thought of being in this province makes me smile for no reason. But, uhm... No, yeah, maybe aside from intuition, it was the memories of the people I was with too.
To tell you honestly, I didn’t have any expectations for this Zambales trip. Unlike my usual travel habit, I didn’t buy any new clothes for a pakening OOTD, didn’t took hundreds of photos for my Instagram as well, didn’t even prepare anything and that’s so not me. But you know, this is the most fun weekend I ever had with friends! It exceeded the happiness meter I prayed for. Yes, there were no swimsuits to flaunt and this was the trip where I had the least number of selfies captured, yet, my heart is full to the highest of the highest level! I don’t know but I really feel wonderful every time I’m with these people. Didn’t feel out of place even if I’m not part of their circle. Super enjoyed listening and laughing at nothing with them. Although I haven't help in the preparation of food or what, not a talkative bunny who entertains everyone with stories, plus, bangko sa Volleyball! I’m touched they still joined me on this getaway. I mean, whether I’m here or not, g lang naman eh. But me, I’m really glad I made this decision to be with them. I may not be close to everybody (yet) but they, they are to my heart, to me. Thank you, mga Anawangin Ko Sa Habang Buhay! Indeed, you guys are my anawangin sa habambuhay. Haha! Why? This group made me realize that it is time to withdraw my past trust issues and start believing with humankind again. They are my living proof that I can find people who can support, strengthen, and help colleagues without pulling any dirty competition. Really glad to know there are still good hoomans who exist in this cruel world. Grabe nga eh, brains, character, and looks, nasa kanila na lahat. Plus, the firm foundation of friendship they have. Sila na talaga! This group of friends Dada belongs to is solid. And I hope I find this kind of friendship that grows up to a family who accepts each other wholly. Walang filter, walang plastikan, walang lamangan kahit na hindi naman sila magkakadugo. They are real people -- the realest! The overlapping schedule, since some had classes and agenda, didn't hinder to make this bonding happen. Just to make sure this is not a drawing, these cute guys took a lot of adjustments in order to make sure the whole squad can come. Ganun naman dapat pag magkakaibigan eh. The presence of every individual matters. I always tell Dada he is blessed to have such friends and he must keep them for life. This friendship is rare, eh! And with me seeing all these, I hope someday I can find and surround myself with such kind of peeps too. And that's why... That's why I thank you guys for this hope you gave me. And for this Saturday and Sunday. For everything. 💖
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THE BLOG-GIRLE L A M A N I L A Ela Mones, a Filipina girl,
is a passionate lifestyle blogger who loves to express her unforgettable life experiences and best moments through words, photos, and videos 💖
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