Towards the Lighthouse of Capones Island

Since we booked an all-in package for this tour, we didn't really have to worry about anything. Well, don't take "anything" too literally. I meant the important stuff, like the transportation, the food, the itinerary and all those things. It would be an awful lot of work to get this together by ourselves (especially this group of lazy kids). Don't get me wrong. I like camping, bonfires and nature and stuff but I hate planning for it. With this arrangement, all I had to pack were my clothes, my cam and other personal stuff (plus another bag full of chips that I promised to bring for the kids).

We were scheduled to leave at 12 midnight from the meeting place at SM North EDSA bus bay. Honestly, we were kinda scared at this point because we didn't really know if Kuya Jeff and his gang will show up and that all of this maybe a scam. Well obviously, it wasn't a scam and they did arrive (a bit later than expected though, but who's in a hurry?) After a short meet and greet, we were introduced to a couple who were also joining us for this trip. Then we're off to Zambales.

It was a quick ride to San Antonio, Zambales. I'm already used to traveling this route so I wasn't really into site seeing on the way. We arrived at around 4am and parked in a nearby 7/11 outlet. We ate some breakfast while our dear organizers visited the local market for some last minute grocery shopping. I wish I ate a lot more than I did that morning. But even if I did, nothing could've prepared me for what was in store for us on the next island.  

our boat ride to the islands 

At the crack of dawn, several boats were already lined up by the beach of Pundaquit. All of them are probably waiting for the tourists coming in to the islands that day. There was nothing special about the beach here but this isn't the town's best asset. We were one of the first groups to leave the town and arrive in the island of Capones. 

We got excited as we got off the boat. The sun was just coming out and the light was perfect for photo ops. While we were taking pictures, Kuya Jeff interrupted us and said that we had to get going. Going where? To the light house. And I was like, "Oh, I didn't know we were going to a lighthouse."

Capones Island at the crack of dawn 

And then we're off. Kuya Jeff's group and some other locals served as our guide. It was fun at first. I like walking by the beach. But as we went further, the path became harder to cross. We had to walk along the rocky parts of the beach and had to climb in and out of some of them to pass through. I didn't have enough sleep, food and water in my system for this strenuous exercise. I'm not much of a walker (if there's such a word). And this wasn't walking. I think this is what they called trekking. Now I hate trekking too (forgive me for my innocence in outdoor activities). I just kept on taking pictures of the island and my friends, hoping to relieve some of the stress I'm getting from this unexpected side trip. 

beginning of our journey to the lighthouse

We stopped by this old structure that's supposedly the camp for the Philippine Navy. We rested there for a while until we resumed walking. I think the most stressful part was not knowing when its gonna end. They kept saying "malapit na" but it felt like we've been walking forever. Towards the end of the trek, we were already climbing through a steep, muddy, uphill path. After 2 hours, we finally arrived at the goddamn lighthouse.

old Philippine Navy camp (or something like that)

Its really old. The only way you can get to the top of the light house is through a creepy spiral staircase. It felt like its gonna break any moment. Its really old. Waiting for us at the top is an amazing panoramic view of the sky, the sea and the rest of the island. It was breathtaking (and not because of my exhaustion). We were lucky enough to be the first ones to arrive because we had the lighthouse all to ourselves. We spent a few minutes there, absorbing the view and taking pictures. A couple of groups arrived as we were climbing down the staircase. I saw the mix of fatigue and excitement in their faces as they went through the path that we just came from. Well, I couldn't care less about them anymore because I knew I'd be facing yet another monstrous trek back to the boat.

the Capones Island Lighthouse

old spiral staircase to the top

view from the lighthouse

Somewhere along this journey, my (favorite) slippers gave in and I had to switch slippers with someone else. We kept on switching foot wear with one another till we got the bit of comfort that we needed to get through. My boyfriend had to walk through the rocky path barefoot at some point. The torture didn't end as we arrived back at the starting point. We didn't bring anything with us aside from our cameras. All our stocks (food and water, especially the freakin' water) were in the boat. The boat was floating somewhere, not anywhere near us, so we had to wait for it to come back. In the middle of the island and under the heat of the sun, all we were thinking about was a glass of ice cold Coke. These are the moments when you appreciate the little things that you neglect when you have them. 

the boat bringing us to Anawangin Cove

Then salvation came in the form of a boat with loads of water, soft drinks and ice. We jumped into it immediately and helped ourselves with (what seems to be) the prize for the challenge that we've been through. This boat will then take us to our final destination - Anawangin Cove. More on that on my next blog.

Lesson learned: Always check your itinerary. 

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A Weekend at Anawangin Cove - The Plan

Anawangin Cove in San Antonio, Zambales

In the summer of 2012, my college friends and I wanted to go on a vacation at the beach. Just a short and sweet weekend getaway, without the need of a plane ride and nothing overly planned. We didn't have enough moolah and time to plan for something like that anyway. 

From my experience, short road trips to the beach from Manila could either mean Zambales or Batangas. There are also nearby beaches in Quezon or La Union but they're more famous for surfing (not my favorite sport). Then further away from the city are the beaches of Pangasinan, Ilocos, Bicol and many, many more. I've been to Batangas far too many times and i'm still not a fan of their beaches. But the distance from the Manila favors them and that's why I still go. Meanwhile, Iba, Zambales is my 2nd hometown (next to QC, of course). And you know how it is in your hometown - you rarely get to go around the place as much as tourists does. Because the tendency is, you'll just keep coming home and wouldn't bother going elsewhere. We had a beach nearby too so I didn't find the need to visit all those other famous beaches. But the traveler in me new that I had to visit them too someday, and when the opportunity came, I said, Go!

In the small barrio of Pundaquit lies the beautiful coves and islands of San Antonio, Zambales. Its just a matter of choosing which one. Luckily, I'm not the one organizing our vacation this time so I didn't have to decide on anything. My friend chose the most popular Anawangin Cove. 

the white sand beach of Anawangin

I'm a DIY kind of person but I can surrender to group tours if need be. And so for this particular trip, we decided to join a group tour for the following reasons: 

1. Transportation - We didn't have enough cars to go on a road trip by ourselves. Even if we did, the toll fees and fuel expenses will just rip us off. It would be more expensive, uncomfortable and less fun if we took the bus. 
2. The camping part of it all - We didn't have tents and there is no way we're buying them just for one trip. Only a few of us have tried camping and no one wanted to take the responsibility of setting up camp and taking care of everyone's basic needs. 
3. Its just more convenient - The truth is, we are just a couple of lazy kids that wants to have fun. I don't see anything wrong with that. 

So the next decision to make was to choose which group tour to join in. And the deciding factor is: the cheapest one. Normally, the rates for Anawangin Cove group tour is around Php2000 to Php3000 per head depending on the inclusions. You'll find dozens of offers if you browse online. Although you've got to be careful for those scammers. The cheaper and better may seem, the more suspicious you should be. The best way to be sure is to look for reviews and blogs from other people who have joined the same group tour. Anyway, my friend who was organizing this trip chose this deal from an ad she found in sulit.com: 

Price: PHP 1,899.00/person

Inclusions:
2 Days 1 Night Stay at Anawangin Cove
Van (Urvan) Manila-Zambales-Manila
Toll Fee, Driver, Guide, Parking Fee
Boat Ride from and to Anawangin Cove
Island Hopping to Capones Island (Trekking to Lighthouse: Optional)
Anawangin fee 2 days 1 night
Food (Complete Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Tent
5 Gallons Distilled Water
Woods for bonfire
Flashlight/Headlamp/Torch
Cooking Set (Spoon,Fork,Glass,Plate,Pitcher)

FOOD:
Saturday
Lunch
Liempo
Sinigang na hipon
Manggang hilaw with alamang
Ripe Melon
Softdrinks/Water

Dinner
Rice
Fried Pork Chop
Adobong Manok
Chopseuy
Pakwan
Juice

Sunday
Breakfast
Fried Rice
Hotdog
Luncheon Meat
Egg
Tasty Bread
Milo/Coffee/Water

Lunch
Rice
Fried Calamares
Halabos na hipon in margarine
Sauted veggies with mushroom and corn
Ripe Mango
Softdrinks/Juice/Water


Note:
Not included yung breakfast ng Saturday so bring something to eat.


To Bring:
- Blanket
- Camera
- Chips
- Off Lotion
- Sunblock
- Toiletries (Soap, Shampoo, Deo, etc.)
- and of course your other personal stuff

Not bad, eh? This package tour is organized by Kuya Jeff (link posted below). And i'm telling you now, this guy is legit. He and his gang organize weekly tours to Anawangin Cove. No more worries about leaving anything important for camping behind, these guys will take care of everything you need for the trip. 

View from the Light House at Capones Island

Now that everything is set (well we didn't really have to set anything), we just had to wait for the date and enjoy the rest of our vacation. More details on my next blog. :)

Please contact Kuya Jeff and his gang through this number: 09173745447

And also thru their Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Anawangin-COVE-tour/251338934941033

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