Anawangin Cove

After enjoying a day in Pundaquit, the obvious next destination will be in Anawangin Cove. It has a nice crystal white beach and is the most popular camping site in the town. Most tourists come and camp here for an overnight beach activities. Others simply want to have a quiet place to unwind and relax while some just want to explore and get closer to nature.

unlike most beaches, anawangin cove is surrounded by pine trees instead of coconut trees

Camping

If you like camping, this is the best place for you. If not, you can book a hotel in pundaquit while you rent a boat for a day trip only.

Many of the campers bring with them a hammock (duyan) for their complete relaxation. In between the shady and tall pine trees, I saw quite a number of hammock mounted on each tree.

For the ladies, don’t worry about the comfort rooms. They built several toilets and shower rooms with free-flowing water. You just have to be patient lining up the que. Else, there are some deep wells that you can manually pump to have a quick shower.



Island Hopping

When renting a boat, you can also negotiate with a boatman to get you to Capones and Nagsasa Island. This two islands offer equally beautiful sights. Though not always accessible especially when the water gets rough in the afternoon.



Bonfire

Nice to spend the night with friends singing with a guitar, with some beers and a bonfire. In a place away from city and with the absence of electricity, one can feel the old natural way of life. No television, no cellphones – no mobile signal in the area, and no noisy cars and traffic jams. What can be heard are the sound of the sea waves and chirping of the birds.



Trekking

The best time to trek is in the early morning or if possible, when the sun is not shining yet. You’re going to regret it when the sun catch you in the middle of your trek.



Swimming

And of course! With the bright blue crystal clear water, it is very fascinating to watch fishes playing around the corals. It is the activity I love the most!



Here are some more photos from the trip to Anawangin Cove.

going to anawangin

our boatman

clouds kissing the mountain

campers resting under the shades of pine trees

only a few dared to swim under scorching heat

convenience store open 24hrs on weekends.

crystal clear water even at shoreline

bright blue sky

campers are well shaded by quite a number of tall pine trees

some peacefulness while watching the sunset

friends chatting while enjoying the beach view

early morning view

old watch tower

sunrise while trekking the rocks

Pundaquit Paradise

Pundaquit village, in San Antonio Zambales, is the entry point going to Anawangin Cove. There are several resorts here and the water is still clean and clear, better than the ones we can see in Batangas or Quezon. The place is ideal for family outing and weekends getaway. Highlights will be, of course, the beach and its clear water, the beautiful sunset, and sunrise too if you can get a good location to shoot. Lowlights are, limited restaurants and zero night life. You might need to go to the town proper if you want to eat good food. Or perhaps, buy food first before coming to this place so you can save time and money going back and forth. Hotels’ price are reasonable and the rooms are clean. But who needs to book a hotel when you want to go to Anawangin Cove? Though I suggest better stay here at least a day before going to Anawangin. There are a lot to discover in this little paradise.

it takes around 20 mins in a tricycle from town proper to pundaquit.

sunrise image while walking along the shore

another shot at the sunrise while walking along the shore

a number of tourists go to anawangin especially during weekends and public holidays

smaller boat for 2-3 passengers only

beautifule blue sky after a short rain

a quiet atmosphere in the afternoon 

sunset image 1

sunset image 2

teens enjoy flying miniature hot air balloon

hot air balloon at night

Holy Week in the Philippines

The Calvary of Christ

I didn’t realize that my planned vacation trip will coincide on Holy Week, It was my youngest daughter’s birthday in my mind when I do the booking. But since I was in Phil during the Lenten season, I took the opportunity to see the crucifixion rites held annually in San Fernando, Pampanga.

I wasn’t born a Catholic and so the understanding of people doing self-flagellation and wanting to be crucified was beyond me. Even the Catholic church told that they do not encourage this type of penance and devotion. There are several ways to commemorate the sacrifices made by the Lord and whipping one’s body and being crucified are not one of them.

wounds created by self whipping... 

But as the bizarre tradition of this city still exist, people from other places, and even other countries keep on coming to personally witness the authenticity of the rituals.  Some can’t help but to wonder and ask “what in the world these people are doing to themselves?” As more and more foreigners are seen each year, someone beside me mentioned that their numbers were doubled from last year. A tourist attraction in the work?

a red hooded penitent carrying a cross... 

There was a shaded area with seating arrangement that said was reserved for VIP’s just to see later a few buses loaded with tourists who would want to witness the play from the VIP stand. Wow! Looks like the devotion of the flagellants were used by the business people and local government as another way to create funds (money).

Enough with the business opportunists, I came here to personally witness the ritual by some devotees who came from different places of the country. I am just not sure why they chose this place in San Pedro Cutud in Pampanga for their sacrifice. Perhaps they had watched this old movie and still believe that there’s a miracle to happen. ” Walang Himala!!”.

The photos below will show the sequence of what had happened during that Holy Friday.

flagellantes going to the calvary... 

voluntary penance or self flagellation... 

the Passion play starts with the entrance of the chariot

the man who played the role of Jesus Christ

as they are about to crucify him on the cross

and nail him on his feet

John 19:34 "Instead, one of the soldiers pierced Jesus’ side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water"

And right before 3:00PM, the play ended with the death of Jesus