Camping at Anawangin

April 2008

Our summer trip at Anawangin Cove, Zambales probably is the cheapest beach trip I had with my friends.  With just a budget of Php2,000, we were able to spend 3 days and 2 nights at the much talked about camping site up north.

After reading a few blogs marvel on the place's picturesque sea and mountain views, we simply couldn't wait to see it ourselves.  There are two ways to reach the place, it's either via a 40-45 minutes boat ride from Brgy Pundaquit worth 1,500 or a 4-6 hours trek at Mt. Pundaquit.  Being inexperienced climbers, we opted for the former.

When we got to the place, I must say I was a bit disappointed with the greyish sand.  However, upon reaching the camp site, the pine trees made up for it.  After all, it's not everyday that I get to see pine trees by the beach. I was again overwhelmed with excitement over my first camping trip.

 

During our entire stay at Anawangin, I felt like we weren't just 5 hours away from Manila but on a much farther place.  With no mobile phones to distract us and no electricity, we took this opportunity to just laze around, take a LOT of photos, and drink booze.  

 

One memory of Anawangin that I'll always remember is how at one night the blanket of stars were quite low in the sky that I can almost grab them.  Yes it was breathtaking.  One that I wish I had captured in film.  

First camping trip for the roadtrippers

How to Get to Pundaquit:

 Ride a Victory Liner bus to Iba or Sta. Cruz Zambales and ask the conductor to drop you off at San Antonio.  Travel time is around 3-4 hours.  From San Antonio, ride a tricycle to Pundaquit worth Php30 per passenger.

Tips: 
* Bring the following items: tent, camping equipment, food, buthane, drinking water, insect repellant
* Anawangin a great photo destination so be armed with your cameras, extra batteries, films

Fly high!

Clark Pampanga's annual Hot Air Balloon Fiesta is a much-awaited event for everyone, especially for photography enthusiasts. With balloons flying in the air amidst a magnificent sunrise/sunset,this event is definitely a sight to behold and a perfect photo subject.

My first Hot Air Balloon experience was 4 years ago and I can still recall how much fun I had with my friends.  It was the 11th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta which took place on the weekend of Valentines Day.  Sadly we weren't able to witness the first take-off of the balloons because of the heavy traffic.  So for the succeeding year, we decided to get there as early as we could.  Armed with our lomo cams, digicams, and SLRs, we excitedly took a lot of shots.  The night glow take-off was also worth waiting for. 

Though the stars of the event are the hot air balloons, you'll also see different kinds  of flying objects such as skydivers, toys for the big boys and kites. 

For a meager budget of 500 per person, we were able to have an eventful weekend at Clark.  Below is a list of things that we brought for our trip:

• Php 1000 for gas
• tent, mat, pillows, umbrellas (it can get really hot come noontime)
• poi, RC helicopters and a kite for leisure
• 200-300/person for a sumptuous lunch (try Pampanga's famous delicacies)

And to give a few words that come into my mind whenever I think about this trip, they would be the following:

picture perfect scenery.

sunrise.

wind.

clouds.

giant balloons.

skydivers.

best kite in town: flying nemo

car exhibits.

beetle.

aling lucing's sisig.

picnic.

night glow.

roadtrip.

driving lessons 101

lone tree

NATURAL HIGH.