It's been a while since I last posted an entry! Things just got real at work and I lost some motivation to write and chose to sleep more HAHAHA But all thanks to Camie's blog, I was motivated again! I got inspired with all her Europe travel posts and vlog/s. So I'll try to finish all my drafts from last year (HK trip, food trips, etc) and will start off by sharing how I spent my birthday weekend this year! Yeheeey!

This year I chose to spend my 22nd birthday in Zambales with my college BFFs! Good thing they're cool with the idea. I was even shocked when my head count reached 20! I almost doubted that it'll be going to be my birthday celebration, and instead it will become a reunion. Lelz.
PLANNING THE WEEKEND GETAWAY
This is definitely the hardest part in every trip, the planning process. Besides our different schedules, budget is a huge impact on where we could eventually go. Initially we opted to go to Cagbalete, Quezon however one of our friends, Mara, who lives in Zambales and is currently a novice (not sure of the term) in a monastery was out for vacation and wanted to join us, especially that her birthday's a day after mine! :)) So yeah, Zambales it is!

We know for a fact that Zambales is one of the many places getting featured in various web articles which showcases unspoiled beaches near Manila for a cheap cost. Thanks to the numerous blog posts available in the internet, finding a travel agency did not become a problem! We found Kuya Alan's contact number in this website, made some arrangements and got the overnight package for only P1,450 each, ALL-IN (except food). We thought this was a pretty decent deal and we want to avoid all the hassle so we immediately took his offer. Spoiler alert: it was worth it!
ZAMBALES ADVENTURE
Day 0 (15 January 2016)
Since we will be picked up at 4:00 AM in Cubao on the 16th, most of us decided that we should all meet the night before the trip and check-in at a cheap hostel/motel near the meet up place. We checked-in at Winter Hotel in Cubao at almost 12 midnight (since we're sooo many, and waiting for each other to arrive at the meeting place took us almost 3 hours to complete). Good thing the "hotel" have a three-hour stay rate so we of course chose that. We just basically checked-in for the sake of having a "decent" place to wash up and take short naps; not bad considering we got the family room good for 3 people for only P140 each! So after that quick three hours, we're off to our meeting place--McDonald's in Cubao. HAHA

While waiting at the lobby of Winter Hotel :)
Day 1 (16 January 2016)
It was amazing that all 20 of us were complete before 4AM. The not so amazing thing was our drivers were late! They arrived at past 5AM!! But I'm happy that my friends are so chill despite the tardiness. So anyway, the trip must go on!
A nice view in Subic stopover. Forgot the name of the place but it was a nice garden!
From Manila to Zambales, we were expecting to have a maximum 5 hours travel time. We had some stop overs--in Subic for some wiwi break; and San Marcelino Market to buy our food good for two days-- and still reached Zambales by 11AM, right on schedule!

We immediately rode a boat off to Capones island, Anawangin and Nagsasa Coves! Originally we were also set to drop by Camara island but since the water was too shallow that time, we headed to Capones island.
Our group was always split to two! Haha!
The more fun group! Charz! The biggies pala! :)))

The Capones Island is known to house the Capones Lighthouse but due to the time constraints, we were not able to go up to the lighthouse! The others were also too tired and lazy to climb up the hill, so we just opted to take photos in the island.



I wondered why the sands were black only to find some bits of charcoal with it! Maybe it was from the sea.. I better make a research on that!

Blogger na ba ako? Charz! :))

The rocks were so picturesque we spent almost half an hour taking photos! HAHAHA. The boatmen gave us only 30 minutes to explore the island but I think we exceeded the time limit. We got overjoyed with the nice view, can you blame us? :)

So after Capones, we proceeded to Anawangin Cove. It took us approximately 20 minutes to reach this next destination. Honestly, not much has to be seen. The locals told us there's a nice river not far from Anawangin's beach front; took us only 5 minutes to go there only to find a dry land! But don't be mistaken, Anawangin's not bad either. It is one of the known camping islands in Zambales and a good place to stargaze!

Wouldn't mind waking up to this!
The camp set-up in Anawangin
After exploring a bit of Anawangin, we then headed to our last destination, Nagsasa Cove, which was also our camping site. It took us 45 mins to reach the island, but it's worth the bumpy boat ride! In my opinion, I liked Nagsasa better than Anawangin since it's not as crowded as the latter. I can't imagine the hassle of queuing for the bathrooms if I was in Anawangin (more of that later)!

Upon arrival, we immediately setup our tents provided by Kuya Alan's agency, and also ignited the fire pits for our (super) late lunch!


Of course, we cooked hotdogs first because we're all famished! We have no time for complicated dishes in that state of hunger! Lelz.

Planning our first (technically) activity for the day!
Before the trip, I read other blogs saying that Nagsasa Falls is a must-see while you're in the cove so that's my first activity proposal to my friends. Unfortunately, the locals who were also our tour guides disagreed with the plan since it was nearly 4PM, and we need good 2-3 hours to trek and savor the place, so we decided to do that early next day.

Alternatively, the locals suggested we can hike the hill called Mt. Bira-bira just within the beach area. (The beach in Nagsasa was called Pamimi Beach, FYI.) All along we thought it's called Nagsasa Beach! Haha! A kid (?) served as our tour guide upon climbing Mt. Bira-bira. Eventhough we know that it's a bit overpriced considering the very easy trail, we paid him P60 each since we know the cove's tourism is their only source of income.

Overlooking Nagsasa Cove
Fantastic view behind meeee <3
It was a pretty easy trail if you would ask a beginner like me. There was a defined trail and I can say it was easy since we're all talking and laughing out loud while climbing up the hill.

Amazing how everything in the island are picture-worthy!
After the quick hike, we took a dip on the sea and waited for the sun to set. Waiting for the sunset is always on my list during my beach trips (I know I'm not the only one on this)! There's just something about the sunset that's so calming and so serene.

Darkness filled the place as soon as the sun set. Since we're on a camping trip, we thought we've prepared enough flashlights but we forgot the most important thing--candles and heavy-duty emergency lights. We were so envious with the other hut which is fully-equipped of lights and all. Good thing there's a store nearby which sells candles (but way too overpriced). Also, we set up a bonfire while cooking our dinner.


Another important thing to know about this trip is that there were only 4 cubicles in the area where you can take a shower or do your thing (poop/pee, ofc). It was the hardest part for me since I'm very critical with bathrooms! But I've prepared myself for these kind of stuff. I just didn't expect that even the toilets have no power supply at night (HAHA stupid me, thinking of a power shortage exception). So anyway, glad that I survived despite the long queue and limited bathroom space.

 The best thing happened to me after this shower mayhem, tho! My friends prepared a surprise for me!!! They bought cake (I think from the wet market we've been to) and sparkling candles! Aren't they sweeet? <3

After the touching surprise, we had our sumptuous dinner thanks to our cooks! I also suggest that you bring guys with you in case planning for a camping trip. They're great help upon setting up of bonfires and carrying heavy stuff. Not that I'm stereotypical or something, just plain practical. HAHA

After dinner, we circled upon the bonfire and did fun games. Dares and challenges were done; deepest secrets were revealed! I now testify that more exciting things happen late at night (with a little influence of booze) HAHAHAHA #SecretsShallStayInZambalesForever

I brought light sticks with me for the Jan-Feb celebrants! Yay for well-wishes!
Day 2 (17 January 2016)
Despite the jam-packed first day, I still managed to wake up early in the morning since we're all planning to trek the Nagsasa Falls. We first prepared breakfast while the others were sleeping. Again, an easy meal sponsored by CDO! HAHAHA You guys must try this once it's out in the market--CDO Premium Sausage! #ShamelessPlug


When the sun was out and everyone was up, we all prepared and headed to Nagsasa Falls. We paid P1200 for the tour guide and entrance (but there were no entrance booths or something. Anyhoo..)

My friend Maku and I did a short vlog introductory to this adventure! Check out the video literally filled with laughter and nonsense. I think you can also pick a trivia or two HAHAHA

The way up to the falls was not that easy. The trail was steep, you would pass by a rocky lake, etc. But everything's worthwhile with your friends! It was also satisfying since when we reached the end of the trail, almost all of us jumped off the falls! What a happy experience! I can't narrate everything but to summarize it, it took us almost 4-5 hrs back and forth HAHAHA You judge the difficulty level!
Groufie while we were still energized and excited! HAHA
Passed by this awesome scenery! <3
Nearly theeere
HOLA NAGSASA FALLS!
Yes, anong problema ko? HAHAHA
Going baaack
I think the real challenge was going back to the campsite from the falls. We almost have zero energy left after all the jumping, shouting, laughing and walking! But without this adventure, our weekend getaway won't be the same!

We reached the campsite at noon time, perfect time for us to cook our lunch while others took baths and pack up stuff. The boatmen fetched us relatively early since they have new set of 'travellers' by 2PM.

Last boat ride!
We got back to Manila by 8PM, considering we had a quick stopover at S&R Subic for a merienda/ pantawid-gutom before dinner!

****
Individually, I think we spent less than P2000 for this trip! I never knew this amount could lead us somewhere!

To sum up my whole experience, I'm happy to have spent my birthday weekend away from civilization, and closer to nature and good friends. Celebrating simple and low-key is my new birthday peg! HAHA CHARZ! Looking forward to future adventures and moreeee! #22