I almost forgot about this video, which has been sitting unfinished in my phone for a month now. This is my first time to single-handedly do something like this. Not my cup of tea, but it was fun nonetheless.:-)
Check out my other Calaguas posts:
Five reasons to visit Calaguas in Bicol this summer (GMA News Online)
Travel Snaps 2.0: Calaguas, Camarines Norte, Philippines
Travel Snaps 1.0: Calaguas, Camarines Norte, Philippines
Travel Snap: Calaguas’ verdant hills
This photo looks like it’ll sit pretty well with a Bob Marley classic. Taken one afternoon in April at Alona Beach, Panglao Island, Bohol.
Check out other Philippine beaches here:
Calaguas, Bicol
Boracay, Aklan
Coron, Palawan
Malipano, Davao
Anawangin Cove, Zambales
Nagsasa Cove, Zambales
Bantayan Island, Cebu
Apparently even third visits to a place aren’t even enough to take in everything it has to offer, especially when we’re talking about Cebu, a place so big you’d need roughly three days to circle the mainland by car, at least that’s what a local told me during one of my earlier visits.
That wasn’t about to happen yet though, since this time I came with my mom and sister Erika, who was resolute on doing only two things during our trip: have buffet and buy a guitar.
She got more than that, of course, including all the Carcar chicharon she could eat, and an impromptu sidetrip to Bohol just because her big sister didn’t really have anything planned out. And oh, it was her first time on a plane as well–something we’d all love to spoil our little siblings with, if only to convince them we want that last slice of pizza too.
Waiting for our flight, which thankfully came.
Just what we needed: an umbrella to welcome us under the sun.
The Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral, and two minutes away are the Sto. Nino Basilica and Magellan’s Cross.
Carcar chicharon being sold beside the Sto Nino Basilica. We bought loads of these since our youngest companion couldn’t get enough of them.
Mama and Erika buying candles from two elderly ladies in front of the basilica.
A sidestreet we passed by while in the cab.
Souvenir necklaces for P10 each at the Lapu-Lapu shrine
Mangroves opposite the shrine.
Guitars for sale are everywhere in Lapu Lapu.
Little girl having fun under the unbearable sun.
Erika, her P500-ukelele, and the beanbag she wanted to take home
Zubuchon’s Grape (above) and Kamias (below) shake. Surprisingly refreshing, especially the Kamias–something the chain is rather well known for. This branch is at the lobby of the hotel where we stayed.
Zubuchon lechon. I’ve read somewhere online that Zubuchon lechon isn’t ‘really’ Cebu lechon. That aside, this one tasted really good–far better than our first encounter during Sinulog. Definitely worth a second try, and maybe even a third one.
Heading to Cebu as well? Check these out:
All the way to Cebu’s Tops on two wheels
2:00 PM, one day in May, skies were gloomy from the thunderstorm the night before, which also explained why I was there that afternoon sitting on one of Cafe Will’s chairs on its balcony–power was cut off twice since 8 AM, and I didn’t want to rely on it to get some writing going.
I couldn’t yet take advantage of the restaurant’s free wifi though, having burned my phone’s battery off earlier in the day (to pass the time while power was out, what else). But the cool afternoon air, and the faintest stream of sunlight I could see from my spot, were all keeping my unwired self quite at home. It wasn’t only about this post-rain atmosphere though; I found Korean-owned Cafe Will–which didn’t look Korean in any way–cozy and quiet, with not a view of the street right outside. Apart from the two middle-aged women speaking in rather loud Ilocano several tables away, we were the only guests at that time.
(L) It’s a good place to while the time away, quite literally; (R) or in rare productive moments, write down a blog entry (THIS blog entry). Photo by Owen Ballesteros
My stomach grumbled in protest as we heard the speaker from the main hall blurt out ‘So Slow,’ definitely not the best one you’d want to hear when all you’ve had for breakfast was coffee. Besides, I was pretty sure I wasn’t going to take that pace with the bulalo and Cafe Will Flaming Burger–a house specialty–we had been waiting for.
I looked around for some diversion instead–the place sure lets in generous amounts of Baguio breeze, and the couches on the main dining area look very promising for a good five-hour stay (besides, they serve everything from burgers and fries to sinigang to fried ice cream to cognac to mojitos, so I figured it wouldn’t be too difficult to keep busy once here).
Or you can always swing away here. Photo by Owen Ballesteros
That early–still waiting for that bulalo–I was already thinking about getting my fix of their chicken and cheese quesadilla on my next jaunt to Legarda (the dish is a preferred grease-and-fat treat, but which I get from another joint along Session Road).
I didn’t have much time to mull over getting a quesadilla that same day, though, as a big stainless pot of bulalo was soon laid down on a portable stove before us, the green bok choy (Chinese cabbage) and the yellow sweet corn looking very photogenic in the middle of all that beef and broth–which by the way smelled really good (and on that thought, I also loved the stove–when you’re dining al fresco in Baguio, you’d know what happens to your soup five minutes after it’s served).
The bulalo was delicious enough–the tender beef made sure of that–although it is by no means magical, if you know what I mean. I still love the home-made version better–a dish my dad can expertly whip up on a Saturday–where the beef is slow-cooked in wood fire for hours. Cafe Will’s serving can fill in two hungry average persons (the menu states it’s good for 2 to 3 persons, but I don’t think so).
The so-called Cafe Will Flaming Burger also came, except that it didn’t look too glorious save for the fat layer of beef inside which was three quarters of an inch thick. For one, the bun looked terribly ordinary and was too small to even hold the whole thing together, let alone eat it with your bare hands like any good burger should be eaten. It came with several slices of cheese–weird-looking slices, but thick enough nonetheless); and–hold your calories–fried egg. It reminded me of Villa Cordillera’s iteration, though I find the latter tastier and better overall. The Flaming Burger also pales in comparison to The Flying Gecko’s very own specialty, the Good Ole’ Burger, which uses fresher greens, bigger tomatoes, tastier beef patties, nicely sliced cheese, and yes, a way better pair of buns for roughly the same price (P270).
Photo by Owen Ballesteros
But the best moment didn’t come until dessert, courtesy of the Bak Lava (other sources spell it Baklava), a staple sweet treat in the Middle East and the Mediterranean. Cafe Will’s version was a tower-like assemblage of crispy-thin dough, with warm, sugar-glazed bananas sandwiched in between, a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top, and chocolate syrup. It was sweet, hot, and crispy all at the same time–something I figured would be the perfect cap to several mouthfuls of quesadilla next time.
Photo by Owen Ballesteros
The best one deserves two photos, of course. Photo by Owen Ballesteros
Worth a visit when the wind blows you to Baguio, Cafe Will is located at Legarda Road corner MH Del Pilar St., Baguio City. Average dish price is P300.
This is not a sponsored post.
All photos found on this post are by Owen Ballesteros.
Above shows Calaguas as drawn by one of my friends Love.
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They don’t call this the happy beach for nothing. Let me walk you through Mahabang Buhangin (Halabang Baybay in Bicolano; Long Beach in English), a beautiful stretch of white sand and clear waters in Tinaga Island, part of the Calaguas Group of Islands in Camarines Norte, Philippines (or simply put, Calaguas).
This is Manong Roberto, our boatman, pulling our little boat into the shore. Calaguas isn’t easy to reach, but I assume everyone who’s been there will tell you it’s all worth it.
How could it not be? Just look at that water.
And here’s another one–one of the countless shots I took which left me red-nosed from all my attempts at getting a half-submerged shot.
The first thing I noticed upon arriving–aside from the crystal clear waters–is this very happy-looking banca that’s screaming SUMMMMMER!
Mahabang Buhangin’s rugged side is courtesy of extensive rock formations on its right side. Walk to the other side of the rocks and chances are, you’ll be seeing mountain goats running on the very steep slopes.
Interesting mark left by the waters on the sand.
What I love about Calaguas is that bare though it may be for its lack of crowds, I never ran out of subjects to take pictures of.
The children in the island are a great example. As soon as we docked–which was around 12 noon–it had been difficult to not photograph this group of kids under the scorching heat.
If Mahabang Buhangin was paradise for us, for these local kids, it’s just their everyday pool. #inggit
This is how the beach looks at 3 PM. I could still feel the sting of the sun just by looking at this photo. #notgood
Our breezy and shady cottage. We’re ever thankful to our boatman Mang Roberto for bringing us to THIS side of the beach (your left hand side when you’re facing the cottages) because everything is accessible from there. Plus it’s the coolest spot, which probably explained why the very friendly dogs loved sleeping there (plus, that spot could receive cellphone signal from Smart).
There’s really nothing to do in Calaguas except swim, eat, and sleep, aka The Sweet Life. But then again, you could take a cue from this group and bring your own kayak and paddle away during the sunset.
Since I couldn’t take photos of myself, I indulged through these. I must say that hat is really photogenic.
Everyday at around 10 AM, fishermen drop by Mahabang Buhangin and sell freshly caught fish. This lady priced the two huge fish at P500, but one of our friends managed to haggle the price down to P200. The caretakers then set up fire and grilled the fish for us. Locals were effortlessly kind–one of the things I really love about the place.
Whoever said you have to pay thousands to have a room with a view? At Calaguas, you wake up to this gorgeous view very early–between 5 AM and 5:45 AM–because the sun comes up really early on this side of the earth. Best of all, it’s free.
The sun finally sets in our little paradise.
But these children seem to be having such a grand time.
We did too, and we’re raring to go back!
This is how summer should look like.
Calaguas: our newest happy place.:)
Also view my other posts:
GMA News Online: Five reasons to visit Calaguas in Bicol this summer
Travel Snaps: Calaguas, Camarines Norte, Philippines
This post is also featured on WHERE Magazine’s website.
This feature is originally published on GMA News Online: http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/257408/lifestyle/travel/five-reasons-to-visit-calaguas-in-bicol-this-summer
Days are slow and hot, the nights short and cold. Shortly after five in the morning – when elsewhere it’s probably still pitch dark – Mahabang Buhangin (Long Beach) is already a pale turquoise, the sky a faint hue of pink and blue. It’s difficult to stay asleep once sunlight streams through your tent. Besides, daybreak in this island is, like a child awaiting a candy treat, something you’ll look forward to day after day. Ah, mornings in Calaguas.
Getting to the Calaguas Group of Islands in the frequently storm-ravaged region of Bicol is no mean feat, at roughly 12 hours by land and sea from Manila. But this relatively quiet beach off the northeastern coast of Camarines Norte province makes all the travel through winding roads and open seas worth it.
Here are five reasons why you should spare a weekend (or maybe more) in this quiet, happy beach before the rainy season comes.
1. It’s a natural wonder.
For a country blessed with countless patches of white sand and crystalline waters, Mahabang Buhangin fits the image of a Philippine beach to the hilt: a palm-fringed stretch of powdery white sand–the same fine consistency found in Boracay Island–as well as waters so clear it’s a shame to not take a dip even under the noonday sun in the middle of summer.
While it has the fine sands of the country’s most well-known beach, it also has the laidback feel of Bantayan Island in Cebu–fresh catch for lunch and all–as well as the rugged terrain of Zambales, the remoteness of El Nido, and the rolling hills of Batanes. But it’s far from a clichéd destination. You can trek up the mountain behind the beach and enjoy a panorama of islets against the Philippine sea, or explore the nearby islands by boat.
It’s a place that forces you–in a good way–to appreciate the simple pleasures of watching the sun set, crows gliding majestically against the orange (sometimes magenta) streaks of the sky.
2. It’s (as yet) undiscovered, and therefore peaceful.
Blame the distance–approximately 10 hours by land (or an hour by air) and two hours by boat from Metro Manila–for that untouched vibe many are looking for in a true island getaway. There are no fancy restaurants, spas, and resorts here. Calaguas is very basic: there are only bamboo cottages with tables and benches where you can lounge around and have your meals, but no rooms for you to sleep in.
The solution: camping! Everyone brings their own tent and cooks their own meals, and you will too. If you’re not a happy camper, Calaguas has the most genteel environment for you to try this outdoor adventure for the first time.
To fully enjoy the beach all to yourself, go on weekdays when nary a soul visits the place. It does get its share of crowds on weekends, although if you steer clear of the big groups and stay on the other side of the beach, you’ll still enjoy the peace and quiet.
3. It’s affordable.
When other more popular beach destinations get too pricey during the summer, Calaguas is a great detour for those who want to enjoy as much sun and sea without the hefty price tag. There are no peak, high, and lean season rates here. Save for the P100-per person overnight fee and a one-time cottage fee, you’ll shell out practically nothing while on the island. Of course, you can always wait for the fishermen shortly before noon everyday and buy fresh seafood at P50 per kilo and have it grilled in time for lunch. You’ll have more control of your food, although you’ll have to be prepared to let go of certain comforts, such as ice-cold drinks.
Although distant, the Bicol Region is easily accessible by land when it’s not feasible to travel by air. There are buses plying the Manila-Naga and Manila-Daet routes everyday starting at roughly P500, or you can always take the newly refurbished Bicol Express at P665 for a sleeper bed.
Roundtrip boat rentals typically start at P3,000 for one to five people, even cheaper depending on how well you can haggle. Boatmen are readily available at the Vinzons and Paracale ports, the two jump-off points to Calaguas.
4. It’s a place to unplug and de-stress.
There is only one spot along the beach where you can receive a mobile signal, and that’s just for one network. You need to hike up the mountain behind the beach, which may take anywhere between 20 minutes to an hour, to get the signal from another network.
In short, Calaguas is not the place to check on your emails or catch up on work. So leave your phone tucked inside your bag and just enjoy your time at the beach. Surely, you’re going to miss that feeling once you’re back in your airconditioned office cubicle.
And since electricity only becomes available when the caretakers run their generator sets — which isn’t everyday — you’ll be spending most of your waking hours alternating between eating, taking a nap, and taking a dip, just like we did.
5. It’s charming and friendly.
Life in Calaguas is laidback. The locals are very warm albeit the quiet type, but there’s nothing a little chat can’t solve. They can help the less-than-skilled to light a fire for grilling, bring fresh buko from one of the countless coconut trees in the island, or assist campers in fetching water from the lone freshwater pump at the beach. The young kids are a delight to talk to as well, and having breakfast with them was one of the more poignant memories of our trip.
This is how a day in Calaguas will be like: wake up to a faint pink and blue glow on the horizon; spend most of the day swimming in the shimmering aquamarine waters; end the day staring at the fiery colors of the sunset; sleep under the stars.
If you think you’ve seen the best of the country’s beaches, wait ’til you get to Mahabang Buhangin.
Travel tips and directions:
1. Bring a tent, mosquito repellent, cooking and dining utensils; candles, lamps, or flashlights; and a first-aid kit.
2. Wrap your belongings in drysacks or sealed plastic bags as waves can get a bit rough.
3. If you don’t want to lug around everything during the trip from Manila to Bicol, source your food and drinking water from Daet. Plan your supplies well ahead to make sure these are sufficient for your needs.
4. Bus trips need prior reservation. Manila-Daet buses of Superlines and Philtranco are mostly regular airconditioned buses starting at 500 pesos and are found at the Araneta Bus Terminal in Cubao. Alternatively, you may take a sleeper bus bound for Naga at P1,000 (lower bunk) or P1,200 (upper bunk) just like we did and get off at the intersection in Calauag town (Isarog has daily 9 PM trips from Cubao). This way, you can sleep throughout the trip in time for the remainder of your land and sea transfers.
5. If you wish to take the train, call the PNR for reservations at (02) 319-0044 & 48 and visitwww.pnr.gov.ph for trip schedules. However, note that the Bicol Express train can only drop you off at the Naga station, which means another two-hour van ride back to Daet.
6. Similarly, you can hop on a flight to Naga and head to Daet on a van.
7. To take the Vinzons route, take a 15-minute tricycle ride from the Daet bus terminal to the Vinzons fishport and get a boat from there.
8. For the Paracale route, get off at Brgy. Talobatib in Labo town (for Manila-Daet buses) or Calauag intersection (for Manila-Naga buses) and take another bus for Paracale. Proceed to the fishport (5 minutes by tricycle) and get a boat. Our boatman there was Mang Roberto (09108460639)
- YA, GMA News
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My friends enjoying the cool waters of the beach.
Please also visit my other Calaguas features:
Travel Snaps 2.0: Calaguas, Camarines Norte, Philippines
Travel Snaps: Calaguas
Taken at Mahabang Buhangin, Tinaga Island, Calaguas Group of Islands, Camarines Norte, Philippines
Photo taken at Tinaga Island, Calaguas Group of Islands, Camarines Norte, Philippines
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