The Pinay Solo Backpacker

Zambales is well-known for its beaches, especially Subic,but not most Pinoy probably know Pundaquit. It is a small  fishing village facing the South China Sea in San Antonio, Zambales. Pundaquit is a famous jump off point to Camara Island, Capones Island, Anawangin Cove and Nagsasa Cove.

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This is one of the trips that I miss the most, a weekend get-away with my sisters.  After my Pundaquit trip I couldn’t contain my excitement to go back to Zambales and do the island hopping with my sisters –> Capones  Island, Anawangin Cove and the overshadowed Camara Island!

We were already on a bus to Pundaquit from Subic when I texted the boatman, and his reply was, ” The waves are huge, we couldn’t risk the boat and your safety.” “Bummer! It can’t be, we’re almost there !” , so I persuaded the boatman, since he is scheduled to pick up a family at Capones Island that that camped there.  He agreed, but we are to settle in the equally enchanting Capones Island  only, no island hopping. Although the exquisite rock formations and the rugged coastline of  this island is more than enough to call my attention, my main intent is to hike the sturdy yet lonesome lighthouse standing somewhere on the highest peak of  Capones.  It’s just one of the many lighthouses scattered everywhere in my dear Philippines which is featured in the monumental opus of Maximo Lopez del Castillo Noche’s The Lonely Sentinels of the Sea (more…)

Some few years back, I first read about Anawangin Cove and it’s mystical beauty.  So when  I went back to Pundaquit last year with my sisters, I wanted to see it.  Unfortunately, the boatmen refused to take us there because the waves are so huge, we settled for the equally enchanting Capones Island instead. So when I got the chance to have a weekend day-off  and my dorm mate in college Maricel, the online editor of  Businessworld, expressed her intent to join me in my road trips, I planned a not-so-organized trip to Anawangin Cove.  I invited some friends too, I know I won’t be alone that time since it’s a weekend get-away. Unfortunately, it’s raining hard in Manila, so some friends who were supposed to go with us were scared and didn’t make it.

It used to be a hideaway for mountaineers but now, Anawangin is one of the famous beaches in Luzon, but beyond it’s charm, is a great danger. Sadly, some parts of the beach that suddenly drops has claim lives yearly and trekking in the mountain rages to Pundaquit  during rainy or stormy season has caused unfortunate accidents leaving a tragic memory to it’s victims and their friends & family.  Despite the perils and warnings I’ve read online about it’s deep spots that constantly changes not to mention the garbage and crowd, I am still drawn by it’s mystery and beauty. (more…)