Weekdays on Calaguas Island

You've probably heard about this place. Maybe you've been there or a friend has already. I've heard that summer weekends are usually the busiest - not a good idea. So with a couple of teacher-friends (I specifically wanted an intimate group) Ice and Lito, we went there on a weekday. Good thing is that we are all on summer vacation so we have all the time to bask in the sun and enjoy the beach. 

We chose to ride a Superlines aircon bus off to Paracale in Camarines Norte. We reserved a day before at Cubao terminal for their 7:45 p.m. schedule. For 515 pesos (415 pesos for students) and 8 hours, we endured the whole trip watching 5 FPJ films on the bus' tv. We were at Paracale town at around 4:00 a.m. Please take note that the endpoint of the bus is Panganiban and not Paracale so better ask the conductor or driver to drop you off at Paracale town. 

We texted our fabulous boatman Mang Boy (0908.546.0683) of our arrival. We got the roundtrip boat transfer from Paracale to Mahabang Buhangin in Calaguas for 1,800 pesos. In no time, he fetched us and let us stay in their house to have some coffee. We weren't able to go ahead at that time 'coz it was still dark so we exchanged stories with him. We also asked Mang Boy if we could probably borrow some cooking stuff from his house, he was about to prepare it when we changed our minds. Nobody wants to cook and slave over a meal. We then asked Mang Boy's wife to cook some rice and boiled eggs for us. I also brought a pork adobo which lasted for 3 meals. 

Then we went to the town's market to buy other stuff like loads of banana and some canned stuff - easy food. As for our drinking water, Mang Boy let us borrow his purified water container and we refilled it for 35 pesos. But then, you never have to worry about food while on the island. You could ask the caretakers to cook something for you. 

ano 'yung trapal?

At around 6:00 a.m. we went on and braved the seas. We were expecting to be crossing a rough sea. But then "rough" is relative. Yes, we and our stuff received a few splashes but we still consider it as a smooth one. I even napped on the way. And then I saw the island from afar. I was spaced out. Speechless for the next few minutes. No words. Just pure amazement. 

unobstructed Thursday morning

clear waters and seabed

We were on Mahabang Buhangin, Calaguas on a Thursday. It was just us and two more groups on the whole island. It was just so great. And the sand? The rumors are true, it was so fine and smooth. The water? Clarity at its finest.

There are 4 or 5 different areas in the island where you can stay. We didn't get to choose 'coz Mang Boy directed us to the rightmost part (facing the beach). The area is managed by Mang Bert and some caretakers. We didn't get to meet him but one of his caretaker Reyniel (0920.660.4030) assisted us all throughout our stay. He immediately went to our boat and assisted us and our stuff. There are cottages for rent (300-500 pesos) but you can also pitch your tents around the area. Just ask them about it. 

We chose a huge tree to be our temporary shelter and pitched our tents beside it. I have my own tent and the two shared one. Reyniel brought a table which we used as our working table for food preparation and stuff (as if we cooked). There are certain "fees" that you have to be aware of in this area; entrance fee of 100 pesos each person/night and a barangay fee of 20 pesos per person (which we didn't get to pay 'coz the officials were not so stringent on small groups). There were two shared toilets that he guests could use. For your "water needs", there's a water pump there and a pail of water is for 10 pesos which will be delivered to you. You may also opt to fill up a huge basin in the water pump area (which the three of us used every night for bathing purposes) for 50 pesos so better plan your "water needs" accordingly. 

There's also a Smart network on some areas but I didn't try to search for one. I am not so attached to the "outside world" so taking my phone away from me won't be a problem at all. Electricity is out of question. There were some generator sets on other areas and you could ask Reyniel to charge your gadgets for you for a minimal fee.

choose your spot

our moth-infested tree. we got used to it though.

I love the beach. I could lazily spend a day or two just doing nothing. Take away everything but my beach - or my beer perhaps. And that's what we did on the island. What we did was to; eat, chill, chat, nap, drink buko (30 pesos) and ice cold beer (90 pesos/red horse mucho), swim, observe, eat again, stargaze and more beer. Just the way I like it. 

The first night was nice. I saw a few fireflies and we had a nice chat with Reyniel. The conversation brought us to the idea of hiking on a hill to watch sunrise on the other side of the island. I wasn't as excited as Ice and Lito (me no love mountains and stuff) but we agreed on waking up at 5:00 a.m. the next day to catch it.  

our temporary shelter for 3 days

I woke up on time but the others didn't. I didn't wanna ruin their sleep though. But then Reyniel came and I needed to shake their tents to wake them up. They got worried and I laughed at them for not even fixing themselves for the hike. We hiked on our sleepers. We headed to the hills at the back of the area and started the 20-minute not-your-walk-in-the-park trek. Nobody complained, not even me. 

I didn't complain - good job

And then the sunrise! We were quite late but we still managed to get a glimpse of the majestic sun. Speechless, tired and hungry, we watched as the yolk went up to the sky. And then I asked Reyniel about their community. He pointed at the foot of the hill. It was quite near so we asked if we could visit their place. He gladly agreed and then we moved on. 
  

it's never too late

I was left behind a few times on the way to the village. It's that yellow flower I saw. It's that water well which made me curious. It's that vibe of the whole community that made me stop and feel it sinking in for some time. A quaint community on the other side and a booming beach place on the other - a perfect juxtaposition. We made our way to their house. His wife then prepared some coffee and bread for our tired and hungry souls at no cost. Very nice. 

We stayed there for an hour and played with Reyniel's kids. We also got to chat with the neighbors and they were telling us how deserted the happy beach before. That they used it for docking their boats and for picnics. They didn't expect it to be in its present state. They are happy, of course, because it means a productive livelihood for everyone. They don't need to go to the mainland to secure a nice paying job. But I was saddened by this thought. Not because I don't want them to earn but because I want the kids to experience high school at the very least. There's only an Elementary school on the island. One would need to go the mainland just to continue their basic education. Some of the kids there would rather work as a caretaker than go to school. Sad.

off to the village

trapped

well, oh well

mad and sad (us leaving)

We went back to our camp and did the same routine as the other day. We noticed that groups were starting to arrive on the island. We were joking about "seniority" in the island - that we arrived earlier than others so we are entitled to anything we wanna do. The things you could only think while on a deserted island. We also went to the far end (right side facing the beach) and checked out what's hiding on that side. You'd be able to cross that side if it's low tide so better wait for it than risking your precious gadgets (no, not you). And then it revealed itself to us. A rocky side to the island. They were both giddy exploring that side. I stayed on a rock just watching them. 

We went back to the camp and saw some local kids who were playing on the beach. We joined them and goofed around. And they loved my underwater camera. I let them borrow it and boy they had fun with it!

passable during low tide

I sat, they explored

feeling bagets

On our third and last day on the island (Saturday), we were surprised on how many groups were arriving when we woke up. It didn't stop until we were about to leave. I realized that it was really the "it" beach nowadays. Thank goodness we went there on a Thursday. At least we get to experience the island with more locals than guests. 

I also noticed a resort that was being constructed. It was grand. And Reyniel was telling us about the owner's plan on having a swimming pool and other stuff on the property he bought for millions. I dunno what to feel. I definitely don't want to keep this island as a secret 'coz that's just pure selfishness but I also do not want the place to be turned into another party beach. I am just hoping for a perfect balance for diversity. I believe that nature and development/advancement can co-exist. It's just how people act towards it. So people please, be vigilant with what you do anywhere and anytime.  

posh cabanas of the resort being constructed

I don't have a list on the best beaches in the country. I only have two distinctions; a happy beach or a sad beach. The factors to be considered may vary depending on my mood at that time or the people I'm with. And yes, Calaguas' Mahabang Buhangin is a happy beach - on a weekday. Need I say more?

leaving the weekenders behind

marx: so how was your Calaguas trip?

carla: ok lang, happy naman

marx: ok lang?! wala man lang "wow"?!

carla: ok... wow?!