Globe-trotting Philippines: Zambales' Summer-kind of Fall

Autumn. My favorite season of all time. Autumn. Where the leaves are the flowers for this second spring. Autumn. Where you patiently observe every last leaf that clings to the bow, and watch it fly as the autumn breeze passes by. Autumn. Fall. Preparation for the long-time sleep. Autumn. Something that a tropical country doesn't experience.

It would have been awesome if Phils is a four-season country. I know it sounds absurd and crazy, knowing that this country has only two seasons: hot and hotter. So where a third of my FB friends are wearing autumn coats and boots, posting orange-colored background photos, I will be sharing how it is to celebrate fall in the Philippines. Behold, my country's summer-kind of fall: Island hopping.

(B/N: Photos by Ryan Carlos, with permission to post)

Jump shot with fam bam
Nagsasa Cove, Zambales

Zambales, located somewhere North of Manila (capital of the Philippines) is known for its beautiful rock formations, big and strong waves, long stretches of shores, beaches with black, gray and white sands, small nearby islands where you can camp over a night, waterfalls and more beaches. Only a four-hour drive from Manila, Zambales is the shortest way to summer paradise.

We left Manila at around 4 AM and headed straight to San Antonio to meet our bankero slash guide, Manong Johnny. In a little while we found ourselves in the middle of blue and waves, enjoying the beauty of surrounding islands; occupying four small bankas (boats) that can accommodate up to five people including the bankero. After an hour or so, we arrived at Nagsasa cove and set-up our tent with the help of our bankeros and had a little rest while waiting for our food to get cooked.

Lunch came. Got ourselves full, but the adventure didn't end there. Someone told us that the island also accommodates two beautiful waterfalls where you can hike to.  We chose the one that needs a one-hour trek and had ourselves ready. It wasn't bad at first but after awhile it got pretty serious. Obviously we're not that ready for this kind of hikes (as you notice that we're physically challenged): traversing bouldery ground, rivers and tall grasses that scratches your legs. Our goal was to swim so we were in our swimming clothes and flip flops. A supposedly one-hour trek was 2 hours  late but we did enjoy every bends and drifts.

Gettin' there

The place was definitely all worth it!

We came back to the camp tired but with a big smile on our lips. It was just in time for our smore's and bonfire. We ended that night with laughter and satisfied soul, and our stomach and eyes full.

Some add-on:

We also visited the old light house in Capones Island and enjoyed 360-degree view of Zambales.

We could've been to other islands as well but the waves didn't permit us and that left us no choice but to leave the place early. Nonetheless it was fun especially that I got the chance to spend time with my family. Thanks to Manong Johnny for catering us well while we're on the island and getting us back to San Antonio safely. If you are planning to go and spend a night the same way we did I would highly recommend you Manong Johnny (+63 920 222 4687). He is warm and accommodating and would surely help you meet your needs. More importantly I want to thank the Lord for the good weather and allowing our schedules to meet. It has been a long time since we had this out of town trip, and we were not complete yet until this time. Even Mama was also able to join in her age. So thank, thank you, our Master Planner!