Capones Island and Nagsasa Cove

Although I am from Zambales, I never really heard of Capones Island and Nagsasa Cove until a week before I joined some friends for a weekend off. I was familiar with Anawangin and was intrigued: how could the beaches have pine trees?

It had been a long first quarter of 2011, with three trips cancelled so far, I decided, I was not gonna flake on this one. I almost did but I was persuaded to show up, and thank God, I did! For roughly US$58, all we had to do was show up at the meeting point in Quezon City, and we were driven away from the city for a weekend. This rate included private roundtrip transport from Manila, meals at the cove (2 lunches, one breakfast, one dinner and one merienda), the tents we slept at, the service and humor of the tour group we hired.

We left Manila around 4am and stopped at Jollibee in Olongapo for breakfast (own account) and by 8am, we were already on board a boat en route to Capones Island. The highlight of the island is the lighthouse from the Spanish period perched on top. It was a quick but challenging hike to reach the top, if you were like me who took the short cut (through rocks and boulders instead of the concrete steps). And it surely was worth it. The views were breathtaking, I've never been to Batanes but it seriously felt like we were in Batanes. Cliffs against the sea as far as your eyes can see. It was Batanes meets Ilocos. The light house was poorly maintained and since the spiral staircase was shaky and the top was too crowded, we just enjoyed the scenery below and tooked some photos.

Then off we were to a 45-minute boat ride to Nagsasa Cove. It is probably four or five coves farther than Anawangin. When we got there, lunch was waiting. Most of us were too sleepy that lunch just came and went. We just laid out our malongs on the sand and slept after eating. Buhay baboy. The sand was so soft and the trees just gave ample shade between the tents and the huts. And yes, there was a concrete toilet and shower with locked doors.

Dessert was halo-halo with ice shaved on the spot. A few took a dip in the sea, while some of us stayed on talking and drinking. What a relaxing afternoon. And dinner was just as quick. Chatting under the stars and the full moon, again our malongs on the sand was futile in the end. Our sleeping bags were calling.

Come morning, the inevitable walk around the cove to take pictures and swim. And for now, I will just let the pictures do the talking. Pine trees, mountains, sun, sand, sea and sky. Pure weekend bliss.