If Sagada is where broken hearted goes as per the movie "That a thing Called Tadhana", my friends and I who were still single last Valentines of 2015 decided to celebrate the day at Cagbalete Island in Mauban, Quezon Province.
Nicked, El, Miles, Rica, and I at Villa Noe's entrance
Going there is just as easy as 1,2,3 but our experience was also a 1,2,3 but raised to the nth power multiplied by Pi over the square root of 67. Yes, it wasn't easy especially the boat ride and the lady we were with who's full of negative vibes. She's not one of my friends but one of the lucky chance passengers whom I am unluckily with during the boat ride.
Cottages along the shore. Perfect for 'bae'-watching with a bottle of beer on one hand.
We chose to ride a bus that goes directly to Mauban and the earliest time they leave Manila is at 4am at Jac Liner in Cubao. I have read that buses that goes directly to Mauban, Quezon are only available in Cubao Terminal and you can choose from 3 bus lines from there.
Don't expect any photos from the moment we stepped out from the bus. It was raining hard and seems like all of us lost the energy and enthusiasm as we officially wanted to start the summer on a Valentine's Day.
How to get there... Make sure to take the 4am bus ride from Cubao to arrive at Mauban before 10am, otherwise, you board the boat at 2pm. Only 2 trips daily, 10am and 2pm. Once 10am is already full, you're choice is to wait for 2pm or hire a private boat transfer which will cost you P3000-P5000 depending on your haggling skills.
We arrived before 10am at Mauban Port but it's already full. It will only cost you P50 per way but it's a cut-throat competition both with the locals and tourists who are trying to catch the first of the 2 boat trips. The people who already paid for their tickets were soaking wet under the strong winds and heavy rain. I pity them but I guess they pity us all the more for not able to join the first trip.
Since we don't want to pay as much as P5000 for a boat transfer, we tried for our luck to strike and almost decided to wait for the 2pm boat trip. Luckily, one of the resort owners asked us if we're willing to join his boat since he only has goods and resort's supplies with him and offers it for P100 only. I can say, it was the most bumpy with lots of toss and turns boat ride I've experienced. Though as an Aquarians, I always feel safe when I'm in the waters given that I'm not a good swimmer.
Us leaving the island. Again, no photos on our way due to heavy rains.
Instead of docking at the port in Cagbalete Island and pass through swamps for 30 minutes, we directly moved out from the boat at Pansacola Beach Resort. Unfortunately, all accommodations were sold out so we followed the beach trail expecting more accommodations along the shore. Next stop is Doña Choleng Beach Resort and after haggling for a room good for 7 persons, we grab it as everyone was cold and hungry and it was past 12 noon already.
Entering Doña Choleng Resort
Though the first day was spent almost in our room accommodation, it was a time full of boisterous laughter and non stop chit-chatting. We also prepared and cooked our own food as we have the chance to buy fresh meat and veggies in Mauban before riding the boat. The resort has a lot of cottages which you can use for free. Expect though that food and other stuff in the resort may cost twice its original price due to the island's location from the main city.
Cottage free of charge for those who stay at the resort.
El, Me, Miles, RC, and Rica on our 2nd day.
Good thing, Mr Sunshine is no longer shy the second day. We were able to enjoy the beach. Since it rained the day before, a lot of sea weeds were washed off the shore. The island is beautiful and somehow untouched from being commercialized. Though the beach sand is not as fine and white as Boracay, the beach is indeed comparable. All they need is to maintain and clean it up once seaweeds cover the shores.
Yellowish sand of Cagbalete Island.
Even though we only had a few hours to enjoy the island, I think we were able to make the most out of it. The water is shallow though we're too far already from the shore. The sand in the waters is whiter and finer than that on the shore. The island offers room and resort accommodation but you're always welcome to pitch your tent at a minimal cost.
Who said we have to wear pink? With Rica and Miles
Finally, the Buddha pose together with these cray-friends. My only wish for us, no more escapades for singles on Valentine's Day. This should be the last. I mean, next Valentines, singles are no longer welcome. LOL
Group Buddha pose.
No one's watching but Dee is super ashamed of what we want to achieve here. Lol
Watch out for my next blog entry... Oslob, Cebu and Fortune Island in Nasugbu, Batangas.
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