Summer 2009: Anawangin Cove, San Antonio, Zambales (Part 2)

Part 2: The Arrival

Yobs picked me up at Melay’s boarding house @ exactly 4:30 A.M. We hailed a taxi to Victory Liner bus station at Monumento, Caloocan City. We arrived ahead of the meeting time so we had no choice but to wait for the others. Fees were collected. P1,700/person inclusive of transportation expenses, food and drinks, camp entrance fee, etc.

We were 31 in the group.

We got to San Antonio by past 11:30 A.M. and rode our way to Pundaquit where we rented motor bancas to Anawangin Cove. It was raining while on our boat. The sea was as rough as midget, strong waves attempted to put our 6-passenger vessel down. We arrived at the cove at 12:45 P.M safe and sound but totally nervous. Of course, we remembered to say our prayer of thanks for the grand arrival, touched the sand and praised the wonders of this so-called paradise.

We headed to our camp and waited for our colleagues and baggage to arrive. While waiting for the lunch meal which hasn’t arrived yet, Yobs and I went to a nearby sari-sari store by the shore and ordered two cups of Nissin cup noodles (free hot water, yehey!) and a pack of hopia to fill our hungry stomachs. Thanks to Ate Tina and Ate Rose, the vendors, for being so accommodating and informative.

Yobs asked Ate Tina, “Tinanim po ba ‘yung mga pine trees or natural lang na tumubo dito? (Were those pine trees planted or naturally grew here?)” Ate Tina was more than excited to answer the query, “Hindi ‘yan tinanim. Pagkatapos ng pagputok ng Mt. Pinatubo, basta na lang sila tumubo at dumami. Kasama yatang dinala ng abo ang mga buto o sanga dito. (No, the pine trees were not planted. After the Mt. Pinatubo eruption, they just started to grow in population. Perhaps the seeds or twigs were carried here with the volcanic ashes.)”

Nature’s wonder, as I may say. Indeed, God is so powerful that He can do such great things. More often than not, He surprisingly amazes us with his wonderful gifts and magnificent creations, doesn’t He?

More to be posted. Smile! God loves you!