"Our Travel Guide and Experience at San Antonio, Zambales"
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| We Love SAZ! |
Hello our fellow tourists! Want to
relax and have an amazing adventure in different places here in the Philippines
but cannot afford it? Well, we can recommend you a safe and relaxing but
adventurous trip you can actually afford!
We went out to explore new things,
try new places, and meet new people and to seek out adventures. At first we
have decided to only visit a place nearest to where we live, but unfortunately
that didn’t happen. But we never regret changing our minds to where we will
travel because of the beauty we saw to this wonderful province! We have decided
to visit a new rising tourist destination here in the Philippines, and it’s
ZAMBALES! The most particular place to visit in Zambales is the famous town of
San Antonio.
San Antonio is a second class
municipalityin the province of Zambales. This town was a hunting region where indigenous hunters from the northern towns of Zambales would hunt, and gather. The first settlers from the Paoay area in Ilocos Norte arrived in 1830, and founded the first Spanish settlement that developed into what is now San Antonio.The town was the site of the United States Navy Base known as the U.S. Naval Communications Station San Miguel. After the earthquake and eruption of Mount Pinatubo in 1991, the United States Military decided to abandon its military bases in the Philippines particularly in San Antonio, Zambales. San Antonio contains the famous islands and beaches that other tourists and travelers from different countries visit. We are going to visit Capones Island, Anawangin Cove and Casa San Miguel!
Now the travel………
Zambales
is just a 5-6 hour trip from Manila via commute (4-6 hour via own
transportation). There are different bus terminals, best is the Victory Liner
bus, around Manila going to Zambales.
Victory Liner Terminals:- Caloocan
- Cubao
- Earnshaw
- Pasay
- Sampaloc
We
took the Pasay terminal because it’s the nearest to our location (Choose the
terminal nearest to your location to avoid the hassle). The time scheduled for
a trip to Zambales in Pasay is at 7 a.m., 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. only. We took
the 8:30 trip since we can’t catch up the 7 a.m. trip. That trip was headed to
Iba, Zambales terminal, which is the capital of Zambales. The fare depends on
the kind of passenger. Regular fare for regular passengers (Php357/Pasay-Iba) and
20% discount to senior citizens and students. Since we were students, we only
paid Php280 each. We arrived at Iba terminal at around 3 in the afternoon. We
were actually heading to the town of Masinloc, Zambales, only 1 and a half hour
away from San Antonio, because one of us has a house there where we can stay
for a little while.
If you don’t know anyone in the
province, you may take these different hotels and resorts in San Antonio and
near San Antonio:
- Pundaquit Sun and Surf Resort
- Capones Vista Beach Resort
- Bigfoot Restaurant and Rest House
- Punta De Uian Beach Resort
- Regenbogen Beach Hote
- Villa Kiana Inn
- Dureme Mansion Hotel and Resort
We
waited for another air-conditioned bus heading to Masinloc and we only paid
Php70. We arrived at the house around 5 p.m and get rested for the next day’s
journey.
DAY 1
To start our first day of tour, we
had some breakfast and some storytelling to the elders who own the house. We
prepared ourselves afterwards. We waited for a bus going to San Antonio at 9 in
the morning.
In order to get to San Antonio,
whether you are coming from the north of Zambales or in the south, like from
Olongapo, ride a bus or a UV Express van. But we suggest that you just take a
bus rather than a UV because it’s less cheap especially if you are a student.
You can take a Victory Liner again, but this time, take the ordinary Victory
Liner bus because it’s not that far away, or ride the provincial bus of
Zambales, the blue and white bus. In the Victory Liner, you will only pay
Php100-112 and in the provincial bus, you will only pay Php80-100. Don’t forget
to show your ID if you’re a student or senior citizen.
We
had a 1 and 30 mins trip from Masinloc to San Antonio. The conductor of the bus
will tell you if you’re already in San Antonio. The bus will exactly drop you
off in front the Municipal Hall of the town. As we got off the bus, we walked
straight ahead the Municipal Hall. Somebody in that hall told us that we must
register to a booth beside the hall to have information on where we are going
and to also pay the Environmental Fee which is just worth Php20. Everyone is
required to pay this environmental/activity fee. But first, before we go to the
places that we will visit, we looked for some place to eat. While finding some
carinderias, we had an encounter with an old woman who led us to the
carinderia. Thanks to her we satisfied our appetites. There are manyeateries that you can roam around inside and outside the public market of San Antonio.After eating, we headed to the tricycle terminal and asked if they can take us to Barangay Pundaquit. Barangay Pundaquit is where we will ride a boat going to Capones Islands and Anawangin Cove. The fare of the tricycle is worth Php60 (for 2 persons). The trip from the municipal hall to Brgy. Pundaquit is a 20-minutes ride. While on the ride, you will see the Pundaquit Mountain Range.
MT. PUNDAQUIT RANGE
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| View of Pundaquit Mountain Range from the Brgy. Hall |
The Pundaquit Mountain Range can be seen around the town of San Antonio and in the nearby towns as well. It also serves as an alternative route going to the Anawangin Cove. If you want a more adventure trip, you can traverse the Pundaquit Mountain ranges however it will be a longer and rougher way.
The
tricycle driver asked us if we already have a contact with a boat man. We said
we haven’t so the driver took us to a boatman he knows. It is better for you to
have a contact there so you can avoid the hassle.
After
20 minutes, we have arrived at the Pundaquit Beach. As you get off the
tricycle, you will already witness and capture the beauty of the three islands
of Capones in the middle of the West Philippine Sea.
PUNDAQUIT BEACH
Pundaquit Beach is a beach inside Barangay Pundaquit itself. Here is where you will take a boat ride going to Capones Islands, Anawangin Cove, and the Nagsasa Cove. Pundaquit is best known for fishing grounds, and many fisherman live here. When we were here in Pundaquit Beach Resort, we can see clearly the Pundaquit Mountain Range. In this beach also, we saw so many boats, fisherman boats and the boats used for tourists.
The boatman told us that the price of the trip will be worth Php1, 500. We agreed because it’s that the price comes with the gas and it’s all-around.
We gave the Php500 to the boatman, named Kuya
Marvin, so that he can buy gas for the boat. We roamed for a while.
The boatman together with the others prepared the boat. Before going to a boat ride, make sure that all of you are prepared for medical kits, extra clothes, and are not afraid of deep waters because you will go through the deep oceans off the coast of the Philippines. The boat ride from the shores of the Pundaquit Beach to Capones Islands will take 30 minutes.
We
suggest that you take a trip to theseislands when the waves of the ocean are still and not huge. Always remember to wear the life vest to be given by the boatman. Never forget also to hold on to both sides of the both to prevent you from falling. Keep sure that when taking pictures, you’re cameras is covered so that the ocean water that will splash in you may not cause damage to it. This is the things the boatman has told us while we were on the boat ride.
These three small islands looked like they are near together when you look at them at a far view, but when you’re heading towards them; they are really very apart from each other. The last island is the Capones and the island in the middle is what they call the Camara Island.
CAPONES ISLAND
We
have arrived at the east side of Capones Island at exactly after 30 minutes of
boat ride. It was very scary but fun because the boat ride seemed like we’re on
a roller coaster. The water is splashing to our faces and the boat was jumping.
The waters around the island were so blue that it seemed there was a shark
there, but as we asked our boatman, he said that there was nothing to be afraid
of. Now, the island is characterized by huge rock formations and steep cliffs
surrounded by white sand and coral beaches. The waves surrounding this island
are quite hard but still safe.
We got off the boat fast and ran to the shores which made us looked like we were swimming. The sand was white, corals and shells everywhere and even small hermit crabs are everywhere. There were big live rocks surrounding and in the beach shores. There is no resort here actually because it’s in the middle of the ocean and it only has a small hectare of beach. It is also known as Grand Capon or Capon Grande Island.It is approximately 1.9 kilometers (1.2 mi) long by 0.4 kilometers (0.25 mi) wide, at its widest point, lying some 3.8 kilometers (2.4 mi) off the coast of the province of Zambales. It is the largest of the Capones Islands (Islotes de los Capones), a group of three small islands which also includes nearby Camara Island and another islet connected to it by a sand bar.
We got off the boat fast and ran to the shores which made us looked like we were swimming. The sand was white, corals and shells everywhere and even small hermit crabs are everywhere. There were big live rocks surrounding and in the beach shores. There is no resort here actually because it’s in the middle of the ocean and it only has a small hectare of beach. It is also known as Grand Capon or Capon Grande Island.It is approximately 1.9 kilometers (1.2 mi) long by 0.4 kilometers (0.25 mi) wide, at its widest point, lying some 3.8 kilometers (2.4 mi) off the coast of the province of Zambales. It is the largest of the Capones Islands (Islotes de los Capones), a group of three small islands which also includes nearby Camara Island and another islet connected to it by a sand bar.
We felt like we’re in paradise in
that place which was really a paradise, a paradise in the middle of the sea.
Tourists can’t stay at the island as long as they want, why? It is because
waves in that part of the sea become higher and harder as the day runs
especially in the afternoon. If we stayed there as long as we want, the waves might already be dangerous for us. So, we
circled around the beach coast for only 30 minutes.
The
scenery was very captivating and the color of the sea makes you really want to
swim. We climbed up the big rocks in the beach. We suggest that when roaming
around the shores and the beach; never forget to wear your slippers because the
shells and rocks really hurt. The island was really full of rocks and there
were just few trees and grass that you can see because there’s only little
land.
Another amazing thing to discover
here in Capones Island is the Capones Lighthouse that is to be seen in the
north-west side of the island. We tried to ask the boatman if he can take us to
the other side and this is what he said,
“Hindi po tayo pwedeng pumunta doon
Ma’am lalo na at maliit lang yung Bangka natin. Hapon na din po kasi at tsaka
sobrand delikado po doon. Malalaki na po kasi yung alon doon at malalki na yung
bato. Nakaharap napo kasi yan sa China Sea eh. Baka po hind na tayo makabalik.”
The
side of that island is very dangerous especially to those who are not
professionals with regards to waters and also it is not advisable for small
boats. For that, we weren’t able to see a close glimpse of the Capones
Lighthouse.
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| http://www.islandsofthephilippines.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/ capones-island-dsc_3947-web.jpg |
After an hour stay at Capones Island, our boatman
signaled us to go back to boat to avoid the huge waves. We headed back to the
boat. Remember again to never forget to wear your life vests.
We rode in the boat and traversed again the
Pundaquit coast for 15-20 minutes to our next destination, the Anawangin Cove.
DAY 2
CASA
SAN MIGUEL
As you get off the tricycle,
hospitality and welcoming smiles is the one that will approach you. The
caretakers will ask you if you will eat or eat and visit the whole casa. The
entrance fee in the casa is just worth Php100 and they will give you a brochure
and a ticket.
But before we
explored the whole house, and because its already lunch time, we headed to the
what so-called Backstage Café Resto of the Casa.
We
ordered their Pasta Marinara. In our surprise, the lady told us that we can
have unlimited coffee because we have the ticket. But we decided to have coffee
after we eat.
When we were done exploring the beauty of the Casa San Miguel outside, we called one of the person-in-charge there to accompany us inside the house. She first toured us on another gallery where there are photographs taken by the students. There's a door inside of the gallery through the concert hall where it hosts recitals, musical shows, theater plays and ballet performance.
After there, another woman accompanied us to the upper floor of the house. We saw the vintage things recovered when the house was burnt back then during the time that it was owned by the Corpuz Family as their Retreat house.
ANAWANGIN COVE
After a 30 minute boat ride, we reached the Anawangin cove. There is also another way to go here; it's by a 4-5 hour hike through searing, open-trails of Pundaquit Mountain Ranges.
The Anawangin Cove was one of the aftermaths of the cataclysmic eruption of Mt. Pinatubo in
June 1991. It crescent
shaped cove with a pristine long white beach. The waters
here are calmer compare to Capones Island. There are pine trees all over the place that adds to the great ambiance of it.
Upon arriving, we took pictures
right away because the cove is indeed stunning. While taking pictures, a local
vendor of ice cream approached us so we bought Pinipig ice creams which were
perfect for the hot weather. Also, a local vendor of souvenirs approached us.
She is selling necklaces and keychains where you can write the name of the
person you will give it to.
After that, our boatman, Kuya Marvin, said that we can climb the hill on
the sid for a better view of the whole Anawangin Cove and said that it was
easy to climb because there is a trek trail that we can follow. So we climb but
it was not that easy because we were wearing slippers so we removed our slippers
and continued climbing the hill. After
15 minutes or so we reached the top. Seeing the cove from up there was really
relaxing. We stayed there for 15 minutes to enjoy the view then we went down
the hill.
Before leaving the place, we paid Php50 for the entrance fee. But if you want to stay overnight, you'll have to pay Php150. There are available cottages that you can rent; the price depends what type of cottage you will rent, it ranges from Php200-500. There is also a campsite. You can rent tent to for your overnight stay but when it's summer season, it is advisable to bring your own tents because there are many tourists that also go in the cove.
Kuya Marvin was still sleeping in the cottage at the front of entrance booth so we took more photos and look at the marvelous cove once again; and when we're satisfied, we asked the man on the booth to wake up Kuya Marvin. We rode the boat again and leave the place at 4:30pm.We enjoyed and felt more the 45-minute-boat ride when we were heading back on the Pundaquit shoreline unlike earlier maybe because we're experienced by this time.
When we arrived, we paid our remaining balance (Php1000) to Kuya Marvin. Then, we asked him if there's a restroom where we can change clothes because our clothes we really wet. He said that he knew a nearby house that let the tourist rent the restroom so we rode in his tricycle. When we reached the house, Kuya Marvin said that he'll go back when we're done and he gave us his contact number to text him. Then, we immediately took a quick shower and change our clothes. After that, we paid Php20 to the owner and texted Kuya Marvin to pick us up. He replied that he was already at the town but he'll send someone to fetch us. After some minute, the tricycle driver arrived and accompanied us to the town proper. It was already past 6 o'clock so we waited at the bust stop right away. By 9 o'clock, we reached the house in Masinloc.
DAY 2
CASA
SAN MIGUEL
Before we head back to Manila, we
headed back to San Antonio to taste some old school and historical place they
call Casa San Miguel.
We
rode a tricycle from the municipal hall going to Brgy. San Miguel which was the
fare is Php60 (for two persons). When we got there, we were mesmerized by the
look of the house. For us, it looked like a house during the ‘80s and ‘90s.
As you get off the tricycle,
hospitality and welcoming smiles is the one that will approach you. The
caretakers will ask you if you will eat or eat and visit the whole casa. The
entrance fee in the casa is just worth Php100 and they will give you a brochure
and a ticket.
Casa San Miguel is not just any ordinary house. It
also serves as a restaurant or the Backstage Café, Bed -and-Breakfast, theater hall, museum, retreat house and a very well-known Music school. Since its
completion in 1921, this family retreat house in a 15-hectare mango orchard has
sheltered and nurtured generations of talent including acclaimed concert
violinist Alfonso “Coke” Bolipata. In 1993, he established the Casa San Miguel
Foundation, which aims to “integrate culture and community development” in
Zambales. The group has initiated several programs and workshops to hone and
showcase artistry of the locals.
We were amazed as we entered the Café. There was
someone who was playing the piano while all the guests are having their lunch.
We seated down and relaxed. A lady from the counter approached us and gave us
the menu. We choose among the menu and it was like we’re in the city, in a real
fancy restaurant.
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| Ticket, Brochure & Menu |
At almost 20 minutes of waiting, our Pasta Marinara
has been served. We can tell you that eating here feels like peace. The place
is very quiet and all you can here is live music coming from the piano. The Marinara
tasted great. It was worth Php240 and it was worth it.
There
are different pastas that you can order here. Some say that their Carbonara is
the best, though we didn’t try it. Almost all of them have the same price. Now,
after we savored our Pasta Marinara, we went towards the coffee counter. Even
before we drink the coffee, just smelling the aroma keeps us think that this
will be the best coffee we’ll ever taste.
The taste of the coffee is very extraordinary. Even
though you are the one to mix it, the blend of the brewed coffee, the milk and
the very tasteful sugar made the coffee very extraordinary. The sugar they used
is called “muscovado sugar”.
Casa San Miguel also has a Museum where we went
after we have eaten. The Museum was called Anita Magsaysay-Ho Gallery and
Museum. Everyone is free to enter the museum. This museum only holds different
paintings and drawing by different painters, artists and students.
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| Inside the Museum |
Afterwards, we headed to a magnificent and vintage
look garden outside of the Casa. They call it the “Pasilyo”. This shows different things that are very vintage and
fancy. They also sell books and other materials here. For us, it looked like a
doll garden actually. We just roamed around the Pasilyo, opened the books
inside the van and enjoyed the place. We really suggest that you try to visit
here.
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| Gate to the Pasilyo |
When we were done exploring the beauty of the Casa San Miguel outside, we called one of the person-in-charge there to accompany us inside the house. She first toured us on another gallery where there are photographs taken by the students. There's a door inside of the gallery through the concert hall where it hosts recitals, musical shows, theater plays and ballet performance. |
| Concert Hall |
After there, another woman accompanied us to the upper floor of the house. We saw the vintage things recovered when the house was burnt back then during the time that it was owned by the Corpuz Family as their Retreat house.
The soundproof rooms where the students take their classes could also be found here. The kitchen and mini office were here as well. We took photos and videos but unfortunately some of them were corrupted.
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| Mini Office |
After our small talk with here about some of the students and scholars there, different classes they offer, enrollment fee, etc. She encouraged us as well to attend their summer classes. And both of us really wanted to however it is kinda far from our homes. She also told us that it is better if we visit during the weekends and summer days since there are students and local artist during that time; And to visit as well during the night because the place is more amazing when the lights are on and so we can see the two owls they're taking care of.
LAYAG FESTIVAL
The
First Layag Festival was held this March 2016 at San Antonio, Zambales. It was
an event created by the Casa San Miguel Organization. This was the first ever
festival that the town will showcase because of the beauty of its beaches. It
was held last March 12 and 13. This festival consist of wind surfing lessons,
mini regatta, stand up paddle board, hobie cat, layag night concert and
camping. This was a two day event that was only worth Php2, 000 inclusive of
meals and bed. Everybody will enjoy this especially those who love surfing.
Hopefully, there will be again the next years.
End
of tour in San Antonio Zambales! We are encouraging you to take your tour here
where everything is all about adventure!
“We
travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us.”
– Anonymous
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| Sulong Zambales! Arangkada Zambaleno! |
Contact Information:
(0928) 318 8187 - Kuya Marvin (boatman)
