What Happened in Calaguas Should NOT Stay in Calaguas!

Sun-drenched, head to toes aching, saltwater-wet clothes and happy memories. That’s what happened in

CALAGUAS

for me. But wait, there’s more…

(check this for the Calaguas Sexy Summer Photoshoot)

As usual, my camera memory gave me less than 30 photos of Calaguas because I was too pre-occupied enjoying the sun, sand and saltwater I forgot to document in stills. But who needs photos when the memories of the happy beach linger in my head and heart?

Going to Calaguas…

I can still remember that 7-hour hilo-inducing serpentine road to Camarines Norte with damn-it reckless bus drivers along the coastal roads passing by Capalonga and Jose Panganiban before we finally reached Paracale.

I can still remember the crazy boat ride from Paracale to Mahabang Buhangin, that wild 2-hour ride in the open sea where I thought big waves are picking on our boat. It’s like they are playing “mahilo-talo” and before long the score was 1-0 in favor of the sea. One of the participants puked.

Paradise At Last!

But then we all know that “it’s the journey, not the destination.” So when we were meters away from paradise island, smiles from the tour participants began to change the ordeal. I jokingly quipped, “Pasensya na ha, di masyado maganda yung beach.” (My apologies for bringing you to a not-so-beautiful beach). But of course, they know it was time for me to pick on them.

I guess the welcome baby waves were enough to that everyone said, “the trip was worth it.”

One-by-one we went down the island, waves started kissing our legs and feet as if welcoming us. It seems to me that the waves of Tinaga Island waited for us and is now ready to open summer time 2 days ahead of schedule (PAG-ASA officially announced the beginning of summer March 18).

Beach Camping

We set camp, tent and hammocks surrounded the small kubo we rented and without hesitation, everyone started doning their beach attires. Me? I helped out Mitch and Emm prepare lunch.

Mini-Photoshoot

The tour includes a mini-portrait shoot by Tiara Mejos with make-up c/o Mitch Escal. They wasted no time to beautify the girls and ready them for a short photoshoot.

After lunch, the whole afternoon was spent on either lounging on the beach or sleeping on the hammocks. Of course the photoshoot was on-going as Tiara rocked what she does best- portraits ON THE BEACH!

Frisbee, Yoga and Boodle-Fight

Some played frisbee and when the sun began to meet the horizon, Isabel Granada-look-a-like, Raina, invited us to join her do some yoga session. It was both challenging and calming for me and for the first-timers.

As the night became darker, we started to have dinner, boodle-fight-style. And what I love about boodle-fights is the camaraderie it does as we shared food with your barehands on a banana leaf. I think this is a Filipino-original and I want this to always be part of my signatured tours.

The night was young and we were tired, so one-by-one, we fell to sleep with the orchestra of waves on the background and a starry night to complete Day 1.

Tropical Sunrise and Beach Run

The new morning broke with a magnificent burst of sunrise. Some went on a hill to witness the rising sun while others did an extended snooze. I started my day with a coffee and banana. Then a nice and easy barefoot beach run back-and-forth Mahabang Buhangin. It perked me up and made me look forward for some Bagasbas surfing in the afternoon.

After more fruits and bread we made love with the sea and enjoyed it to the fullest. As much as we wanted to stay longer, we need to leave paradise to try surfing at Bagasbas.

The Group Jump Shot to Top All Group Jump Shots

But before we leave, we must do the customary group shot. It was great that my photographer friend, Fung Yu, joined and offered to take a group jump shot 360-style. So here’s the group jump shot to top all other group jump shots out there:

(Press the Full Screen Button for best viewing experience. Hold and Drag the Mouse to Move Around. Shift Key: Zoom In, Ctrl Key: Zoom Out. This genius is brought to you by Fung Yu, www.firefly.ph. You can check more VRs at www.virtualjournals.net.)

Bagasbas Surfing

The sea was calm this time and some even snoozed. But rain welcomed us when we landed on mainland. But that didn’t stopped us from enjoying the rest of the tour as we headed towards Daet and Bagasbas to eat lunch and try surfing.

After I ordered food for the group, I wasted no time and paddled to the sea. It was my first time trying Bagasbas and the waves were choppy. It was hard to go to the line-up so after 5 rides I had my late lunch. I told myself to relax and get back once I recovered a bit.

The second sesh was better than the first as I finally found where to wait for the waves.  Long rides after long rides after long rides. Solb for the day.

It’s time to go home. After some pasalubong shopping at Vinzons and late dinner at Calauag, Quezon we each went back to our respective homes- sun-drenched, body-aching but excited to add and accept new friends on Facebook and wait for our photo-tags.

(check this for the Calaguas Sexy Summer Photoshoot)

That’s what happened in Calaguas.