Last Saturday (June 10), me and some of my officemates went to White Beach, Puerto Galera to spend the weekend. We took the Alps Bus liner (fare from Cubao to Batangas port is PhP 153.00) and left the terminal at 3am. I sat beside Peewee. Both of us were very sleepy because we barely slept that night. We reached Batangas Port at around 6am. I was not able to make tanghod at the view because I just slept during the entire travel. Gee, I was expecting a very chaotic old port because that was the case years ago. I think I was 14 years old then when I went to Calapan, Oriental Mindoro and the port was kinda old and shabby. But now, it was unexptectedly beautiful, well-maintained and organized. The vendors wore uniformed shirts
The Arrival When we get to the port, we paid for the boarding fee of PhP10.00 and the roundtrip fare of PhP 280.00. Our ferry was named Blue Penguin. Anyway, the trip was peaceful because I happened to sleep peacefully. When I get to open up my eyes... we were in White Beach already... The beach was so beautiful and looks very lively. There are lots of people, bazaars and bars... big beautiful houses to rent... When I set my foot on the sand and felt its warmth (its also wet, FYI!), I know I am going to enjoy my stay in that island! I really wished my brave and handsome Zorro is there too. Unfortunately, he was out there again for the people of Ortigas!!!
Money Matters Anyway, we billeted at White Beach Lodge (PhP2,500/room_family size). The room was very cozy and comfortable. It has tv with cable, airconditioning unit and a refrigerator. It has 2 double-sized bed. Only it has no kitchen because you were supposed to eat at its little resto downstairs. The food at the resto was also delicious and affordable. We tried the pancit bihon guisado at only PhP 60.00 and its good for 3 people to share. Soda drinks at 15 pesos per bottle, coffee is at 15 pesos per cup. The prices are not really bad. IT was really affordable... and when we visited the bazaars.. I never thought the shirts are so cheaply priced and has very good quality. I bought a sando shirt for my nephew Aaron, it cost me around 65pesos. a shirt for my Zorro is only 95 pesos with free branklet (bracelet and anklet-in-one). I bought a beach short in red and gray camouflage prints for only (100 pesos), and most importantly my new pair of two-piece bathing suit at only 200! Very nice bargain!! (Oh by the way, the bling-blings range from 35-400 depending on the design, materials used, and of course the location of the store.) Advice: The farther the store from the main part of the beach shore, the cheaper the goods are.
Nightlife in White Beach
It was night time... the bars are open and people are scattered almost everywhere eating, drinking, shopping, strolling. The nightlife in White Beach is so lively and full of fun. Our group enjoyed the loud music while we were dancing at the shore. Kevin, Peewee and I had ourselves tattoed (henna tattoo, PhP100). We even had daring pictorials that night at the far end of the beach where there are very very few people around.
By the way, you can do your shopping at night because the bazaars are still open until midnight... they tend to lower their prices when they were about to close.
Near-death Experience The next morning (June 11), Peewee and I were enjoying our second dip at the pampang when this super lakas very huge consecutive waves hit us both while we were unprepared. I was facing the wave while Peewee was facing the other way... woooosshhhh.... the waves hit us.. I was outbalanced and my back instantly hit the seafloor . Itried to get up but the waves are too big so I gobbled up some sea water. I was really struggling to get up but the waves are so strong that it hit me again... by that time I was like a bowling ball getting its way to strike the Kanal! Peewee, on the other hand, was doing her own stunts (see her blog for details). Grabee!!!!.. by the time we were in our sane composure... both of us have the voodoo/tsunamic hairstyle. I got scratches at the back and in my arms. Peewee has wounds on her feet and palm. I sprained my neck and right shoulder blade. Really.. going to the beach alone is very dangerous! but if you want to know how it feels to be a victim of tsunami... go straight to Puerto Galera!
On Leaving P.G. My short stay in Puerto Galera is truly a fun-filled experience. Despite the scratches and the sprain I got, I enjoyed the waves. Actually, I am not fond of beaches because some beaches have this stingy feeling when you swim (they say its the jellyfishes!) But this time I really enjoyed it especially the sand. I love walking on it. In fact when I get back to Manila, I still feel like I'm walking on the sand.
This time, I did not sleep during the ferry ride. It took us about an hour to reach Batangas Port. I was able to appreciate the beauty of the sea and the islands you'll see along the way. At the port, you will be met by vendors selling pasalubong. There are carinderias in case you left the beach without having lunch or something to eat (just like in my case). However, if you are quite maselan, in all the eateries I have scanned for something nice to eat, I always find langaw inside the food display box. So, think twice! (OR MAYBE, it was just a bad day for me that's why there are flies everywhere!) Well, that's my Puerto Galera adventure!!! Ciao!
