“We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars.”
― Oscar Wilde, Lady Windermere’s Fan

Despite the scarcity of moolah I experienced throughout the year, I somehow managed to scraped off some travel funds and get my butt across 13+ destinations, both locally and abroad.

So before a new calendar goes up the wall – unless the world comes to a stand still today thanks to the prediction of the Mayans – I would like to take this chance to reminisce and look back to those crazy times I had on the road.

Anawangin / Nagsasa / Capones, Zambales
January  2012 

PTB Bagets at Anawangin Cove, Zambales. Photo credit to Ian of Brownmantrips.com

This spontaneous trip to Zambales paved the way for all my wandering adventures in 2012. Out of nowhere, I ended up joining the birthday trip of a co-blogger named Ivan where I also met other adventurous souls like Elal, Chino, Byron, Ian, Cai and JL.

Together, we traversed Mount Pundaquit in the middle of the scorching heat of the afternoon sun (believe me when I say I almost died on that trek!), scared ourselves senseless during a kwentuhan-slash-takutan session in Nagsasa Cove, marveled at the night sky veiled with thousands of twinkling stars and bathe in the rough waters of Capones to reach the rustic Faro Punta de Capones. Needless to say, it was an unforgettable trip made even more remarkable by new-found friends. Continue reading “2012: A year of Perpetual Summer” »

Copyright secured by Digiprove © 2012 Joanna Jane Liwag

Anawangin and Nagsasa Cove in San Antonio, Zambales are some of the favorite weekend getaway spots for those wanting to temporarily escape from the toxicity of Metro Manila. Situated just a few hours away from the bustling metro, these beautiful coves which are formed through the mighty eruption of Mount Pinatubo, offer scenic landscapes where the land, sky and sea meet.

So if your idea of a weekend getaway is to spend it chilling by the beach on a hammock or lying in the sand and staring up at the sky at night, then heading to Anawangin or Nagsasa Cove will be the perfect respite. Continue reading “TRAVEL GUIDE | Anawangin and Nagsasa Cove” »

Copyright secured by Digiprove © 2012 Joanna Jane Liwag

Aside from our death-defying trek in Mt. Pundaquit, another highlight of our weekend getaway trip in Zambales was our side-trip to the beautiful Capones Island.

Capones, formerly known as Isla de Gran Capon, is one of the main island attractions that could be found in the vicinity of  San Antonio, Zambales. Situated just a few kilometers away from Pundaquit Beach, this bone-shaped island features a white sand beach on one side while harboring a charming old Spanish lighthouse on the other.

It was around 11 in the morning when we reluctantly bid goodbye to Nagsasa Cove. As we rode the waves toward the captivating Capones Island we were treated with the fabulous vista of Mount Pundaquit on our right and the lovely union of the sky and the sea on our left. An hour of smooth sailing passed and we finally reached our destination. Continue reading “ZAMBALES | Rustic charm of Capones Island” »

Copyright secured by Digiprove © 2012 Joanna Jane Liwag