Anawangin & Nagsasa Cove in Zambales - Equally Worth Discovering

It was again an amazing chance for me to experience firsthand the places I teach in my geography subject. Sad to say what is written on the book is limited only. Writers didn’t include the facts that are not famous even though they are equally, if not more, significant and beautiful than those already known both historically and geographically.

Just like Zambales. As what I only teach to my students, it is a province in Northern Luzon in the Philippines famous for Mangoes, where Subic Bay Freeport Zone is located and was one of the places severely affected by the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo. Nothing follows. Our book at the present doesn’t tell new discoveries yet such as; ashfall brought about by the eruption settled and gave birth to natural wonders such as the Nagsasa and Anawangin Cove. I believe these places are likewise worth learning.

 

For me this is the most beautiful among all the spots in Zambales. But very few people have seen and known about these Coves.

Amazing place where you can see beach on one side, lake on the other.
Pine trees in between and mountain ranges at the back. 

The refreshing blue crystal waters of the beach plus beautiful scenery of the place is perfect for camping and bonding moments with your friends and family.

 There's no electricity and mobile phone signal in the place so it's a perfect time to escape from the ho-humdrum of the daily grind.

 There is a common CR and water pump to share with other visitors of the place though.

The relentless howl of the wind echoing from the mountains and the lapping of the waves on the shore serve as soothing music to the ear.

  There is a lot to explore in the area. 

A lot of photographic possibilities to do.

 bonding time with friends

or seize the ambiance alone

 write your thoughts on the sand

 or share it with others

  

 go on a mountain trekking

 or just walk along the shore

  do your own jump shot

gather around  bonfire at night

or go on island hoping

where you can see stunning beach shores

just like here in Capones Island

where the shores are just magnificent.

              Or just simply take pictures around

 

In retrospect, Anawangin and Nagsasa Coves are places that might not included in the textbook as one of the best spot in Zambales but it doesn't mean that they are less attractive. As more and more people discover it we would surely see pictures and read about it in our kid's school books in the near future.

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A big thanks to my travel buddies for this great discovery ~ looking forward to another exciting trip with you guys!

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To Get There:

Take the bus of Victory liner from Caloocan or Pasay City bus terminal which is around 270 pesos. Then get off at San Antonio proper and take a chartered tricycle to Pundaquit which around 90 pesos for 3 pax. There are many boats for rent in the jump-off site in Pundaquit ranging from 1000-1400 depending on your itinerary. You may opt to trek the mountain of Pundaquit or ride a boat to reach the cove.

Bataan - My First Visita Iglesia

My idea on Visita Iglesia before is merely an excursion – a defiance to the real essence of Lenten Season. Because I was taught that instead of joining pleasure trips, Lent especially Holy Week should commemorate solemnly for it’s time of self meditation, penitence and repentance. That’s why I haven’t joined or experienced any Visita Iglesia yet before.

But this time I have just gone on a Visita Iglesia. It was even a last minute decision that made me or us once again ‘chance passengers’. Of course things had to consider first. I was informed that this Visita Iglesia which we are about join is a whole day pilgrimage to 7 churches in Bataan praying the Stations of the Cross, visiting historical landmarks, and building up communion among parishioners together with our parish priest. That (referring to the itinerary) convinced me that it will not be an excursion.

Our first stop was in St. Peter of Veronica Parish in Hermosa.

   

a baccalaureate mass was being held

 so we started the station of the cross outside

 

Next was in St. John de Baptist Parish in Dinalupihan

  

a wedding was about to begin 

 

and so we held the next station of the cross again outside

Our journey continued to Our Lady of the Holy Rosary in Orani

 

  

 where our parish priest conducted a mass

 Part of the itinerary is going to the top of Mt. Samat

 where the Shirne of Valor or Dambana ng Kagitingan is located

 

This was perhaps the most tedious yet memorable part of the entire pilgrimage because we had to climb some 300 steps to reach the top. Despite this, I was amazed that my mom and the other elderly in our group made it.

 view from the top of the giant cross

 with my pilgrim buddies (ate agnes, nanay & ate reah) at the viewing gallery inside the wing of the cross

 World War II Museum in Mt. Samat

 where artifacts from the war are on display

Another fascinating church we visited was the Our Lady of Pillar

The church was one of the best I’ve ever seen; its modern design belies how old it really is.

Then we quickly dropped by into St. Joseph Parish in Balanga

 where we weren't able to stay long due to the mass going on that time

 Our pilgrim ended up in St Dominic de Guzman in Abucay

one of the oldest churches in Bataan

who becomes the witness of the Spanish era.

As we traveling back home I realized Visita Iglesia is not really an excursion but more on an educational trip and pilgrimage rolled into one for we get a glimpse of Philippine culture while we pray.

I may had different perception on this activity but no matter what it is we should not forget the true meaning of Lenten Season. Whether you join a Visita Iglesia or just quietly spend it in your home, this is the moment to remember what Jesus Christ did in the cross and that is to give us the gift of forgiveness and hope.

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This Visita Iglesia was organized by our Parish Church and facilitated by Tanawin Marikit Tours.

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To Get There:

By Car

Bataan is a little bit over two hours away from Metro Manila. From Manila, you can drive to North Luzon Express Way and exit to San Fernando. From San Fernando take the National Road straight to Bataan. From North Luzon Express Way you can also exit to Dau and take the SCTEX. Once in SCTEX exit in Dinalupihan. Dinalupihan is already Bataan. 

By Bus

Getting to Bataan by bus takes around three hours. There are bus lines, specifically Genesis and Bataan Transit, in Cubao, Pasay and Manila that offers daily trips to Balanga City and Mariveles Bataan. The fare going to Balanga costs about 220 Php from Avenida, Manila terminal.