The province of Zambales faces the West Philippine Sea so, it is well known for its gorgeous fine white sand and crystalline waters. Silanguin Cove is at the top of the list because it has a beautiful coastline highlighted by the amazing slopes of the mountains in the background. Other prominent beaches are Crystal Beach, Anawangin Cove, Talisayin Cove and Nagsasa Cove. Who doesn't know about the Scarborough Shoal, it is just a few kilometers from here.
Island Hopping to Silanguin: The travel from Brgy. Pundaquit, the jump-off, to the cove is more than an hour boat ride. It was full of fun because of the spectacular mountain ranges, towering limestone cliffs and different rock formations by the crystal clear waters. Upon our arrival, we were greeted by the sun-drenched beach with breathtaking beauty. By the way, our foods were already been set up by the first group.
Before the sun set, we already prepared our dinner so we had time watching the blue skies, the crystal clear water lit by the natural sunlight and feel the tranquility of the fresh air. When the darkness came, it's a sign for our socials. Since it's very seldom that we gather together to do chit-chat. This time, we had the whole night filled with laughter's, stories and created new memories. Games, foods and a few bottles were served.
The next day, when I woke up and went out of the tent at 4:30 AM, my attention was captured by an majestic scene where the sky is golden and the shape of the mountains from afar are visible. While standing by the shore, I was serenaded by the sound of the waves splashing. Grabbed my camera and took a picture.
At 6:30 AM we walked for more than a kilometer on the shore to take gorgeous images and enjoy the calmness of the cove. The locals friendly dogs joined us walking and spent more time sitting on the sand to catch a glimpse of the spectacular flying fish, but my shutter is slower than them. With that scene, I thought this part of Zambales has a rich marine bio-diversity that serves as the sanctuary of underwater flora and fauna. The fine sand also serves as the paradise of the crustaceans, sea shells and more sea shells, sea shells by the sea shore.
Batang Hamog Mountaineers is now on the Seventh Year. "Seven Years of friendship. Seven Years of Standing after Challenges." Sa mga nagbigay ng oras sa anibersaryong ito, maraming salamat. Sa mga hindi nakasama dahil sa mga personal commitments, marami pa naman tayong taong bubunuin at hindi magtatapos sa taunang anibersaryo ang ating walang sawang pagkakaibigan at pagtutulungan.
SIDETRIP TO RAMON MAGSAYSAY ANCESTRAL HOUSE: After enjoying the natural beauty of Silanguin Cove, we passed by the ancestral house of Ramon Magsaysay, former President of the Republic of the Philippines. The exterior side of the house is painted with a combination of relaxing shade of green and white. The modern color can't hide the age of the house because of the design, from the columns and the walls.
HOW TO GET TO SILANGUIN COVE: At Victory Liner EDSA, we rode in a bus bound for Iba, Zambles and alighted in San Antonio, in front of the municipal hall. Bus Fare: 298 pesos. Travel Time: 3-4 hours. In front of the municipal hall there are tricycles that can be chartered to Pundaquit, the jump off. Tricycle Fare: 30 pesos per head. Travel Time: 15 minutes. At Brgy. Pundaquit, we paid the 20 pesos environmental fee and met our contact bangkero. Travel Time from Pundaquit to Silanguin is more than an hour passing by Anawangin, Talisayin and Nagsasa Coves.