Calaguas group of Island (treasures of Camarines Norte)

July 23-24

It was an unplanned trip for this year but definitely we are truly blessed to finally be in Paradise of Camarines Norte. My fellow SFC Brothers and Sisters planned this getaway less than a month where typhoons has been busy going around the country. We are taking a risk to push this activity even having the knowledge that waves might be unfriendly as we sail in the open seas to this Paradise called Calaguas group of Islands. It was Calaguas atbp. who provide the whole package for us. From Van transport (Manila - Daet); Boart ride (Vinzons port - Calaguas); Island food; Tents for camping and Island Hopping.
We leave the metro July 22 in the evening and arrive in Daet 6:00am. We had our quick breakfast first to the nearest fastfood in Vinzons port then meet our Boatmen and guides until 8am. It was a smooth boat ride at first when suddenly the waves starts to get rough as we approach near the Island, Rain starts to fall and everyone gets wet from raindrops and splashing waves but it was still manageable since we're almost near the destination. Upon arriving at Mahabang Buhangin, God must have hear our prayers for the rains stops and sun starts to shine. As soon as I soak my feet on the clear waters and fine sand of the beach I couldn't resists the invitation to leave my things and dip first in the turquoise clear sea water. It was a perfect timing that while everyone thinks it's too risky to get there during rainy season we almost own this secluded pristine paradise and do everything we want here.
As we settled down our coordinators called us to have a sumptuous lunch. Almost perfect but not quite;they served terribly spicy foods that some of us who are not used to eating spicy dishes cannot eat not even a single spoon of super spicy chicken and laing, good thing there is ginataang tambakol that is not soaked in any hot spices. The food was good and delicious but not everyone can enjoy it due to its spicy characteristics. We just advised them that the next meal should be friendly for all kind of taste buds.

Now, for a moment we own the island, we take advantage of the time we had. We swim and explore the crystal blue waters, do some kayak and explore the vast coral reef from the most shallow part we could be. After spending some time for quality bonding with the sea it is now the best time to do Island hopping. First destination would be Balagbag Island or what they sometimes call "Pulang Lupa Island". Upon docking at the shore we notice the beautiful different varieties of Bonsai plants that welcomes the visitors of the Island however, this island takes a good spot for snorkeling. It also takes a good time for relax trekking. You can trek on both sides of island since the trails were pretty much friendly even for not into hiking. Both edge has this cliff that's perfect for photo ops and for "Buwis Buhay shots" just standing at the edge of the stone while birds eye view of the group of Island takes a good background. This is a touristy area during summer but during this time of the year you can really enjoy the serenity in this island.  Next would the best snorkeling site; out from nowhere we found our boat in the middle of the sea that looks like a sanctuary and no doubt it is a sanctuary. Most of us didn't have the energy to swim in this area because of scorching heat and maybe we just felt were too sleepy and tired. We just enjoy the rock formation that lies here and soak our body in that clear water just beside our boat. What's more exciting and interesting is how are going back to Mahabang buhangin by sitting beside the boat (Balance wings of the boat) where we will welcomed by the splash of waves and fight its strong current so as not to be blown away in the middle of the sea. Upon arriving back at the campsite it was now the best time to just chill and wait for the sunset. A lazy afternoon to describe it, but what we did is something pretty amazing that brings out the child in our mature minds; We played patintero to ease the boredom of just waiting for the sun to get down while some of us took advantage of the time to get some sleep. As we play some epic mandatory shots, our coordinators were busy preparing our sumptuous dinner and some pica-pica for socials. It was a long and tiring day indeed but a great island experience. As we got inside our tent I thought I'll get some good sleep since we're tired but I think it was also the longest night I've had. We all had a hard time to get some sleep because there was no wind at all to blow and when we try open the tent mosquitoes will feast in our feet. We all woke up too early and get some fresh air at the beach and after an hour it was our time to trek and explore the birds eye view of the island. It was just an easy trek with a very relaxing view; We took mandatory shots then leave immediately for our breakfast. I just can't believe that we're about to go in a few hours, We just had a good time for swimming less than an hour and bid goodbye to the island that once became our cradle to our weary heart.

Enjoying the beach before going home

Snorkeling site

getting ready to fight the waves

arriving at Balagbag Island

Patintero while the sun is settling down

Highest point of Balagbag Island

Dropping by the Church somewhere along the road

Squad goals

Arriving at Mahabang Buhangin

footprints in that fine sand

Panoramic shot of the Island

Jump shot over the Island eye view

I just can't believe that this Island will soon be like Boracay. It's still less crowded from other famous beach destination in the country but as people come and go changes will occur like what they said that when it's peak season there's this what they call "party"wherein they built make-shift bar with all the party people are in and liquors are present just like what's happening in Boracay. I just hope that this island will preserve its quiet and peaceful atmosphere. The one that you can turn to if you want a place for serenity and tranquility. I hope that the locals will also continue to take good care of the cleanliness in the group of Island. I just can't describe how happy I was that the Lord let us experience everything good in this lovely place called Calaguas. This one of the best travel for this year.