Lake Mapanuepe, San Marcelino Zambales

I had known lake mapanuepe for a while but as it is not really a good full weekend itinerary, i never had the chance to visit te place.

I was set to meet a travel bud in San Felipe to surf in Liwliwa, and as I never intended a two days surfing in liwliwa, I told her that we'll do mapanuepe lake for the orher day.

The last time i attempted a side trip there, i missed the last trip.And so, we agreed to leave very early on sunday from san felipe so we can get back within the same day.

Unfortunately, and the worst level of luck ever, there were no waves. Out of the nearly 2hours that we stayed on the beach, the shores have just been so quiet. We then decided to push mapanuepe for the afternoon.

It was almost 4pm when we arrived in san marcelino market. The last jeep bound for pili has left, and the only jeep available was that bound for macarang - a town that's an hour's walk away from Pili. We thought it will be about 5pm when we get there, so perhaps, we still have time to walk to Pili. We stayed in the terminal and waited for it to leave.

luckily, just 10 mins before it is scheduled to leave, someone standing next to me who overheard that were heading to Pili told me that a jeep that just arrived is bound for Pili. I asked the driver immediately to confirm and he said yes... And we rode it topload.

terminal to Lake Mapanuepe in Pili, in San Marcelino Market

toploaded to Lake Mapanuepe in Pili, San Marcelino, Zambales

makeshift jeep from kuliglig on our way to Lake Mapanuepe in Pili, San Marcelino, Zambales

lahar passageway en route to Lake Mapanuepe in Pili, San Marcelino, Zambales

Lake Mapanuepe in Pili, San Marcelino, Zambales; view from tophill

en route to Lake Mapanuepe in Pili, San Marcelino, Zambales

Lake Mapanuepe in Pili, San Marcelino, Zambales

Lake Mapanuepe in Pili, San Marcelino, Zambales

We were dropped right at the shore of the lake. From there, some native kulot approached us and asked if we'd like to boat around the lake (which we sure are). He was initially asking P500 for a roundabout of the lake, but, as there isn't really anything to see around but just to approach the sunken church, we asked if P100 will do to get us back and forth - agreed.

When we were in the boat, I though we could actually see the remains of the houses down the water. However, the bed is mud and water is dark.. so no scene.

Meantime, when we approached the church, we thought we could actually climb the cross. Little did we know that what we thought be be a staircase was actually stained glass sheets that has broken. The water depth is said to be 85 feet, and with 0 visibility down there, I thought it was risky to do so.

church in Lake Mapanuepe in Pili, San Marcelino, Zambales

attempt to climb the church in Lake Mapanuepe in Pili, San Marcelino, Zambales

what we thought was a staircase

tower in Lake Mapanuepe in Pili, San Marcelino, Zambales

Lake Mapanuepe in Pili, San Marcelino, Zambales

After our assault at the church tower, we went back to the shoreline to scout where we can sleep. We walked towards the brgy hall for courtesy as well but Kap wasn't there then. Our boatman/guide brought us to his house, but neither is he there. A quick moment later, his wife came and had a word. She was OKing sleeping in the brgy but was insisting that we sleep instead in their house. As we each have our hammocks, we asked if there is anywhere in the yard where we can do so - and there was.

afternoon serving from Kap Duenas

Dinner served free by hospitable Kap

breakfast Lake Mapanuepe in Pili, San Marcelino, Zambales

travel bud Liezl with first lady :-)

toploaded again on the way back fr Lake Mapanuepe in Pili, San Marcelino, Zambales

I had known lake mapanuepe for a while but as it is not really a good full weekend itinerary, i never had the chance to visit te place.

I was set to meet a travel bud in San Felipe to surf in Liwliwa, and as I never intended a two days surfing in liwliwa, I told her that we'll do mapanuepe lake for the orher day.

The last time i attempted a side trip there, i missed the last trip.And so, we agreed to leave very early on sunday from san felipe so we can get back within the same day.

Unfortunately, and the worst level of luck ever, there were no waves. Out of the nearly 2hours that we stayed on the beach, the shores have just been so quiet. We then decided to push mapanuepe for the afternoon.

It was almost 4pm when we arrived in san marcelino market. The last jeep bound for pili has left, and the only jeep available was that bound for macarang - a town that's an hour's walk away from Pili. We thought it will be about 5pm when we get there, so perhaps, we still have time to walk to Pili. We stayed in the terminal and waited for it to leave.

luckily, just 10 mins before it is scheduled to leave, someone standing next to me who overheard that were heading to Pili told me that a jeep that just arrived is bound for Pili. I asked the driver immediately to confirm and he said yes... And we rode it topload.

terminal to Lake Mapanuepe in Pili, in San Marcelino Market

toploaded to Lake Mapanuepe in Pili, San Marcelino, Zambales

makeshift jeep from kuliglig on our way to Lake Mapanuepe in Pili, San Marcelino, Zambales

lahar passageway en route to Lake Mapanuepe in Pili, San Marcelino, Zambales

Lake Mapanuepe in Pili, San Marcelino, Zambales; view from tophill

en route to Lake Mapanuepe in Pili, San Marcelino, Zambales

Lake Mapanuepe in Pili, San Marcelino, Zambales

Lake Mapanuepe in Pili, San Marcelino, Zambales

We were dropped right at the shore of the lake. From there, some native kulot approached us and asked if we'd like to boat around the lake (which we sure are). He was initially asking P500 for a roundabout of the lake, but, as there isn't really anything to see around but just to approach the sunken church, we asked if P100 will do to get us back and forth - agreed.

When we were in the boat, I though we could actually see the remains of the houses down the water. However, the bed is mud and water is dark.. so no scene.

Meantime, when we approached the church, we thought we could actually climb the cross. Little did we know that what we thought be be a staircase was actually stained glass sheets that has broken. The water depth is said to be 85 feet, and with 0 visibility down there, I thought it was risky to do so.

church in Lake Mapanuepe in Pili, San Marcelino, Zambales

attempt to climb the church in Lake Mapanuepe in Pili, San Marcelino, Zambales

what we thought was a staircase

tower in Lake Mapanuepe in Pili, San Marcelino, Zambales

Lake Mapanuepe in Pili, San Marcelino, Zambales

After our assault at the church tower, we went back to the shoreline to scout where we can sleep. We walked towards the brgy hall for courtesy as well but Kap wasn't there then. Our boatman/guide brought us to his house, but neither is he there. A quick moment later, his wife came and had a word. She was OKing sleeping in the brgy but was insisting that we sleep instead in their house. As we each have our hammocks, we asked if there is anywhere in the yard where we can do so - and there was.

afternoon serving from Kap Duenas

Dinner served free by hospitable Kap

breakfast Lake Mapanuepe in Pili, San Marcelino, Zambales

travel bud Liezl with first lady :-)

toploaded again on the way back fr Lake Mapanuepe in Pili, San Marcelino, Zambales

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How to get to Islas de hegantes, ilo ilo

Just arrived from zambales and just after i unpacked my bag and sort out my dirty stuff, a friend told me they have a spare ticket for Roxas city. I was planning to get to Calaguas these coming days, but as i am scheduled for Calaguas island in 2 weeks anyway, i thought Roxas would be a better plan since i haven't set foot in this province yet.

Twelve hours to go before flight; I rushed home on time to wash my clothes from the last weekends' trip and dry them quickly over fan just to get them ready on time;

At 1am, i turned off the fan, folded the clothes, dropped my other stuff, and took a bath. I was going to meet 3 other travel buds in cubao and head to the airport for the 5:40am flight.

While in roxas and having breakfast, i took the time to do some talking and knowing around. The tourism desk at the airport headed by Mike and Den was just so welcoming and informative, i got more than the assistance I needed. We got a van who agreed to pick us up, tour us in the city while waiting for the other batch, and then pick up the second batch, and drop us all to the fishport within our budget



Itinerary:
6:50 first batch arrives and waits for second batch of passengers; have breakfast in baybay and do city tour;
11:30 arrive in Roxas Airport; Take van to Estancia Fish Port; have lunch in the eatery along the way
2:00 arrive in fishport; ride boat for gigantes island
2:30 depart fishport
5:30 arrive in isla gigantes
6:00 depart dock station; take habal to hideaway resort
6:15 arrive in hideaway resort; rest & cleanup and dinner





*We rented a van for P1400 from Roxas City to Estancia Port. May be called in advance so van can pick up straight from airport
*boat leaves higantes at 9am, and leaves estancia fishport at 2:30pm. Travel time is 2hrs. Fare is P80 and Terminal Fee in fishport is P4.
*it takes a while for the boat to dock when its low tide; habal to hideaway is P10 per passenger; 2 heads per motorbike
*see separate entry for review of hideaway resort

see post here for where We stayed in Isla De Higantes

Just arrived from zambales and just after i unpacked my bag and sort out my dirty stuff, a friend told me they have a spare ticket for Roxas city. I was planning to get to Calaguas these coming days, but as i am scheduled for Calaguas island in 2 weeks anyway, i thought Roxas would be a better plan since i haven't set foot in this province yet.

Twelve hours to go before flight; I rushed home on time to wash my clothes from the last weekends' trip and dry them quickly over fan just to get them ready on time;

At 1am, i turned off the fan, folded the clothes, dropped my other stuff, and took a bath. I was going to meet 3 other travel buds in cubao and head to the airport for the 5:40am flight.

While in roxas and having breakfast, i took the time to do some talking and knowing around. The tourism desk at the airport headed by Mike and Den was just so welcoming and informative, i got more than the assistance I needed. We got a van who agreed to pick us up, tour us in the city while waiting for the other batch, and then pick up the second batch, and drop us all to the fishport within our budget



Itinerary:
6:50 first batch arrives and waits for second batch of passengers; have breakfast in baybay and do city tour;
11:30 arrive in Roxas Airport; Take van to Estancia Fish Port; have lunch in the eatery along the way
2:00 arrive in fishport; ride boat for gigantes island
2:30 depart fishport
5:30 arrive in isla gigantes
6:00 depart dock station; take habal to hideaway resort
6:15 arrive in hideaway resort; rest & cleanup and dinner





*We rented a van for P1400 from Roxas City to Estancia Port. May be called in advance so van can pick up straight from airport
*boat leaves higantes at 9am, and leaves estancia fishport at 2:30pm. Travel time is 2hrs. Fare is P80 and Terminal Fee in fishport is P4.
*it takes a while for the boat to dock when its low tide; habal to hideaway is P10 per passenger; 2 heads per motorbike
*see separate entry for review of hideaway resort

see post here for where We stayed in Isla De Higantes

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Cheap Stay in Boracay: Ocean Breeze Resort Station 3

Though I've booked my tickets months and months back, I did not have time to research on where to stay as I had been quite occupied with work and my 12 grad school units. It is also my first time in Boracay and I am getting there, so much because of I had to take my grandma somewhere (and of course, my backpacking wont adjust to her knees).

I had posted an update on fb, but I did not really like the atmosphere in the hotels/hostels/inns posted by my friends. For this (family affair) trip, I have been quite specific that I wanted somewhere quiet in a native/bamboo accomodation with a garden and a veranda.. first time I ever stipulated what I want in a lodging (and to hell with my price budget). I would have preferred a beach front too, but, I could not really find one.

A day before the trip, I was getting quotes ranging from P2.5K up to P3K. I was already fearing then that I might have to shed more than my 15K budget for this trip.

Luckily, hours before my flight, I got an email reply from Ocean Breeze Resort saying their P890 nipa cottage is available for 2 nights and that I'll just have to add P200 for a third person. Bingo! Total is P1090/night.. not too bad for an accomodation like this:

The P890/night for 2 acccomodation (peak season, i.e. versus low and high peak)

the veranda with free morning coffee

*The Inn is next to Orchids, Bora Bora, Melinda's Inn, etc;
*Wifi is available but at a chargeable fee of P50/day/device
*Cable 14 in tv provided in the room
*The secretary may be contacted at 09174846727
*They have a pickup service, but, it's not the pickup service with the transpo and all. It's more of guideship. In the end, it's just like paying P125 extra plus the transpo fees of their staff. Spare yourself that as for sure you are more than matured to ask around. Once in caticlan jetty port, pay P75 environmental fee and P100 terminal fee and P50 fare (Montenegro; P30 for the smaller ferries at night and P25 during daytime). Upon reaching boracay port, take trike at P100 to the resort.)
*On the beachfront next to Ocean Breeze, we had a bbq dinner where liempo was at P85, good for two, rice at P12. We had breakfast there the ff morning too but was surprised at the prices for that meal: fried egg was at P20, hotdog was at P35, per piece. I'd rather have the breakfast we had at Shenna's in Station 2 at P85 for the XXXXXsilogs, and 2 thumbs up for their P85 clubhouse that's got bacon (well, some don't).



P.S. I hate paying P25 for fare and P100 terminal fee; besides, it's just a pass through, not like you'll stay for an hour, charge up, do comfort room, etc. Quite an abuse.



Follow CheapBedsPH on Instagram for geotagged backpacker accomodation for easier searches

Though I've booked my tickets months and months back, I did not have time to research on where to stay as I had been quite occupied with work and my 12 grad school units. It is also my first time in Boracay and I am getting there, so much because of I had to take my grandma somewhere (and of course, my backpacking wont adjust to her knees).

I had posted an update on fb, but I did not really like the atmosphere in the hotels/hostels/inns posted by my friends. For this (family affair) trip, I have been quite specific that I wanted somewhere quiet in a native/bamboo accomodation with a garden and a veranda.. first time I ever stipulated what I want in a lodging (and to hell with my price budget). I would have preferred a beach front too, but, I could not really find one.

A day before the trip, I was getting quotes ranging from P2.5K up to P3K. I was already fearing then that I might have to shed more than my 15K budget for this trip.

Luckily, hours before my flight, I got an email reply from Ocean Breeze Resort saying their P890 nipa cottage is available for 2 nights and that I'll just have to add P200 for a third person. Bingo! Total is P1090/night.. not too bad for an accomodation like this:

The P890/night for 2 acccomodation (peak season, i.e. versus low and high peak)

the veranda with free morning coffee

*The Inn is next to Orchids, Bora Bora, Melinda's Inn, etc;
*Wifi is available but at a chargeable fee of P50/day/device
*Cable 14 in tv provided in the room
*The secretary may be contacted at 09174846727
*They have a pickup service, but, it's not the pickup service with the transpo and all. It's more of guideship. In the end, it's just like paying P125 extra plus the transpo fees of their staff. Spare yourself that as for sure you are more than matured to ask around. Once in caticlan jetty port, pay P75 environmental fee and P100 terminal fee and P50 fare (Montenegro; P30 for the smaller ferries at night and P25 during daytime). Upon reaching boracay port, take trike at P100 to the resort.)
*On the beachfront next to Ocean Breeze, we had a bbq dinner where liempo was at P85, good for two, rice at P12. We had breakfast there the ff morning too but was surprised at the prices for that meal: fried egg was at P20, hotdog was at P35, per piece. I'd rather have the breakfast we had at Shenna's in Station 2 at P85 for the XXXXXsilogs, and 2 thumbs up for their P85 clubhouse that's got bacon (well, some don't).



P.S. I hate paying P25 for fare and P100 terminal fee; besides, it's just a pass through, not like you'll stay for an hour, charge up, do comfort room, etc. Quite an abuse.



Follow CheapBedsPH on Instagram for geotagged backpacker accomodation for easier searches

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VIRJEN Island Resort, San Pascual, Burias Island

Back when we were in Burias Island, while we  were  supposed to stay in the Fuentes Lodge in the town proper, there has been a government convention, and all beds in the transient house were booked. The next option provided by the tourism officer was the Virgen Island Resort (which we thought was Virgin pronounced the bisaya way).

VirJen Island Resort in San Pascual, in Burias island, Masbate

VirJen Island Resort in San Pascual, in Burias island, Masbate

our P700 room in VirJen Island Resort in San Pascual, in Burias island, Masbate

VirJen Island Resort in San Pascual, in Burias island, Masbate

Common washroom in VirJen (Virgin) Island Resort in San Pascual, in Burias island, Masbate

beach front in VirJen (virgin) Island Resort in San Pascual, in Burias Island, Masbate

VirJen Resort is a comfortable retreat, though it is a boatride away from the town proper. Yet, for those looking for an assimilated escape, this shall be perfect. It is equipped with a generator for electrical needs.

Trivia: VIR-JEN is actually a combination of the first syllables of the first names of the owners (couple).


You may call The tourism officer, Mr Tony Cordena on this no 0947 879 5844 to coordinate a trip to Burias island.

see here for a suggested itinerary of Burias Island

Back when we were in Burias Island, while we  were  supposed to stay in the Fuentes Lodge in the town proper, there has been a government convention, and all beds in the transient house were booked. The next option provided by the tourism officer was the Virgen Island Resort (which we thought was Virgin pronounced the bisaya way).

VirJen Island Resort in San Pascual, in Burias island, Masbate

VirJen Island Resort in San Pascual, in Burias island, Masbate

our P700 room in VirJen Island Resort in San Pascual, in Burias island, Masbate

VirJen Island Resort in San Pascual, in Burias island, Masbate

Common washroom in VirJen (Virgin) Island Resort in San Pascual, in Burias island, Masbate

beach front in VirJen (virgin) Island Resort in San Pascual, in Burias Island, Masbate

VirJen Resort is a comfortable retreat, though it is a boatride away from the town proper. Yet, for those looking for an assimilated escape, this shall be perfect. It is equipped with a generator for electrical needs.

Trivia: VIR-JEN is actually a combination of the first syllables of the first names of the owners (couple).


You may call The tourism officer, Mr Tony Cordena on this no 0947 879 5844 to coordinate a trip to Burias island.

see here for a suggested itinerary of Burias Island

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DECA Wakepark Clark, Pampanga

A few months ago, I've heard about the construction of a wake park in Clark. I keep asking my folks who frequent Clark of the exact location, but none could tell, although, just like me, they say they've heard about it too.

One lucky day, I googled the words 'wakeboard' and 'clark' and without really needing to click on the 'I feel lucky' button, I got to the DECA wake park site right on the first page. I found some phone numbers, called them immediately and got the rates.

Some 2 weeks after, I had to go home to pampanga to check out my grandma (which I am having to do regularly). The Sunday of that weekend, I was itching to get somewhere; So I decided to ring my cousin and ask if he can accompany us to DECA wake park. He gladly agreed. In less than 2 hours I was already on my grip.

Thank goodness I just found something to do for those Pampanga-See grandma weekends; And I can do wakeboarding in less than 2 hours from Manila and much cheaper than the Nuvali rates.

Commuting to DECA wake park:

Deca Wakepark is actually in Margot, Angeles City and not inside the Clark Freeport Zone. It is within it's perimeter though.

If you're coming from Manila, take DAU bound buses (fare is P139.00). From Dau, walk towards the Caltex Pump in McArthur Hiway; Cross the highway and take an SM Clark bound jeep (should say Dau Check Point; Fare is P8). Then, in SM Clark, ask for jeep bound for friendship (these are beige colored jeeps and their terminal is in Fields Avenue. Take the jeep and ask to be dropped in Friendship gate (fare is also P8). From there, either take a tricyle (I would estimate that fare shall be less than P40; More than that is 3x rip off). Or, alternatively, you may take an Angeles-Sapangbato jeep and get off in the DECA Park Gate (fare is also P8).

This is the part where you get off in case you take the Sapang Bato jeep; From here you walk left and you'll see the DECA Gate

Rental Rates in Deca Wakepark

Prices in the canteen

*you may want to pack food and water instead as there isn't much choice in the facility. 
*you may make sure to bring your toiletries; there isn't anywhere in the vicinity to get shampoo, soap, toothpaste, etc
*it seems they sell wakeboard peripherals there too

A few months ago, I've heard about the construction of a wake park in Clark. I keep asking my folks who frequent Clark of the exact location, but none could tell, although, just like me, they say they've heard about it too.

One lucky day, I googled the words 'wakeboard' and 'clark' and without really needing to click on the 'I feel lucky' button, I got to the DECA wake park site right on the first page. I found some phone numbers, called them immediately and got the rates.

Some 2 weeks after, I had to go home to pampanga to check out my grandma (which I am having to do regularly). The Sunday of that weekend, I was itching to get somewhere; So I decided to ring my cousin and ask if he can accompany us to DECA wake park. He gladly agreed. In less than 2 hours I was already on my grip.

Thank goodness I just found something to do for those Pampanga-See grandma weekends; And I can do wakeboarding in less than 2 hours from Manila and much cheaper than the Nuvali rates.

Commuting to DECA wake park:

Deca Wakepark is actually in Margot, Angeles City and not inside the Clark Freeport Zone. It is within it's perimeter though.

If you're coming from Manila, take DAU bound buses (fare is P139.00). From Dau, walk towards the Caltex Pump in McArthur Hiway; Cross the highway and take an SM Clark bound jeep (should say Dau Check Point; Fare is P8). Then, in SM Clark, ask for jeep bound for friendship (these are beige colored jeeps and their terminal is in Fields Avenue. Take the jeep and ask to be dropped in Friendship gate (fare is also P8). From there, either take a tricyle (I would estimate that fare shall be less than P40; More than that is 3x rip off). Or, alternatively, you may take an Angeles-Sapangbato jeep and get off in the DECA Park Gate (fare is also P8).

This is the part where you get off in case you take the Sapang Bato jeep; From here you walk left and you'll see the DECA Gate

Rental Rates in Deca Wakepark

Prices in the canteen

*you may want to pack food and water instead as there isn't much choice in the facility. 
*you may make sure to bring your toiletries; there isn't anywhere in the vicinity to get shampoo, soap, toothpaste, etc
*it seems they sell wakeboard peripherals there too

Read More »

Surfing in Liwliwa, San Felipe, Zambales

these boulders have become a sitio liwliwa landmark; every body has a shot

It was thursday and just 5days before christmas, i was too lazy to work. I've been back and forth the apartment, and cigarettes after cigarettes, thinking of whether i'd go to work or not. Around 11am, 2hrs after my supposed work schedule, i decided to activate my Out of Office holiday message.

Since it will take a while before i'd come back to manila, i had to attend to  my laundry and had a quick meet with friends in pampanga.

I was intending to go Liwliwa to surf on sat and sun, but since i had put myself on vacation way ahead, friday afternoon, I was already set for zambales.

It was already past 10pm when i reached liwliwa. Had a hard time getting d Olongapo via SCTEX bus due to the number of passengers waiting for the same. I stood for a dormant 1-2 hrs in Olongapo city within the dilemma of whether to sleep in the city or riak not catching a resort in San Felipe; Luckily, circle hostel was still open at the time.

The Circle hostel in Sitio Liwliwa, San Felipe, Zambales

Showered a bit, and went straight to the common area to recharge my phone.

There was a group of four who followed afterwards and invited me to play cards alongside some bottles of beer. It was almost 2am when we finished up.

I woke up half past 8 the following morning over a flock of surfers as the hostel is hosting a competition that day.

After a few cups of coffee, a banana, and a slice of brownie, i took my board and ran to the shore.

Surfing competition organizers meeting in the common area

meals in the store in front of the Circle Hostel

As i have heard earlier, unfortunately, there weren't any waves. Surfers were flocking on one side, but will have eventully asked to paddle out as the competition will have to move to that space.

It was almost frustrating; waves come as slow as one attempt every 10 minutes I guess. Surfers have spent more time staring at each other, and chatting while waiting for the ride-able ones.

beach in Sitio Liwliwa, San Felipe, Zambales

beach in Sitio Liwliwa, San Felipe, Zambales

surfers in Sitio Liwliwa, San Felipe, Zambales

surfing competition in Sitio Liwliwa, San Felipe, Zambales

Sitio Liwliwa, San Felipe, Zambales

A little while later though, nearly 11am, the waves have gone better, and everyone suddenly's so busy. 

It was very late when I realized I've used the board for almost 5 hours and need to return it to Circle Hostel.



*Fare from Olongapo City to San Felipe was around P80.00. Takes around 1 hour including a short stop in Lubao, Pampanga. For those coming from Manila, you can take the buses bound to IBA.
*From San Felipe Public Market to Sitio Liwliwa, since it was late night, and I was alone, I paid P60. Otherwise, fare shall be only P30.
*From Circle Hostel back to San Felipe, I paid P30. Trike was chartered from Vangie (Circle Hostel Staff).
*Circle Hostel San Felipe may be contacted at 09178611929. Bed (Dorm type) overnight is P350. Hammock is P250. Daytrip is P150.
*For budget daytrip travellers, you may want to just wash up from the neighbouring houses. Contact Tatay Jerry, 09327172643. He also lease surfboards and conduct lessons.
*The board rental was P200/hr. P400/4hours
*Yes you can get your food around in around 50-80/meal.

By the way, waves in liwliwa are not whole year round. Better always give the local nos a call before visiting.
In case you have spare day in your visit, you can do a sidetrip to Lake Mapanuepe.



Update: March 17, 2018

There are 36 accomodations available in Liwliwa.  80% of these accomodation are actually homes to people who have quit corporate/city life and chose to be quiet in Liwliwa. Hence, please do arrive with respect to the locals, including these settlers who want it quiet. After all, you don't come to travel to just do what you can do anyway in manila. Wake up early in the morning, surf, and Spend the time in the beach rather than wasting hours drinking at night only to wake up really late for check out and travelling back to Manila.

I've finally settled in Liwliwa and run a guesthouse. Want to have a look?

Follow the One Liwa Page for updates about LIwliwa: 

these boulders have become a sitio liwliwa landmark; every body has a shot

It was thursday and just 5days before christmas, i was too lazy to work. I've been back and forth the apartment, and cigarettes after cigarettes, thinking of whether i'd go to work or not. Around 11am, 2hrs after my supposed work schedule, i decided to activate my Out of Office holiday message.

Since it will take a while before i'd come back to manila, i had to attend to  my laundry and had a quick meet with friends in pampanga.

I was intending to go Liwliwa to surf on sat and sun, but since i had put myself on vacation way ahead, friday afternoon, I was already set for zambales.

It was already past 10pm when i reached liwliwa. Had a hard time getting d Olongapo via SCTEX bus due to the number of passengers waiting for the same. I stood for a dormant 1-2 hrs in Olongapo city within the dilemma of whether to sleep in the city or riak not catching a resort in San Felipe; Luckily, circle hostel was still open at the time.

The Circle hostel in Sitio Liwliwa, San Felipe, Zambales

Showered a bit, and went straight to the common area to recharge my phone.

There was a group of four who followed afterwards and invited me to play cards alongside some bottles of beer. It was almost 2am when we finished up.

I woke up half past 8 the following morning over a flock of surfers as the hostel is hosting a competition that day.

After a few cups of coffee, a banana, and a slice of brownie, i took my board and ran to the shore.

Surfing competition organizers meeting in the common area

meals in the store in front of the Circle Hostel

As i have heard earlier, unfortunately, there weren't any waves. Surfers were flocking on one side, but will have eventully asked to paddle out as the competition will have to move to that space.

It was almost frustrating; waves come as slow as one attempt every 10 minutes I guess. Surfers have spent more time staring at each other, and chatting while waiting for the ride-able ones.

beach in Sitio Liwliwa, San Felipe, Zambales

beach in Sitio Liwliwa, San Felipe, Zambales

surfers in Sitio Liwliwa, San Felipe, Zambales

surfing competition in Sitio Liwliwa, San Felipe, Zambales

Sitio Liwliwa, San Felipe, Zambales

A little while later though, nearly 11am, the waves have gone better, and everyone suddenly's so busy. 

It was very late when I realized I've used the board for almost 5 hours and need to return it to Circle Hostel.



*Fare from Olongapo City to San Felipe was around P80.00. Takes around 1 hour including a short stop in Lubao, Pampanga. For those coming from Manila, you can take the buses bound to IBA.
*From San Felipe Public Market to Sitio Liwliwa, since it was late night, and I was alone, I paid P60. Otherwise, fare shall be only P30.
*From Circle Hostel back to San Felipe, I paid P30. Trike was chartered from Vangie (Circle Hostel Staff).
*Circle Hostel San Felipe may be contacted at 09178611929. Bed (Dorm type) overnight is P350. Hammock is P250. Daytrip is P150.
*For budget daytrip travellers, you may want to just wash up from the neighbouring houses. Contact Tatay Jerry, 09327172643. He also lease surfboards and conduct lessons.
*The board rental was P200/hr. P400/4hours
*Yes you can get your food around in around 50-80/meal.

By the way, waves in liwliwa are not whole year round. Better always give the local nos a call before visiting.
In case you have spare day in your visit, you can do a sidetrip to Lake Mapanuepe.



Update: March 17, 2018

There are 36 accomodations available in Liwliwa.  80% of these accomodation are actually homes to people who have quit corporate/city life and chose to be quiet in Liwliwa. Hence, please do arrive with respect to the locals, including these settlers who want it quiet. After all, you don't come to travel to just do what you can do anyway in manila. Wake up early in the morning, surf, and Spend the time in the beach rather than wasting hours drinking at night only to wake up really late for check out and travelling back to Manila.

I've finally settled in Liwliwa and run a guesthouse. Want to have a look?

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