Hundred Islands Memoirs

     It is good to reminisce the past when there was a time when we all had free time to enjoy the sun and the beach on one of our road trips. Temporary but quality moments that money can't buy.

     

         It is summer time once again and time for vacation and fun. This brings memories of our summer outings with my family many years back when we had a chance to visit our relatives in my father’s hometown in Camiling, Tarlac. The next province is Pangasinan and one of their famous tourist spot is the Hundred Islands in Alaminos so we decided to cap our vacation by visiting the place. It is about four hours drive from Manila via the North Luzon Express Way and the Tarlac route. From Tarlac, we passed by Lingayen which is famous for its gulf and "bangus" or milkfish. 

     At last we reached the town proper of Alaminos, Pangasinan and it was not difficult for us to look for the way to the site of the hundred islands due to the big posters and signs that pointed us to the right "barangay". It was already late afternoon when we reached the docking area of boats going to the islands and the water is murky and there is no beach and we can’t see a single island. We have learned from the tourists that the islands are out there in the sea and can only be reached by riding a motorized boat for hire. So we went to a grocery store to buy what we need for the night and looked for a place where we can stay. Luckily, there is one that is affordable and can accommodate six people in one big room. It was the owner of the lodging house who made arrangements for the boat which we will use in the morning.  

 

   It was about eight o clock in the morning when we left for the island where most tourists are visiting. Our boat ride was smooth as the sea was calm and it was a fair day. The cool breeze and mild salt water spray from broken waves was very soothing. We passed some islands along the way and the beaches are white and the water is clear and very alluring.

     After about forty five minutes we reached the island that is famous for tourists and it was really a lovely island. The scenery is lush with vegetation and there are picnic areas with shades where you can eat and rest. There is also a resort with a restaurant where you can stay overnight. The place is also secured by some policemen on guard 24 hours. The beach is white and the sand is fine and clean. There is a designated area for swimming, kayaking and Jet Ski driving. We rode a kayak and cheerfully paddled in the clear water to see some beautiful corals and fishes. From time to time we stopped and paused for picture taking around the island. The adjacent islands are near with white sand beaches and we were informed that those islands can be rented exclusively for picnics or other private activities. There are native huts perched on hills and the panoramic view is fantastic. The place is a perfect haven for yachts and truly an island getaway.

     On our way back, all of us are still full of vigor. I sat near the front tip of the boat, spread my arms like the actor in the movie Titanic and felt the wind and fast movement of the boat and I felt like I was flying. We passed by the Big Brother Island where they shoot the scenes from the reality show Pinoy Big Brother Teen Edition of ABS-CBN starring Kim Chui and Gerald Anderson. They constructed a bungalow with the signage of Big Brother. The island is small but beautiful with a small lagoon where we saw big fishes swimming around. It was already late afternoon when we reached the mainland. We stayed in our hostel for one more night and head for home in the morning. 

     Along the highway going to Manila somewhere in Tarlac, there were many vendors selling "alimango" or mud crabs which are as big as a plate bound by plastic string and filed on top of the other to form one heap. My daughters told me to stop and buy some crabs for our dinner; so we stopped at one vendor and asked him how much is the heap of crabs. The price is around three hundred pesos so we tried to haggle and we were glad that he agreed to sell at a discounted price. Upon reaching our house, we started to cook the crabs but we were disappointed to see that the crabs at bottom heap were already dead and are rotting. That was the time when we realized that we were duped by the crab vendor. He sold us his old stock which he secretly pulled inside his big native bag. Lesson learned was to inspect the crabs at the bottom heap if they are still alive and moving if poked. Beware of unscrupulous vendors. 

     We just laughed at the incident and charged it to experience and even if it was a bit hurting, our trip was very rejuvenating and provided us a short escape from busy city life. Another family bonding activity which we will never forget!

    

   

    

   

     

Ocean Adventure

     It is fun to watch dolphins jumping and swimming beside a moving ship. How much more if you can watch them perform in a show and you can even command, touch and play with them afterwards.

   

     This is again, another bonding trip with my family. This time it is a part of my birthday celebration. After a 3 hour ride from Manila, we finally arrived at Ocean Adventure, nestled in Subic Bay within the Subic Bay Free Port Zone in Zambales    ( a former American Naval Base). As we parked our vehicle, I noticed that the area is marked by forested mountains in the background with a sign "do not feed the monkeys". I eagerly looked for one monkey but there was none that day.  

     We were late for the Sea Lion Show and we can hear the delighted applause and laughing of the audience. We settled for the Dolphin Show and as we waited we can see the picturesque horizon of the bay together with the dolphin holding area and the trainers. Once in a while few dolphins are bobbing and swimming around the pens. A bigger fish is swimming with the dolphins and introduced later as a false killer whale. Later, we saw other visitors and the Sea Lion audience as they trickled in after the show was finished. 

     At last the Dolphin Show started with an introduction from the emcee and the high jumping act of the dolphins and the false killer whale. The dolphins were well trained and obedient as they jump and swim in synchrony with what the emcee said. The trainers continuously fed the dolphins and whale small fish to motivate them to perform the tricks. A boy who volunteered was met with a surprise from the false killer whale. The show was very entertaining and at the distant we can also see dolphins performing for family or small group where they can be touched, rode upon in a "merry go round" style and commanded with the aid of the trainers. At the end of the show, those who paid for the picture taking with the dolphins (me and my wife included) were called and prepared to pose beside a dolphin and touch its skin. I am amazed to see that the dolphin knows how to pose, even with a "smile"!

     There was a wild animals show in the other staging area with some members of an indigenous tribe who showed the audience how to survive using materials in the jungle (making fire and cooking with dried and freshly cut bamboo stems). There was also audience participation where they were able to touch the wild animals.  While waiting for the Sea Lion Show we rested in a nipa hut for free and took pictures around. Then we visited the salt water aquariums with many tropical fishes. In the middle portion of the area is a  restaurant. The last show is the Sea Lion Show which is also very entertaining. It is a little bit tiring trip but a satisfying and a happy one.