For each beach has a character, this an island of contradictions.

-10.04-06.14

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Weekend spent in this island, which I said is one of contradictions with its interesting history of land dispute yet it is inhabited by an adorably protective community of beach dogs (two of which we shared our junk breakfast with), fishing community friendliest to non-locals and based on our experience, best neighbor guests generously giving us background music that are versions of Eraserheads songs. While we have proven that the reviews are true that the land is also home to those insects called “anik-anik” and maybe some sand creatures too, this beach trip I could say is worth it. I rarely comment about the water and the sand so I wanted to share more of the vibe which made us just unusually lazy that weekend in our spot by the hammock we attached to this tree with seemingly trapped spirits. Read up for more stories and snapshots!

At the dock, saw this group getting some sea creatures

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There you are, Magalawa

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Just so we see the entire thing.

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No tripping point please.

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Our travel buddy RockOn 

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Some kind of Java Man

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Lots of beauty in those pale.

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It looks like another jackpot spot

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Kuya Mulo, helpful owner of Ruiz Resort

Side kwento : His opening line to us was: “Hindi sila nagbibiro. Isang case nga ng beer ang dala ninyo!” (They were not kidding. You indeed brought a case of beer!)

Someone to watch over us. Can you see the face?

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.. and our tent.

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Sure, Mr. Dog Magnet

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So the Java Woman attacks at night

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This bunch.

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TIME FLEW. THEN IT WAS ANOTHER DAY.

Whichever side is calm.

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Even the sunrise seemed ‘soft’

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Hidden man

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These two adorb-dogs who liked me (or the food I had! :D)

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What is kilig?

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And all eating junk food, he got sleepy!

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ORANGE.

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That “ice tubig” 😀 ruins all the cast-away vibe

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When ORANGE met BLUE

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Distorted shadow and feet

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Water is clear but there are areas with these sea grass. Safe to step on them though, I suppose.

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How they spend their afternoons

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Three dogs and a boat.

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Not as unfriendly as he looks in this photo

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The community

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These diligent sweepers. 

Side story / kwento : This particular Ate I had a moment with when she approached me and said she noticed how we were drinking the entire time. I told her about the insects who bite and showed her the spray I was using to repel. She then gave this funny comment : “Bakit ang baho? Sana gamitin mo iyong ginagamit nila na parang Colgate (toothpaste brand) ba iyon? (Why does it stink. You could have used what they were using that is similar to Colgate?) – And I think she was referring to Off Lotion.

Having missed our opportunity at “paluto” (buy fish and ask it to be cooked by the locals), we had this instead. Yummy nonetheless.Or maybe, we were just too hungry

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I only got to read a few pages as I was too lazy to do anything!

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See. LAZY. 

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AND WHILE I WAS SLEEPING, ALLEN WALKED AROUND TO SEE THE REST OF THE ISLAND. SUCCEEDING PHOTOS OF COMMUNITY ARE HIS SO I SHALL NOT CAPTION.

And then more dogs at night.

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The next morning, it was again time for sweeping

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On the third day, still calming.

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Tic tac toe.

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As in previous beach trips, spent last minutes with some locals (and semi-locals as I believe some came from nearby provinces and just visiting)

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Lazy dogs

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So cute that dirty nose.

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And this one mimics color of the sand

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How to get to Magalawa Island : 

From Manila, take a Victory Liner bus bound to Iba-Sta Cruz. As trips to such are not as frequent, you may also ride the bus to Olongapo and transfer to Iba-Sta Cruz. Be open though to possibility of crowd and riding one that is ordinary/non-airconditioned.

Ask to be dropped off at Luan Port / Radio Veritas in Pamolingan. It’s a rather secluded area that the only landmark is a JB Sari-sari store on your left. There are tricycles parked there. These tricycles could take you to Luan Port. Fare at Php100-150.

The boat that could take you to the island shall wait for you at the port. If staying with Ruiz Resort (there are by the way only two resorts in the island – other one is Armada but Ruiz is the original one), contact Kuya Mulo at +639288568242 so he arrange one for you. Boat fare at Php100 / head.