Morning Interlude
Kwebang Lampas (Pagbilao, Quezon)
Kwebang Lampas (Pagbilao, Quezon)
May 22-23, 2011
A journey to the mountain and sea done in tribute to a [lost and terribly missed] friend…
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| Sandy Beach : Kwebang Lampas and the hidden Charm |
(a continuation...)
Rise and Shine
I looked beside me and saw Angel still sleeping. Perhaps, her last night’s migraine was so intense. I went out of our little abode, the small tent that shelterd us from the heavy rain last night...
Somehow, the gentle hues of morning seascape erased my last night’s fears. I looked around me and my eyes found the noisy men who intruded our quiet campsite the night before... I can only smile at it now but during those times, we almost died of paranoia with thoughts of... (never mind)! Well we can't be blamed, those guys came in the middle of night (drunk and noisy) and it was only me and Angel in that seaside, no one would ever know if something happened...
[ Waking up to a spectacular sunrise. In a distance, the enormous Pagbilao
Power Plant is a sight to behold... ]
I fixed my gaze at our intruders. On an intense scrutiny, they were not really as frightful like how they’ve appeared last night. I shook my head smiling at our little dramatics, snatched the camera lying near Angel's legs, and walked towards the rocky shore.
The lens started rolling as I tried to immortalize the images before me. How I wished to wake up every day with that scene: gentle waves, fresh air, rising sun, and a very scenic seaside. I still can’t let go of my rest-house dream by the shore.
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| Bouldering Rocks: limestone rocks adorn this little seaside landscape |
[ The peaceful seaside scene at the Bermuda Campsite: Gentle sounds of waves,
cool morning air, subtle seaside colors.... Indeed, nature is still my best image of art... ]
The Happy Bumming
After a little more exploration around the area, we decided to head to Kwebang Lampas. Around 6:30am, we started fixing our things: Break camp. I noticed en route that there were several cut mangrove trees in the area. I was saddened to know that ignorance on the value of Mangroves still persists in some part of this community. I can only shake my head in disappointment.
Mangroves does not only serve as sanctuary to diverse marine lives, they also act as great source of carbon sink for greenhouse gas, source of food, and our very first stronghold defense against tsunamis. Thanks ENS 201 subject for that little info.
When we arrived at the wooden gate of Kwebang Lampas, we were greeted by a gang of dogs. A gang of dogs? Oh my, what a way to start your morning! I almost died of shock and apprehension when I saw them coming out of the gate. Yes, coming out... Ferociously! I would have run if Angel did not reach my arms and held me to the ground.
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| The Shoreline: The rocks are actually marbles... |
“Ano ka ba, gusto mo bang lapain ng wala sa oras? Hahhaha.”
“Grabe naman, bakit kasi hindi usong itali ang mga aso dito? Grabe, bakit ako inaamoy ng isang to?”
It was like a scene cut from a fear factor episode. Dogs of all sizes came out of the gate. I almost fainted when they started smelling and sniffing. Fortunately, minutes (which seemed like an eternity) later the caretaker went out and greeted us. We we’re asked to pay the usual entrance fee of P50. We did not ask for any cottages and opted to lay our things at the grasses, picnic style.
Well, we had the whole area for ourselves. It was the most perfect time to enjoy the water: the sun’s rays were gentle, the waves were almost negligible, the water was so clear, and the whole area was so quite save for the usual chirping of birds. I really enjoyed the moment and for a while I forgot my stressors. Dogs. Freely roaming. Hahaha.
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| Jump Shot: A feisty attempt to fly |
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| Summer Cool : Dipping in the placid clear water of Kwebang Lampas      |
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| Puting Buhangin: The stretch of white sand shore. The gift of silence and uncrowded paradise |
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| A time together |
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| Rar and Dall: In Action |
We went inside the kwebang lampas. The water was unusually calm and only hip-deep (in the early morning/during low tide). The water was indeed crystal clear. The small cave is named “kwebang lampas” because it has an open entrance and exit point. I wondered how the cave was formed. It was nice staying inside and meditating for a few minutes.
Around 10am, a few campers started arriving, so we deiced to leave. Sadly, the area has no supply of freshwater (pipe was stolen according to the caretaker). We had to wash the sands from our body using same seawater. After a few more photo-ops, we took the route back walking along the breakwater of the Power plant. We rented a tricycle back to the barangay hall where a jeepney heading to Pagbilao town proper is waiting. From there, buses heading for Manila ply the main road.
How To Reach the Area:
Metro Manila - ride any bus plying to Lucena (Buendia Terminal) and go to Lucena Grand Terminal. Ride a van going to Pagbilao, Quezon. At Pagbilao Quezon, there are jeepneys going to Kwebang Lampas (only until 4pm). If you missed this one, just rent a tricycle (we paid 300) but be sure to let the driver bring you to the seaside, past the Pagbilao Power Plant, otherwise you would have to walk longer distance to go there.
From the seaside, you can walk to Kwebang Lampas (the trail's quite hidden, but it's near the power plant. It's very advantageous to use this, alot cheaper!) or ride a boat to cross to the other side. From there, walking to the beach is a piece of cake.
Something you should know:
Camping overnight in Kwebang Lampas is prohibited unless the owner in Lucena is notified prior to arrival. As of May 2013, camping is already allowed in Kwebang Lampas because the area is now under the property of the local government. Entrance fee is 50 (as of 2011). Camping Fee is now 80 Pesos for a day tour and 100+ pesos for an overnight tour.
We did not sleep here but in Bermuda where the rocky shore is located (few minutes walk from the beach). But I recommend you arrange with Kwebang Lampas because it's more convenient to camp there. There are big cottages in the beach where sleeping is possible. There are available tents for rent (P300 pesos- can comfortably fit two persons)
And when we went here (2011), there was no supply of fresh water. Water pipe was stolen.
And before I forget, a pack of dogs frequent the area. hahaha.
Petrifying Notes (to myself)
binibigyang kulay ng paningin,
at binbuhusan ng ningning ng puso.
Isang lugar na nagiging tahanan ng mga alaala,
ng mga karanasan, at mga pangarap...
tahanang binabalik-balikan ng puso at isipan.
Datapwat ang paraiso ay isang kamalayan ng taong
may pag-ibig sa puso at katamikan ng kaluluwa.”
Metro Manila - ride any bus plying to Lucena (Buendia Terminal) and go to Lucena Grand Terminal. Ride a van going to Pagbilao, Quezon. At Pagbilao Quezon, there are jeepneys going to Kwebang Lampas (only until 4pm). If you missed this one, just rent a tricycle (we paid 300) but be sure to let the driver bring you to the seaside, past the Pagbilao Power Plant, otherwise you would have to walk longer distance to go there.
From the seaside, you can walk to Kwebang Lampas (the trail's quite hidden, but it's near the power plant. It's very advantageous to use this, alot cheaper!) or ride a boat to cross to the other side. From there, walking to the beach is a piece of cake.
Something you should know:
We did not sleep here but in Bermuda where the rocky shore is located (few minutes walk from the beach). But I recommend you arrange with Kwebang Lampas because it's more convenient to camp there. There are big cottages in the beach where sleeping is possible. There are available tents for rent (P300 pesos- can comfortably fit two persons)
And when we went here (2011), there was no supply of fresh water. Water pipe was stolen.
And before I forget, a pack of dogs frequent the area. hahaha.
Petrifying Notes (to myself)
1. Don't be afraid of Dogs. They will always won't bite without reason.
2. Never Panic. Never let them know you almost died of heart attack/adrenaline rush.
3. A Happy Beach is not a crowded beach. A crowded beach is not a happy beach. But on a second note...
4. Nature has its own unique way of surprising you.
5. Don't be judgemental. Not because drunk men are noisy they are bad. You're noisy, are you bad?
kala ko ba ang spelling ng "Doll" ay Dall? haha
ReplyDeleteHahah..OO nga pala. nakalimutan ko.
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