Survivor Mode in Bicol – Caramoan Islands, CWC and the rest of Cam Sur

If you’re the adventurous type, wants to explore virgin islands, plus willing to be a “survivor” in places much isolated from home; then Bicol is the place to go to.

Bicol is the home to Camarines Sur - which houses the becoming-well-renowned Caramoan Islands.

Before, I’ve been told great things about Caramoan. Called the Philippines’ Secret Paradise, the island group in Cam Sur has a lot to be proud of: pristine shores of powdery sand (untouched unlike Bora), crystal-clear waters of teal and indigo, an aesthetically appetizing assortment of marine life and delicacy, an adventurous encounter of mid-sized cliffs and caves, and islands made for you to admire in awe and admiration.

Always game to experience these statements firsthand, we set off for Caramaoan. Boarding a 45-minute plane from Manila to Naga, I was psyched to have the time of my life. You have to undergo a long trek – van ride to the port, an almost three-hour boat ride to Guijalo port, and a 20-minute ride to Julia Villana.

"they finished before the fall of dusk..."

Lahuy Island

Pristine shores

Indulge in a sugar rush experience.

Matukad


Another boat ride?

Survivor's tribal council

Remember: Always be ready to be carried by local boys on their shoulders whenever you “dock”, because there’s actually no docking point in the so-called ports. Of course, handing over a P5-service fee per head (or more) will make them beam with energy.

Ready, lift!

Caramoan trip is never complete without a visit to these islands:
1.Lahuy Island
2.Sabitang Laya
3.Hunungan Bay
4.Emerald lagoon in Matukad Island
5.Gota Cave

Gota Village

Caramoan isn’t the luxury lounging type of beach I used to, but it’s just what I need – a place that forces me to get under my skin and over myself.

Serenity

Perfect Cone of Mayon Volcano

On our way back to Naga, we visited CWC. Cam Sur Watersports Complex, the favorite venue for most events, is the perfect place for sports-oriented individuals. If wakeboarding is your thing (or even for those who want to try), then CWC offers the perfect venue. An approximately 20-minute ride from CWC is SM Naga, the place where you can buy pasalubongs.

CWC poolside

To wake board or not?

Just in time for a series of events

As I looked out of the window after boarding the plane, I bid Bicol goodbye with a pang of sadness since I’ll be missing this secret paradise. But somehow, I smiled because here with me is a luggage full of unforgettable memories and adventure.

Northbound Sceneries

Hours away from home, we set off to the north and arrived at one of our destinations – BOLINAO.

Claiming to be Boracay of the North, Bolinao’s strip of land offers numerous resorts and hotels much to the delight and convenience of tourists.

Revisiting Bolinao, this time we went to Puerto del Sol.

Here are some snapshots of the place.

inviting pool

Ready for a relaxing massage?

Dewdrops on the flora

Canoe and sunset

nightview

the ultimate jacuzzi experience

Green, green grass of home

We also visited our old friend, the Lighthouse in Patar.


Puerto del Sol could have been a great resort, but the personnel are not so friendly to tourists and I do not suggest swimming in their beachfront during low tide. For those who want to visit Bolinao, I suggest you go to Treasures of Bolinao – perfect sceneries, strategic beachfront location and friendly staff.



Click here to compare with Treasures of Bolinao snapshots during our last visit.

Puerto del Sol's website

Normi “Heard” It

This is Normi, my 56-year old Bible student who is a true meek.

Despite her poor eyesight, she is an industrious student who prioritizes studying the Bible despite many chores. She selflessly cares for her old mother who cannot walk and she has the initiative to serve their relatives wholeheartedly. A woman with a noble heart, she always beams at me every time she learns something new; and laughs wholeheartedly whenever she forgets last week’s lesson.

But one thing makes her stand out from the rest.

She is hearing-impaired, plus, she is illiterate (is not very familiar with alphabets and numbers).
Since birth, she wasn’t able to enjoy the gift of hearing life’s melodious music. But this doesn’t prevent her from hearing the word of God. She makes every visit to her place a memorable one for she always welcomes visitors and teachers like us with her sweet smile.

Being shy is one of the major traits of a hearing-impaired individual and most deaf run away from people whenever they are given attention. But not Normi. Eagerness to learn is seen in her eyes and she bravely tries her best to mingle with others.

The process of studying with an illiterate hearing-impaired is really quite a challenge. It’s like teaching a 2-year old kid the fundamental ABCs. But the effort is all worth it; for I know that time will come when Normi will reap great fruits of her labor. Soon, she will be able to hear the music of everlasting life in God’s new world.

I look forward to Normi and her family’s blissful condition in the future.

Burgoo

Question:

What is a unique experience in Burgoo; which other restaurants do not have?

Answer:

It is undeniably proven that Burgoo serves mouth-watering recipes for people of all ages to satisfy their craving palate. But a unique experience in Burgoo is the use of a large sheet of paper as substitute for tablecloth. Also present is a wooden receptacle with crayons so diners can express themselves through sketches, doodles and other works of art while waiting for the food to be served.

The waiter also introduces himself and writes his name on the paper.

Mishi, my niece, revealing her artistic side. :P

What better way to express love... :)

Note:

“The Barn” a former resto in Katipunan (infront of Miriam College) also provides this experience.

Camaya Coast

"Life is breathtakingly simple."

http://www.camayacoast.com

Here are some snapshots during our Camaya Coast trip.

Boating exclusively for Camaya.

top view

resthouses

care for a trek?

cross the stilts

or cross this inflatable moving "bridge"

Feast for a king!