rated PG (Puerto Galera)

if you're working at a call center in Manila, it's certainly going to happen that you will visit Puerto Galera with your workmates. so even if i am not that interested in going there because it's such a cliche, it felt like i had no choice. i was with my friends and i knew i'd have a lot of fun even so.

but the disinterest was just at first. as soon as we set foot on the sand of White Beach, i was charmed by the clean shores and the many people arriving with us and the rest doing activities of various sorts. i even was amazed by the boat that took us there from Batangas Port because it's large and had a very Pinoy touch. it's the boat version of a jeepney.

we stayed in an inn that's about ten-minute walk from the shore and when you thought it's just one big establishment, it's actually just one of the many separate inns built adjacent and looking very similar to one another. they seemed like dormitories in a campus to me. 

after a few hours of rest in our rooms, we went on our tour of the two falls in Oriental Mindoro. we first stopped at Tukuran Falls, though we first passed by Tamaraw Falls. it was quite interesting that we had to transfer to  carabao carts that would get us to Tukuran Falls. the water buffalos had really proven why they're named so when we had to cross the stream a number of times. what's funny is that the carabao would just poop out of the blue during the ride and while i was seated right in front of its anus, i could just see very vividly how it defecated. lol.

Tukuran Falls actually was not high like what you expect a waterfall should be. it just flows through wonderfully formed rocks. the water was very inviting but we decided not to take the plunge. we stayed there for about an hour and ate our sumptuous lunch. we climbed the rocks and from there we were able to fully appreciate the beauty of the falls.

like this is my haven...

Mafe feeling the heat and serenity

then it's around 5pm when we got to Tamaraw Falls. it's twin falls and to me it's really majestic but it didn't have much of that effect because the highway was built across its streams and i think the magic of waterfalls is its mystery when it's not as exposed as that to people. we didn't spend a long time there because the trip back and forth to our first stop was a bit long. we just took some photos before we headed back to the beach.

twin falls for lovers Nuj and Kimmy

we got to beach right after sunset so the night life was beginning to fire up. we joined the people enjoying the party vibe at the shore during dinnertime. there was so much entertainment, from stand-up acts to fire dancing. in fact, that was the very first time i saw fire dancers in the flesh. hehe.

photo credits to Lucci Ocampo

the next day was the chance for us to fully explore the beach. again, i loved how neatly it was maintained. it's good to know that notwithstanding all the many things going on there, the beach is well-kept.

and while we were waiting for our boat ride on our way home, i watched the sea glisten in the sun . it was splendid and magical to me. the clouds in the backdrop felt like it came from a volcanic eruption. just lovely!

this was one of those unexpectedly good trips. it really pays off to expect a little like they say. the carabao cart ride was really something and that alone makes this excursion really memorable.