Capones Island--That No-Slippers' Land

Fisheye 2 x Lucky Super 200

If you're visiting Anawangin or Nagsasa cove, best visit this island as well. Sitting atop its rocky shores is a lighthouse where you can get a view a of the surrounding islands and seascapes. Capones island is but a 45-minute boat ride from either Pundaquit or Anawangin Cove.

Fisheye 2 x Lucky Super 200

The boat ride to Capones island is quite rocky so best visit in the morning where the tides hasn't come in yet. The resident boatmen suggested so citing that when noon comes, the waves are bigger and more treacherous since the location of the island is considered open waters. 

Black Bird Fly TLR x Sensia 200

Once you get there, it won't be beach sand that will greet you but big rocks and some sand that is surely not for the flimsy-footed.  We've seen quite a number of torn footwear littering the rocky shores to conclude as such. Add to that, my own rubber slipper got torn. Haha. 

Trekking up the hill to the lighthouse is also another hurdle.  It might not look that high but add the sweltering heat of direct sunshine and you're up to a daunting task. However, the view on top is worth all the sweat. Whew! 

Fisheye 2 x Lucky Super 200

The Capones lighthouse is open to the public and anyone may climb up to the view deck. Climbing up the hill is one but going up the very lighthouse is another matter. The stairs are narrow and as metal spiral stairs go, they tend to wobble. Not for the faint-hearted indeed. However, when you get to the view deck, you're treated to a 360 degree view of the surrounding areas and I'm telling you, it's well worth the climb.

Analogue Tips:

• Bring light cameras. You wouldn't want a bulky SLR to weigh you down when you're climbing. :P
• Slide films. Bust out those 64ASAs and 100ASAs that you can't use on normal days coz they eat a lot of sunlight. Here, they're getting a lot of that. 
• Wide angle lens cameras for the view on top. :) 
• Fisheye camera for having your pics taken with the lighthouse while on the viewdeck. :P

Pundaquit Shores-- Zambales' Gateway to your Hideaway

Vivitar Ultra Wide and Slim x Velvia 50

Pundaquit is a fishing village located in San Antonio, Zambales which serves as a gateway to some of the most secluded coves and hideaways closest to Manila--Anawangin and Nagsasa Coves, among others. The shore is home to a number of resorts which offer a range of facilities from overnight accommodations to cottages for day travelers. 

Vivitar UWS x Velvia 50

Pundaquit Beach is reminiscent of local beach resorts you'll find scattered all over the country--the Philippines being an archipelago. There are a lot of small-scale resorts that offer huts or cottages for use for the day. Facilities may include overnight accommodation but most of the time, expect a hut with a roof, some chairs and a table. The people make up for the meager facilities though. Pundaquit residents are very accommodating despite the language barrier. You can arrive here with narry a schedule nor a contact person for your Anawangin hideaway and you're sure to find someone to help you starting from the tricycle driver who brought you here from San Antonio. 

Vivitar UWS x Velvia 50

Pundaqui Sunsets

As dusk falls, you'll see the sun set between the two islands in the distance; the light reflected over the calm waters of Pundaquit beach. Beach goers sit on the shores waiting for the sun to touch the horizon. 

Fisheye 2 x Eurocolor 200

 Analogue Tips: 

• Wide lens cameras for panoramic beach shots
• Fisheye for a yet even wider view
• Cameras with exposure control for lovely sunsets. ^__^
• Underwater camera

Vivitar UWS x Velvia 50