Anawangin Cove - Don't Change

Mt.Pundaquit Anawangin Cove (February 14-15, 2009)
San Antonio, Zambales

I visited the site last February 14 together with some of my friends. The group was divided, since some are not keen into the slopes of Mt. Pundaquit..Only four of us took the rocky trails and the rest had taken a 15-minute ride to the camping ground. Our first visit was thru boat ride also last September 17 (2008).

The jump-off point is at Brgy.Pundaquit itself.

The trail taken 5 hours of time, but it was fun and a new experience for all of us. We started our climb at around 12NN and arrive at 5PM on the site. Our guide was the ever silent and later the funny Mang Mario. I was having a rough time during the initial climb, for people like me that has no exercise in whatever means, I salute and thank you our leader (Mr. Wakeke)..For bringing salt and Tai-Chi Ginger Liniment. Well honestly it did wonders for me.

The weather also helped us not drain our energy so much. It was an overcast afternoon. Arriving in the summit was refreshing since you can see the cove from afar.
Going down the slopes was a breeze even it inherits steep rocky trails. The last trail mark was the 20 minutes walk at the back of the camping ground. During our arrival at the camping ground, I saw something different. The place looks different from what I saw last September. The first I noticed was the cleanliness of the area. Even at the back of the camping ground. Going further to the beach front, there is now a fence which gives double purpose. Lot guidelines and support for banca parking. Once I saw the fences, I trace back my memory on what Mang Mario said on the mountains, there are three families that owns a piece of land in Anawangin. So that answers the fences installed just a few meters in front of the beach. The so-called dry room which is where you changed clothes after taking a bath at the poso still standing still. Now, they have installed two (2) new toilet rooms which serve its own purpose. Definitely the main reason for the two additions is that for now many people are staying for two days or more in their camping experience.

During the day, the caretaker also takes care of picking up dry leaves falling from the trees. This is really a good view seeing the future of Anawangin cove. With people going on weekend’s trip and anticipating the summer visits, this will be really a jam-packed place. Let's help is making this place a spotless camping site, trashes should be taken care properly. There is a scheduled trash transfer by boat to Brgy. Pundaquit. As unlike before, you can see plastics everywhere.

The caretaker also does rounds at night and morning to check the safety of the campers. This is their precaution to the rising accidents in the area. Mountain guides are also encouraged even to the seasoned climbers as the mountain have its own toll of people. But still, it is responsibility of each person to be prepared, cautious and importantly not harm the place itself.

Do your share in maintaining the place as one of the best camping grounds in the Philippines. It is evident for now some technology is insignificant like electricity and GSM signals. Nevertheless in the near future, these two major technologies will be there to guide us and help us when in need.

In the span of 5 months, I've seen changes in Anawangin Cove.. For now the changes are good. Hope it will still stay the same and not beyond. But surely, change is at the doorstep. Just keep the changes minimal.

We must do our responsibilities as a camper, visitor and mountaineer. Preserve Anawangin and its beauty.

Surely, I will be back..
Anawangin Contact Details:
Visit town's website: http://www.pundaquit.com
Mang Florante (Bangkero) 09299620416 / 09108053388
Mang Romeo (Hike Guide) 09198743682