Dubbed as “The emerging Paradise in the Pacific” by the local tourism authorities, I suppose, I finally entered paradise with least efforts exerted and just a peanut chip-in for the island-hopping, sealed the deal.
I counted about four decades before I discovered the hidden beauty of the peninsula. Thanks to the 2010 National Elections for making this trip possible by being one of the PCOS technicians deployed in Caramoan. Knowing that I might be assigned in my barangay in Iriga, I requested that I be included in the Caramoan shortlist of technicians. It worked on my favour and the rest was history.
One jeep load of PCOS technicians sent by Smartmatic left Pili, Camarines Sur as early as 6 am going to Sagnay port. The team boarded a pump boat for Caramoan and sailed for almost a couple of hours. Disembarked at Guijalo port, hailed a tricycle going to town proper just right in front of the town hall, and ate our late lunch with unfamiliar faces. Then while waiting for the directive, the teams settled down on a rented house close to the market. The town was alive as the streets were. The week-long fiesta coincided the elections, and for one apparent reason, the place was festive, business was at its best, and with this scenario enjoyed the place not as a sleeping one but as wide awake!
I tagged along with my younger buddies as we explored town like going to a nearby spring with water gushing out of a huge limestone. The swimming area was narrow but still it is a good spot for dipping. I took pictures around and left just before darkness fell.
The following day was solely spent for ocular inspection on our respective school assignments. Mine was at Ilawod Elementary School, the entry point to the controversial and infamous Gota Beach.
Loaded with food and other provisions intended for the island-beach hopping, the group proceeded to the port where an outrigger boat was ready to take us to the group of islands. The turquoise water and the limestone rocks decked with green plants and grass were strikingly spectacular. Our cravings for the “white thing” seem to be uncontrollable. Then our supervisor-cum-guide suddenly announced that Gota beach was now in sight, but from our boat, the beach did not appeal so much and we dismissed outright the idea that we could at least draw near for it was taboo to local tourists. Change your skin and hair color or join the Survivor series and you will be most welcome there, no doubt!
Just across Gota beach awaits Hunongan Cove, a small but picture perfect cove for those who know how to appreciate innate beauty that nature could offer. Marvellous crags and cliffs made the cove even more stunning plus the 99% white sand and the inviting waters make it the best swimming spot for me. I relegated Puka beach near Boracay in Malay, Aklan to only second in ranking.
After lunch was shared, we hopped onto the next island called Matukad. I discovered that the sand reserve on this pristine island is comparable to the powdery white sand of Boracay. Majestic and steep craggy rocks also made the backdrop awe-inspiring.
Tipped that a mysterious lagoon is found at the foot of the cliffs, we performed another activity, rock climbing. The climb was not easy, but a discovery was about to unfold. Our guide told us that Tayak Lagoon keeps two milk fish, but the other one was fished out from the pond by somebody and it cost his life. We in fact spotted the other huge milk fish, took photos around, and ditched the idea of going down for fear of risking our lives.
Instead, we reached the summit of the cliff naturally adorned with bush and plants that jut out from the crannies. I bruised my left knee, but that did not stop me from taking the most spectacular shot from Matukad Island.
Our revelry was cut short when we were advised to leave the island because of the foreign celebrities who were coming for a reality TV shoot. No offense, anyway for we have enjoyed the place already without asking for more. Then from Matukad, we sailed back to Hunongan cove for our group swimming and beach fun, experiencing both the sunlight and rain. Rounding up the day’s activities, it was by far the best activity of its kind.
The remainder of our days spent on the peninsula was for the May 11, 2010 National Elections as a PCOS technician.
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