Cagbalete

This was supposed to be a smooth sailing trip but like any other trips we had, another misadventure welcomed us. And of course, we embraced it. ツ On the morning of Feb 25, we traveled from Cubao to Lucena Grand Terminal to Mauban, and finally to Nilandingan Cove. We were prepared for this trip I must say (things needed and reminders to keep in mind), but the long trek from the Sabang to Nilandingan? Man, it was not a joke! According to reviews, it should have been an hour trek but for that day, it wasn't. Not to mention it was raining hard that time, we walked our way to the cove for two and a half hours. Yuuup. We actually had the option to go on a boat ride from the Sabang to the cove but it was not safe during that time, and so we did not take the risk. We thank the local guides who accompanied us and carried our bags throughout the trek. There was even a time we got lost in the middle of nowhere and it scared the hell out of me. But thank God we were able to figure our way out the forest. It was a bit traumatic for me, really. Imagine dragons. Nah, just kidding. :p Imagine scavenging animals along the way plus the long bushes with sharp edges. We were soaking wet when we arrived at the cove and extremely hungry. Thank goodness our lunch was being prepared when we got there. Originally, the plan was to just pitch a tent during our stay there but due to the bad weather, we had to occupy a kubo for our safety. Not bad at all! I love that kind of  shelter anyway. ツ Even though all throughout our stay there it rained, we were still able to enjoy it. Lots of things to be grateful for. First of is the peacefulness of the place itself. The sound of the waves, the blue horizon and the mangrove trees. And then of course, the food and the company. ツ Though we did not really got a chance to swim (super cold), it's alright. We wandered instead and enjoyed our fresh buko juice. One extraordinary thing I experienced too was that when the water is in low tide, we can walk long enough to reach the magic tree, a tree that is submerged in the water in the morning during high tide. They say it is magical, you can even wish upon it. When we were about to go home, it was still raining though but not that hard anymore. Yaay for Mr. Sun! Added treat Cagbelete gave me was that I was able to taste the best pilipit ever (in the bus on our way home). It's super yummy! Thank you, Cagbalete! Maybe in the future, we shall revisit you.. when you're already sunny, hot and bright. ツ