IT'S LIKE I CAN TOUCH THE SKY IN HOEK VAN HOLLAND!

More Puerto Galera Photos

sharing my enjoyment

It is a lazy day today. I digged my files and saw some beautiful photos from our recent Philippine holiday. They are too beautiful not to be shared. All from Puerto Galera. I hope you will like them too, whoever you are :)

my son in White Beach

Puerto Galera

me and my son

my husband and my son at the boat to White Beach

How can I forget this boat? Since 2009 to present.

I love to go back here.

my son and the lovers whom I do not know :)

a delicious banana smoothie

The day that we left Puerto Galera.

Philippine Holiday 2017: At Encenada Beach Resort

This is a bit late blog post. Still, I want to share these photos I made at Encenada Beach Resort. Encenada is located at Barangay Palanan, Puerto Galera. A perfect getaway, a beautiful view to behold. Let my photos tell you more... 

Philippine Holiday 2017: Now In White Beach, Puerto Galera

the boat that took us to White Beach from Batangas Pier

Lunch with my son at the busy beach area

me with my son at the boat

breakfast at the beach

passing by the Coco Beach 

approaching Sabang Beach

the Sikat Bus

After one day and two nights stay in Manila, we arrived on the island of Oriental Mindoro yesterday afternoon. From Manila, we took the Sikat Bus, the bus that brings  tourists twice every day to Batangas Pier. From Batangas Pier, another one hour ride in the boat getting to the island. Because of the past super typhoon that hit Luzon, our bus trip took three hours. There are still road and bridge damages that make the motorists to turn to alternate longer route.

Before, we always stay in Sabang. This time we are staying at White Beach. The boat first stop was in Sabang, discharge the passengers there, then to Puerto Galera, finally in White Beach. A staff from the resort where we are staying was there to meet us and to give us a lift going to the hotel. It was a tiring day. In the evening, we have dinner at the nearby local restaurant. One of my husband's friends who is also a Dutchman with his wife and daughter were also there to join us. After our dinner, we returned to the hotel where there is a special program that being held by the officials, officers, and staff of the Department of Education. A night of Philippine music, songs, and dances.

This morning, we have our breakfast at the beach. The sand sparklingly white in the sun. The waves are huge, good for a windsurfing. Only, I observed that the White Beach is now very commercialized. While awaiting for your food and even while eating your meal, there are approximately ten vendors who will approach you to sell something, earnings, bracelet, tour guides, boat rides, to braid your hair, even an offer to have a tattoo.

I just understand that they are doing it for a living. Anyway, it is my nature to always see the good in a situation. So I am here again to share some beautiful photos I made here in Puerto Galera... It's only just begu

Philippine Holiday 2017: Pondering Thoughts Of A Sunset Seeker

The day's temperature reached to 32 degrees. It is almost summertime in the Philippines. It is good that there is a clean swimming pool at the place where we are staying, and also the beach at the back of the vacation home. This afternoon, I took a  moment to walk in the beach to watch the spectacular sunset. I likewise made some photos of the things that interest me. I wrote my name in the sand, and I can't prevent the waves not to rinse it away. The view is lovely. I feel the sense of the simplicity of the life here. There were children playing, there were few young guys who are learning to windsurf, there are fishermen's boats that are ready for an early dawn fishing. My husband remained in our cabin to look for my son. I took my time alone to admire the now a familiar sunset. Now familiar, but its beauty is always a thing that I always look forward to every time we will go for a vacation in the Philippines. Anywhere we go, I always love to photograph sunset. Sunset has sometimes brought tears in our eyes, sometimes the view is dramatic, sometimes calming, sometimes it gives us a reason to become hopeful. Because after sunset, there is always a beautiful sunrise on the succeeding day. Again, please enjoy my photos. Photos I made with my IPhone. Right on the beach.

The Beautiful Magalawa Island in Zambales, Philippines

those days in Magalawa when we're just two :)

I have been to this island many years ago. I was a teenager and we have friends that live in a neighboring barangay.  I remember this small island as clean, reserve, and have many sea urchin. I remember we went there in a banca, with a pot of rice, fresh fish that our friends grilled under the shades of the trees. White sandy beach, fronting the mansion of the famous Cardinal in the Philippines on the mainland.

approaching Magalawa Island

photo courtesy by Magalawa Island.

Magalawa Island

I know it is the Magalawa Island, not a commercial resort. Back then, a private small island but we are allowed to come to swim, to play, and to have a picnic. That was like ages ago. Because the name of this island has now been Magalawa Island Armada Resort. Owned and manage by Family Armada in Palauig Zambales.

Every time we are in the Philippines, we visit this island. Me and my husband stayed in Magalawa for three days and three nights once. After that, we just go there to visit, not for an overnight stay.

a very relaxing place

sea grass, sea shells

rafting and snorkling

Zambales is now well known for its surf spots like Pundaquit, Crsytal, and Liwa. The secluded cove of Anwangin is also an attraction. But I always love Magalawa. My only brother got married to a girl from Barangay Luan, that is one of the main reasons why Magalawa Island had a soft spot in my heart. Our family has many fond memories of this place.

my nephews and my niece

my star and my star fish

white sandy beach

My parents were with us last year.

Magalawa Island is a white sand beach, pristine and not many people. There are plenty of star fish around the island, sea urchin, corals and sea grass. Now that Magalawa is a commercial resort, there are tents and cottages available for all guests who likes to stay overnight or longer. They also serve meals, breakfast to dinner. There are shower rooms. When me and my husband stayed there, we enjoyed the ride in a raft, snorkeling, and a totally relaxing day away from the busy city life.

too early for the sand bar :)

the sand bar

me with my family

the boat for the guests

To get there: if you are from Manila, you can take the Victory Liner Bus, Manila to Sta. Cruz, Zambales. You tell the bus driver ahead to stop at Pangolingan. From Pangolingan, there are tricycles that can take you to Armada Compound and there are boats there that will take you to Magalawa Island. If you go in a private vehicle, it is the same. You will park your car at Armada Compound and they will take you to the island. There is a parking fee.

There are many changes now in Magalawa Island. Aside from tents and cottages, they also have sand bar.  Again, I like to share some of our fond memories through photos. Maybe one time, you can also visit this small but beautiful island.

An Afternoon To Remember At Hoek van Holland

my son who loves water!

The Hoek van Holland or The Hook of Holland is a town in the southwestern corner of Holland. That is where the word hoek derived, hoek means corner in English. This town is only about 20-30 minutes drive away from our home. The Hoek van Holland is administered by the municipality of Rotterdam and a beach that runs for about 18 kilometers to the famous Scheveningen in The Hague. On the other side of Hoek van Holland is the Europort, the biggest port in Europe.

on the way to Hoek van Holland

green houses 

walking on the sand dunes

the path going to the beach

I first went here three years ago, when I was heavy with my pregnancy with my son. My husband took me here to catch the sunset. I remember, I did not enjoy any of the sight that time. It was like a long walk for me. Unlike today, I enjoyed the time with my family, walking in the sand dunes, playing with my camera, and embrace the wind.

many wildflowers 

Hoek van Holland vacation homes

grasses swaying 

shell seekers 

I am not feeling well today. Last night, I didn't have a good night's sleep. I was coughing hard, that I sleep on the living room so my husband can have a good sleep. I know how much he needed a good and long night's sleep. I spent the day sleeping while he was taking charge of everything here in our home. He made a delicious apple pie while I was sleeping. This afternoon, after we eat some slices of the apple pie and have coffee, he said he likes to go to Hoek van Holland.

My husband and my son, were fast. I grabbed my bag, my camera, my coat, and I just laced my canvas shoes in the car. It feels really good to be away for a while with my family.

my reason of living

anyone knows what they are? Sailing cart? hahahah!

i never overlook anything ordinary.

I love this one!

There are many wild flowers along the narrow path to the beach. My son loves to play in the sand dunes. I have my time for myself and to make nice photos of my husband and of my son. Not many people on the beach. I saw the Stena Ship, the big ship that carried passengers going to England. The sight excites me. One day, I really love to go in Cornwall, England.

The Hoek van Holland

papa grabbing his son from the water :)

this is what fatherly means :)

going farther!

My son who first experienced to play in the beach as early as five months old when we went for a holiday in The Philippines was so happy to run barefoot, as if he likes to embrace the coming waves. My husband just took off his shoes and run to rescue our son! Hahaha!

time out, papa! :)

going home now

at the parking

Since we don't have anything with us, not even a towel or an extra clothes for our son, I removed my shirt and we put it to him so he will not feel cold.
That precise moment is something that makes me smile even until now.

he looks cute wearing mama's shirt :)

I have selected some photos that I want to share. One thing that I once again had feel today is: most of the best things in life are free and they are the greatest feeling if they are well spent with our family.