Hundred Islands Vacation Part II

// June 4th, 2007

This is the second part of my Hundred Islands Adventure story.

Looking a bit disappointed and mumbling Pangalatok words to the person he talked to when he recommended that we stay in a not-so-accommodating-looking place, the tricycle conceded and went back to the tricycle to drive us to Maxine.

When we reached Maxine’s driveway, Dude took the tricycle driver’s mobile number. He said that he will be keeping in touch with him when it’s time for us to go home, which I believe is his way of consoling the driver’s torn soul.

We were not surprised when the room rates at Maxine’s are Php1000 when the amenities are not that great - the rooms have a too industrial feel in them and not a sign of even a black and white TV or functioning outlets where I can recharge my now-gone 6510 and my Canon Ixus Zoom digicam. But we still checked in because of the great view from Maxine’s resto plus, yes, we avoided the place where the tricycle driver wanted us to stay in.

Captivating view of the sea especially since we arrived there just when the orange sun is starting to set appearing like a dim limelight behind a calming pink sky background, completing the panoramic view of a painting-like sunset. This is me trying to write creatively.

We ordered Calamares and beer to be one with the crazy beautiful (love you Kirsten Dunst!) scene. Never too early to get some booze when you’re on vacay. However, my forever friendly Dude started chatting with the waiter who happened to had worked in Clark Pampanga, too. It’s from our conversation (can’t help not to chime in) that I’ve learned Dude’s actually disappointed that we still have to go on a boatride before we can get to the Hundred Islands. Why? He’s scared of having to pass the vast body of water! So me! And we’re both Aquarians!

The next day we noticed that the seawater rose and it’s my first time to discover that the high tide happens in the morning. Is it a geographical thing or is it always in the morning that the water rises? I think I was absent when my Ecology teacher discussed about high and low tide. Hehe.

After a hearty breakfast of danggit, tocino and some American breakfast staples, we braved the sea to get to the Hundred Islands at long last. We saw the Cathedral Island which has an eerie looking cave. There’s the Marcos island, too, which seemed like it has a too small shore. The Governor’s island looked like it’s a private property with its beach house which I think was the Pinoy Big Brother Teen edition house. And we got to the Quezon Island which is not all that. It looked like a beach version of Baguio or just about any abused Philippine tourist spot. It could have mesmerized me if only I didn’t immediately see all the souvenir shops, which I think would be better off if they remain at Lucap in stead of setting shop at the very beach. The right part of the island smelled of what I think is H.E. Eeeww..

I wish I chose Marcos Island in stead because its beachline looked smaller and it won’t be able to accommodate too many people that will pollute it. I think I should get my own private island. Lol! But it’s good enough for my first time beachcomber Dude because there’s no other beach he can compare it with. Pundaquit is a lot lovelier.

I just hope that the Quezon Island gets more attention from the tourist spot conservers, is that what they’re called? Because from what I saw it’s about to get really unsightly in no time if left unattended. Or maybe I’m just really not a beach person.