Sure air conditioning, cable
television and room service are nice to have during vacation, but still, for
me, there is nothing like being lulled to sleep by the sound of the waves,
under a blanket of stars, while being caressed by the gentle cool ocean breeze.
My perfect farewell to
summer of 2013 was camping at the beach with good friends from Outdoor Addicts,
who celebrated their 14th year as one of the most respectable mountaineering groups
in the country. It was actually a
double celebration, as it was also the 2nd year of the Markyfest, a tribute to
our departed comrade and good friend Chef Marky Bagares.
The activities were held at
Burot Beach in Calatagan, Batangas.
More than a hundred showed
up to party with the group, which is a proof of how well loved the group is in
the mountaineering circle.
Getting to Burot Beach
We left Manila Friday
evening. We were so excited. We plotted Calatagan in
our phone's GPS and followed directions, until we reached the town proper where
we decided to ask for directions.
It was almost midnight when we got to the beach's entrance. That is when we
decided to call our friends to ask for instructions. Luckily, the group's
advance party was still awake and had actually started already with the
celebration (meaning, already drinking alcohol).
We decided to pitch our tents first before we joined the socials. I think it was almost sunrise when we decided to hit the sack, which was by then too late because hours later, guests started arriving. But it was okay. We were there to celebrate.
Burot Beach
I usually travel far for
quiet nights and peaceful mornings.
Burot Beach is an
undeveloped beach - no bars, restaurants and rooms. The only creature comforts available are the mini store and
the comfort rooms. So, most who come
here are really into roughing it out.
It is actually a private
beach, used to be owned by the Elizaldes and is now owned by the SM Group of
Companies. It is still open for
the public, for an admission fee of Php 130.00. It is a secured area and very safe for campers.
The beach is wide. The waters are clear. The sands are powdery (although not as
white compared to Boracay or Calaguas).
For a perfect picture and
sunset viewing, we walked to the mangroves.
Wonderful Summer
All
I needed were on this beach -- great music, sumptuous meals, overflowing drinks and good company. All these make it easy again to believe that life is perfect.
So, I can say, it was a great way to say goodbye to summer.
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