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This blog is an amateur photographer's attempt to show how beautiful the world really is. He is drawn to the colors of nature like a moth to a candle light. What are showcased here are nature's grand display of colors at sunrise and sunset, beautiful beaches and off-the-beaten track locations in his beloved Philippines, waterfalls and some of nature's great sculptures, architectural gems, and other views from around SE Asia that he was fortunate to see at one point.

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June 2, 2009

tondol: tanduyong island sojourn


The printed satellite map I am holding shows heavy cloud cover over my destination. This is probably the reason why some of my friends hesitated in joining me on this trip. But here I am on a 4am bus bound for the town of Anda, an island in Lingayen gulf in northern Pangasinan some 260 kilometers from Metro Manila. My destination is the barangay of Tondol in the north-eastern shores of Anda, popular for its (very) shallow beach and a nearby sand cay called Tanduyong island.

It began to rain as we passed by the town of Bani. I could clearly see the wreckage left by the recent Typhoon Emong: houses completely torn down as if a huge wrecking ball was dropped on them; and roofs crumpled like paper. Electricity had been restored in some areas, but others like Tondol will have to wait for a few more weeks. I saw some enterprising locals (who can afford generators) put up cell phone charging stations in front of their homes.

The sun was struggling against the clouds when I reached the small pier in Tondol. I could make out the silhoutte of Tanduyong on the horizon. On good days you can easily walk from Tondol beach to Tanduyong. Even at high tide, the deepest (if you know the proper route) is just about 4 feet. But with the gears I have, I decided to take a boat to the island.

Early Morning at the Pier
Tanduyong on the horizon

I was met by the Torino family - the caretakers of the island. Their house was completely destroyed by the typhoon. The rest house (built by the owner) that survived the strong winds served as their temporary quarters.

Tanduyong after Typhoon Emong
storm ravaged

The once well maintained beach front is still littered by debris. Grasses were left unchecked and have started to spread. With the damage the typhoon has brought to the island, clearing the weeds would probably be the last item on one's to-do list.

Stormed
Tanduyong western side

I picked the southern tip of the island as my camp site. Its near the shallow beach and it has the lone hut. Its also the narrowest part of the island, with one shore just a few meters away from the other. The island itself is quite small, it would take just 5 minutes (or less) to walk from one end to the other.

First Class Accomodation
first class accommodation: 360-degree view

The battered roof of the hut provided a welcome shade (I was surprised to hear that its raining in Manila while its a fine beach weather out here). Most of the trees (save for the coconut trees on the northern end), were either completely uprooted or had their top parts cut off.

Storm Battered
battered roof

Soon the ad hoc welcoming committee paid me a visit and offered me a quick tour around the island.

Sanchai Smile
Sanchai, Jennalyn, Lawrence, and Simon

They are the island's happy bunch: 3 siblings and 1 cousin. Everywhere I go I notice that kids always have that sunny disposition regardless of whatever situation they are in, and these kids are no different.

Tanduyong Kids
the welcoming committee

I saw the area where their houses used to stand. Its now a huge pile of rubble. Sanchai, the youngest, frowned for a while when she mentioned she can't find her dolls after the storm. A smile quickly returned on her face when Simon (the eldest) suggested we go to the other end of the island.

Storm Ravaged
typhoon aftermath

Its amazing how bountiful the island is. The surrounding waters is still teeming with marine life. You can pick shells under the rocks on the eastern shore, or dig for small crabs on the northern end.

Digging for Crabs
Kiko digging for crabs

Kiko, the island's resident crab digger, would smell the holes in the sand and earnestly dig out the crustaceans.

Grab a Crab
grab a crab

A few of these small shore crabs and some coconut milk and you have yourself a succulent meal.

The western shore of the island (the one facing Brgy Tondol) has fine sand. Dig small holes with a stick during low tide and you'll see plenty of small clams. Within an hour I (with the kids' sporadic help, they quickly got bored) was able to collect a sizeable pile enough for a big bowl of clam soup.

Tulya
"tulya"

I dozed off in "my" hut the rest of the afternoon, interrupted by quick swims when it got too hot or by the kids clowning and poking about my tent pitched nearby.

Cloudy Sunset
Tanduyong cloudy sunset

For the first time I felt really relaxed in a trip. No group to lead, no plans, no nooks and POVs to explore, no pressure to take photos. I was glad to be "stuck" there, effectively "alone". I did not bring any books to read or an MP3 player to listen to. I am glad I didn't.

Up next:
  • Tondol beach low tide scenes and places to stay if you want a bee line to Tanduyong island
  • Torinos' hospitality
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29 comments:

Wolynski said...

Wow, beautiful photos. What a sad story with the typhoon, but then full of hope for the rebuilding. Life goes on. And yes, those crabs look succulent.

erin said...

beautiful commentary and captures. enjoyed so very much.

Carver said...

That's such a beautiful island. I liked your post and photographs very much. It's so sad about the destruction wrought by the typhoon.

Jen Laceda | Milk Guides said...

Painfully beautiful photography. Painfully beautiful landscape (or shall I say, seascape)?

Sylvia K said...

Incredible photos, great post -- as always! The children are beautiful and delightful! Hope the island gets back to normal soon.

Photo Cache said...

that sunset shot alone is enough to make me go, typhoon or not.

i should keep this place in mind, i am not too far from pangasinan so when i finally get to come home this is one of the must see places.

my world entry is here: http://ewok1993.wordpress.com

Jane Hards Photography said...

This world looks so peaceful and idylic and to have trappings of modern living banished for a while.... bliss.

Lessie said...

I can't imagine a better "guide book" entry. Lovely photos. Lovely commentary. I wish I had been there! If you publish a book, I will buy.

Gaelyn said...

As usual, you visit some of the most remote looking and gorgeous places. Even with the devastation the kids look happy and healthy.

Pierre said...

Some absolutely breathtaking photographs - thank you for sharing your corner of paradise! I will certainly be back for more and look forward to your future posts.
Regards from Cape Town,
Pierre

atto aryo said...

hindi na pala intsik si sanchai? he he

Arija said...

After a large catastrophe it takes a lot of energuy and time to get ones life together again. I like the 360 degree view, you forgot to mention the automatic airconditioning.

MysLykeMeeh said...

awesome pictures and great captures. Children are so happy in the pic. Love it!

escape said...

i think this will be one of my favorite destination. knowing that it has preserved its marine life treasures. sad to know that it was strongly affected by the typhoon.

Sidney said...

Looks pretty wild there...too bad about the typhoon!
I can imagine you enjoyed your time alone...just being in the middle of nowhere...enjoying nature's beauty!

Lantaw said...

Wolynski, I tried those crabs and they are indeed succulent :).
The people in those areas like Tondol are quite resilient. thanks!

erin, thanks! more to come :)

Carver, sadly more typhoons will be coming as the rainy season just started :(. thanks.

jen, thanks for the visit! I hope to visit the island again after it has "bounced" back

Lantaw said...

Sylvia, they are indeed a beautiful bunch, made my stay in the island very memorable.

Photo Cache, you must visit! its near Bolinao, there are homestay accommodations in Tondol.

Babooshka, it was a perfect getaway :)

Lessie, Thank is so heartwarming! thanks! One of my dreams is to publish a coffee table book ^^

Lantaw said...

Gaelyn, the kids are always the happiest anywhere :).

Pierre, my pleasure! thanks for dropping by!

r-yo, hahaha, fan sila ng meteor garden kaya ganyan :)

Arija, hahaha, I indeed have 24-7 automatic air conditioning :D

Lantaw said...

Mys Lyke Meeh, thanks! the kids are pure joy :)

Dom, the place will be OK soon. I just hope electricity is restored as soon as possible. Daming great snorkeling sites dun.

Sidney, I had a blast there :D, love the island so much and the folks there are very hospitable :)

Oman said...

the smiles on the welcome committee are priceless. this is a great trip allan and i will anticipate ur next post on the island.

Anonymous said...

amazing shots! lalo na yung sa mga bata. :p

Lantaw said...

Oman, thanks bro! will post again soon.

Joffred, thanks for dropping by!

Dexter said...

i just found your site but it seem si am fascinated with your posts..your photography is excellent....kanus a kaha ko makapunta diha lugara...but anyway since you are sharing your travels here mura na pod ko ug naka anha sa lugar..beautiful

Lantaw said...

Dexter, Thanks! Its my pleasure sharing my travel experiences. If it seems you've already travelled there through my photos then I think this blog served its purpose :). Drop by again sometime :)

Ayel said...

My fave picture here is that of the hut. The caption made it perfect.

dodong flores 도동 플로오리스 said...

Hmmn... I love the sunset photo...

Lantaw said...

Ayel, Dodong: Thanks for the visit mga bai! :)

epi said...

I've been here many times na!
ito ng beach n lagi kong babalik-balikan!

My Advetures: Tondol

ajay said...

I really love this place and the people who lives their especially Kuya Boyet and Kiko...It is such a wonderful experience,I shall return by december..hahahaha

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