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About Me

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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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March 6, 2011

nagsasa cove: zambales' not-so-hidden-gem-anymore


Nagsasa Moonset (Full moon)
moonset in Nagsasa

Return to Nagsasa, the not-so-hidden-gem-anymore of Zambales and reconnecting with old acquaintances. This is my 4th visit after two years.

We had good weather that weekend. We arrived just in time for the sunrise. A full moon was setting on the west and the tide was low.

Nagsasa shore after sunrise

I did a look around after setting camp (which was quick, I just brought a hammock). A lot has changed: new campsites on the southern end (first thing we suggested before was that they should have decent CRs and water). Several years before, it was just a sleepy settlement with just a couple of houses. It’s great to know that people are making a good living; even Mang Ador (caretaker of the first campsite) has a new boat now with "Mang Ador Campsite" brightly painted on its sides. He also had additional huts now and tables.

overlooking the cove

I wanted to see if I can take a shot from a vantage point overlooking the cove so I decided to climb one of the hills at the back of Mang Ador’s campsite. The view was great, but I had to settle taking the shot while the sun is high. During sunrise, the hills would be back lighted, and at late in the afternoon my foreground will be in deep shadows.

Nagsasa Cove: When Everything Stood Still
perfect place for a cool dip

The “free time” between lunch and sunset was spent cooling off by the river that cuts through right in the middle of the cove. The shifting sand at the beach had partially covered the mouth of the river thus a small shallow lake formed inland. There was a time when some parts of the lake were more than 5 feet deep.

Nagsasa Sunset
serene sunset

Sunset is my favorite time here; the cove has a good view of the west. It’s the time when the cove is at is most serene, with everything and everyone settling down. Even with several groups camping there, the place almost seemed deserted.

Nagsasa Dusk Colors
dusk colors

As I wait for the sun to come down, I pondered on what kept me coming back. I have no doubt that the place is becoming more popular as each summer passed by. It’s getting crowded too (it is already crowded by my standards). Even the landscape seemed to have "reconfigured" itself, but I cannot deny that its beauty has endured.

Nagsasa Indios with flickristasindios
our group, first time in Nagsasa (circa 2009)

The place certainly did change. People came and went. I missed Mang Jun "Kidlat" and his family (my favorite subjects for portraits). Mang Ador's wife lost her fight with the big C just this January. I was not able to visit the place as often as I would like, but we kept in touch whenever we can (or whenever they are within cell phone coverage area).

I promised Mang Ador I’ll be back again with printed copies of photos I once took, to remember the smiles of those who are not there anymore. I intend to keep that promise.


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Lantaw
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8 comments:

Jenn said...

Places do change and how fast it seems nowadays. Had a chance to visit in 2009 (thanks to your post) and the place looks even lovelier this time around. That moonset shot is awesome.

bertN said...

Love your pics. Keep sharing them with us.

Anonymous said...

you're shots are amazing. May i know what camera and lens did you used for these shots? Thanks.

tengturista said...

Great photos!

Lantaw said...

I used 70-30mm nikkor and Sigma 10-20mm for these shots

Unknown said...

You have a natural gift for words. I can picture exactly what it is you're describing simply reading it. And your photos are magnificent. You're very blessed :)

It's saddening to know that Mang Ador's wife already passed away. I haven't been to Nagsasa myself, neither do I know them, but I've read about Mang Ador and his wife's exemplary kindness through other bloggers, so this comes as an incredibly sad news.

Lantaw said...

Thanks Butchie. I've kept in touch with Mang Ador over the years. Several weeks ago I was in Capones and my boatman who went to Nagsasa after dropping us off in Capones mentioned I was currently in Zambales. Felt guilty na hinde ako tumuloy ng Nagsasa because Mang Ador was asking our boatman whether I'll camp there later during the weekend.

Mustachio said...

Beautiful place. Great photos.

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