Stranded in paradise: The Puerto Galera stormy escapade

It has been years since I actually took some time out from studies and work. That is why nothing, and I mean NOTHING can stop me from getting my well deserved break. Not even “Cosme”. 

To go or not to go


Part of my daily task in the office is to get weather updates from PAGASA. That is how I got frustrated, the moment I read that a tropical storm, Cosme, lurks around Mindoro area. Just imagine how I felt, preparing for a weekend beach getaway for a month or so, just to find out that a day before, there will be a freakin’ storm!

After much heated arguments, we decided to go to Batangas. If the weather would allow us to board the ferry, we’ll go to Galera. If not, we’ll just head to some beach in Batangas just so we can get a dose of tanned skin and sand and salty water.


Good Heavens said “Yes!”

It has been a hot, sunny trip on our way to Batangas port. A good sign, I must say. Nevertheless, it’s not the sun that will determine the fate of our trip. It’s the water current that will.

At the port, there are more people like us, playing with chances of heading to Galera. A guy from the ferry trip company escorted us to get the necessary tickets. We were then led to a long queue. We had our bags checked. Some guy tore our tickets. We were assisted to safely mount the ferry. It is then that I realized, “Good Heavens said Yes!”

Ahoy!



The whole trip is a-ok. Had the chance to catch some sleep (as if the naps I had on the bus were never enough). I never had any problems with sea sickness in the past, and this trip is not an exception. I may not feel like puking during the trip, but the sky did feel like it as the sea lulled the ferry.

It rained, and rained, and it rained some more

Since it’s raining the moment we went down the ferry, the urgent thing to do would be to look for a place to stay. Good thing, “Mommy” was there. As usual, she brought tourists such as us to inns, and tried to help us as we haggle to get the lowest room rate possible. After checking some rooms, we decided to stay at White Beach Hotel. We got a room at the third floor that gave us a nice view of the shore. Unfortunately, on the first day, we saw a gloomy shore.
Get out. Eat. Get wet.



Since we don’t want the day to go to waste, we decided to grab something to eat while waiting for the rain to stop.

We knew Galera celebrated fiesta the day before we arrived, so Larry bashed the restaurant manager and asked her if she can throw an order of ensaladang talong in for free since it was fiesta. To our surprise, she said yes. Talk about food talk.

After we got our hands and tummies full of kebabs and tuna salad and ensalada (which by the way, come with tons of onions and tomatoes), we decided to walk by the shore. Rain hasn’t stopped completely, but it’s only drizzle that our skin felt.

Time to flaunt some skin. With ink that is.

The last time I had henna tattoo was UP fair. And I want to have one now, since we are on the beach. And since I love tribal designs so much, that is what I asked kuya to put on my right shoulder and arms. Voila.


We just waited for the ink to dry. Then off we went to feel the salty water on our skin. We can’t go far from the shore though, since the waves are just too strong. Soon, we indulged ourselves in camwhoring sessions, while natives tried to offer us snorkeling sessions for tomorrow.

The night falls

We just stopped walking and camwhoring when it got darker. It began to rain again. So we headed back to the room. Since we ate late lunch, we just ate some of the stuffs what we brought. After eating, we planned to go and enjoy the nightlife in Galera. But I guess, my body lacked sleep that much, that I slept as soon as I laid my back on the bed. Didn’t wake up then until the next day. Darn!

Smooth shore, strong waves
I know that I didn’t set the alarm the night before. I am sure; it’s not the alarm that woke me up. I got up, went out and stood at the porch. I just stared at the smooth sandy shore, as well as the strong waves that engulfed it every now and then. I checked my phone. No texts. The snorkeling guy was supposed to text me for our tour. I guess the waves are just too strong to go on with the tour.

As soon as we ate breakfast, we checked the trip on the way back to Batangas. We planned to go back Saturday afternoon so that I still have time to rest and prepare for my work on Sunday afternoon. But we found out that trips were cancelled that day because of the strong sea currents. I don’t know how I felt that time. I don’t want to miss work tomorrow, but I don’t want to leave Galera yet.

Strong current buys me more fun time

Since I spent most of the day sleeping, I was happy that I will have the chance to enjoy and do more. We didn’t waste time. We changed clothes at once and ran towards the shore. The waves really are that strong because they reached the frontline restaurants and stores. Larry observed that the stairs we used to climb was a step less because the sand covered it already. But that is none of our concerns at the moment. We ran towards the coming waves, trying to overcome its strong push. When the waves are too strong we try to run, or just allow our bodies to be carried away.

Food, sumptuous food.
After goofing around, and getting my skin burned like hell, my big appetite sets in. It’s not the usual experience you get, dining out by the sea, with grilled foods galore. I really wish I could do it more often. It was hard to choose, not because I don’t like the choices. It’s just that they are all just too good to ignore.
 
Inflated rates

We wanted to see the falls. So we asked one of the natives, who happened to be a barangay kagawad, as to how we can go there. And the answer just didn’t fail to shock us. He said, we can rent a tricycle to bring us there- to the tune of P600! The heck! That seems to be the most expensive tricycle ride.
Much the same way as the P20 ice drop that can be bought by the shore. I believe you can get one here in Manila for a quarter of the price in Galera. But as the vendor points out, it’s Galera. It’s hotter, and their goods melt faster by the shore.

So much for that. Let’s just head back to the beach. I’ll just bury myself than to spend that much for a tricycle ride.

I love the nightlife. Galera nightlife.

Time flies so fast; we barely knew it was night time. As promised, I won’t allow myself to sleep and miss the fun. We just changes clothes, and then headed to Mikko’s. As expected, there are lots of people. Party people. And GSM babes too.

The fun never stopped. We haven’t consumed our first shot of alcohol, but it feels good, watching people dance and and play and engage in games and stuff.
Before the night is over, people got their dose of drunkenness. I didn’t. And it’s just so unfair!!! So much for my high alcohol tolerance.

Time to go home

Contrary to rumors last night  that all trips bound to Batangas were cancelled, well, we were able to board the ferry around 12pm. The ferry should have left by 915. Nevertheless, it’s better than not having a trip at all. The only concern now is that I might not be able to make it on time at the office. I have work by 4 pm and in no way can I go home before work. After getting off the bus from Batangas, I jumped to the first taxi that I saw. I didn’t bring my ID and access pass, so I called Aaron and asked him to help me get in ABS. There I was, still with sand on my slippers and a smile on my face. I just had a wonderful getaway. Nothing stopped me. Not even COSME.