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From Manila with Love Blog


I didn't exactly disconnect from the world when I was in Camp Agos, because it wasn't necessarily a sabbatical or no-tech retreat but it was extremely easy to not get any signal ( especially if you're a globe subscriber).

There were no other 'attractions' other than the river. No other 'activities' other than lounging around the place, swimming in the river or waterfalls ( after trekking to it). If you get antsy by the lack of activity I suggest you bring a book, a tablet (for movies/reading), and a physical activity item (beach ball, floatie, frisbee etc).



But if you want hours of doing blissful nothing and just soak the sun and nature all around you, this is a pretty good spot albeit a little expensive if you're by yourself or in a duo.





What to pack :

  • Trekking/hiking outfit
    • I recommend leggings if you're prone to insect bites and slipping. Also, it helps with the itchy plants that you'll be wading through and the rocks/pebbles in case you do slip.
  • Snacks
    • Chips, crisps, juice packs, and sodas (maybe some 🍷 🍹 🍻 ) are optional but highly recommended. There are stores near the camp where you can buy snacks but they close pretty early (as early as 5PM)
  • Non-perishable food
    • Canned food, bread, and noodle packs/cups are nice to bring if you want to experience cooking but don't want the trouble of lugging raw meat around and spending a fortune on ice so it won't go bad.
  • Mosquito repellant, sunblock, sunglasses, a hat and wet-proof/dry bag
  • Swimwear but not string bikinis because they will fly off and the river faeries and waterfall nymphs will laugh.
  • Cash
    • You'll be surprised how often people forget to bring cash to places like this
  • Optional
    • Floatation devices/floaties, volleyball, water sport paraphernalia etc
    • Your own pillows and blankets
      • We brought our own blankets for fear of the ones there not being clean enough, but they were, thankfully. Still we ended up using the blankets as a cover for the rope 'seating section' because 1, it was dusty with lots of cobwebs and 2, the ropes hurt.






Suggestions:
  • Ask the caretakers for a cooler (separate payment) you're probably going to need it
  • Buy drinking water (from the caretakers) instead of packing gallons for the duration of your stay
    • Trust me, it's easier this way and not pricey at all
  • Go in a group
    • It's cheaper and the costs of food and transportation are significantly reduced
  • Use trekking sandals not flip-flops or sneakers
    • There's a lot of walking so you might think Oh! Sneakers! but it becomes heavy once the water soaks into it plus the stones and mud are very slippery after your shoes get wet. Pass on the flip-flops as well. The strong rush of the water might render your flip-flops useless.
  • Go trekking
    • Watch out for a lot of animal shit
  • Visit the waterfalls
    • Time passes by slowly here and you need something to do for the rest of the time you're not relaxing/sleeping


Have you been to Camp Agos? I'll probably go back, but this time in a group 'coz I think it's infinitely more sustainable and fun in a group. And like I said, cheaper.


xx,
CJ


Camp Agos Daraitan Rizal
https://www.facebook.com/camp.agos.daraitan/
https://www.instagram.com/camp.agos.daraitan/?hl=en


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1. Never ever go when it's a public holiday, the weekend...
...and PEAK SEASON at well known places

The number one rule I follow when going on any type of outing is that it should not be on a public/regular holiday and NEVER the peak season (unless you don't want to relax and just want to party). We did that on a trip to a beach camping site at Nagsasa, Zambalez and the cherry on top? The following day was also a weekend. So it was close to a 12-13 hr drive from Manila just to the docks excluding the boat trip to the actual campsite.


2. Pick a good spot
Ideally somewhere with good ventilation, where the surrounding perimeter of your tent has moving air/breeze. Usually that's the spot right near the entrance of the camp site, sometimes it's at the very end.

x We were placed on the inner parts of the camp spot (where it was cramped and near the bathrooms and wash area) and were surrounded by breeze deterrents like tents, shacks and kubos. Needless to say we woke up drenched in sweat on top of already existing sweat dripping down our sticky bodies.

3. Find the beauty and enjoy yourself
Despite things not going to plan and wishing things differently, my last and most important rule to live by is still have fun. Let go of the things that already happened and find ways to actually turn things around to your pleasure.

Long ass drive because of unimaginable bumper to bumper snail's pace traffic? - Take pictures. Have conversations about anything. Take naps. Literally anything to take your mind off the traffic because there's no use getting mad.
Cramped area? -You'll be forced to walk around and explore the place.
Sweating profusely?- You'll get the toxins out of your body (just make sure to hydrate and drink a lot of water)


While this wasn't the ideal first-time beach camping I've envisioned I quite enjoyed myself because first of all, it was a place I haven't been before. Secondly, this trip was arranged together by a loved one as a late birthday gift to me and thirdly I knew for a fact that the 'negative' aspects of the outing wasn't the end all be all of the whole experience. The trip was so much more than bad locations, small tents and sweaty clothes. In the end I'm honest-to-goodness glad I experienced it because it made the trip that much more memorable. (yeah bold, italicized and underlined for extra emphasis)




That isn't to say I will go out and willingly book escapades during peak season, weekends and/or public holidays at well-known tourist spots but if I do for god knows whatever reason, I'd just have to be smarter about it. :)

Have you experienced hiccups during your trip/s?

xx,
CJ

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While everyone is flocking to the usual summer spots in Zambales, Palawan and Batangas some people prefer the quieter, more serene and a little less sandy.

Valentino Resort and Spa is a nice and peaceful IG-worthy resort for a little RnR by yourself, with your significant other, family/barkada.


Here are some of the photos I took when I went to Guangzhou, Guangdong China to visit family a few months back. We didn't get to do a lot of sight-seeing since it was raining cats and dogs most of the time but hey! At least I got to go around and take pictures.

Just wanted to share with you guys.







African Weapons, Shields and other artifacts can be found in this museum. Now I have no idea why this is in China, I'm guessing they crossed paths at one point along the border of Africa and PRC.









They had monitors playing commercials and other interactive advertisements.



No travel log is complete without some food porn.







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