Malasimbo Weekend

I started work at a French agency two weeks ago as a part-time education and communication assistant. Since I have coordinated with them for the past few years for my organization, it was not so much trouble to get along with the people in the office since I pretty much know a couple of them. And the good number of people I just met are friendly and approachable so it was not difficult (at all!) to get along with them. They are that nice that they even invited me to join them to their trip to the annual Malasimbo Music and Art Festival for this year at Puerto Galera in Mindoro Oriental together with the team this weekend.

It’s my first time to go to Mindoro, let alone to Puerto Galera and it’s my first time to hear about this festival. So thank you, team !

After an hour of boat ride via Minolo Shipping Lines from the Port of Batangas (490Php two-way + 50Php terminal fee + 30Php Environmental fee), we made it to the shores of Puerto Galera! Fortunately, Zee, one of our officemates lives in a nearby town from the event place so almost everything was taken care of (transportation, lodging etc) and all we had to think about was the food that we were going to eat (which is even taken care of too).

Our late lunch was at Badladz. Cam and I shared these nachos which was, as the waitress said, good for one person. But when the food was served, everyone was shocked. It was definitely not good for one. In fact, five of us shared this huge plate of nachos immersed in tomato-based sauce, veggies and cheese.

Later in the afternoon we had a swim (more like a dip for me since I don’t know how to swim) on the nearby quiet beach of Bukete. It was perfect ; it was not crowded, heck, we were practically the only people there !When the clock hit five, just before heading back to our rooms, we caught sight of this amazing sunset. There’s nothing like it.

That evening was the opening night of the festival. We got there at around 20h via a 200Php (two-way) jeepney ride to Mt. Malasimbo. We had no worries with the tickets since they were purchased beforehand (so we were able to save hundreds of pesos) although we needed to buy food coupons to avail of the food and drinks sold inside. Each coupon was for 50 Php and you can buy as much as you want. These coupons are valid for all three nights. I bought 200Php thinking it was enough to last me the entire night (dinner, drinks, dessert on the side). Turns out drinks cost a hundred (even a small can of cola. Ridiculous !) and my rice meal was a hundred as well. There goes my 200Php !

The first night was dedicated to the local talents. We had a chance to have a listen to two jazz bands and Grace Nono whose music is based on traditional Filipino rhythms (mostly that from the north and south).The next day, we had lunch by the beach at Luca’s, a 30 minute (and a hundred peso) tricycle ride from where we were staying.

That afternoon, we met S who could not make it on the first night. We took advantage of the non-crowded beach and later took the excruciating long and rocky walk to the famous White Beach.

Given my injured and inflamed left foot, it scared me to death to hike up those boulders of rocks. Thank God for my friends for guiding me through all the ups and downs (literally lol). I thought I was going to die ! My feet were shaking either because of fear, the pain or both but I managed to get through it. Thank God for this life !For the second night of the festival, I decided to pass because my feet were too strained from all the walking and climbing and I had to give it a rest. I had a one hour massage (that I have longed for a year!) instead while everybody went to see Jimmy Cliff and all other international artists who performed that night.On Sunday at 6h, we took the first boat back to Batangas and drove all the way back to Manila (thanks for the ride, Mart !). To cap off this Malasimbo weekend post, I leave you with a glimpse of the Sunday morning sunrise.

Here’s to more trips around the country ! Hello summer 2013 !