4-5 December 2016
Brgy. Pundaquit is a small fishing village in San Antonio in Zambales that is more popularly known as the jump-off point to camping destinations Anawangin Cove and Capones Island. Although normally overlooked in favor of uninhabited coves and a century-old lighthouse, Pundaquit features a soft mix of rural living among the fishermen and of touristy escapades with the arriving tourists that is set in its own sunset-facing semi-cove.
Typical fishing boats line the beach in the morning as some fisherman prepare their nets [far right] while others sort out the previous night's catch [middle center].
Two fishermen aboard "07 Rhea Mhey" lay down their nets just in front of the shore while the first group of tourists boat away to their destination [background center].
Even from the other side of the cove, tourists can be identified by their mandatory neon orange life vests. This group left at 7am on a Monday.
Passenger boats and fishing boats anchor alongside each other as boatmen either wait for new passengers to arrive or for the mid-afternoon to pass.
From one side of the cove, Camara Island overlays against Capones Island, offering a nice gradient of islets under the mid-day sun. A female holiday-maker documents her trip in the foreground.
Nipa huts equipped with bamboo tables & seating and karaoke sets line the path from the parking area to the beach and are mostly popular among day-trippers and locals.
Lying along the Zambales coastline, Pundaquit also offers seasonal surfing and features left-handed waves, after which the Look Left community resort was named. Capones Island can be seen in the distance.
Lastly, Pundaquit lies at the foot of the Zambales Mountain Range and offers views of both the mountains and the sea, including some islets and a sunset.
Bonus:
A 15-minute tricycle ride from the beach is the town center of San Antonio where a local fair reminiscent of childhood 20-peso thrill rides, which threaten to fall apart anytime, are setup on occasions.
