Parola Island / A Personal Journal / Album // April 27 to 28, 2019

The geographical location of the provinces of Bicol Region makes it quite challenging in crossing them off the list with a single blow.  It would be better to explore them one at a time in order to have unconstrained and meaningful travel experience.

Once again together with my usual travel companions, and at the same time fast-rising antagonizers in the outdoor (Rodel and Skyy), we accepted another invitation from Mike which brought us to an island in Camarines Norte, known as the Parola Island. 

It's a small island, one can go around in less than an hour.  There's a long stretch of shoreline which is starting to gain prominence due to its "pinkish sands".  However, it's a battle between expectation and reality!  The sands are generally white, only barely shaded with pink.  

Although it's undeniably far from the bustling noise of the metropolis, I'm certain that future development is on the way since half of the island is privately owned by a politician (I'm not sure if I heard it right, but they said that a mayor is owning half of the land).  So, a flock of tourists can be expected soon!

Photos of the Past Adventure

Finally, we reached the place after embracing several splashes of gigantic waves for 45 minutes.  Camping time!

A weekend filled with a strong aroma of fermented fruits and grains; foods; sounds of nature; laughter; and flies (Flies in a secluded island?!)

The lighthouse ("Parola") and a long stretch of fine sands

Something to look forward on the island.  It's said that there are existing sanctuaries of venomous sea snakes (walo-walo) in some spots of the beach; a single snakebite is enough to have an eternal encounter with the creator :P As I moved into the clear water, I noticed several sea jellies swimming around me.  They seem to be harmless, but they made me rush off the water.  I still have my scar from that painful sting attack I experienced in Surigao. Their presence makes me feel uneasy! 

Around the island

How did I sleep during the night?...

Rodel!!! What have you done?!!! My house will rise again!

Conceptual Itinerary (Lifted from Source)
April 25, 2019
8:00 PM: Meetup Mcdo Greenfield District 9:00 PM: ETD to Jose Panganiban Camarines Norte
April 26, 2019
6:00 AM: Arrival in Jose Panganiban (Breakfast) 7:00 AM: Proceed to Panganiban Tourism Office 8:00 AM: Jose Panganiban to Parola Island Boat 9:00 AM: Set camp / Free time 11:00 AM: Lunch / Siesta 2:00 PM: Free time 6:00 PM: Dinner 8:00 PM: Socials 10:00 PM: Lights Off
April 27, 2019
6:00 AM: Sunrise / Wake Up Call / Breakfast 7:00 AM: Free Time 9:00 AM: Parola Island to Calalaray Island 10:00 AM: Free Time 1:00 PM: Arrival in Panganiban / Lunch 3:00 PM: Panganiban to Talobatib 4:30 PM: ETD to Manila
April 28, 2019
1:00 AM Arrival in Manila

Safe Budget: 4k per pax

Something to Look Back
- "Bam Aquino"
- The evening chant
- Hot and spicy spaghetti
- "May alamang po ito"
- Whiskey, Brandy, and Sangria with natural fruits
- Evening Socials

Photo credits to the owners

End

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