San Narciso's Crystal Beach

Recovered and back into the game (thanks to friends and supporters who "walk" with me on this journey), I hit the road again to explore more of what the Philippines harbors. Keeping it cheap, I decided to roam once more in the Zambales countryside, specifically, in the town of San Narciso.

Through mist and rain, the blue TIMs bus jetted through slick low-traffic rural roads. It was relaxing to sit back and enjoy the provincial scenery.

Along with the Filipino's gift for singing, it is not a surprise that many of them share a decent taste in music. The conductor inserted a music CD playing songs from the Bee Gees, Air Supply, and other soft rock balladeers, which only complemented the already soothing vibe of the bus ride. Swept away by the music, some passengers, like me, could not help but sing along.

The music was still playing when the bus came to a halt at a waiting shed. It was our stop. Pausing at the waiting shed, I noticed one of the highway "crazies" of Zambales. He was busy rummaging through garbage.

As we browsed through the bayan area or town proper, we noted the strong religious influence in the area based from the catholic churches and shrines erected. We also saw a sign pointing towards Crystal Beach and remembered that there were advertisements of the place in other towns, so we opted to take a look. A few passersby confirmed our inkling that Crystal Beach was the main attraction in town.

Taking a tricycle, we sped off towards the coast. It was only a matter of a few minutes before we arrived at the resort, and we were pleasantly surprised with what we encountered.

Instead of imposing hotel buildings, resort villas, and a littered beach, we were greeted by a unique haven that blended into its natural surroundings with its wooden cottages, bamboo structures, and nature-influenced aesthetic art pieces.

It was refreshing to feel the wind blowing through my hair and flapping my loose clothing. The beach was clean, and as I strolled along, it seemed there was nothing to criticize about the resort, except perhaps the encaged sea turtles. I was rushing though, since I was allowed to enter the resort for free if I took only a brief while, so I was unable to look into what their goal was with the sea turtles.

Before heading back to the town proper, however, we walked in search for an open non-resort beach area. We did come across one, however it was beginning to storm. Not seeming to let up, I told Liza to stay under a waiting shed while I braved through the rain, shielding the camera with an umbrella.

Capones and Camara Islands could be seen along the horizon. At the beach, I was able to take shots of the rain-speckled ocean waves crashing along the shoreline. Despite the violence of the weather, it was a beautiful sight and a peaceful moment to bask in, had I not been busy taking photographs.

Crystal Beach, San Narciso, Zambales Pictures / Photos: