The Soft Sandy Beach Of Munting Buhangin

The Soft Sandy Beach Of Munting Buhangin

                    Munting Buhangin, literally translated, is a speck of sand. Or a grain of sand. But when multiplied to form a big mass, it becomes a beach.  Munting Buhangin, found near the northern part of the town of Nasugbu, takes pride in having fine sand and clear waters. It is within a small sheltered bay.

                     As one walks barefoot on the shores of Munting Buhangin, he feels the smooth sand underneath as he moves forward.  He gets that soothing feeling and the reflex points on both feet are stimulated.  In Munting Buhangin, there are no thorns, no sharp pebbles.

                     Continuing that barefoot stroll, he may wade for a while in the shallow portion, touch the cool refreshing waters and look down to see the bottom.  It is crystal clear in good weather.  As he wanders farther to Terrazas de Punta Fuego with its huge structure looming in the background, he may chance upon a twilight beach wedding, complete with torches and beautiful music.

                     And after a good night's sleep at one of the air-conditioned cottages or in a camping tent near the seashores, he may, early in the morning, sit on a bench fronting the beach until an outrigger boat selling lobsters touches the shores.  Quiet bargaining can start any moment.  If he is good in haggling, he may have a kilo of lobsters for only P700. And these lobsters are really part of the fisherman's fresh catch from some shallow, rocky parts of the sea.

                    At midday, he may ask the boatman of an outrigger boat marked Buklat is thy name for a one-hour ride to other interesting places near the cove.  Or even to the Pier near the town. Or to the town itself to augment his dwindling supplies for the day. Or place his bet as there is a lotto outlet at the town proper.

                   Munting Buhangin sits on a 24 hectare property owned and managed by the Puyat Group Of Companies. It has been in the business for many decades, etching its name through good service, good facilities, good location and consistency all throughout. 

                  Now, when it is time to leave, as the visitor checks out, that is where the problem begins.  It is an uphill climb to the parking lot. A steep one at that. Never mind.  In ten minutes, he surely will be  able to hurdle it. And will tell himself in Terminator style: "  I'll be back !!!  "

- Konted  

Munting Buhangin is in Nasugbu, Batangas, some 105 kms away from Metro Manila.

A boatman waiting for passengers at midday in Munting Buhangin

Soft, sandy beach of Munting Buhangin

Terrazas De Punta Fuego in background

Boat for hire

Jetski at Munting Buhangin

A light but steady banca

This boat takes you to interesting places near the cove.

Leaning coconut tree of Munting Buhangin

Maximus is busy the whole day.

Clean, clear waters of Munting Buhangin

3 brothers and 6 lobsters

Plus two more

Wrapped around the body similar to Judas Belt

In background, man in brown t-shirt is 6-time World Bowling Champion Paeng Nepomuceno.

Cottages for rent in Munting Buhangin

Cottage has 3 air-conditioned bedrooms, shower room, sala, kitchen, dining area and a balcony.

Getting ready 

Chow time

A big outrigger boat being repaired at Munting Buhangin

Afternoon swimming

Wading the whole day with little rest

One more shot

Sunset in Munting Buhangin

Life vests of Munting Buhangin Beach Camp personnel

Watching a pay-per-view Pacquiao title fight in Munting Buhangin

Fishermen taking time out to watch a Pacquiao fight

Munting Buhangin is usually not overcrowded except when corporate team building seminar is held there.

Suntanned kids

View from nearby Kawayan Cove

Maria Makiling And The Hot Springs of Calamba

Mud Springs or Kumukulong Putik in Mount Makiling

Maria Makiling And The Hot Springs of Calamba

              As one drives along the wide South Luzon Expressway, mystical Mount Makiling looms on the horizon.  It is the same mountain that inspired the legend of Maria Makiling. That tall and beautiful fairy goddess that is said to be the guardian of the mountain.  The same goddess that shares the bounty of the forested mountain with the residents living at its foothills.

            Mount Makiling, a potentially active volcano, is the main source of all the hot springs that are spread out in the low-lying areas of Calamba, notably Barangays Pansol and Bucal. Pansol has been a tourist destination even in the olden times. People, then and now, travel far just to dip for some time at its much touted warm water which has medicinal values.  

             I still remember, long time ago, when we would spend Sundays at Cuyab hot springs with my maternal grandmother soaking her feet at the pool.  My grandmother is long gone and I am now a grandfather who, in turn, dips at the pool with the belief that such provides relief to aching knee joints.

             Starting in the 70s and 80s, Maria Makiling has been too generous as most house owners in Pansol and the adjacent villages have their own private swimming pools which they rent out.  For eight thousand, a group of 10 - 15 can have the place exclusively for themselves overnight.  This includes at least 2 air-conditioned rooms, a dining area and a kitchen.  The price varies depending on one's bargaining skills.

            Hot spring water contains mineral and geothermal energy that give soothing beneficial effects.  For one, submersion results to good blood circulation and toxin removal. Hot spring water kills harmful bacteria or viruses.  Not only is it good for body metabolism, but it also provides relief to arthritis and produces therapeutic effects on skin-related problems. But wait, I am beginning to sound like a spa marketing director. Why don't you drive to Pansol or Bucal one day and try it for yourself?  Then tell me how it really works. Okay?  

- Konted

Mount Makiling as viewed from the National Road

View of Mount Makiling from Ayala Greefiield Estates Golf Course (Ayala photo) 

Statue of Maria Makiling

Ancestral House of Dr. Jose Rizal in Calamba

National hero Dr. Jose Rizal was born in Calamba, Laguna.

Jose Rizal's signature

Jonel's Hot Springs Resort has its own source.

Jonel's changes water of the pool every now and then.

Bigger pool at Jonel's

Restaurant, conference room and lodging inn at Jonel's.  Jonel's is located  at the national highway near the boundary of Calamba and Los Banos.

Waiting for the water to simmer down

Hot spring water has medicinal values.

Hot or cold, the kids are enjoying it.

Maximus and company at the jacuzzi pool

Albert, then 2 yrs old, near the pool at Jonel's

Albert in the same spot at Jonel's after 20 years

At 2 a.m.

Double thumbs up

Can't stand the heat ?

Chalet-style house at Jonel's

Jonel's has been in the business for more than 3 decades. 

Try Jonel 1, Jonel 2, Jonel 3

In the wee hours of the morning

Maximus crossing the bridge at midnight

For the ladies

A long trip