New Year's Afternoon at Children's Island, Pangasinan

When I wrote about our Hundred Islands trip two summers ago, I was aware that the story was OK but the photos aren't. So I made a mental note of taking better snaps the next time we go there. It was the New Year's afternoon when my husband R and I decided (more on him granting my request) to give the islands a second chance. 'Cause like what I said, "I think if there were less people, the trip was close to perfection." Well, we chose Children's Island, smaller than where we stayed at the first time we went there, just so we'd reach that less-people-more-bliss beach vibe. It's a holiday and most vacationers think pretty a lot like we do so the island huts were still mostly occupied. I'm fine with having crowds in beaches, it's the feels I'm really after. I'm glad that the people I see this time were dressed (or not) more appropriately. Rash guards, swimsuits, board shorts, those stuff. Yup, not a salmon short pants with side pockets that made an appearance on my previous post, haha! It was half a day of holiday leftovers, snorkeling, laughter, getting a perfect tan and lovin' it. xx

The Soldier, the Queen, the Mermaid and Hundred Islands

We paid Php1500 for the boat that toured us around, brought us to Quezon Island (the most commercialized out of 100+) and picked us up so we could go back to reality. It's big and sturdy enough to hold around 20 people. The manong bankero was also kind to inform me (his most inquisitive passenger, btw) of what the islands are known for. Turtle Island because it's shaped like a turtle; Crocodile Island because it's shaped like a croc; Bat Island because that's where thousands of bats live; Children's Island because it's small (most well-thought name noh?!); but he didn't tell me there was an EMPI ISLAND there. The island looks like a floating bottle of Emperador. Hehe. #imbento (no photo though). It was a great experience; except for 1) the population of Quezon Island's vacationers during weekends, 2) my burnt shoulders that Beach Hut didn't cover up well, 3) the 100-peso payment for the 5 gallons of non-salty water you can use if you will take a bath, 4) one fresh buko juice costs Php100; and 5) the sleeping bats in Bat Island, which were supposed to show off. I'm 28 and it was my first time there so the complaints observations I made were very petty. I only knew about Hundred Islands during HEKASI class in gradeschool and now, I actually stepped on it. I think if there were less people, the trip was close to perfection.

What made my Saturday super worthwhile was that I saw how happy my little traveler was. Her pink Dora life vest helped her swim without my assistance. It's Php149 only! Her independence and enjoyment were affordable, in fairness. She didn't complain about having burnt skin. It was her tired legs that made her sleep for 14 straight hours! She woke up the next day telling me and her pop about the beach that she dreamed about. Cuteness. R and I promised that we will travel to different places more whenever we can. And now that our preschooler is beginning to appreciate what her innocent eyes can see, every trip we make should be worth for her to remember. I hope these photos could help her reminisce this experience once she gets to study Hundred Islands in school.

*photos taken using a Samsung S3 Mini, Samsung ST66 and iPhone 4s.