[Attempting] Freediving

What most people don't realize is that swimming isn't just a single skill but rather a collection of several different skills. Being able to swim horizontally on the surface of the water (think freestyle, breaststroke, etc) is a different skill from being able to stay afloat in a stationary position (treading). Another skill, one which I am yet to acquire, is diving. So on one weekend I decided to join a group of freedivers called Team Rocket for some freediving tutorials. They arranged pretty much everything for the 2D 1N trip and all we were left to do is to freedive, or at least attempt to.

Cabo Beach, Burgos, Pangasinan

Cabo/Cabongaoan Beach is a perfect respite for those looking for an unspoiled DIY destination. I bet hardly anyone is familiar with the place - hidden in a remote fishing village in Pangasinan, it is at least 30 km from Alaminos, Pangasinan as the crow flies*! The sand is coarse and orange-ish, and the shoreline, I figure, is twice as long as that of Kwebang Lampas.

I Left My Heart in Calaguas

This awful picture doesn't give justice to how white and powdery the sand is.

I have long lusted over stories of Calaguas from friends who have been there. Their stories sound like cliches from a tourism pamphlet and told of a long stretch of powdery white sand, crystal clear waters, a paradise. Having been there myself, I couldn't agree agree less.