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Quiet Storm by Fr. Nicanor F. Lalog II, 29 October 2024
Ihave always imagined God must be like Jewish director Steven Spielberg. According to an article I have read long ago, Spielberg would always hide sets of important scenes to capture the real emotions of his actors and actresses during shooting. One example was the Raiders of the Lost Ark series where Harrison Ford’s expressions were very natural.
And that exactly was how I felt God in Nagsasa Cove on that lovely weekend of October 19.
From the sea to the cove, I was already so enchanted, even enthralled with the scenery, the sparkling waters with its gentle breeze blowing, so clean and crisp. A taste of paradise.
After a few sips of wine in the warm waters of Nagsasa Cove, I ventured inland. Lo and behold! I immediately went back to our boat to get my cellphone as I told my companions how lovely is the river at the back. That was when Sir Benet Galang, owner of Agojo Beach, willingly joined to guide us deeper inland.
According to Sir Benet, some trekkers who have gone there told him the scene was like New Zealand which he could not verify because he has not been down there yet. One thing for sure, though, he has not seen any hobbits dwelling there except a few gentle Aetas in a settlement area who often guide hikers up the Pundaquit Mountain range.
I forgot to bring my slippers but what the heck! I have always loved walking on earth barefoot, so close to nature, so close with God, reminding me of the burning bush event of Moses when told to take off his sandals because he was on a sacred ground.
That’s Nagsasa Cove, a sacred ground.
The river is very stony but very clear. Water is warm on top but as you dip, it gets cold. Parang beer!
One realizes upon coming here is the great gift God has given our country, a gift so precious that we ought to take care. From here, one may hike to the mountain in about four hours with Aetas as guides.
A lot of greenery… and trees.
So many sights to behold, things one will never see in the city nor provinces these days.
I was fascinated with the mushrooms growing on this stump of an Agojo tree…
Again, I prayed this area would be spared of roads and big businesses to keep its beauty and charm intact. Residents are very organized, requiring vendors from outside to ensure they take back their waste and litter. During summer, each vendor of any goods is asked to fill a sack of litter to ensure the surroundings are well maintained.
If you are a nature lover, planning to have an entirely “me time”, I strongly recommend Nagsasa Cove.
No problem with food and accommodations there from simple tents to ones like this and air conditioned kubo…
Just come as you are and surely you shall come home filled with good memories and sights. Most of all, fulfilled in yourself.
Piso na lang, nasa langit ka na! Promise. See yah!
*All photos and videos taken by author using iPhone12. *Check FB page of Agojo Beach for details.
