Surfing at the Crystal Beach

Gentle waves at the beach are fun. The sun shines, the sand is sparkling, and the people surf.

In the Philippines, the coast of San Narciso in the province of Zambales is one of the country's finest beaches and a surfing destination. Crystal Beach is a surfing paradise in the North. 

In May 2019, I traveled about 4 hours from Manila, the Philippine capital, to reach this surfing spot. Its proximity to Manila makes it an ideal weekend getaway to escape stress and regain vitality briefly.

We need a place like this. Great for total rejuvenation of the body, mind, and soul.

Crystal Beach has its surfing school for beginners and a surfboard rental for any surfers.

Have I dared go on surfing? 

I love water adventures and have long been interested in learning about surfing, but I was still looking for a better moment.

And so, I was closer to my dream of surfing. It just takes a single step, a show of interest.

It's good that a country like the Philippines is blessed to have one of the best surfing spots in the world. 

The Cloud Nine waves of Siargao in the South are world-renowned and the surfing spot of La Union. It's a favorite destination among local and international surfers and beach lovers.

I was just fine with gentle waves. It's ideal for beginners, and watching some people surfing is already a fun water show.

Crystal Beach is a sparkling Jewel and a rising surfing destination in the Philippines. The waves from September until January would be the best since it's a monsoon season when the wind blows stronger.

That was a great weekend at the beach. I'm filled with gratitude for having had the chance to enjoy it before the pandemic. As we wait for local tourism to recover, I'm reminded of the precious moments we've had and look forward to the day when we can be closer to nature again.

The coast of San Narciso and the sparkling shore of Crystal Beach is truly a paradise for everyone who appreciates nature.

Great memories always live on, and the ripple goes on.

© 2020 Del Cusay

A Taste of Eid

Halal certified. This is why I've developed a habit of meticulously checking food labels in grocery stores and supermarkets, a journey that has led me to discover the world of Halal food.

But then, I wanted to dine in a Halal-certified restaurant in Manila. It was a crowded, busy scene in bustling old downtown Manila, the Philippine capital.

Halal, a term that means 'permissible or allowed in Islam ', is not just a dietary standard. It's a cultural practice that is gaining global recognition, even among non-Muslims.

And so last year, in 2019, I celebrated Eid in the busy district of Quiapo in downtown Manila, where the Golden Mosque is located.

The mosque was commissioned by former First Lady Imelda Marcos and built in 1976 to welcome Libyan President Gaddafi, but he couldn't visit the country.

It became a community for our Muslim brothers and sisters, where they settled and established their livelihoods.

Businesses like Halal restaurants are thriving within the vicinity of the Golden Mosque.

Halal-certified food isn't just about religious guidelines. It's about choosing a 'clean and healthy' diet, free from alcohol and pork-derived products, which can have significant health benefits.

For health reasons, animal products sometimes carry diseases transferrable to humans. Regular consumption can develop into diseases like common hypertension and high cholesterol, leading to cardiac disorders or heart ailments.

Since the pandemic, we have preferred to eat organic vegetables, which we grow on our newly developed farm. We just want a healthier body to boost our immunity to fight diseases.

Investing in health and wellness is wise, so we're adapting health standards like Halal.

The world and humanity must be health-conscious. We now understand how vulnerable we are to diseases if we don't adopt the best health practices and lifestyles. It's not just a choice; it's a responsibility.

The taste of Eid is just as tasteful as any cuisine in the world. However, they have improved their practice to the highest health standard.

We always choose to be healthy. We choose to be well.

© 2020 Del Cusay

Baywatch at Camp Rofelio

The West Coast of the Philippines is a treasure trove of summer destinations and the crown jewel? The picturesque coast of San Felipe is nestled in the province of Zambales. With its captivating beauty, this tranquil town in the North is a place that beckons to be explored.

The waves, the blue-green waters, and the greyish-powdery sand make it an excellent getaway for rejuvenating and having some pure thinking moments.

In May 2018, I discovered a newly built camping site on the coast of Liwliwa, a town in San Felipe.

It's a sanctuary of serenity, with several cottages and tents for overnight stays. As I woke up each morning, I felt the peace of the place, a place where I could truly unwind and connect with nature.

Standing barefoot at the seaside gate of Camp Rofelio, you can enjoy a perfect view of the horizon. The water is clear, and the waves are relaxing. You can also sit on the sand, meditate, and capture the best view of the surroundings.

A great weekend retreat. Camping at the beach. A soulful moment to watch the sunset. Fresh-grilled seafood for dinner and a bonfire night to remember.

It was indeed a memorable and fun moment at Camp Rofelio. It's a decent weekend destination—a solemn place where you can be at peace and one with nature. When you hear the waves inside the tent at night, you'll have the most relaxing and deep sleep ever.

But, hey! I'm supposed to be bay-watching!

A Baywatch, to appreciate the area, the surrounding waters, and the place facing the West Philippine Sea, had created controversy from unwanted intruders. The pirates of the sea had been inside our Philippine waters, causing tensions and threats to the fishing livelihood of the locals.

The Philippine government is supposed to protect those waters, defend our territorial seas, and secure what's best for our people.

There were spotted dredging foreign vessels in the territorial waters of Zambales that threaten our territorial rights and the fishing rights of several Fishermen on our territory.

We are standing as a Baywatch. Someone who sees intruders from afar. But our local fishermen are powerless, and even the regional and national governments must be more robust to defend the territory.

I love Zambales and would love to return for the next summer season. But the best Baywatch is to see happy people and not stories of intrusion—like thieves of the sea. Camp Rofelio is a good place for Baywatch, but be mindful and have a telescopic eye for the pirates of the sea.

We dream of creating and preserving safe and thriving tourist destinations. But to do so, we must be vigilant and informed about issues that threaten the rights of our people. Our silence could cost us our paradise. We must be vigilant and protect our haven.

San Felipe is a place of kind and peaceful people. Protect it and make it a heaven-on-earth experience—a paradise. Together, we can protect it and become a good Baywatch—a good Filipino.

© 2020 Del Cusay