It was my third time to enjoy a weekend at White Beach Puerto Galera Oriental, Mindoro.
Just want to share a little overview of the past two visits. The first trip’s highlight was when we tried to pursue our plan to celebrate Chai’s birthday last October 2005 even if the Metro’s weather is dodgy to go swimming. I sent a text message to Ate Aileen our contact and asked how the weather in Galera was. “The weather is okay, hindi nga lang masyado mainit”, she replied. To my excitement, I sent a text message to my friends and told them that we’ll all GO! It was late 3 in the afternoon, same meeting place Jam Liner at Buendia Bus Terminal. We all rushed and packed our things; we need to arrive at Batangas port at least 5:30pm, for us to be able to take the last boat trip we decided to rent an Adventure (AUV) for the group Php150 each person. Price is almost the same when you ride in the bus, the convenient difference is we’re the only people inside the car and the idea is pretty good since every minute counts for us. After a long travel, unfortunately, we did not make it to the last boat trip. It was a moment of frustration that we need to decide if we will stay overnight at the port terminal as the first boat trip going to Puerto Galera is 5:30 in the morning.

There was a bulk of young traveler beside us who experienced the same problem as ours. There was also a group of men who then asked us if we wanted to ride on their private boat as a “special trip” for the same amount of 1 way boat fare at the terminal Php150.

To our distress, we took a chance to go on a “special trip”, since the next voyage would be the following day. Part of the arrangement of special trip that night was to ride on a jeepney that will take us to their private boat which they say it was near an oil Depot. It was pretty frightening. The jeepney was full of other passengers who were with us also. It was our first time to go in that place plus it’s really hard to give our trust to these men. What I hold on here is the comfort of being armed with prayers and smile of your friends that explicitly tells you “everything will be okay.”

After almost 2 hours of travel, thank God! We arrived at White Beach around 11pm, with Ate Aileen’s face mixed with elation and worry. She then guided us to Lagundian Hills for our accommodation, at a very affordable price, and so then we enjoyed our first visit, our first kebab, our first Mindoro Sling, our first banana boat, our first snorkeling, our first jelly fish sting and our first time to know that water in Galera is pretty expensive than drinking a Cola.

First Lesson: Leave Early. Bring bottled water. Tell Kuya Manong not to take you in deep waters filled with stingy jelly fish!

*Lagundian Hills accommodation depends on/off peak season.

Usual price range is Php2500-Php3000 AC Room.

Travel Tip: If your schedule permits traveling on weekdays is cheaper.

My second trip was with a different set of super friends. We left Manila as early as 5:30am and this time we tried to ride on a bus

ALPS (fare more/less Php150) in Araneta Center Cubao Terminal. It was Jeffrey’s birthday celebration. Metro’s weather is yet again rainy as ever! This time there was a little improvement on our things. We have explored the shops; we have maximized our budget and enjoyed a longer time drinking Mindoro Sling since we met an acquaintance of a high school friend who happens to be one of the gorgeous waitresses in the beach shore’s club. One thing I did differently was to be alert when will I go off the banana boat.

Second Lesson: I learned that the time of travel is quite long for a non-first time traveler maybe I was just a bit of impatient; I felt that too much time was wasted. But then again, spending time with my droll friends is all worth it!

The latest trip is equal to rediscovery. This time it is a pre-celebration of Eugene’s birthday. The first two has been very extraordinary and on this tour there’s a little difference as I can recall. Except for the things that I would like to try or do better this time. I got a small number of expectations for this break. Perhaps to encounter, explore and discover fresh things. We first discovered that at the terminal you will be offered of two way ticket (Php300) cheaper if you will buy 2 separate tickets.

We encountered newly built buildings for tourists’ accommodation. That sets a tough competition and gives travelers flexibility to choose the finest place to stay. A discovery of Mindoro Sling price increase from Php250-Php300, we found out that table for bar customers is now set up only within the bar area and not in the shore line. So the picture of enjoying your desired Mindoro Sling on a table with candle light near the shore line and your bare foot tingling the sand is now unobserved.

Girls will enjoy great buys discovery the knits which you can get for Php250 (depending on how you will deal with Ate) which at the Department store will cost you Php500. Nice white beach summer dresses which you may wear on top of your fabulous swim suit (Php250-Php300). For guys, you can check out and be captivated with hand-made leather bracelets and comfy beach sarongs.

Lesson learned: Budget your money and be practical.

Buy things that you may use not because you find it really a good buy.

More information:

For advance booking and latest price inquiries:

Ate Aileen 09174579254

Ate Naty 09164929246

Kuya Sonny 09202394571

Photos by: Joshua Nipa