White clouds roll in the sky. Mister sun is sneaking in a smile from behind. My eyes flinch and I pull down my sunnies, everything went a shade friendlier. I look up again and realize no gray concretes block my view. I crane my neck and see, the sky looking down at me, and finally I am seen.
Barely weeks ago, I’m typing furiously, number and words that make what an itinerary should be. I’m sliding that task in between paperwork that needs to be done, contracts that need to be reviewed, numbers that need to be run, errands that need to be finished, online presence that needs to be felt, interactions that need listening to… all needs. Where does my need fall in all these?
I knew I needed a pause. I’m still peeling off scabs of a wound I had in the past. Days arrive looking at me staring at my wounds, waiting for them to heal. No, I have too much silence in the hours waiting for my mind to fall asleep. What I need is an adventure. Joyful moments that can break the monotony of life, will crack the distracting noise or the deafening silence surrounding me.
The past two days, it’s been raining nonstop in Manila. Friday evening seems to leave a promise and when Saturday dawned, the skies were clear, as if it was never heartbroken. My excitement brews like coffee roasting in a percolator, its aroma sweating off its beans. In my case, I go off smelling like Ralph Lauren’s Ralph, light and fruity, masking years of not bathing *insert evil laugh here.*
Eric arrives, as usual very fashionably late, which I’m getting revenge on later in life. Then there’s the mix up on whose car we’re bringing. Had to travel home amidst Friday traffic to get the car only to find out he “supposedly” said we will use his brand new spanking Tucson. I wonder why I became friends with him in college. That was over a decade ago, I was probably still very reckless.
Dumping all our weekend bags and the groceries we bought at the back of this week-old SUV, I plop onto the passenger seat. Madz takes the backseat. Eric revs the engine, ready to leave everything behind and not come back for a while.
Road trip, here we go! I pick out the playlist intended for this trip and press play.
You know guys who can’t stop yapping about cars and girls who can’t stop yapping about shopping, they go together. It’s not my crowd. Life for me is wasted sitting around spitting out the most expensive thing your money can buy or what your talk can impress. But that day I couldn’t stop picking Eric’s brain on SUVs since he’s been going around test driving many cars before making the decision on the Tucson. I think one of my financial goals this year or next year is a mini-SUV with a diesel engine. I’ve started researching and pestering people with my endless questions. Well, it’s going to be a long mountain to climb but, if you know me, I like having a goal in mind and working hard for it.
The music blasts a happy tune and my sole sister Madz and I move to the beat and sing. Eric gives us a weird look and I shove him softly, pressing him to the side of the door asking if he remembers our road trips in college. “Remember that girl? She’s here. This weekend, that’s going to be me again. Be ready for some fun and lots of uncontrolled singing.” And a bit of danger (if you don’t look happy listening to our angelic voices). He straps the seatbelt on me, which I always forget. At least, there’s something he’s good for.
Like any other road trips in the past, we stop over at Shell along NLEX. Before embarking on any long or short road travel, there’s one hub that preps our cars as much as we ready our bold spirits. It was time to gas up.
That Must Stop, Shell Station
We requested for full tank of Shell V-Power Nitro+ Diesel. You know how innovations are usually an improvement of the old version. This diesel is a new formulation designed to restore and maintain engine power through a powerful detergent technology that effectively cleans up diesel fuel injection systems.
I never considered a diesel engine before as I always just associate this type for PUVs like jeeps or even commercial trucks. But seeing the difference between diesel and gas fuels, it has opened my mind a lot. Our full tank of Shell V-Power Nitro+ Diesel only costs P1,800. It’s much more affordable than gas fuel. One worry though for friends who I’ve discussed this with, they say diesel likely corrodes the engine faster.
Eric tells me though that the newer type of diesel nowadays provides active engine protection whether for old or newer designed diesel engines. Specifically for Shell V-Power Nitro+ Diesel, it contains anti-corrosion agents designed to protect the fuel system from corrosion, which means the fuel that’s circulating in your car has an advance cleaning component utilizing your car or SUV’s engine without damaging it.
Shell V-Power Nitro+ Diesel contains a new technology for faster and more effective clean-up of diesel fuel injection systems of the latest diesel engine models and this new formulation even helps restore and maintain engine power for the older diesel engines.
On the other side of the fence, my humble Vios, which we were supposed to bring instead, runs on gasoline fuel. Since I’m inclined to know these things lately for my long-term financial goal, I also read up on gasoline.
Shell V Power Nitro+ Gasoline, same with Nitro+ Diesel, contains also that revolutionized detergent technology but in much additional capacity designed to prevent and clean up deposits that can affect engine performance. If you’re a future thinker, there’s nothing more important, outside airbags, than your engine. It’s the most vital part of any vehicle.
The new formulation of Shell V Power Nitro+ Gasoline also has a higher level of Friction Modifier technology. This technology has been tested with Ferrari as part of their longstanding technical partnership. Shell V Power Nitro+ Gasoline was devised for instant reduction of friction in critical engine areas. In layman’s terms, it helps the engine to deliver more power to the wheels. I read that this is 99% similar to Shell fuel used in F1!
The last of these three re-engineered fuels is the Shell V-Power Nitro+ Racing, the top performing Shell gasoline specifically designed to give even more power and responsiveness than Shell V Power Nitro+ Gasoline.
SVPN Fuels was launched in the Philippines last year replacing old Shell Super Premium and the previous V-Power Gasoline and Diesel. Better, reformulated, high performing fuels offered at no extra cost.
Both Eric and I share the view of always choosing Shell. It’s an easy decision to agree on since Shell fuels are clearly top choices, but Shell stations are known for all-out customer service that makes you and your cars feel rather special. They attend to you until such time you leave the Shell premises. Other than filling the gas tanks, they will propose and initiate cleaning of windows, engine oil, tire check, et al. Less than 20 minutes, we were back on the road for the adventure that awaits us.
With no road troubles and worries in our minds, we set off to the horizon. The sole sisters were only but extra careful moving about inside the car, being new and all, under Eric’s wary hawk eyes. So no, we cannot even fart or burp if we can help it.
To my surprise, Eric said we could drive. We just had to look for that blank where we can make a safe stop along the highway. It took us 3 songs and not talking to each other before we finally thought of the words: Shoulder or Bay. That’s where we planned to do the switch. Reaching an SCTEX shoulder, Eric let me take the wheel. Knowing Eric, I would have bet you 10,000 centavos that he will not let me drive his new toy. Well, each day comes with a new surprise.
Behind the Wheel
I took the wheel and sped off the highway like a robber in a pursuit chase. Well, in my mind at least. The tachometer reads 100kph, sometimes even 110 and Bonnie and Clyde song was ringing in my head. I look to my right, thump my nose with my thumb giving a quick nod with a stuck-up nose to Eric. Whattup dawg? 110kph yeah! I can feel them rolling their eyes.
I suddenly missed taking long drives… and also ones where I’m actually behind the wheel. Starting to get really acquainted with the Tucson, my mind starts to relax, forgetting everything else except focusing on where the road will lead us. I turn towards the gate of Subic Free Port Zone, slowed down and gave a salute to the guard. I asked Eric if we could switch, I’m not too comfortable driving inside SBMA. Too many rules there for a sloppy driver like me.
Hee Ho Texas Joe! Howdy Noon Chow!
Since I’ve tried Meat Plus and Xtremely Espresso among others in the past, I researched on a new spot to hit: Texas Joe’s.
Texas Joe’s is an original real American smokehouse located along Waterfront Road in Subic. Their meat is smoked with real hickory wood and it’s never boiled and never dipped in liquid smoke. I took charge in ordering our lunch repertoire, which consisted of Road Kill Chilli (P99) and Barbecue Quesadilla (P259), which is a Tex-Mex delight consisting of Joe’s famous smoked meat (choose either chicken or pork), spicy cheese and pico de gallo all wrapped in grilled flour tortilla. For our main, the full slab of baby back ribs (P890) slathered in their homemade BBQ sauce filled our stomachs.
I also ordered the Crispy Tater Peels (Php 49) which are potato peels fried up served with ranch dressing but it didn’t arrive on our table. Their tables have a rack of BBQ sauces from traditional to slightly spicy habanero to sweet for extra saucing of the mouthwatering ribs.
Not so hungry? They also offer light meals. Hickory smoked spareribs – only USA Swift Premium Pork Ribs meet their standards – they slow smoke them over Hickory wood and char broil them before serving. Texas Joe’s swift premium spare ribs are untrimmed. They claim it’s not as pretty as the other guy’s ribs but you get all of the delicious meat that real Southern USA BBQ is all about.
If you pass here during night time, Texas Joe’s also known for featured cocktails like Texarita (Php 150) which includes tequila, triple sec, Texas Joe’s famous lime mix, served up, rocks or frozen. Mojos that are 2 liters sell at Php 950 or Raspberry Texarita glass at Php 170, or Bullfrog for 2 liters at P950.
Texas Joe’s
Phone: 047 252 3189
Address: MC12 Waterfront Rd., Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Zambales
Website: www.texasjoes.com Email: info@texasjoes.com
Operating Hours: Mon to Thurs: 11am to 10pm, Fri to Sun: 11am to 11pm
Rubbing my big fat tummy in satisfaction like a Saloon slug, we boarded the vehicle and continued traversing the path leading to Zambales. Reviewing my itinerary, my forehead wrinkles realizing we were 2 hours behind schedule (thanks to Eric being late). Eric says not to fret and just let things unfold.
The destination is only the beginning – Crystal Beach Resort
The gate opens to what we would call home for the weekend. I checked us in and we were ushered to our room – called Andrew 1. It was good for 5 persons (albeit there were just 3 of us) with 2 double beds and 1 single bed plus cable tv and aircon, but vital for me was the private toilet and bath with hot/cold shower. There’s also convenient parking right in front of our room.
After filling out the surfing registration forms, Eric finds out that he’ll be the guinea pig as Madz and I opted to start surfing the next day and just be his cheerleaders that afternoon.
We walked to the beach and soak in how beautiful Crystal Beach resort is.
I was clicking my camera away, trigger happy, but I knew that even if my camera gets swept away by the sea, heaven forbid, my mind is clicking away the beautiful corners and facets of this resort in my memory. The place was only the start.
I could have just been vulnerable but I easily fell in love with what Crystal Beach had to offer. It was after all the first who welcomed me with open arms after I slouch dormant and leniently in the concrete jungle that is Metro Manila. Kids playing around happily swinging in the hammocks or running around reminded me of little Jane, brave enough to get bruised.
There was a group playing beach volleyball in one area.
People are spread out in the tikis, tents, cottages and just various patches of the shoreline. Yet, it felt like space stretches out for miles. I’m not bumping into anyone and it never felt crowded even if they were fully booked that weekend.
Eric braves the afternoon waves
Eric looks at us and shakes his head, “I can’t believe I’m doing this alone.” “We’re doing it tomorrow!” Madz and I exclaimed in unison. Plus, we’re gonna watch and save you when you fall and get swept away.
One of the surfing instructors taught him the basics. He has done this once in La Union. But that afternoon, he couldn’t catch any wave and standing wasn’t in his plans or that’s what it seemed.
I brought discs and we played catch on the beach.
The local surfers joined in and even if there was no actual game, laughter and smiles filled the air as we try to catch the frisbee.
The day plunges into darkness
The sun beamed its last grin and disappeared in the midst of the sea. Eric made it alive back to beach and we shouted hooray! Our next goal, scour the stores outside and find us a liter of kerosene.
As we walk along the quiet and peaceful road of San Narciso town, the smoke from a barbecue grill lured me in. I treated both to side road pork barbecue and I had a couple plus isaw.
I’m such a big spender, ain’t I? Continued to walk and after 6 mini town stores, which were actually almost just right beside each other or 1-2 houses separating them, the hunt for kero was finally over.
Heading back, we went straight to the Crystal Beach Restaurant. The dining area is called King Solomon’s Hall. After some waiting time, grumbling stomachs, a hefty dinner and worrying about our friends who are in stormy and freezing cold Mt. Pulag that same night, the shower beckoned.
We need to burn off the calories… and a couple of fire dance cathedrals.
Half hour past the hour of ten, we walked back to beach with the intent to finally baptize my new year-old cathedrals in some kerosene. The last time I touched poi was 10months ago but who doesn’t love a little bit of danger?
When I move the burning cathedrals, it creates a space between me and everyone or anything else outside the fire realm. At some point, it makes me feel untouchable. Wish I could dance gracefully with it, but I’m patient and equally determined to learn.
We camped inside one of the tikis and enjoyed the gentle breeze of the night. Madz and Eric click their bottles, we three sat there listening to the waves, enjoying a cold drink, slightly buzzed.
Poppin bottles in the ice, like a blizzard
When we drink we do it right gettin slizzard
Sippin sizzurp in my ride, in my ride, like Three 6
There was no wild laughter, this isn’t one of those nights, we were just side by side with ourselves, reconnecting with our thoughts of living a purposeful life or pursuing our dreams. Other than sensing the soft sand on our feet, do we really realize where we are now in our lives?
By midnight, my aflamed cathedrals flicker its last glint and we were swallowed again by the darkness. Walked back to the main area and listened to the acoustic jamming session happening around a bonfire.
It was nice, a throwback to the time when people just gathered around fire or watering holes, communing with nature or with each other’s genuine eyes and smiles. Surfing is a sound community in as much as it is a lifestyle.
Morning has broken
My alarm rang its 3rd call but my body wants to stay in my slumber. I look at my right and her eyes are still closed. I look across the other bed and his eyes are still shut. I pushed myself out of bed, brushed my teeth and splashed water on my face and quietly sneaked out the door.
The morning smelled great. I wanted to breathe everything in and never exhale. Crystal Beach Resort is truly a beauty and it makes me feel fit right in… If I ever disappear, you’d find me right here in my new home on the beach.
Here I am, craning my neck looking at the rolling white clouds. The sun gives me a gentle kiss on the cheek. Yes, finally I am seen. Stripped off of every nuisances and utter diversions, I see myself again. Where I am and where I want to be.
I take the burden of waking up the two and prompting them to action. Finding our friends Marge and Abby at the breakfast hall, we jumped in and surprised Marge.
Taking in some energy and potassium for breakfast, we walked to the shore.
It’s surfing time!
It’s only my second time to surf and it is Madz’ first. The instructors taught us the basics after stretching. Soon, we were ushered to the water. After walking 8 meters, I felt the waves just keep coming at me. My knees buckled. I love the water but I’m very afraid of it as well.
“Kuya, may mga kapatid pa po akong umaasa sa akin.” I said teasingly but somewhat seriously. He laughed, couldn’t believe he’d hear that from me.
My overactive imagination running on visions of getting smacked in the head with the surfboard or getting towed under. 10-15 minutes passed and I threw the white flag and apologized to the instructor. Fear has swallowed me already.
We moved back to shore. Eric who was waiting on the shore said, “why did you go back?” I replied, “you didn’t see me? You didn’t see me stand? I caught a 4 feet wave and got wiped out. Whew, that was a huge wave.” Eric countered, “I saw you stand… on sand. Bravo.”
I plopped down on the sand, feeling defeated. I watched Madz and just took photos of her. After a while, I finally saw her stand and I cheered her on. I screamed loudly, mighty proud that she was catching the waves like a pro.
That’s me raising my hands in glee! 🙂
I was clapping frantically, jumping up and down, it felt like her success was also my victory.
Marge and Abby looked so graceful on their boards as well, moving with the waves. Eric was also able to stand several times. I enjoyed my time watching them and just the beauty that is nature.
I see couples walking hand in hand along the beach, their hearts seemed intertwined. My heart smiled, I knew I felt that at least once in my life.
With more people heading back to the resort since it’s already noon, only a handful was left on the beach. An instructor named Vergel asked why I didn’t surf. I said I was too scared to face the waves. He told me he could try to teach me. I just smiled. 20 minutes later, I summoned the courage to take his offer.
He let me feel the waves first. No boards. It’s just me against the waves. Small waves, I jump and sway with it. Big waves, he tells me to go underwater.
After several waves, I’ve become acquainted and grew comfortable. He motivated well telling me that he’s not expecting any fancy moves but just for me to be able to stand. He tells me that my sole goal will also be his accomplishment. Powered by the drive of not letting someone down, I pushed forward past my fears and nightmares.
I took a chance. Two chances. And more. And I was standing up more than once or twice and, as they say, riding the waves. Nothing spectacular but I was happy to see Vergel pleased. He was content with that little moment of victory, of my crooked tentative stretch of legs, mostly of me conquering my fear even if 100 thoughts choke me up in terror.
Heading back to the shore, my head wasn’t down. I thanked Vergel and almost hugged him, but restrained myself.
We had lunch with a group and each bite to me was a silent celebration. After lunch, I look at my itinerary and realized I missed one to two activities. I wanted to take a trike and visit another resort in the area. Eric consoles me and tells me I still made the best laid out plans even if I wasn’t able to follow every single one.
My shoulders relaxed, I’m on a short vacay after all. I feel my friends’ energies, happy and at ease, and I let go of the rest of the plans.
Translating that joy for someone else
Except for one. I’ve planned to pack small gift packs for some community kids of Zambales and that plan I wasn’t willing to just forget. Eric pulls out the groceries from the car, Madz and I help and all three of us take our roles and pack individual loot bags.
I wish I had time to prepare cut out papers with Bible verses and words of life encouragement like how I did it in 2006 in Cavite but work and busyness get in the way and they are the worst excuses for not getting more meaningful things done.
I knew and anticipated we were gonna have fun, totally positive about that, and my aim was to translate that joy for someone else or for a handful of people… little people that is, children.
Late that afternoon, another round of surfing for both Eric and Maddie happened. I took photos and videos for them to remember this weekend by. Showering was a must after a full day of activities. I pack my bag, stretch my body and look out at the sea, blowing a goodbye kiss. And plop back onto the passenger seat.
It was only 2.5 to 3 hours drive but it felt like I was miles and miles away, wandering around without a worry in mind. Same goes for our travel going back to Manila, it was as worry-free as our drive to Zambales, powered by Shell V-Power Nitro+ Diesel. We started on a full tank. Now, reached Manila and still had fuel to spare. I started on low love tank but came home with a full tank. When you give love, you’re just bound to get some. Love goes around.
The weeks following, I just simmered in happy memories of that weekend. This journey was a pursuit of happiness and a simple fun weekend gave just that. My memory soaks again in delight, remembering the good times. There’s a new spring to my step, anticipating where the next journey will be.
These new Shell V-Power Nitro+ Fuels are unique premium gasoline and diesel fuels designed to improve performance and to act instantly in engines. It was the perfect partner for this weekend to remember.
This Shell Journey was an adventure in many aspects. First, it brought me to a place farther than the familiar yet made close to my heart. I discovered a respite and sanctuary in Crystal Beach Resort. Introduced me again to the challenge and spectacle surfing is. It was a conquest, winning against my fears.
It was a good bonding time with friends and reconnecting with myself. My passion for adventure and for the good life was sparked anew.
Shell V Power Nitro fuels people’s passions on the road. Am I meant to be in this place? This journey, and many journeys I’ve taken in the past made me realize… I am meant to be on the move. Move to love LOVE, travel, and people.
When all my labors and trials are o’er,
And I am safe on that beautiful shore,
Just to be near the dear Lord I adore
Will through the ages be glory for me.
Thank you Lord for Your ultimate grace.
To God be the glory!
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We were there last week! And Vergel was my instructor, di ka nya talaga susukuan =D
I enjoy reading your post Jane! Hopefully, makabalik kami soon, though sabi nila wala n daw masyadong waves by March-April =(
What a wonderful weekend you have indeed Janey! It is like as if I am travelling with you while reading the whole sentences. I’d never been in Zambales before and I am now hoping that I could visit the place as well as the resort in the future after reading your article. It looks like surfing in that place looks fun and exciting!
I think “secret spots” are only for crowded surf destinations like in Hawaii and California. Our surf areas are relatively uncrowded, I kinda cringe when Filipinos try to imitate the Western surf culture by having “secret spots”. If you wanna improve your surfing try practicing at Club Manila East, they have good coaches there, then when you go to Zambales you’ll be able to catch waves on your own without having to be pushed. Your coach won’t be happy though as you can surf on your own already.