High tide or low tide?, was the memorable reply by the former Filipina beauty queen Charlene Gonzales when she was asked at the Ms. Universe pageant long time ago about “ How many islands are there in the Philippines?”.
A very smart follow-up question “high tide or low tide?” was her technique in order to prepare herself mentally for the right answer. The truth is, she just did the right thing. Because the answer regarding the total number of islands in the Philippines vary and it really depends if it is high tide or low tide.
Why did I begin with such introduction? It reminds me of one of my wonderful memories with my former officemates. It was when we had our team building cum outing at the Hundred Islands Resort, Pangasinan, Philippines. I was so curious then on why it was called Hundred Islands or is it really 100 islands all in all? Or more? I even probed the vendors and the boat riders if such number is true. Their answer was similar to what our former BB. Pilipinas Universe put into a trend. It depends if it is high tide or low tide. They said that it is 124 at low tide and 123 at high tide. But anyway, at least we are sure that there really are one hundred islands in the said resort.
Yes, the contention on the total number of islands in the Philippines whether high tide or low tide also applies to this wonderful resort in Alaminos City, Pangasinan. But regardless of its total number, one thing is definite here, it is a proof that God really works in wonders. He created this paradise , island to island resort. You can never feel anything negative or sad. Problems have no room in this place, only happiness and thankfulness. The place is so serene that it will give you time to contemplate on what kind of being you have been and what kind of person you want yourself to be. Really, you’ll experience peace when you get there.
How to get there
From Manila, take a bus ride bound to Alaminos, Pangasinan. Tips: midnight trip is better as it will take around 4 hours to get there; book your ticket in advance to avoid the situation of having no more seats available .
Upon arrival at Alaminos terminal, take a tricycle ride to Barangay Lucap which will cost you around 60 pesos .
Have your hotel or transient room booked in advance also. Transient room is more economical. There are so many hotels and transient house along Barangay Lucap area which are just walking distance to the Hundred Island resort pier area.
Boats are available at the Lucap pier from 7 am – 5 pm. Before contracting a boat ride , register at the Tourism center located in the said quay. Service boats are also available to tour you around the best islands but you are only allowed to stay in any of these 3 islands: Quezon Island, Children’s Island and Governor’s Island.
Meals or packed lunch are also allowed so you can eat, swim and have fun in the island of your choice.
You can also stay overnight in a camp in Quezon Island . It is safer for there are people living in the said area.
Things To Bring
Tent and flashlights for campers, snorkel, drinking water, extra clothes, cell phone, lots of food, slippers, trash bags, etc.
The Encounter with the Hundred islands
The Governor’s island is best for climbers who want to see the Hundred Island in its full Masterplan view. It is a 100 steps undertaking in order to be at the summit. The whole thing is a view of the One Hundred Islands.
I really fell in love with this place. Embracing the nature and viewing the serene environment gave me the feeling of being loved and while being there, it was like somebody from above is whispering , “ I made this for you because that is how much I love you!” I must be thankful for having seen the place. Totally, I was in awe while in peace for myself and the environment.
Oh my darling, Hundred Islands, ‘till we meet again.
/// Written by Rosemarie Ramos, The Philippines
