I am
from Sorsogon City, and I am embarrassed to admit that I have visited this
beautiful, unspoiled place only for the first time a few days ago. And it’s just
30 minutes and Php 35.00 away from my house!
From
the city, take the jeepney to Gubat for Php 15.00. Ask the driver to drop you
off at the tricycle terminal that will take you to Buenavista for Php 10.00.
The locals are amazing, (but of course, Sorsoganon baya!). Gubatnons are very
helpful and really warm, hospitable people.
It was
a stormy day, Typhoon Senyang (international name: Jangmi) was beating Visayas
and part of the Bicol Region, Gubat included. A surf- perfect weather. My
mother was aghast when she learned that I, my sisters and friends are to go out
on a stormy December day, she was like ‘are you all crazy? What do you mean
surfing in this weather? The waves would be big and high, the waters would be
swollen!’ I tell you, it’s a lot funnier in our mother tongue. But anyways, we
got away with some more lashings and endless instructions from her.
Gubat’s
almost-white and the finest (polvoron-like) sand beaches face the Pacific Ocean.
From September to May the waves could reach from 2 to 5 feet. I had the
privilege of surfing in Baler, Aurora and San Juan, La Union, but I did not know, for the life of
me, that Buenavista, Gubat is a home for surfers! Quite the charm, the
beauty, and the waves!
We
stayed at Lola Sayong Surf Camp. The resort
is a perfect get-away, pristine, quiet and here's the more important thing: it's friendly on the price side!
Anyone can just walk-in with
nothing but your rash guard and board shorts! You may opt to rent and fetch a
tent, a hammock or stay in the bahay-kubo! Really nice place..
The waves could look very angry
but be scared not, all the while during our stay, life guards are on duty, diligently
watching over the few brave surfers.
So, from Buenavista, Gubat, Sorsogon..
.. and ENJOY s U R F I N G ! ! !