Crystal Beach Resort, Zambales… and a Beautiful Wedding

Covid-19 gives so much nostalgia to how normal life was before masks, public distancing, and paranoia for human interactions. It brings me to posting about a holiday over a year ago… wishing for family and friends gatherings and the smell of home… Philippines.

Crystal Beach Resort in San Narciso, Zambales has been a favorite spot since I have first visited in 2010 for a surfing class with my little brother. 9 years after, much has improved around their facilities towards sustainability, and my brother had chosen to wed there with his beautiful half.

It was May of 2019, middle of summer in the tropics, never mind the heat of the sun – this view and the calming seawaves is worth it.

Room accommodation is higher than the others around the area, but you have options for camping or glamping or whatever suits your budget.

A standard room with two single beds and can add up another bed to accommodate 3 adults. At that time it is around Php6500/night including breakfasts.

The sand is a mix of the volcanic ashes from Mt. Pinatubo, hence it turns to gray when wet (from light brown when dry). Leo isn’t friends with the waves – he runs up everytime the waves come up haha.

The resort is popular for beginner surfing lessons. Oddly enough, or luckily for my sons, the waves were shy during that morning – perfect for some dipping and swimming. Here’s Liam with his tito Mai (my elder brother, sort of my twin/look-alike).

Someone’s very happy under the sun, on sand and some shade. That sea blue hue on the background tho…

You’ll never go wrong with beach weddings. Just look how happy this rascal is having his toes on the sand and munching on aperitifs – life!

Mom and all her handsome grandchildren. ❤

[Em & Mitch Wedding Reception – Official Photos]

“The look of love… The rush of blood…” – Arctic Monkeys / No. 1 Party Anthem

The entourage. Love.

[Em & Mitch Wedding 25.05.19 – Official Photos]

The night sky. The wedding. Love.

Love wins, always.

Surf’s Up in Zambales

If you are passionate about surfing and lives in Manila, Zambales is the closest place by road (3-5hrs drive) to satisfy your wave-riding passion.

Known for its wondrous beaches (e.g. Pundaquit and Capones islands), Zambales is getting to be a popular surf site not just for locals now but for tourists in and outside the Philippines.

San Antonio, San Felipe, and San Narciso towns have the well-known surfing spots. These three towns are basically close to each other and can be travelled by a tricycle if you fancy ‘surf-hopping’.

In my case, me and my brother stayed at San Narciso’s Crystal Beach Resort. We rented a pretty cheap but neat bungalow at Crystal Beach Resort (also a popular place for corporate team buildings) but ended up surfing at San Felipe due to the “very-low” waves at the resort. We have no complaints since we got free transfers and the view from the beach of San Felipe is equally beautiful of that in San Narciso.

And after you’re done with surfing (for hours/days), I suggest you travel around the province of Zambales and see all the other lovely beaches/islands around it. I’ll show you in my next posts. Cheers!