It was a throwback to the early 2000s in the Philippines when I frequented 70s Bistro and Xaymaca, dated a dread head, and didn’t mind watching a live band performance of “Get Up Stand Up” thrice a week. Only, it felt odd not lugging around a toddler… And sweating alcohol.
The drinking session started at ten in the morn. Though fellow travel blogger Monette of Flip Travels and I desperately needed to hit the loo since docking at Puerto Galera’s White Beach, we managed to plod tens of meters to Coco Aroma and order cold beer first. At midday, we were joined by Melo of Out Of Town Blog, who arrived the day before with the bands via hired bus and private outrigger boat (bad-arse!). He is, by the way, the main culprit of our irie getaway.
You see, a couple of weeks back, Eric of Byahilo and I were invited by Melo to check in Encenada Beach Resort for free (sponsored by its management). And I found out about the Puerto Galera Reggae Festival through a long lost friend from Tabinay who coincidentally DJed at the resort’s resto-slash-bar the night we stayed there. Melo offered us a place to crash should we attend. An offer difficult to resist.
Because the hubby was overseas for some geek convention on the event day, I leaped at the opportunity to take a leave from parenting (thanks to ze mum). I was hoping to catch up with blogger pals I terribly missed, and well, that’s all we did throughout the day. From White Beach to Encenada Beach. From noon until the wee hours.
Our lazy afternoon was spent dipping in shallow, turquoise water fronting a row of tents. Whilst twilight witnessed us sipping a bottle of wine and gobbling sizzling sisig. Everything that transpired thereafter was nothing short of insane. From meeting inebriated Couchsurfers (who prolly won’t remember being introduced to us), to swimming in the dark, to skanking with random strangers. Melo stayed sober, kept guard as we did things beyond letting our hair down. Erm okay, the night wasn’t that wild. In fact, we hit the sack just a little past one.
We were able to catch almost all the acts: Octopus Garden, Kapis, Iraya, Turtle Cub, Lady I, Papa Ugee, Reggae Mistress, DJ Shrimpy and DJ Tomas. Sadly we missed Coco Jam and Jun Lopito, for our aging bones pleaded to retire early. Guess I’d have to attend Puerto Galera Reggae Festival 2013 to again have that chance of watching ’em perform on the beach.
Crossing my fingers and hoping that we’d be in the country for next year’s fest.
Disclaimer: Non-watermarked snapshots were taken by the awesome Melo Villareal.
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Sasayaw na tayo Encenada!!!!! tas may sumusunod kay Monette hahahahah
One of the funnest eves in my entire life! Thanks Melo 🙂
Kainggit! Ewan ko ba palagi akong salisi kapag Puerto Galera ang napag-uusapan T_T
You haven’t been there babe? I HAVE TO take you there!
you are very much welcome Gaye, balik tayo next summer!! or sa christmas season:) or gawa tao ng shoot LOL yung sasabit kayo sa puno sabay sigaw ng PAK PAK PAK na may kasamang kembot LOL
Yey! Bloggers event? *hint hint*
The last time we went to Puerto was in 2006. We waited 6 hours to board the boat going Galera and the beach was crowded.:/ The reggae festival reminds me of the Indio I song Di Mo Lang Alam.
Aww, must be one of ’em holidays? I LOVE LOVE LOVE “Di mo Lang Alam”. Kakakilig.
Ang pretty niyo talaga ni Monette 😡
Puerto Galera.. Woohoo!!! Naalala ko when I was younger, dream ko makapunta ng Galera… yun lang masaya na ako… hehehe!!! it was actually my very first trip na naka-alis ako ng mainland Luzon… ang saya saya dyan… 2009 pa when I last went there at madami na nagbago… hope makabalik ako ng PG soon! 🙂
Prior this trip, the last time I went to PG was also in 2009. So much has changed! The shore became shorter cause of cemented areas 🙁
wow! just of this festival now! 😉
looks like fun! sarap pa naman makinig ng reggae songs kapag nasa beach!! at naman ang se-sexy!!
Yeah! Really hope I could catch next year’s.
Puerto Galera, once the only known getaway for myself and the then gf. Reggae Mistress ftw.
Ahaha! Marky, “thanks for sharing”!
Super nice naman to!! Chill chill lng sa beach.. reggae party nakakarelax. 🙂
Sana makapunta aq next fest and ma meet q kau ni Monette! 🙂 Hotness!
Hope to meet you on the road someday, Riz!
Oh, i envy ur shots.. luv the beach! And I always missed that P.G..
PG remains to be very close to my heart 🙂
Waaah! Same with Mica, never been to Puerto Galera. Hopefully I could visit it next year.
This year na! Haha 🙂 A weekend will do.
Puerto… ALWAYS the perfect venue for a reggae festival. 🙂