Tinukib Jungle Festival

Saturday. October 5, 2013 was one of the best days and nights in my life. Together with my friends and the CouchSurfing family, we went to Anawangin Cove which is located in San Antonio, Zambales for the very first Tinukib Jungle Festival in the Philippines.

There were 300 people and 5 Party Buses that went, designated with different teams and colors and each had a capacity of 48 passengers. A few hours before we left we decided to join our friend Sakib in his car instead of joining the crazy party buses.  We left at 3:00 o'clock in the morning so we wouldn't hit the crazy Manila traffic. You can only reach Anawangin Cove by by boat or by trail once your in Zambales (unless you have a private plane or helicopter LOL). Boat ride is about 45 minutes and hiking is about 5 hours or more (depends on how fast you can walk haha).

We arrived after the 45 minute boat ride and we were amazed of how beautiful the place is. There are pine trees lining the coast, and the cooler weather and sun kissed sand was very relaxing.  Anawangin Cove is a crescent shaped cove with a pristine long white beach and was known as Sharks Cove (Punlahan ng Bangus) in the 1980's and turned into white sand cove (this is due to Mt. Pinatubo eruption). It has become a more popular place with its unique flora, pine trees, and the green environment.  An overwhelming sight of the mountains’ natural beauty and the crystal blue surface of the sea will really captivate your eyes.

 

 It is a perfect place to visit especially to those who want to take a break and get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and get acquainted with nature. There’s no electricity, no phone signal, no work, no traffic, no pollution and no accommodation so definitely it will take you away from technology and the busy world.

Since we arrived earlier than others, we were able to choose a good spot for our tent under the trees .  We didn't have a tent with us so we rented one there for three hundred pesos. A couple of free beach huts can be used but those are on a first come first serve basis only. We also brought awesome flashlights with us, mosquito repellant, wine / alcohol and plenty of food. The party organizers sells’ drinks and meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner. We also brought toiletries, extra clothes, cameras and good vibes.

While waiting for others, we decided to hike up the mountains along the river to see the waterfalls and to swim in the river pools.  Wow, that was a lot of good exercise. Haha! If you hike to the top of the mountain you will get a birds eye view of all of Anawangin which is breathtaking. The sea stretches for miles and miles and is so calming and peaceful.  You will see the patches of different shades of blue scattered along the surface.  Trekking was so fun, sporty and challenging. The water from the waterfall was so relaxing, so cold and clean and you can hear the whistle from the wind.

After hiking and checking the water fall, we went back to the camp site and everybody was ready for good food, drinks, crazy activities, awesome music by the local artists, meet new friends, and of course... party! We had bonfires along the beach with trance inducing fire dancers.  It was amazing!  The sunset was so beautiful!

The music was really nice! The local artist and DJs’ really know how to rock the party. It was a mixed of reggae, dub step and house music infused with ethnic drums.  You know, the type of music that you can't help but dance with it.  It’s was a night full of unforgettable music and friendship.

For me Anawangin is a place that I will never forget.  It's a bit far from Manila but it is worth every mile and every minute.

Tinukib Jungle Festival was created and founded by Nuki Buenaflor and he was assisted by Christy Almedilla. Nuki was inspired to host Tinukib after hosting the Full Moon Party in Cagbalete last June 2013. The name Tinukib comes from the Hiligaynon term "Tukib" which means "To Discover".  Then Nuki combined it with his name, Ti- NUKI-b.  A Brilliant name and awesome idea from an awesome and really cool guy. 

Great performances by the local artist, Planet Zips: POI Philippines and Katribu Drum Community. DJS', Robert Greene, Pyong Sumaria and Japoy Quinto. Also, it is brought to us by RAN Events, Brilvant Clothiers, Hilik Boutique Hostel and MNL Botique Hostel.

More photos from different photographers / people / friends that went.

Sponsored by: Brilvant Clothiers