History of Anawangin Mystical Beach

the following entry is a response of sir dogy to our popular entry ANAWANGIN: BEAUTY ABOVE DANGER BELOW follow this link http://anawangin.i.ph/blogs/anawangin/2008/04/25/renes-anawangin-experience/

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 Greetings Sir Rene And A Safe Day To Everyone,

* i chanced upon your blog just this afternoon of 01May2008 - probably been researched in advance and posted by a comrade in our website - in our common interest of research, projected future visits and spreading informations about how to gauge the precious moments (and live with those sad facts and the "not so good things" i heard in recent years) each of us has spend at Anawangin Cove in general.

* i am deeply saddened by the fact that there were these drowning incidents and casualty lately at this PRISTINE COVE - and what do i mean by that?

* hats off to you Sir Rene as to whatever are your gallant intentions in inculcating awareness and how you deeply appreciate, perhaps you have fallen in love with Anawangin Cove (I do visit and celebrate my romance with Anawangin annualy every summer since  2004),  and concern yourself about how to take good care of Anawangin the way you have known "her" today - they do exact my sentiments as well.

* but as you can see, Sir Rene i do hope you have been informed already by the locals of how the place "started" … Anawangin right now as you know it and everyone else out there specially after the numerous media hypes thus the throng of visitors afterwards - - - it is not the same Anawangin before Mt. Pinatubo’s destrcutive eruption. i hope Sir that i am already getting your attention?

*** before Mt. Pinatubo has been given the Greenlight of God’s Assignment for the Task of Nature Redecoration, Anawangin Cove is a habitat for mangroves. so you may imagine the depth of the water in that area.

*** today at Anawangin what you are stepping on is pyroclastic material, volcanic debris - lahar when mixed with water. the debris which served as if they are icing on cakes a few hours, day or two or weeks after that doomsday eruption and the fallout of debris landed on the adjacent mountains … debris that has found their way directly to the sea maybe … maybe …. in that particular area it has shared the brunt of destruction … who knows we are not both present in that place at that moment right?

*** so that explains the unforeseen undercurrents, uneven depths at 30 - 40 meters offshore at that southside area of the cove … perhaps on the whole shore of the cove so keep it cool you daredevils out there okay? safety first is the number one order we all have to remember. and always inform your companions of your destination in the area and send trailers to check on whoever is in the water.

**** i heard of a drowning incident approximately in the same area you are describing around the last quarter of March this year during my 05 April visit. there were four (?) …

* through the years the debris from the mountains has finally found their fitting place of rest and thus creating a PRISTINE COVE with a beachfront lined - up with pine trees as if they are the welcoming committee once you hit the sand from your banca ride or bidding you a splendid farewell until you and Anawangin will see each other again.

* yes the pine trees i did noticed them during my first trip and i cannot contain my curiosity -how did they end up there? in unison and uniformity of height as if they are an army guarding the place. Mt. Pinatubo again has another freebies to offer during the REDECORATION. and so as the other variety of young trees. let’s thank them as well for providing us ample shade and very very clean air.

* for each and everyone of us (in our present time) let us not just experience, enjoy, savor Anawangin’s  modest and generous offering. spend a quiet moment in quiet corner, listen to the wind, rejuvinate, pray.

* and to the future visitors, whatever are your intentions in going there, make it sure in your own private moments, to simply say a word of thanks and touch the sand when you come on-shore at Anawangin before you go on with whatever are your activities during your stay with "her" and bid "her" a simple whisper of goobye when you’re about to board your banca ride on your return trip to Pundaquit - Pundakit.

* a portion of Anawangin Cove - in the northern part of the shoreline, the one with the perimeter enclosure made of nylon strings and with color flags dancing with the wind and attached to those kawayan poles - the son and daughter in law

(both my kumpare and kumare) of the family that owns the property has educated me about the place and during - yes - my first trip last 2004. believe it or not when we reach the shore - the place is deserted at that time - no campers or daytrip visitors in sight … my wife has frequented Anawangin since early 2000 …

HEAVEN!

* Sir thank you for your time and may these contribution for information purposes about Anawangin will serve your purpose and mission.

* Godspeed and Goodluck

Beach Safety Tips

Tell your parents where you are going. Bring your health card and ID’s with contact information in case of emergency esp in the phone.

Take a weather check before going to the beach

Don’t swim when drunk

There are no lifeguards so swim in groups and within the visibility of your friends. Never swim alone. Even good swimmers drown.

It is safer to swim at the middle of the cove than at the far left of the cove (facing the beach)

Stop swimming at the first indication of bad weather.

Make sure to always have enough energy to swim back to shore.

Don’t try to swim against a current if caught in one. Swim gradually out of the current, by swimming across it. Don’t Dive Into Unknown Water or Into Shallow Breaking Waves

Swimmers should approach the water with caution in the beginning to become familiar with the environment and know abilities and limits.

Watch out for the dangerous “too’s” – too tired, too cold, too far from safety, too much sun, too much strenuous activity. 

If caught in a rip current, swim sideways until free, don’t swim against the current’s pull

Protect your head, neck, and spine — don’t dive into unfamiliar waters — feet first, first time

Set water safety rules for the whole group based on swimming abilities (for example, inexperienced swimmers should stay in water less than chest deep).

Be knowledgeable of the water environment you are in and its potential hazards, such as deep and shallow areas, currents, depth changes, obstructions and where the entry and exit points are located. The more informed you are, the more aware you will be of hazards and safe practices. 

Wear life vest and have a floating device around just in case. 

Never turn your back to the ocean — you may be swept off coastal bluffs or tide pool areas and into the water by waves that can come without warning

In case somebody got drowned already, give cpr and get a boat promptly. bring him sideways so he cud spit the water out, holding his neck and touchinghis stomach.. boat back to pundaquit is 15min plus time to get  vehicle to san marcelino hospital which is 30min away.

compiled from these websites:

http://www.redcross.org/services/hss/sumsafety/index.html
http://www.redcross.org/services/hss/tips/healthtips/safetywater.html
http://www.girlpower.gov/girlarea/summer/watersafety.htm
http://www.kidshealth.org/kid/watch/out/water.html
http://www.sandiego.gov/lifeguards/safety/bchsafe.shtml
http://www.stormfax.com/safeswim.htm
http://www.buzzle.com/articles/swimming-open-water-safety-tips.html

 
HOW TO GIVE CPR

http://library.thinkquest.org/26106/how2docpr.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bDoIBH-IB3o 

Anawangin - Beauty above danger below

 Anawangin (april  19, 2008 saturday  afternoon)

Trying to catch up with my friends who opted to walk along the shore, I waded in the shoreline to catch up with them. They might have already reached the place where they wanted to go and I also wanted to see it for myself. I was approximately 30~50 meters away from the shoreline but the water was still waist deep. When I reached the place where they said that they would be going, I looked around but did not see them. The position of the sun at 4pm hampers my vision. Out of the blue I heard someone screaming SAKLOLO. It was Kaye.   The sound of the waves drowns her voice, at the same time she was also swallowing water as she screamed.  I was about 20~30 meters away from her, so I started swimming towards her and started to shout “TULONG” along the way. I choose that word because you can shout it longer and louder. I felt I was swimming harder. Biglang lalim… As I was approaching her, I noticed that she was dragging somebody. So I grabbed that person who was submerged a foot face down underwater. I turned him around and lifted his face. I could feel his neck breathing out frothy water…  I manage to keep his head up for a few seconds to keep water out from his mouth and nose. However, I felt I will not be able to complete that trip back to the shore. It was such a struggle to try to swim in that deep part of the cove. I saw a guy swimming towards us from the shore… so I decided to just push the person towards him even if it submerges his head again in the water. I told Kaye, "di ko kaya". I swam towards the shore backstroke… that was the easiest stroke I now. A crowd was already there before I reached the shore .Upon reaching the shore, that’s the time that I knew who I was trying to save, it was our friend Arnel. Kaye, Elaine and Julie were already crying. At that time somebody was already giving him CPR… I asked about the background of the person who was giving him CPR. She said something about being a diver.

I decided to look for a boat. Going towards the left of the shore while they’re still resuscitating him, I tried to reach a boatman and asked him if he could go to the place where our friend was. Malalim daw. Says he. I convinced him… he nodded…I went back to Arnel… at that time another guy was massaging his stomach… I asked him again about his background. He said he was a doctor… His presence brightens our hope. .I asked him what kind of recovery we can expect; he said that he cannot give a true diagnosis except that he needs to be taken to a hospital.  Moments later, a boat arrived from the right side. .The doctor suggested a 6 man lift. He reminded us to take care of the victim’s head. As Arnel was still unconcious, I convinced the doctor to come with Kaye in the boat, he agreed. The boatman suggested that the passengers should be only the four of them so that it would be able to travel faster. I looked for another boat so I can follow them and be able to assist them… Manny went with me. The waves were strong. I was thinking if this is how rough the waves are, how was the boat with Arnel doing?

At Pundaquit 

 I took us about 15 minutes maybe longer to reach Pundaquit… We went to the end of the road to look for a tricycle. We encountered the doctor there. He said that they (Kaye & Arnel) took a tricycle to the barangay. He was not able to come because of the tricycle’s limited capacity. We shook his hand and thanked him… We forgot to ask the doctor’s name we looked for another tricycle to take us to the barangay…

At the Barangay

It was located near San Antonio Main Street and market. It took us 10 more minutes to get there. We ask around where they have taken the victim. One guy asked us where he was drowned and I told him it happened in Anawangin… He clapped his hand as if saying again? The people in the barangay told us that their Fx have taken them to San Marcelino Hospital , apparently there is no hospital in San Antonio and that was the closest. They said it would only be a 20 minute ride, that we could take a jeep/bus but told us that a tricycle would be faster. (Because of the waiting time). We instructed our driver to continue and head for the hospital. It must have taken us longer than 20 minutes to get there I guess the estimated was for a jeep.

AT THE HOSPITAL  

We’ve reached the place around 6pm… The driver said plus 150 totaling 250 (I gave him earlier 100 pesos at the barangay). I did not argue with him, I said I only have what I gave him and that when he returns to pundaquit our friends are still there and just ask them for the remaining 150.(help cost a lot in that area).  I went to the admission section. And ask the nurses if they have a newly arrived patient. The ER was near the admission area. I saw Arnel was lying unconscious but breathing fast. Dextrose was already placed on his hand. I saw Kaye no longer crying.  A good sign. I approached her and ask about his condition. She told me that when they arrived Arnel was moaning in pain. And struggling .Moments later Arnel started waking up and moaning again but we don’t know what was painful… We started taking to him but it seems he could not understand us.  He was saying "FF… FFFF…OOC” Wow a good sign again. His language skills are still intact… Kaye ask her what was painful later he uttered a few more word GALLBLADDER. He responded. (At least we know now he understood us)… I convince him in simple baby talk to just. Piss. Piss. And there he went… wetting his shorts and the bed… then he proceeded to sleep. A few minutes have passed Ely and Elaine arrived. Arnel woke up but he looks like a lost person his head and eyes are moving but not in focus. I call his name and talk to him like a baby and convince him to just sleep. (Tulog Lang…Tulog Lang Arnel). While Kaye and Elaine assure him that his in the hospital and that we are here. That goes on for a few hours. On the meantime. We rummage through his things that Ely and Elaine brought along We couldn’t find any kind information that related to his family.  Only the PRC ID and other items none of which indicated a home address. He is a secretive guy… imagine we found on his phone an 8 digit number. That is saved under a name TUNDO. Because that were his parents live. Ely stared to dial numbers registered on his phone and ask if they know any contacts to no avail.

FAST FORWARD

The rest of the group started arriving at the hospital around 10pm. We managed to get sleeping quarters near the hospital. On the right side just walking distance was a resort with swimming pool. (php 800 per room, 1 king size bed with a/c and bathroom) We occupied rooms 2 & 3. We take turns guarding Arnel. While others eat. At that time he was already transferred to the ward. As there are no rooms available for private accommodation.  About 11 or 12mn. 4 of us in the ward (Archie, Arnold, jomay and I). Arnel woke up.. his eyes are already focused. I asked him if he knows me he said “oo”. He wanted to pee. We assisted him towards the bathroom but it’s like assisting a 5 yr old. He doesn’t want the assistance shrugging our hands. We could not help it as his dextrose is still connected and that he wobbles while walking.
(Later on upon regaining full consciousness he said he did not remember this incident).

TOTAL RECALL (April  20, 2008  Sunday morning)

At 1:30am. Archie called me on the phone. I was at room 3. On the resort then. Sleeping with Manny and Kaye. He informed me that he recognized them. And that I should bring a shirt. He was shirtless because the nurse cut up it up.  

Summarizing…  

He’s OK now… back to his renewed self. He did not remember the ordeal… what he remembers is the wave (4pm) and waking up at the hospital (at about 1:30am).

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Note: In these kinds of situation, it helps knowing these things…

After taking him/her to shore. Remember the ABC (Airway, Breathing and Circulation).

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/first-aid-cpr/FA00061.

Our friend was wearing dentures. It caused his mouth to bleed; initially it was thought that the blood came from his lungs. So knowing a person profile help. Or if you don’t know if he’s wearing one check, to avoid drawing a wrong conclusion.  It helps if you could find a medical professional. If you are many in your group assign somebody to look for one or assign yourself. Tip: it’s easier to shout MEDIC!!!   

 Mode of transport to nearest clinic or hospital. In our case it was almost an hour away. Do not make this your  top priority! A few minutes of first aid is better that any hospital. Make sure he is breathing even if unconscious (in this situation that my least expected result).  

Bring money. It might cause a delay in hiring your transport. Sad to say but not all people are willing to help if you don’t pay them. In our case I had a 100 php in my pocket at that time. Enough for a tricycle ride up to the hospital.

Deep spots in anawangin shores

changing currents cause the deep spots to shift..