Friday, September 12, 2014

Quezon | Pagbilao Grande Island's Kwebang Lampas


QUEZON | Pagbilao Grande Island's Kwebang Lampas
Kwebang Lampas Travel Guide

 
It had been months since the dry season (summer) in the Philippines passed for 2014. Yet, the finale beach camp trip I did with a few friends to Kwebang lampas of Pagbilao, Quezon still brings a vivid memory for me of a white sand beach cove. The towering Pagbilao Power Plant was an amalgamation amidst the rocky and green terrain, the scattered rain clouds of both days I was there, the sand that clings to my skin and the carefree banter of beach campers who are just too happy to be away from the bustle of Urban Manila; Kwebang Lampas was our refuge for this weekend. Even as light rains poured from time to time, telling us that this summer is soon over; as I lay alone inside my tent while people lounge by the beach side in drunken stupor; I could use a hug and a cuddle then, but I was never alone, not really.

I’ve never heard of Kwebang Lampas until a veteran backpacking friend Gail decided to go back to Kwebang Lampas and check it out as a possible location for an overnight trip. It had been years since she made this visit and Kwebang Lampas used to be a haven for her. She came back with a positive outlook; it is possible to bring an entire team to go back packing to Pagbilao Grande Island’s Kwebang Lampas. This post is an account of me and a team of friends who spent an overnight trip, camping in a beach without any resort, electricity and bare cell phone signal in Kwebang Lampas of Lukang Beach. 
The Pagbilao Power Plant tower, rising between the rolling landscape of Pagbilao Grande Island.


The lake that stands as a natural barrier before the esteemed beach in Kwebang Lampas.


The Many Names And The Moniker
This particular beach corner in Pagbilao Quezon comes in many different names and a moniker, but there is nothing more official or politically correct in any of them unless it’s placed on the map perhaps. It’s very frustrating to search for information about Kwebang Lampas, there’s only but a few bloggers who wrote about their experience be it good or bad. This piece of beach front land was formerly owned by the Lukang Family; hence it was once called Lukang Beach and a private property where an overnight stay was not allowed before. Kwebang Lampas as it is more popularly known is actually a Moniker name for the tunnel like cave system on the rocky western side; Kwebang Lampas refers to a cave that passes through. If you take to trek on arrival and pass through at the back gate of the property, you’ll find it crudely painted at their gate “Grande Island Beach,” we have to consider that this beach is in Pagbilao Grande Island but that Grande Island beach may refer to any of beach coves in this Island. Puting Buhangin beach actually refers to the number of white beach coves surrounding Pagbilao Grande Island, and Kwebang Lampas is only one of them located southwest of the island. So far, the most acceptable name online is Kwebang Lampas. 


The back gate property entrance.
On a rainy late afternoon, Sunset hidden in the rain clouds.

I’ve thought well and long before deciding to blog about Kwebang Lampas because I believe it deserves a second chance. Frankly, the negative things written about this place in some blogs can be disheartening, especially to someone who haven’t heard of Kwebang Lampas before. My rule in blogging about a certain place is that if I have nothing good to say, better not talk about it because my expectations and perspective is different from my readers. I try to be as positive as I can. I’d see a crowd of people in the beach and I won’t be disappointed, like me they are there to enjoy as well. I’d be ask to be pay an entrance fee, sure I’d grudgingly pay it without ranting like a cheapskate because I have come prepared and known that I would pay at some point, I’m stepping into someone’s property after all. Vandalism upsets me, and like many other tourist destinations, Kwebang lampas is not out of them, but if you think about it, vandalism had been in human nature since time immemorial, ancient Egyptian’s, Greeks and Romans did them, so why would it change the world now. I can live with a few Vandals in my photographs, if they don’t look pleasant, it's really easy to remove them. I have to admit though, I’m one of those hopefuls who are trying to spread the word to stop vandalism, it’s a smear and doesn’t look pleasant anywhere.

Pardon me, I’m trying to paint a more positive view of Kwebang Lampas as I see it befitting. Let me show you in these photos shot with a Canon Point and shoot Camera. 
A Place For Photo Ops

This photo is only one of the set I got before the rocky entrance to Kwebang Lampas. The wings were merely borrowed from Gail who likes to bring wings to wear for little fun photo shoot when she's in a beach. There were a lot of people swiming and lounging in the beach then, but they stayed at a safe distance as spectaters while I muster my courage and overcome every ounce of shyness. The result was a set of photos I could proudly show off. Check the full feature here: Beach Photo Shoot
Photo credit: Chaz Zenith
Wing costume: Gail Guarizo 
Photos shot with Canon SX170 Travel Zoom 

Inside Kwebang Lampas. The walls are lined with few Vandals that I removed through photo editing.


How To Get There
Note: I joined a team building to get there, so we hired a van to take us up to the registration area for Lukang Beach. I wasn’t part of the ocular team who scouted this place first. This how to get there by commuting with buses, jeeps and tricycle. Prepared by Gail Guarizo.

Bus Option To Lucena
  • Take a bus en route to Lucena (either from Buendia or Cubao) and get off at Lucena Grand Central Terminal. From the terminal there are vans and jeepneys going to Pagbilao. Manila to Lucena Bus fare is around Php 209.00, one-way fare. 
  • Second Route is to take a bus going directly to SM Lucena.
You may want drop by SM Lucena to buy supplies before heading to Pagbilao.
There are jeepneys from SM Lucena Going to Pagbilao Market terminal. Fare is 15.00.
You can also buy supplies at a public market near the terminal.


From the Lucena Grand Central Terminal
  • Take a jeep ride bound for Brgy. Polo for Php 35.00.
  • Tell the driver that you are going to Lukang Beach (Lukang Beach is the old name of Kwebang Lampas).
  • Once in Brgy Polo, you can hire tricycle going to the Kwebang Lampas Registration area.
  • Tricycle drivers are charging around Php 200-250.00 one way, to bring you to the registration area.
  • We met a Tricycle driver, name is Tolits (will send his number, if you need it) and his asking price is Php 150.00.
  • Price of course depends on number of pax and camping gears and supply you are bringing.

Three options on going to the Beach from the Registration Area.
  • Walk all the way to the beach.
  • Boat ride to cross the lake, Php 20.00 Round Trip. Short hike to beach, approximately 15-30 mins.
  • Boat ride to cross the lake and rent a boat to take you and all your camping gears, food, water, etc to the beach. Prices vary, depends on your negotiation skill with the boatman.
At the registration, you have to pay for entrance.
  • Php 160.00 For an Overnight stay.
  • Php 20.00 If you are crossing the lake via boat, two-way.
  • Php 300.00 Tents for overnight rent.
  • Php 700.00 Tables for rent.

Ang Pala-lagaw's Kwebang Lampas Photo Gallery
Check this link for the flickr album: Kwebang Lampas

After a long ride, we were treated to a bilao of Chamy Pancit. This was in a store were we can also wash up after the trip to Kwebang Lampas.





The view after the registration area is a lake that we have to cross by a boat that would ferry us along with our supplies and belongings to the other side.


Once crossed, beyond this side is rocky beach where a boat are sometimes moored to bring guest to the front of Kwebang Lampas.


The beach alight with morning sunrise.


It was a long fun night and in here, we are preparing for a well deserved full breakfast.


On our way back, Mamang Bangkero looking before the seascape before him.






On the Map



Francis Balgos is a Call Center Agent, Weekend Travel Warrior, Amateur Spelunker, Sometime Surfer, Newbie Mountain Climber, Photography Enthusiast, Certified Beach Bum, A first born son, Faithful lover, True Explorer...

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No pictures should be downloaded or copied without permission from the blogger.

87 comments:

  1. Been there! 2008 ata yun - meron din dyan Tulay Buhangin ba yun :)

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  2. Aw I wanna go here! The place is perfect for relaxing

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  3. I've been there with my officemates last year, after the boat ride, we opted to trek in the middle of the night because it's full moon. Somewhat scary yet adventurous, considering we have two kids with us. That trip was very memorable. The only negative thought I have of the place was the vandalism inside the cave.

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  4. It seems you enjoyed a lot with friends. Well, the islands are beautiful to discover and explore.

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  5. This is a nice place to visit in Quezon. It's really an excellent place for photo shoots as it's just so scenic.

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  6. The photos seemed blurry but whatever their comments are be it positive or negative, it's important that they should visit the place first before judging. :)

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    Replies
    1. What you noticed is the obvious difference between DSLR against Digicam

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  7. I didn't expect to see so many excursionistas there! It looks quite off-the-beaten path. Btw, that pancit looks delicious!

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  8. Thanks for the virtual tour, ang ganda ng place specially that rock formation. I'll add this to my travel wishlist.

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  9. This is a nice place to attract more tourist, but it seems it is full of trash and vandalism. Need to share this and inform our City Tourism about this, we have so many decent spot that needs attention and this place is one of it!

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  10. I always admire a traveler like you sir, who not only captures awesome photographs but describe the place in a creative way. 9+I super like the second to the last photo.. just amazingly beautiful.

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  11. do you have a contact number in kwebang lampas? thanks

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    Replies
    1. Hello,

      I am not sure what the contact numbers are for.
      There is no resort here, only caretakers on the private Lukang Beach.
      If you need contact numbers, I have for the tricycle drivers perhaps..
      There is no need for guides, and the beach is a camping ground.
      If you're really interested, the How to get there section of this post is detailed and verified.
      Let me know if you have more questions.

      Francis

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    2. Pwede mo ma contact yung caretaker sa beach
      aling Gemma or Mang Lando 09475911630

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  12. Pa u po kumuha ng tour guide dito sa Kwembang? Tska magkno? Yung good for 2days.

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    Replies
    1. Wala pong tour guide dito unless you're in an Beach or Island Hopping Tour.
      Pwede mo ma contact yung caretaker sa beach
      aling Gemma or Mang Lando 09475911630

      Regarding sa gastos, pakibasa po ng post.
      depende kasi yan kung mg hire kayo ng sariling sasakyan (van or jeep) or mg commute,
      saka na rin ku g mahilig kayo bumili ng pasalubong sa Pagbilao

      Delete
  13. Pano po kumuha ng tourguide sa kwembang? Tasks magkno? Yung good for two days

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  14. hello sir, yung treck sa back gate is madali lang? ilang minutes? ndi nakakaligaw? penge naman sir more details how to go in the back gate.. thanks! :)

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    Replies
    1. 15 to 30 minutes.. Its not a hike, me part lang na rocky terrain. wala din ligaw dun, me trail signs and the locals can direct you. pwede din kayo mg hire ng boat nalang, especially kung marami dala. :)

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  15. Hello, Francis! Nice post! My friends and I are planning to go over early next week. Can we get Tolit's #?

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  16. May cr na pangbanlawan sir? sa saturday na kasi kami pupunta.. thanks :)

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    Replies
    1. Meron naman Sir, kaya lang tubig poso saka bibilhin mo ang tubig..
      Pwede kayo sa tindahan ni Aling Chamy, merong talaga silang paliguan for a fee, madadaanan kapag pauwi na.

      Delete
  17. Hi My Name is Armando M. Jr. im from laguna, I must say I enjoyed stay there in the cave, I have lots of boylet there.. Me and my barkadaslove to eat theyre tooottt! :D So memorable staying there

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  18. Very informative. My team plans to go there next week. pwede ba malaman ang # ni manong tricycle driver?

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  19. Hi, may parking lot ba? safe ba if ever? naka motor lang kasi kami papunta dyan. and im afraid kung safe ba yung motor namin sa jump off point :) thanks!

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    Replies
    1. me taga bantay naman dun sa registration site..dun kami ng park ng van.

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    2. tnx tol.. for your information...

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    3. Safe po ba mga motor dun kc balak nmin mag overnyt

      Delete
  20. Hi, may parking lot ba? safe ba if ever? kasi nakamotor kami pupunta dyan sa april 1 :) and im afraid kung safe ba iwan yung motor dun sa sakayan ng boat :)

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  21. pwede po ba makuha ung # ni manong tolits? the tricycle driver? we're planning to go there this coming holyweek. thanks

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  22. hi, pwede po ba malaman ung # ni manong tolits the tricycle driver? we're planning to go there this coming holyweek. thanks

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  23. pwde po b mkuha no. ni manong tolits?

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  24. pwde po b mkuha no. ni manong tolits?

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  25. pwde po b mkuha no. ni manong tolits?

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    Replies
    1. follow up ko lang po with Gail if she still has the number.
      Si Kuya Tolits yung na hire nila na tricycle driver, willing to give discount.
      Im sure you can also find anyone else.:)

      Delete
  26. ung 160 na registration fee..per pax ba un?

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  27. Hi ask ko lang pag nag trek ba kmi kakayanin ng matanda? kasama kasi lola ko. thanks in advance!

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  28. hi ask ko lang kung kakayanin ba ng matanda ung paglalakad sa likod? ayaw nia kasi sa banka eh. Thanks in advance!

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  29. Kaya naman po.. medyo alalay lang kasi me part na mabato, karst rock so medyo matalim.. kung hindi nag mamadali, no problem po ang konting trek.

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  30. Hi! Marami po bang kainan sa area, or mas advisable to bring our own food? May mga lutuan po ba or grilling stations? Tia!

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    Replies
    1. Back to Basics po.. no Carinderias or Restos..

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  31. Hi po. Penge po number nung Kuya Tolits? Pwede po ba magdala ng sariling tent? Tapos magkano pag hindi overnight?

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  32. HI just asking lang po.. so sa Brgy. Polo nyo pinark yung van nyo? then nag hire po kayo ng tricycle right? thank you po. :)

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    Replies
    1. From Brgy Polo po, we ask around sa locals kung saan papuntang Lukang Beach.. sa jump off kung saan kami ng register, dun na din mismo ang parking ng van.

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    2. ah ok. and then sa jump off after magpa register dun na po yung boat? Thank you po! :)

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    3. pwede po ba paki pin point sa google maps kung saan registration at parking?

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    4. sa google maps po, yun sa end ng road. Yung map sa post ko galing openstreetmap yun. Unnamed yung road kaya di ma pinpoint sa map. Last time I was there, me mga road signs na nakalagay to guide you hangang sa registration area.

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    5. Mr. Francis Balgos, would you like to check the SC decision under SC GR# 195374 dated March 10, 2014 to know whose he real owner of the place contrary to what you believe. This decision is all over the net and can be retrieved or read anytime. People are inclined to believe that LANDGRABBER as the owner???? Just to correct your blog......

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    6. I'm sorry but I would decline to take action in the matter. This blog post is to promote the place, the land dispute is beyond me or any of the visitors that aim to unwind or enjoy frolicking at the beach. If there is but an action from me, that is to remove the little background I've research and or written in this blog post.

      Delete
  33. hi po ask ko lang po na pwde po ba na pagdating namin sa grand terminal sa quezon pwde kami na wag na mag rent ng bangka na 1800? kase may tnwagan ako from borawan na dapat daw pagdating sa grand mag rent ng boat papuntang kwebang lampas then ihahatid daw sa borawan.. pwde po ba na hndi mag rent? thank u po

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    Replies
    1. Hello Po..
      Kung Borawan po talaga ang target nyo at dadaan lang talaga kayo sa Kwebang Lampas, mag rent na po kayo ng boat..
      Hindi naman ho pwede na languyin nyo papuntang Borawan..
      Kwebang Lampas lang yung option doon na walang boat rent.

      Delete
  34. Ano po yung number ni manong tolits?

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  35. Kung may dala kaming tent and rerent kami ng table for overnight stay, need pa rin ba namin magbayad ng 160 na overnight stay?

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  36. I am from Quezon Province. I've been there when I was a kid. Ang sarap ng pakiramdam.. Sobrang nakakarelax dyan. you can go there via trekking kung gusto mo ng adventure. kahit di ka magboat. :)

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  37. Hi me and my officemate are planning to go there next week ask ko lang how much yung boat papunta sa island. Thanks

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  38. How much po pag di overnight? & totoo po b n mahal po yun tubig may mga nabasa ko 50 pesos per gallon..thanks!

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  39. Any idea how much po bayad pag nagisland hopping? Thank you so much.

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  40. Plan namin pumunta this may 30 31 Sino gusto sumabay? :)

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  41. Hi Francis, walang lutuan, so kami na magdadala na dapat gamitin panluto?
    walang banlawan o cr pamalit ng damit? ibigsabhin ba sariling diskarte sa lugar nato?
    thank you so much and Godspeed.

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    Replies
    1. Back to basics po.. nasa post naman..
      We brought our own gasulito, rented parilya for BBQ's.
      Changed clothes in our tents, bought water kung gusto talaga magbanlaw.
      thats the drill.

      Delete
    2. Thanks Francis tis saturday na kami ppunta at base sa mga nabasa ko na review parang bawat galaw daw ay may bayad.pero mukang okay nadin at maeenjoy ng tropa sobrang thanks.

      Delete
  42. Hi. Just want to ask if my toilet and bath na dun for those who want to stay for a night? Thank you so much!

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  43. Meron naman hu nung last ko na punta.
    Tubig lang ang issue dun..
    Babalik ako next month, i'll update this post with any changes

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  44. Nag enjoy kmi magbabarkada., pwera nalang sa kasungitan nung nagtitinda/ caretaker ata yon.. Teh! ang bitter mo. konting respeto sa pagsagot mo sa mga kapwa mo pls. ikaw lang nagpasira sa lugar! :D

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    Replies
    1. I think we have the same experience..
      Hindi pa din nag babago ang caretaker dun.. same same..
      But its not the caretaker that you came there for, its the beach..

      btw.. babalik ako dun next month.. :)

      Delete
  45. hi! sobra kaming nagenjoy sa kwebang lampas! :) kakagaling lang namin kahapon.. thankyou for this guide :) it helped a lot para makapunta doon :), regarding the caretakers. ambabait nila sobra :) baka nagbago na.. hehe.

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    Replies
    1. I was there last weekend po.. It was an improvement. :)

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  46. mabait na po ung caretakers :) thx for the guide

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  47. Hello po. Yun parin po ba number ng caretaker?

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  48. Hello po. Yun parin po ba number ng caretaker?

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  49. meron po bang ihawan?
    is it also required to rent a cottage, or pwede na pong mag pitch ng tent without renting a cottage?

    Thank you in advance sir :)

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  50. Hi! What if we are to bring our own tent, are we still required to pay for the space na paglalagyan ng tent? Thanks in advance! :)

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  51. hi guys need boat rent and assistant? BORAWAN , DAMPALITAN and PUTING BUHANGIN ISLAND ? just call/text this no. 09476142289, 09956153995 and look for ate noime …:) 09085317597 marvin , 09473413419 marlyn

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  52. Hi! Do you still have the phone number of Manong Tolits?

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  53. Hi Po, mag ttanong lang.. may ibang way po ba para akapunta sa kwebang lampas? Yung hindi na kailangan mag boat. Balak po kasi nmin pumunta dis april, may service po kaming bus. Kaya po kaya? salamat po. Hoping for your response po.

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  54. I saw kubo's in the pictures..mag kano po rent nung kubo?? And pag 2days 1nyt my place po b n matutulugan???

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    Replies
    1. You still have Kuya Toluts number? Planning to go there this weekend 😊

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    2. if you want to reach the island to kwebang lampas sa pagbilao quezon just pm or txt me 09079853505

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  55. Mag boat paba papunta Kwebang Lampas ?

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  56. Kumusta kwebang lampas ngyon guys we have a plan to go there on weekend?

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  57. Quick and budget-friendly gateway this summer? Try to visit borawan dampalitan kwebang lampas, our Boat service comes with free cooking and eating utensils. Trustworthy bangkeros are ready to assist you in cooking, pitching tent etc free of charge.. For more inquiries just text / call kuya aldy @ 09069157383 / 09202547669 or visit our fb page borawan dampalitan kwebang lampas adventure. 🐚🌊🌊🌊⛅

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  58. Quick and budget-friendly gateway this summer? try to visit borawan dampalitan kwebang lampas of Quezon Province, 4 hrs away from Manila.. Our Boat service comes with free cooking and eating utensils our friendly and helpful boatman will assist you in cooking pitching etc free of charge.. For more inquiries just text /call kuya aldy @ 09069157383 /09202547669. see you guys.. Godspeed.

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  59. Actually when someone doesn't know then its up to
    other viewers that they will assist, so here it occurs.

    ReplyDelete
  60. I love reading through an article that will make people think.

    Also, thanks for allowing for me to comment!

    ReplyDelete

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