A Tear for Calaguas?

J and I were discussing our travel plans for this year, we both thought of and said at the same time that we would want to go back to Calaguas.

It has been 5 years since we first met Calaguas. Tour rates then were so much cheaper than they are now.

I remember the feeling I had the moment I saw the waters and shores of Calaguas, it was postcard perfect. I was in awe. I thought I was dreaming because of the heat. But no.

It was a very virgin island that there were no cottages around. There were only probably 2 or 3 houses by the shore. It felt like heaven.

It was our first time to camp and the summer we went there was one of the hottest summers we've had. I still remember having to open up our tent just so we can catch wind from the ocean while we slept at night.

It was gorgeous. The whole island was amazing. The water was so clear and warm that it made you feel like staying in it forever.

It was a quiet place. It was large enough for all the campers.

Recently, friends from work had shown interest in going to Calaguas this summer. I told them it was a really nice beach, virgin and all.

As I was planning our trips for this year I came across more recent posts about Calaguas, and what I read broke my heart and nearly brought me to tears.

Because Calaguas has grown to be a popular tourist destination, more people are coming in and more things seem to be happening in the island. I have read there are now mobile bars and fire crackers/ fireworks at night.

I remember our night in Calaguas where the only sound we heard were the waves crashing on the piece of wood by the shore, the voices of other campers telling stories around a fire. There were no mobile bars then, nights were serene and quiet.

At this moment I feel a bit hesitant to go back and see Calaguas. Will I be disappointed once we get back? Will I still recognize the island I had my first camping on? In the coming years, will it be as beautiful as I remember it to be?

On the other hand, I still would like to go and see things for myself. I'd like to feel it's sand on my feet again and swim in it's clear, warm water.

I'd like to see it again and maybe just maybe things would be better.