Aninuan Sunsets

Aninuan Sunset Beach Resort
It is easy to end up being Jaded about Puerto Galera; especially after what Ron and I went through during our formal ocular inspection yesterday. It really was an adventure based on a series of unfortunate events which we never had any control over. But in our quest to find exotic destinations within popular locations for our workshops, we occasionally end up “in a pickle” most especially during the first visit. Yesterday was one such occasion. But that is neither here nor there.
Aninuan sits on a more secluded section of the shoreline 270 degrees and about 700 meters away from white beach. Officially, the beach where Aninuan is located is called tamaraw beach.
The secret to Aninuan’s seclusion is actually a 200-meter section of boulders separating white beach from tamaraw beach, which to a Manilenyo like myself, is virtually an unpassable fortress. To locals, it is a mere 5 minute bunny hop. It took the better part of 20 minutes for me to negotiate the rocky outcrop, even having to figuratively crawl over certain sections just so I don’t run the risk of slipping; which to weak-kneed people is a very realistic possibility.
Aninuan is run hands-on by Lexi, a very pleasant and intelligent woman with a very good feel for marketing. She had really intended her resort to stand out without being loud about it, which is how Europeans and I like it. Think The Tides Hotel in Boracay, or Badian Island off Cebu.
Aninuan has just completed its new wing, which includes rooms having both sunrise and sunset views; a baby infinity pool; and a wet bar area. The wet bar alone is reason enough for us to hold the workshop there! Hahaha. The rooms are fairly large and equipped much like Tides and Badian; meaning it has a 32inch LCD tv, a split type aircon, a hammock on the porch facing the sea, and European standard bathroom fixtures with glass enclosures. Each room also has its own 48x48 inch artwork. And by special arrangement with Lexi, some of those rooms will be made available to us. Buena Mano daw ang pinoy. Iba talaga ang Paul Yan Experience workshops. Word has gotten around.
In terms of shooting possibilities, the Galera Project will have two. The first venue being the small infinity pool with the sisters in swimsuits, and the second most probably a scenic shoot over at tamaraw falls. There is a third possibility. Lexi faintly mentioned that there was a small waterfall somewhere, and reachable by a 45-minute hike from the resort. Judging by the fact that she said locals only take 5 minutes to negotiate the rocky outcrop that took me close to twenty minutes, her 45-minute estimate might be closer to the distance between hyperventilation and a heart attack for people like me. I guess I’ll just wait for you at the wet bar, with a mojito and a cohiba. Lexi, pass me another pizza margherita please...
Remember, it is May 06-08.

Jesus Paul C. Yan
For The Paul Yan Chronicles