A Taste of Athens in Fortune Island

Nestled 14-15 kms off  the coast of Nasugbu mainland was once a luxurious resort, Fortune Island; an extremely stunning island with pristine white sand and an acropolis with Grecian pillars and statues on the edge of the island overlooking the blue sea.

The island is long-owned by Jose Antonio Leviste, a former governor of the Province of Batangas who build a resort in 1995 that was shut down in 2006.  Fortune island has also been the site of modern day shipwrecks. Unfortunately, according to  Kuya Dan Dan,  it’s already sold to a Korean businessman.

Since I vowed to myself that I will experience summer to its fullest, I grab my backpack and camping paraphernalia and head for an overnight trip to this gorgeous Island. Thanks to Mam Ron again for letting me join their cool group and recorded  another amazing beach experience.

It was past 7 AM when we started traversing the south Luzon road all the way to Nasugbu Batangas and safely arrived after roughly 4 hours.  It should be way faster it just so happen that there were a lot of road commotions going on last Saturday.

Finally, welcome to Fortune Island Resort. The name above made sense when we arrive in the Island and found the chance to do chit chatting with Kuya Dan Dan while waiting for our boat back to the mainland.

We waited for the boat that will take us to the island. This will take another 45 mins to an hour depending on sea conditions. Glad that it was calm when we started cruising. All in all, it was a safe voyage. We safely docked on the seashore despite the strong current of the water. The Grecian Pillars on the top of the hill and the pebbles and white sand stretches along the island greeted us.

 

The island has long been abandoned and seeing how the structures has been wrecked is a testament. This made everything look so sad and forlorn but did not diminish the natural beauty of it.  The resort is still attractive despite of the abandonment.  The bungalows were half destroyed, cottages remain deserted, windows shattered, drained swimming pool as its center piece, some part which has been reclaimed by nature.  Arriving a bit exhausted due to the scorching heat plus  growling tummy, we settled our stuff and started preparing lunch. It was past 2 in the afternoon when we reloaded ourselves.

    

Lunch satisfaction at its fullest and after which we started doing our thing. Some went all the way up to the pillars, others started swimming, and I started taking my well deserved rest before exploring the place.

It was past 4 in the afternoon when I grabbed my Camera and started exploring.  . Facing the sea, I started at the left side. Few meters from our surviving ‘cottage’ was a wrecked ship. This is just a replica of a ship that was found near the island (approximately 900 meters / 2,953 ft. northwest of the island) that the galleon San Diego was sunk on December 14, 1600 by the Dutch warship Mauritius under the command of Admiral Oliver Van Noort. The shipwreck was discovered in 1992 by French underwater archeologist Franck Goddio.) and was  once a restaurant. The ship that sunk but never sunk (from Tinker Bell :)  Guests can take pictures and climb on top with caution.

This monument with human bones inside is said to be found when the island is still under construction. Belonging to a woman and rumored that her ghost roam around the island at night (creepy! isn’t it?) Ironic though coz I pitched my tent right next to this structure which I wouldn’t do have I known it earlier. Just goes to show, it’s better if you knew nothing at all. The marble plaque was  dedication to Former President Fidel Ramos and  First Lady Amelita Ramos who were guests of honor  on the island.

If you wanted serenity and total relaxation, this is a great spot. Sit underneath the tree, listen to the crashing waves and feel the ocean breeze. Close your eyes and be carried away to paradise

Walking to the other side of the beach, I passed by some rocks and pebbles and from afar I can see the Pillars with guests taking photos. Can’t wait to climb up there and see how majestic the sunset would be and overseeing the island.

 

The Grecian Pillars which looks like Parthenon from afar appears to be dreamy.

 

Just when I am about to climb all the way up to the pillars, I felt a little dizzy,maybe because it was so hot, so I settled just taking pictures near the rocks first and rested a bit.

  

Yes! Finally, after several hours of waiting, I was able to climb the topmost part and waited for the sunset.  Aside from the photographic opportunities offered by  Acropolis, the sunset is also best viewed and photographed from this location.  There you can see group of photographers doing there thing. The place is really a perfect setting for Photo Ops themed after the Gods and Goddesses of Greece. 

On top,  right next to the acropolis were structures of Sphinx and Athena. At the back part were steep rocks and they’re perfect spots for cliff jumping. I climbed on the edge and it was windy up there. The Greek like columns looks fantastic regardless of the wrecked fraction. The statues along with the columns overlooking the sea were spectacularly a breathtaking view. I can tell the busted pillars and statues were victims of the forces of nature. It looks as if Zeus strikes its wrath through lightning bolt on each of the pillars nevertheless the ruins remains to be my favorite part of the Island.

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Just when I thought life can be tough at times, just looking at this breath taking views made me realize that there’s more to smile about it. And as the yellow blots of paint were slowly fading away and sky got darker as it stretched from one end to the other.  That very elegant sight revealed a smile from me in an instant. A new day was dawning. Just like all the challenges I am facing, I know tomorrow will always create a rainbow. That very reason is enough for me to keep on moving.

 

We met some new friends while taking some pictures.

 

It was getting dark when we went back to our spot, had dinner and socials after. It’s time to get acquainted with the new folks and learn little things about them. Yes, we had a great moonlight setting near the beach.

 

If you are planning to stay overnight on the island, your only option is to bring tents and to set up camp for you and your company. There are still a few standing structures however, most are boarded up while others can be used as "camp central" for cooking and evening socials. Also no bathing facilities or toilet so it’s really one hell of an adventure. We brought water for cleaning our stuff (eating/cooking utensils) but not for bathing.

Waking up with this view of sunrise is just amazing. I never thought that this place can offer stunning images of both sunrise and sunsets. Had some hot drink to warm and perk me up and for the second time I climb up to the acropolis to see how it looks like during sunrise and expecting less crowd.

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This beach get away will  not be complete without experiencing the water. Yes, I am happy that its clear and the seabed is clean as well aside from slippery rocks which is tolerable. Sands were fine too but not as powdery as what I expected it to be. Overall, great waters for swimming.

   

Fortune Island did not just offer something breath taking for me see, experience and to take away as I go back to the hustle and bustle of the metro but restored the faith I lost in myself.  The fascinating view I saw reminded me that even if a thing is abandoned and totally wrecked, there is still goodness and beauty in it. You just have to continue believing and take that leap of faith and everything will fall into place. Just learn how to appreciate it.

I just cant imagine how beautiful this island 10 years back.

Items	Rates
Van Rental	Php  6,400.00
Entrance Fee	Php  6,400.00
Boat Rental	Php  9,000.00
Food and Drinks	Php  4,773.00
Total Expenses	Php 26,573.00 / 16 persons
Expense per Pax	Php  1,661.00

You can also go to the island for a day tour and that would cost Php 350.00/person for the entrance fee and the boat is negotiable depending on the number of persons you have in a group.

Contact Person: Kuya Dante (0939.489.5292) and his son Kuya Dan Dan were very accommodating

Don’t forget to bring your costumes for best Photo Op ala Adonis and Athena and try cliff jumping (I have to try this in my future travels!)

Some things to keep in mind when you plan to go to the island:

- There is no electricity or functional faucets in the island
- There is no restaurant in the island. You have to bring your own food.
- There is dressing room. Abandoned but can be utilize (for your photo ops)
- There is smart and globe signal. (yahoo!upload pictures right away)
- They don’t provide tents, you have to bring your own.
- I don’t recommend visiting the place during rainy season. Waves can be dangerous.
- Expect some rubbish on the shoreline.
- The coastline isn’t pure sandy; there are tons of pebbles and stones. Make sure to wear your slippers most of the time.

Happy Travels to all! :)

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A Day of Reliving Prehistoric Cultures and Civilization

March 29, 2013, one fine Saturday, no plans on going out of town or whatsoever as it was spared exploring The Manila Museum’s exhibit. Luckily, i bumped into one online deal and got a whole day pass at a promo rate.

I don’t have any idea where the Manila Museum is located and when I checked Google maps, it just pointed me to CCP complex and a bit near Star City.  The Manila Museum is actually located inside Boom na Boom Park, at the back of Wensha Spa. It’s my first time to explore this part but thanks to powerful maps, i was able to arrive here safe and sound. It’s past 3 in the afternoon when I entered the museum. I have the impression they closes at 4:00 PM, that’s what the personnel stated when I called in earlier but when I got there, it actually closes at 5 PM. So I got one more extra hour to enjoy the place.

I am fond of Ancient Greek an Egyptian culture since I learned about God’s and Goddesses, Trojan wars and of course the famous structures. In Egypt, I have been fascinated by the powerful Cleopatra and the Pyramids. Ancient Chinese Civilization is just a plus to what I already know. 

Stepping back from modern scene and learning ancient civilizations, arts and inventions, this is my how I will be spending my Saturday. This is perfect for all history enthusiasts as it features and replicates famous historical artifacts. I am excited to discover Greeks’ gods and goddess such as Zeus (sky), Poseidon (sea), or Venus (love) and know them more as well as the other Greeks legacies at the museum.

Though known for her lavish lifestyle and stunning beauty, Cleopatra is not enough representation of early Egypt. This country boasts wonders such as pyramids, Great Sphinx, and 4 Colossi of Ramses II. Speaking of ancient civilization, China has numerous legacies like their famous Forbidden City, Great Wall, abacus, porcelain and dynasties. These are some of the things I am thrilled to see.

 

 

Please click on the  link below to learn more about the things I rediscovered from each places:

FASCINATING EGYPTIAN CULTURE AND LEGACY

CHINA’S TREASURE AND CONTRIBUTION TO THE MODERN WORLD

GREECE’S GREAT STORIES AND ARTIFACTS

 

Experiencing an exciting way to learn early history in a day is simply remarkable. Oh yeah, and there’s an additional memorabilia. I get to dress up as an Empress (China) and Cleopatra for a Photo Op. Sadly, there’s no costume for Greek Goddess.

   

For information about ongoing exhibits, you may visit The Manila Museum’s Website

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Satisfying Curiosity on Greece’s Great Stories and Artifacts

The art of ancient Greece has exercised an enormous influence on the culture of many countries from ancient times until the present, particularly in the areas of sculpture and architecture. Greek life was dominated by religion and so it is not surprising that the temples of ancient Greece were the biggest and most beautiful.They also had a political purpose as they were often built to celebrate civic power and pride, or offer thanksgiving to the patron deity of a city for success in war.

ERECHTEION

It is an ancient Greek Temple on the north side of a Acropolis of Athens in Greece which was dedicated to both Athena and Poseidon. The caryatids – six draped female figures is called the “Porch of the Maidens”

 

GREEK SHIELD

It is a large, deeply concave, circular covering made of wood and bronze. The Greek shield is effective covering when being attacked

 

CORINTHIAN HELMET

It took its name from the city-state of Corinth. It was a helmet made of bronze which in its later styles covered the entire head and neck, with slits for the eyes and mouth. A large curved projection protected the nape of the neck. It also protected the cheek bones, which Greeks adored

 

HOPLITE VEST

A hoplite vest was worn as protective clothing covering the upper extremities in times of battle by heavily armed foot-soldier in Ancient Greece from the 7th to 4th centuries BCE

 

TROJAN HORSE

The Trojan Horse came from the tale about the Trojan War when the Greeks entered the city by hiding inside the wooden Trojan Horse. The Greeks pretended to sail away and the Trojans pulled the horse into their city as a victory trophy not knowing that Greek soldiers were inside to defeat them

 

GREEK SWORD

It was introduced around 800-400 BCE, leaf-shaped blade effective for slashing and stabbing. The ancient Greeks regarded the sword as strictly a back-up weapon, one that would never replace their battle-proven reliance on the spear

 

CHARIOT

It was a fast, light, open, two-wheeled conveyance drawn by two or more horses  that were hitched side by side. Chariots were used for war and mobile archery platforms, as well as more peaceable pursuits such as hunting or racing for sport, and as chief vehicle of many ancient race, when speed of travel was denied rather than how much weight could be carried

BRONZE SPEAR ARROWHEAD

It is a tip, usually sharpened, added to an arrow to make it more deadly or to fulfill some special purpose. The earliest arrowheads were made of stone and of organic materials; as human civilization progressed other materials were used like bronze

 

SCYTHIAN BRONZE INCENDIARY ARROWHEADS

The Scythians were masters of both horse and archery deadly with their small compound bows firing arrows form horseback tipped with arrowheads. The small profile of this arrowhead made it highly accurate when fired from a moving horse as it was not as susceptible to crosswinds compared to broader-shaped projectiles

ANCIENT OIL LAMPS

It is used in ancient Greece for about 300 BCE to 200 CE. The earliest Greek lamps were wheel made. It is used for rituals and ceremonies. It is a symbol of connection to sacredness

ANCIENT GREEK POTTERY

Pottery was important to the ancient Greeks for storage. Everything from wheat to wine was stored in pottery. Pottery was made by shaping clay on a wheel, decorating  the pot, and then heating the clay in a kiln. In early Greece, (1000 to 700 BC), pots were decorated with geometric designs

 

ANCIENT GREEK COINS

The Ancient Greeks were among the first people in the world to use coinage system starting in the 7th century BCE. The central denomination of this coinage system was the drachm, meaning "a handful"

 

Greek mythology consists of stories belonging to the ancient Greeks concerning their gods and heroes, the nature of the world and the origins and significance of their religious practices. The Greeks invented athletic contests and held them in honor of their gods. They also started the famous Olympic games which has been tested through times.

 

WRESTLING

It is a from of combat sport involving grappling type techniques such as clinch fighting, throws and takedowns, joint locks, pins and other grappling holds. A wrestling bout is a physical competition, between two (occasionally more) competitors or sparring partners, who attempt to gain and maintain a superior position. There are wide range of styles with varying rules with both traditional historic and modern styles. Wrestling techniques have been incorporated into other martial arts as well as military hand-to-hand combat systems.

OLYMPIC TORCH

The Olympic flame is a symbol of the Olympic Games. Commemorating the theft of fire from the Greek god Zeus by Prometheus, its origins lie in ancient Greece, where a fire was kept burning throughout the celebration of the ancient Olympics.

 

DISCUS

The Diskobolus of Myron, the Discus thrower is depicted about to release his throw, is a Greek sculpture that was completed towards the end of the Severe period, circa 460-450 BCE

 

BOXING

It is a combat sport in which two people engage in a contest of strength, speed, reflexes, endurance, and will by throwing punches with gloved hands against another opponent. The birth hour of boxing as a sport started with ancient Greeks as an Olympic game.

Greek mythology consists of stories belonging to the ancient Greeks concerning their gods and heroes, the nature of the world and the origins and significance of their religious practices.

POSEIDON

He is the great Olympian god of the sea, rivers, flood and drought, earthquakes, and horses. He was depicted as a mature man of study build with a dark beard and holding a trident.

 

HADES

He is the god of the underworld, was a son of the Titans Cronus and Rhea. Has two brothers, Zeus, the youngest of the three and Poseidon. Hades and his two brothers, Poseidon and Zeus, drew lots for realms to rule. Zeus got the sky, Poseidon got the seas and Hades received the underworld, the unseen realm to which the souls of the dead go upon leaving the world as well as any and all things beneath the earth

 

HERCULES

He is the most popular of all Greek heroes, famous for extraordinary strength and courage. Alcmene, wife of Amphitryon, made love to both Zeus and her husband on the same night and bore two sons. Hercules (son of Zeus) and Iphilicles (son of Amphitryon). Hercules incurred the everlasting wrath of Hera because he was the child of her unfaithful husband

 

APHRODITE

She was the great Olympian goddess of beauty , love, pleasure and procreation. She was depicted as a beautiful woman usually accompanied by the winged Eros (Love)

HERMES

He is a great Olympian God of animal husbandry, roads, travel, hospitality, heralds, diplomacy, trade, thievery, language, writing, persuasion, cunning wiles, athletic contest, gymnasiums, astronomy, and astrology. He was also the personal agent and herald of Zeus,m the king of the gods

These are just  portion of what Greece have contributed to the world and have influenced our modern world in many ways. Most of the infrastructures nowadays are still designed with tradition in mind. The sport stadiums built in Greece for their Olympics are much like our own present day stadiums. Also, we have incorporated statues on our modern architectures.

Aside from that, the Greeks valued human strength and performance. They are the inventors of the Olympics. More than human strength, competition was valued, which included not only a demonstration of human strength but a demonstration of human against sport.

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