My Weekends in Infanta

For the past two weekends, I have been travelling to Infanta in Quezon Province to conduct a radio workshop for kids. Sponsored by ChildFund International, the workshop aims to equip the participants with the skills needed to produce their own radio program.

When I was first informed by CFI that the workshop would have to be held in Infanta, the first question that came to my mind was: where on earth is Infanta? And then, I remembered the infamous Typhoon Winnie that almost obliterated this coastal town during the tail end of the monsoon season in November, 2004.  According to reports, Winnie unleashed millions of cubic metres of water, causing massive landslides off the Sierra Madre Mountains.

After Winnie left, the town was covered in mud, uprooted tree trunks and logs.

It took a while for Infanta, and neighboring towns General Nakar and Real, to get back on their feet. But today, having met some of the locals and my kids, it’s as if nothing tragic has happened in their town.

Everyone was just so happy and friendly—a testament to the resilience of the Filipino spirit.

Needless to say, the workshop went well. My kids were really bright and creative.  I asked them to ‘illustrate’ words and these were what they came up with.

I also taught them how to create and record sound with their mini MP3 recorders which they had so much fun doing!

We stayed at the Santa Monica Beach Resort in Barangay Boboin.  I wasn’t able to take a lot of fotos because I was busy with the kids.  But I’m quite happy with the accomodations and the service. For Php1,500 (or roughly $32) a night, you get a room with airconditioning, TV and 6 beds!  There’s also free wi-fi.

If you don’t have anything planned for the summer, I urge you to visit Infanta.  Not only will you enjoy the beaches and the fresh seafood, you will also help re-build this friendly, unassuming little town.

How to Get to Infanta

Raymond Bus along EDSA has daily trips to Infanta and Real. If you’re driving, take the Sumulong Highway in Antipolo, through Manila East Road. You can also ride the vans stationed in Legarda. Fare is Php180 one-way.