Of sea, sand and – testosterones?

In case one of your reasons for hitting the beach is to go boy-searching, and just in case you want some assurance that you won’t have to compete with most of the boys for the boys you’ve found, maybe you might want to try Warrior’s Beach Resort in Ternate, Cavite.

Found some three to four hours away from Manila, Warrior’s Beach is also known as the General Gregorio Lim Marine Base. Here, you can feast your eyes as a troop of Philippine Marines do their morning trainings on the grounds, on the beach or in the water.

(Photo credit: https://namvietnews.wordpress.com)

But the base isn’t just for objectifying our country’s troops. It’s also been dubbed as the “Bora de Cavite” for its powdery sand and turquoise waters. However, the experience you’ll have here is more like Survivor than Jersey Shore.

Although there are rooms for rent at P700/night, they’re very limited so most overnighters bring their own tents or sleep on the benches under the trees. There is electricity, but you’d have to play nice with the other campers so you can share with them.

Remember to bring your own, hopefully pre-cooked, food unless you’re ok with eating instant noodles and canned goods from the two sari-sari stores in the area.

Getting There
If you're commuting	Projected Cost per person per one-way trip		If you're bring a private vehicle	Projected Cost per person per one-way trip
	(in PhP)			(in PhP)
From Manila, go via LRT/MRT/bus/jeep to Baclaran	(depending on where you're coming from)		From Manila, take coastal road	24 (toll fee)
Take a bus (Saulog Liner) or minibus to the bus terminal in Ternate	75-85		Take the left lanes that say you're on you're way to Noveleta/Kawit - that'll lead you to the Cavite Expressway (Cavitex)	65 (toll fee)
From here, hire a jeepney to take you to Warrior's Beach which they usually refer to as the Marine Base	500*		Take the exit toward Covelandia Road and turn right.
			Continue driving along Centennial Rd., then, Antero Soriano Highway and finally Governor's Drive. This will take you past the towns of Kawit, Naic and Tanza.
* for the whole jeepney			The main gate is located along the road between Puerto Azul and Caylabne Bay.
Or you can check out this map
Entrance Fee		100
Parking Fee		50
Overnight		200
Room		700

Other tips:

• If you’re commuting, don’t forget to get the mobile number of your jeepney driver. In case he’s not staying over at the Marine base, you’d want to be able to contact him when you want to be picked up.
• If you have a chance to go here during weekdays, and if you’re lucky, you’ll be able to have the beach all to yourselves
• I suggest you spend the night. The beach is a lot more enjoyable during the early mornings (not just because the MArines go out to train) but because the waters are calmer. There aren’t many rocks, seaweeds or sea urchins in the water either. The sand was fairly level and consistent (no sudden dips) that we were actually able to play Frisbee in the water without anyone getting hurt (except maybe my ego)
• Another reason why you might want to spend the night is because you wouldn’t want to be caught on the road when it gets dark, especially if your driver is unfamiliar with the area
• Try to get there early so you can reserve your spot on the beach/cottages/rooms

       Other photo credits go to KLDominguez