When I first set foot on the black sands of Small La Laguna in Puerto Galera, more than 25 years ago,I was in awe. It was so pristine and fishes of varying colors were swimming around giant corals just even under a 4-feet deep crystal clear water. I couldn't help writing on the sands, "thank God for this paradise!". Small La Laguna, was practically unexplored with no big establishments except for the small hut owned by one of my co-workers Ernie Silla. The hut at that time was the only place to stay although I heard that its most popular neighbor "White Beach", which is kilometers away, was already teeming with vacationers, mostly foreigners because aside from its white sand, it had more facilities such as cottages and bars. It is also the most ideal place for swimming. Sabang, on the other hand, which is just beside Small La Laguna was practically unheard of.
After so many years of spending my summer vacation (at least six times) in White Beach, I recently decided to see what has become of Small La Laguna. After half an hour jeepney ride from White Beach, we reached the drop off point, Sabang, now the most popular part of the island for its nightlife activities. I could no longer recognize the once unspoiled place. There was no shoreline or sands to walk on, except for the concrete pathways of the various resorts and establishments built along the shore. Treading to an almost one person at a time walkway, we reached Small La Laguna. The coconut trees that once dotted the shoreline was already replaced with concrete edifices. We rented snorkels for Php150.00 per hour and took a dip in its limited swimming area. Although my friends still enjoyed swimming near the rocky areas, gone was the aquarium-like experience I had when I took a dip even in waist deep water.
After so many years of spending my summer vacation (at least six times) in White Beach, I recently decided to see what has become of Small La Laguna. After half an hour jeepney ride from White Beach, we reached the drop off point, Sabang, now the most popular part of the island for its nightlife activities. I could no longer recognize the once unspoiled place. There was no shoreline or sands to walk on, except for the concrete pathways of the various resorts and establishments built along the shore. Treading to an almost one person at a time walkway, we reached Small La Laguna. The coconut trees that once dotted the shoreline was already replaced with concrete edifices. We rented snorkels for Php150.00 per hour and took a dip in its limited swimming area. Although my friends still enjoyed swimming near the rocky areas, gone was the aquarium-like experience I had when I took a dip even in waist deep water.
