Will Caramoan Survive?

Standing before the entrance to Gota beach in Caramoan, I stared with wary eyes at the billboard bearing the statement: Temporarily Closed. I searched my pocket and then my head for any reason why a public place like Gota beach is suddenly off-limits to patrons. Probably some kind of human-eating-monster has recently wreaked horror in the poor town and is suspected to be hibernating beneath the white sands of Gota.

A few meters from the billboard, civilian security men have positioned themselves to ward off potential trespassers who might find the warning on the billboard unscrupulous (just as I thought it was) and insist in going to the beach. One of the men gave me a sidelong look. I asked them why the place was closed-off, they all pointed their index fingers to the billboard. “Massive developments accompanying the Camarines Sur government's construction of resort facilities and amenities are underway.” explained the billboard.

Gota beach is located in Caramoan's northeastern shores and is famous for its powdery white sand beach. The place could be just as appealing as any other beach environment in the country even without having to try hard to. The place is dubbed as the Hidden Paradise. Anybody who gets exhausted wallowing in its crystal blue waters could unwind under the shade of an exotic tree whose branches has birds doing a musicale. Gota beach is the jump-off point to islets of granite, limestone and volcanic rocks scattered by the bay.

“Its 'Survivor,'” the tricycle driver told me on my way back to the town proper. “Survivor” is the famous reality game show that entertains its audience by isolating contestants with pleasing personalities in the wilderness to compete for cash and prizes. Gota beach proved to be a perfect location for the French version of the game show. So, it's not a horrible monster walking on Gota beach but some Frenchmen.

Rumor has it that Arnold Schwarzenegger will also be coming to Caramoan to shoot a film on the picturesque beaches. My wild guess is that Arnold Schwarzenegger while jogging in knee-deep water will be firing a sub machine gun at some local bandits in one of the scenes. The scene is breathe taking because it will be filmed at early dawn when the sun is just about to light up the eastern horizon.

The locals have no idea when they can indulge their beloved beach again. Most of them doubt if the billboard forbidding them to enter Gota beach will ever be removed now that the place has made it to international stardom. The provincial government wants the place to be the next Boracay with its plan to implement a P200-million development plan. No less than the provincial governor revealed that Caramoan is being groomed as an exotic tourist destination.

Sooner or later the billboard will be replaced with a neon lighted one but this time it will read: Open for Business. The security guards each have a .38 revolver ready to fire on a penniless intruder or a wandering poor fisherman. Hopefully, this “massive development project” does not alienate the locals as it tries hard to endear the Frenchmen to return to Caramoan.

The local government of Camarines Sur must see to it that they do not create a deadly monster in Gota beach least the natives and the fishes who loves the place the most perish.

As I wait beside the road trying to hitch a ride a question stopped by and asked: Will Caramoan survive?