Iligan City  known as the “City of Majestic Waterfalls”.

One of the most beautiful waterfalls in Iligan is the Tinago Falls.

It is cowardice and erroneous to believe that saintliness consists in blind obedience and that prudence and the habit of thinking are presumptuous. Ignorance has ever been ignorance, and never prudence and honor. God, the primal source of all wisdom, does not demand that man, created in his image and likeness, allow himself to be deceived and hoodwinked, but wants us to use and let shine the light of reason with which He has so mercifully endowed us.

He may be compared to the father who gave each of his sons a torch to light their way in the darkness bidding them keep its light bright and take care of it, and not put it out and trust to the light of the others, but to help and advise each other to find the right path. They would be madman were they to follow the light of another, only to come to a fall, and the father could unbraid them and say to them: “Did I not give each of you his own torch,” but he cold not say so if the fall were due to the light of the torch of him who fell, as the light might have been dim and the road very bad.

Photo by: Gaygeneral photography

To reach the said falls, one must climb down around 420 steps before getting to the bottom of the deep cliff to the basin that the falls run into. Because of its challenging attribute, only the committed ones get to see its beauty so Tinago isn’t as crowded as the other waterfalls.

But once you’re at the bottom, you will be rewarded by Tinago’s stunning beauty that would make you feel like you’re in paradise. The deliciously cool, clean water in the pool at the bottom of the falls would be calling out for you to submerge your body in it. For non-swimmers, a life jacket is recommended since there are parts in the pool that are very deep. For the kids, they may enjoy the smaller pools of water after the main pool because the water is shallower there. Picnic tables are also available where you can have a good time with your family. And if you are feeling a little adventurous, you can hooha your way out to the base of the falls and find a cave to spend time listening to the roaring torrent of water above. 

Tinago Falls is a destination that should not be missed when in Iligan City!

Location: Amadeo, Cavite

My wanderlust made me want to visit a place less traveled to. To commence my December, without forcing myself to wake up too early, I ventured to Cavite on my own.

The coliseum

To be honest, the day prior to my solo weekend trip, I was still uncertain about where I want to go. I slept on a Friday night only knowing that I found one place rarely visited by others: Balite Falls.

Thankfully, arriving to the place isn’t that hard, at least for people who find happiness in going to unknown places.

Here’s how you could get there from any point in EDSA:

Ride a bus along EDSA that would pass by Coastal Mall in Parañaque. Most buses that go to Mall of Asia would also pass by Coastal Mall (after MOA).
From Coastal Mall, take the bus to Trece Martires or Indang, Cavite. Ask the bus conductor to drop you off at Manggahan Intersection (landmarks: McDonalds at the corner, and beside Mercury Drug Store, 7 11 across McDonalds, and beside Banco de Oro). The Jeepney terminal to Amadeo is beside BDO. Ride the jeep and ask the driver to drop you off at Balite Falls. From the highway, you would have to walk about 10 to 15 minutes to arrive at the place.

Keep moving forward

Balite Falls is a part of the secluded resort in Amadeo. One would immediately see the swimming pool which visitors could access for 50php. However, those who would like to go to the falls would have to pay 100php.

The caretakers of the place told me to follow the route going down. That was when I saw the falls.

The waters in the falls are not crystal clear, but it was definitely refreshing. There were also smaller pools where little kids could enjoy.

Kiddie pool

The place is simply beautiful and refreshing. Although small, the place isn’t much crowded at all. 

There are cottages available for rent. However, since I went on my own, they allowed to keep my things at the registration area. After some time, I opted to swim at the pool instead since nobody else was using it.

Just before dark, I headed home back to Manila with my heart filled with joy and my mind filled with peace.

Expenses (in PHP):
023: Bus fare from Shaw Boulevard to Coastal Mall
047: Bus fare from Coastal Mall to Manggahan
017: Jeepney fare from Manggahan to Amadeo
020:Tricycle fare from highway to Balite Falls (10-15 minute walk only)
100: Entrance fee to the falls
050: Additional fee to access the swimming pools
017: Jeepney fare from Amadeo to Manggahan
047: Bus fare from Manggahan to Pasay
020: Bus fare from Pasay to Megamall
Total damage: 341php

Good to know:
1. Best to buy food at Manggahan since there is only one mini store inside the resort that manages the falls.
2. Signal is weak in the area.
3. Cottages could be rented from 500-1000php, but if you’re a solo traveler like me, they would offer to keep your bag at the counter without any charges.

There’s a shocking video that’s making the rounds online that shows a woman falling off of a building in Saudi Arabia. But nobody can say for sure if it’s suicide or murder. The woman is said to be an African Migrant working as a maid. The people who shared the video claim it was suicide but if you watch the video, you will see her screaming. Below is the translation of what was said in the video

The women hanging on the window is a servant, and she is asking her employer which is from Arabian gulf. The Ethiopian servant is begging her emplyer “catch me catch me.”

But the employer laughs it off like it’s a joke instesd she was asking her saying, “what are you doing you are crazy” with a laugh in her voice.

           WATCH VIDEO BELOW

Download Video

Howdy? 

It’s summer time and everybody’s in search of the perfect adventure. There are so many exciting things to do, so many places to explore that it’s almost impossible to do everything in this life time! But what makes summer extra special would be the people you share it with. 

I don’t get to travel with friends that often. Thus, whenever there a trips with friends – I really get super excited. The place of choice was La Union and while everyone chose to take the bus, I decided to bring a car for “flexibility.” Our group left Manila around 2:30 AM. Grehon and I took turns driving and we reached our destination around 7:00 AM. 

First order of business was to have breakfast. For our first meal, we decided to have a Filipino breakfast at Angel and Marie’s (also the place where we are going to stay). I had a bad experience on the very first day. I took a last sip of my cold coffee and found out a rusty thumbtack! Spoke to the owner of the place and to make the long story short and as I don’t want to ruin my mood – the owner allowed us late check out (anytime we would prefer) and did not make us pay for our breakfast. 

After breakfast, we had some free time to fix our stuff. After an hour, we went to the beach and some of us decided to take surfing lessons. As much as I wanted to try it, I don’t have the courage to. I mean, I love the beach but I don’t think I’d ever be comfortable going somewhere farther the shore without a life vest on. Anyway, my friends paid Php 400.00 for an hour of surfing lessons. Not bad :) 

Obviously everyone who took the surfing lessons got so hungry! Our group was looking forward to having a great lunch. We decided to eat at San Juan Surf Resort restaurant. We were so excited to eat that no one took decent pictures of the food. After lunch, we went around the place and took some pictures :) 

We got the chance to visit El Union (the famous coffee shop in LU). Too bad, I was not able to take pictures of the place. 

For our 2nd day, we decided to go to Tangadan falls. 11 of us joined the adventure and since we’re a large group, we opted to hire a jeepney for Php 1,200.00. It was almost a 30 minute drive then followed by an hour hike. We initially thought it would only be a 20 minute easy walk & climb. Our group didn’t expect it to be that tiring and challenging! On a brighter side, we were able to do 11,000 steps haha! Having said this, instead of hiking back, everyone agreed in hiring a “habal-habal”. We paid Php 150.00 each for the ride and also paid Php 300 each for the tour guide. Here’s are some pictures I took :) 

So much for my 1st time in LU! There are still a lot of interesting places to explore. Having said that, I would definitely come back for more :) 

These days motorcycle related injuries and deaths have become commonplace. This throws light as to why it is crucial to invest in the best motorcycle…
http://www.bluebonnetpride.com/marble-falls-tx-lakeway-tx-leander-tx-cedar-park-tx-liberty-hill-tx-motorcycle-insurance/

Gonzaga falls just short of national title vs. North Carolina  | SI.com Top EventsNBANFLMLBNHLNCAAFNCAABSoccer Search © 2017 Time Inc. All Rights Reserved.
FULL STORY

After so many days of total frustration caused by my worsening MS, I looked up at my dormant orchids Monday evening, and to my pleasant surprise found this one blooming again!  It had been a stick with leaves for so long I didn’t even recognize the color.  I have a feeling it was originally dyed a different color, since I have no memory of a white orchid with pink inner petals, and having read about raising them I found that several orchids are dyed for little “surprises” if they bloom again.  They are also only supposed to be dormant about nine months.  Not mine!  I have ten of them and they have all been dormant for almost three years– until this one decided to live!  They are all still green with sticks in the middle, or close to the middle, but some that are older than this one are still just the sticks.  Guess all of them are except this one which has now become my favorite!  Something actually  went right, a brand new experience for me.  It’s exciting, and hopefully a change in the way things are going.  Come to think about it, my computer is being good now!

This is another bud over the open bloom, and that excites me even more.  I probable should have edited the photo because some of my junk shows, but this is my life, so why hide it?  The ongoing clutter has been corralled again, and the cart is what I use for a walker lately.  Much safer for me.  I haven’t been thrown by the cart ever, while the walker I gave away wasn’t safe at all.  Every time I used the walker it would throw me, I would go down and most times get trapped with the crazy thing on top of me.  And the places that would trap me are almost legendary.  The worst time was when I wound up under my computer desk with the walker on top of me and jammed up against my double bed!  The bed is gone now, and the desk is being used as a sewing table, complete with my Mom’s sewing machine  that I have forgotten how to use.  Some of my clutter is filed in the desk so it’s out of sight now.  It could all be worse, but I’m not sure how, (-)

This is another piece of furniture that has been replaced.  I also fell into that spot where Max is sleeping.  He chose that as his safe place when we moved to this building, and while attempting to move him out I went in with him instead.  We both got out of there faster than either of us went in.  I lost Max seven or eight years ago and still miss him every day.  He’s now buried out on the farm close to Mike’s home and I like to think he is finally running free in the outdoors that he loved, with no more leashes to hold him back.

Not sure how this became a post about my falls, but now I have to tell about the most spectacular one in this building, leaving out the time I fell in the street with an 18-wheeler heading toward me, in the dark of course.  In this building they painted and recarpeted my old apartment and I had to stay out while they were doing it,  with my furniture moved into the hall.  My old recliner was huge, just as I was at that time, so they took the back off to lighten the weight while moving it.  When they let me come back in I sat in that recliner and put the back down in the best reclining position.  In about a minute the back separated from the seat and I was suddenly in a position I couldn’t get out of by myself.  Kept waving my feet to try to gain some momentum and make the back come up again, my impossible dream at the time.  I finally had to call the monitor and tell her I needed some help getting out of my chair.  She came up to access the situation, left in a hurry to let the Fire Dept medics in and wait for the ambulance crew.  To her credit she never cracked a grin, even though by that time I was laughing at what had to be my crazy vision of what had to be the funniest  time ever.  The medics were all business also, got me free and started to check me out for injuries.  I really expected someone to at least crack a smile, but they were all business, something I don’t think I could have accomplished during my time as a monitor.  The day after though, I passed that lady and another monitor I worked with in the activities room and she DID laugh then while relating the incident to the other one.  I told her I was surprised she kept the laughter in the night before and she confessed that they all started laughing hysterically as soon as the elevator door closed.

So, those are some of my favorite pratfalls, all of them unplanned and unrehearsed!  Now I’m  going to try so scan some of my own photos of the trip to Germany in again, hopefully successfully this time.  I’m still working on getting the scanner and computer are speaking to each other again and I’ve found some of the photos I took while there.  Might even remember where we were each time.  So, ya’ll have a good one while I eat the lunch a friend just brought to my door.  A,

Originally written on March 13 – All weekend I was told that it had been seven years since I had made a trip to the small city of Nakuru, then today before I left I was told that it had actually been nine years. Wow! I can’t believe that I passed through, but had not made an actually visit to this small city known for it’s lake and flamingos. I guess that was why I was so determined to make a visit to see my friends Pastor Joel and his wife, First Lady Ruth, and the Beautiful Courts Christian Church.

One of the things I love about Kenya is it’s natural beauty in just about every city or village one visits. I guess part of that is due to the fact that Kenya is a part of the Rift Valley (the Rift Valley goes from Egypt, or Israel according to some, all the way down to Mozambique) . So you are constantly seeing hills, mountains and valleys as you drive through much of the country. Of course there are also the savannas and the gorgeous coast. But the Rift Valley is a must see…the delight of seeing the valley floor as one looks down from the high grounds of the Rift. No matter how many times I see it I fall in love with it over again each time snapping pictures like it is the first time I’ve looked upon such beauty…I fall in love over and over.

This past weekend I had to the opportunity to fall in love with new parts of the Rift Valley, natural wonders of God’s hand. On Friday morning before I was to speak at the lunchtime service in Nakuru my host took me to see the Menegai Crater, that is reported to be over 800 years old, with the last eruption being 300 years ago. Though the crater is an active volcano it is safe to visit the upper ridges or to even hike down into it and enjoy it up close and in person. Of course due to time we viewed the crater from the ridge.

One of the things I learned about the crater or the power of an active but dormant volcano it has the ability to be a source of clean energy. The Kenyan government realized this ability  a few years back and have started to drill down into the crater to pull energy that will be available to source the whole of the nation in about three months time. This will be great for a country that gets most of its energy from water sources. During times of drought like now, the country often have times when the power is cut for most of the day so that electricity can be available in the evenings. Oh, how we in America take electricity for granted.

Viewing the crater, actually my first time seeing a crater in person, was an amazing moment. To see something so beautiful, that was once so destructive full of destructive force, was the opportunity of a life time. Photos will never show what delight the eyes enjoy when looking upon such natural beauty in person.

Another opportunity that I enjoyed during my time in Nakuru was a day trip to Nyahururu in central Kenya to see the Thompson’s Falls. The falls are very small in comparison to the famous Victoria Falls of Zimbabwe and Zambia. None the less, it was a beautiful sight to see. However, my host had no idea what it would take to go or to come back up. There was no usual path down that one might find in other countries. This was all about trusting your legs and arms to work for you. The journey down was tricky, but the way up was painful and exhausting for everyone…even the young people. But once down near the falls it was like being in the middle of a lush green hole full of trees and rock formation surrounding you on every side. We chose not to go to the pool or base of the falls due to the strong mist. To see such beauty close up, watching others take it all in was a personal pleasure. Unlike Americans or Europeans, Kenyans are often the last to enjoy their natural beauties that bring tourist to their country. So I was enjoy both the sites and nationals enjoying what their country has to offer. Most of the visitors seemed to Kenyan nationals, and I stood out like a sore thumb once I opened my mouth…and also because I was the only one sweating on the way back up.

One the drive back to Nakuru we made a stop near a curio shop that had a lookout spot. You could look down and see the valley of the Great Rift. It was so beautiful, with all of it’s green lush producing fields. Kenyans are often amazed when I tell them that we study about the Great Rift Valley in American schools. They have no idea that the West considers that to be a part of the history of human civilization. Throughout Kenya there are so many wonderful spots to take in the beauty of the Great Rift Valley floor…always worth taking a moment to just gaze upon the beauty of God’s handy work.

A view of Lake Nakuru from my hotel

The Menegai Crater

Visiting the Thompson’s Falls

A group of students returning from the falls pool

I hung out with my family at Riverfront Park in Spokane, Wash. today. The first photo is of them. The second is a hand held 1/4 second photo of the Spokane River running through the park.

(Young Kwak)

(Young Kwak)

Lake Sebu Falls, South Cotabato, Philippines…

Today’s theme: waterfalls!

I. Love. Waterfalls.  My sophomore year of high school my mother bought a house 5 minutes down the road from a waterfall.  Unfortunately, I don’t have any pictures of it on my phone…sad.  But here are a couple of my favorite waterfall pictures! One is Blackwater Falls in West Virginia, two are of Brandywine Falls in Cuyahoga Valley, and two are of two different waterfalls that were along my hike in the Monteagle Mountain in Tennessee.

“Waterfalls are exciting because they have power, they have rainbows, they have songs, and they have boldness and craziness!”
― Mehmet Murat ildan

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Nature has its way of teaching us things. Just as the wise man who said, “Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall”. Like the waterfall that falls ever so graciously, we must learn to fall in style and get back on our feet like nothing ever happened. Such was our wisdom when we began our journey on a warm Sunday afternoon.

Getting There

The warm Sunday afternoon was like no other, we set out under the peak summer sunshine with our over-packed rucksacks and hearts full of fire. Our pockets were full but we were low on cash, so we travelled slow, and travelled long. Our destination for the day was a railway station called Castle Rock on the Goa-Karnataka border where we were to begin our trek the next morning.

We started from Anjuna, Goa, and changed vehicles a total of four times to get there, Anjuna – Mapusa – Panjim – Vasco by bus, and Vasco – Castle Rock by train. I do not recommend this route to anyone. Especially to the faint-hearted who are afraid of change.

It was way past sunset when we reached Castle Rock and our initial plan was to walk to the nearby town and look for a place to spend the night. So off we went, hopping and skipping out of the station and into the unknown. There was a full moon that night, and it wasn’t long before a dog howled in the distance. We tried to ignore it and carried on. The crickets tried to make it awkward for us but our friendship was strong. We felt we could conquer the night and find shelter after all. Just then, the lights went out.

Pitch darkness.
Somebody screamed.
It was one of us.

Luckily it started to drizzle, so we quickly ran back to the station, let the blood pump back into our veins and caught our breath. The station was great and we had the waiting room all to ourselves. With an attached bathroom and electricity, what more could we ask for. We slept like babies in cradles with the rainfall as our lullaby. Later that night, I dreamt I was a train.

My buddy, Karan

Uninterested baby

Base Camp

The Next Day

We woke up early the next morning to the sweet sound of loud trains passing by. After the usual morning routine, we headed out but realized we didn’t know which way to go. We asked around and found a middle aged couple running a lovely little café. It was perfect. They served us tea, idlis, dosas and soon we were too full to trek. We started walking at 9 o’ clock and the route we were to take was the railway track to the Dudhsagar Railway Station. That day, the sun shone brightly and the sky was clear. The views were amazing and it smelt like wet earth. We passed abandoned cabins, adventure camps, rope bridges, railway bridges, forests, and more. The most exciting of them all were the tunnels. Every tunnel had its specifications engraved at the entrance. This time, darkness was our friend, it shielded us from the heat. We entered our first tunnel hesitantly with torches, looking for things we didn’t want to find. At the end of it, we felt our pulse racing and our hearts were filled with a sense of accomplishment. Life was never the same again.

On one such occasion, we were in the tunnel when we heard a train honk loudly. We looked at each other and knew immediately what everyone was thinking. We doubled our speed and prayed to the gods. At some point, we realized we weren’t going to make it out in time. This was obviously something we weren’t very thrilled about. I looked around for a depression in the wall and backed up against it. As the train got louder and louder, my life began to flash before my eyes. I remembered the good times and the bad, the high times and the low, the fast times and the slow and suddenly realized it was the train flashing before my eyes and not my life. We were alive! There really was a light at the end of the tunnel!

As we walked along, the tracks and tunnels started to get monotonous, we knew it would be worth it and so we kept on going  forward, chilling on the railway track, picking up stones. As a slow goods train passed by, we realized we were tired, but brave. Two of us jumped onto the side of the train and hung onto the attached ladders. Though it moved with the speed of a cyclist going uphill, it was pretty thrilling. A few minutes later, a man from the back of the train asked us get off and sit with him, so we did. We walked to the back, hopped on, and thanked our stars.

He dropped us to the Dudhsagar Railway Station, from where the falls weren’t very far. It took us about forty minutes to get there. The view of the falls on reaching there was like something straight out of a dream. It was like dood falling off a cliff.
As tired as we were from the long strenuous train ride, it was at that moment when we realized the meaning of the song Every Teardrop is a Waterfall, where Chris Martin sang,

“It was a wa-wa-wa-wa-wa-terfall,
A wa-wa-wa-wa-wa-wa-terfall”

It was beautiful, I thought about the waterfall and realized something. When water falls, sometimes we call it rain, sometimes a waterfall and sometimes taking a leak. And though we witnessed all three that day, I needed only one, to take a leak.

We then descended toward the lower part of the waterfall, to where the tourists sat, joyful and naked. The freezing cold water made us feel alive again. One of us lost his balance and one his spectacles. Seeing the sun was on its way down, we packed our bags and said goodbye.

Tunnel

What a fall

Getting Back

The trek back was way harder since we took another route, a longer one without any trains to jump into. It was well beyond sunset so we kept on walking, without breaks, tired and weary, following the north-star, with the moonlight keeping us on track. My backpack pierced through my shoulder blades with each step I took. Right when we were on the verge of tipping over, someone pointed ahead. We lifted our heads and looked up. What we saw was magical. Thousands of fireflies spread out, flickering about, all around us, their glowing buttocks up in the air, blinking like dim fairy lights in a garden and surrounding us with their protective shield of light.

There was no stopping us from that moment on; we reached our exit a few minutes later. It was pitch dark but luckily the town wasn’t very far away. It welcomed us with open arms. The enclosure we’d just exited was The Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary and Mollem National Park.

After sleeping the previous night in the waiting room of the Castle Rock Railway Station, we didn’t mind sleeping at the Kulem Railway Station which was in the vicinity. Our wallets were delighted to hear this and after checking out of the town bar and walking around, we were ready to sleep. It was an uncomfortable night on the cold hard marble. I woke up several times to the insects that bugged me, and the trains that choo’d at me.

We woke up groggy the next morning, brushed our teeth in the open, and got on a bus. Off to another adventure.

The Better Pictures

Anjuna Bus Stop

The cafe near Castle Rock

But how can you be in two places at once!

Curb your enthusiasm

After so many days of total frustration caused by my worsening MS, I looked up at my dormant orchids Monday evening, and to my pleasant surprise found this one blooming again!  It had been a stick with leaves for so long I didn’t even recognize the color.  I have a feeling it was originally dyed a different color, since I have no memory of a white orchid with pink inner petals, and having read about raising them I found that several orchids are dyed for little “surprises” if they bloom again.  They are also only supposed to be dormant about nine months.  Not mine!  I have ten of them and they have all been dormant for almost three years– until this one decided to live!  They are all still green with sticks in the middle, or close to the middle, but some that are older than this one are still just the sticks.  Guess all of them are except this one which has now become my favorite!  Something actually  went right, a brand new experience for me.  It’s exciting, and hopefully a change in the way things are going.  Come to think about it, my computer is being good now!

This is another bud over the open bloom, and that excites me even more.  I probable should have edited the photo because some of my junk shows, but this is my life, so why hide it?  The ongoing clutter has been corralled again, and the cart is what I use for a walker lately.  Much safer for me.  I haven’t been thrown by the cart ever, while the walker I gave away wasn’t safe at all.  Every time I used the walker it would throw me, I would go down and most times get trapped with the crazy thing on top of me.  And the places that would trap me are almost legendary.  The worst time was when I wound up under my computer desk with the walker on top of me and jammed up against my double bed!  The bed is gone now, and the desk is being used as a sewing table, complete with my Mom’s sewing machine  that I have forgotten how to use.  Some of my clutter is filed in the desk so it’s out of sight now.  It could all be worse, but I’m not sure how, (-)

This is another piece of furniture that has been replaced.  I also fell into that spot where Max is sleeping.  He chose that as his safe place when we moved to this building, and while attempting to move him out I went in with him instead.  We both got out of there faster than either of us went in.  I lost Max seven or eight years ago and still miss him every day.  He’s now buried out on the farm close to Mike’s home and I like to think he is finally running free in the outdoors that he loved, with no more leashes to hold him back.

Not sure how this became a post about my falls, but now I have to tell about the most spectacular one in this building, leaving out the time I fell in the street with an 18-wheeler heading toward me, in the dark of course.  In this building they painted and recarpeted my old apartment and I had to stay out while they were doing it,  with my furniture moved into the hall.  My old recliner was huge, just as I was at that time, so they took the back off to lighten the weight while moving it.  When they let me come back in I sat in that recliner and put the back down in the best reclining position.  In about a minute the back separated from the seat and I was suddenly in a position I couldn’t get out of by myself.  Kept waving my feet to try to gain some momentum and make the back come up again, my impossible dream at the time.  I finally had to call the monitor and tell her I needed some help getting out of my chair.  She came up to access the situation, left in a hurry to let the Fire Dept medics in and wait for the ambulance crew.  To her credit she never cracked a grin, even though by that time I was laughing at what had to be my crazy vision of what had to be the funniest  time ever.  The medics were all business also, got me free and started to check me out for injuries.  I really expected someone to at least crack a smile, but they were all business, something I don’t think I could have accomplished during my time as a monitor.  The day after though, I passed that lady and another monitor I worked with in the activities room and she DID laugh then while relating the incident to the other one.  I told her I was surprised she kept the laughter in the night before and she confessed that they all started laughing hysterically as soon as the elevator door closed.

So, those are some of my favorite pratfalls, all of them unplanned and unrehearsed!  Now I’m  going to try so scan some of my own photos of the trip to Germany in again, hopefully successfully this time.  I’m still working on getting the scanner and computer are speaking to each other again and I’ve found some of the photos I took while there.  Might even remember where we were each time.  So, ya’ll have a good one while I eat the lunch a friend just brought to my door.  A,

If you are one to enjoy summer, then you will be thankful you bought that house and lot in Pampanga. From exciting water parks and resorts, to unforgettable outdoor activities, the province got you covered. Ocean Park, Sky Ranch, Sandbox—name it, Pampanga has it.

However, if you want to be extra adventurous and embrace nature this summer, then this is for you: waterfalls. There are plenty of options  for waterfalls in Pampanga but before you go, make sure you gear up with proper footwear and clothing because getting there can be a real challenge. Also, don’t forget to bring packed lunch.

Dara Falls

The Dara Falls is considered as Pampanga’s version of Laguna’s Pagsanjan Falls. It is one of the many waterfalls located in the hilly to mountainous municipality of Porac, situated in Barangay Jalung.

Dara Falls is originally called Darabulbul, a Kapampangan term which means gushing of liquid often with gurgling sound. Despite being badly damaged by the Mt. Pinatubo eruption, water still flows strongly from the mountains down to the basin, which is truly a sight to behold.

How to get there: From Angeles City, ride a Porac-bound jeepney then ask the driver to drop you off at Porac-Guagua or Porac-Dinalupihan terminal. Ride a tricycle and get off at Porac bridge. From there, go on a 15-minute trek to reach Dara Falls.

Haduan Falls

If you want to trek, cross a hanging bridge, and climb wall of stones all for a chilly waterfall experience, then Haduan Falls is for you. Located in Sitio Haduan, Mabalacat, this  waterfall offers an exciting experience for you and your friends.

The majestic views of Pampanga’s mountain ranges let you enjoy the two-hour trek to Haduan Falls, coupled with the excitement of a hanging bridge and mini-rappelling experiences. As you reach the destination, you will be welcomed by the serene atmosphere offering a similar comfort  that of your house and lot in Pampanga.

How to get there: Rent a jeepney at SM Clark going to Gate 14. Clark’s Gate 14 is part of a leased property, therefore, an individual waiver is needed before you can pass through. You can get the said waiver from the security personnel. From there, a member of the Aeta Community will guide you as you trek from the jump-off point until you reach the Haduan Falls.

Miyamit Falls

Miyamit Falls is another hidden gem in Porac. Like the other waterfalls, reaching Miyamit Falls involves a long trek. However, you will be rewarded with an enchanting view once you reach your destination.

The Miyamit Falls boasts of its clean and potable water. After the long trek, take a dip in the cold water while feeling the fall’s downpour to regain your lost energy. This along with the majestic view will surely relax your tired body from all the stresses of the city life.

How to get there: Before setting off for Miyamit Falls, secure a waiver and permits from the Porac municipality. This is important because you won’t be allowed to visit the place without these documents. From there, ride a tricycle going to Sapang Uwak. Then, you can either rent a 4×4 vehicle or take a five-hour trek to Miyamit Falls.

Mt. Pinatubo Twin Falls

Mt. Pinatubo is often associated with the 1991 eruption and the devastation it brought not only in Pampanga, but also to nearby provinces. However, little did we know about the treasure hiding beneath its steep walls: the Mt. Pinatubo Twin Falls.

The long and tiring trek through the lahar-filled Delta 5 trail might prove a real challenge, but in the end what awaits you is a truly breathtaking scene. The tranquil view of the cascading falls of Mt. Pinatubo is  a stunning sight for trekkers. With such unspoiled and captivating beauty the trek is so worth it.

How to get there: From the jump-off point in Porac, you can rent a 4×4 vehicle or take a nine-hour trek to reach Mt. Pinatubo’s Twin Falls.

Sapang Angka Falls

The Sapang Angka Falls used to be a place full of langkas (jackfruit) before the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo, thus, the name. Situated in Delta 5, one of the paths leading to Mt. Pinatubo, going to the Sapang Angka Falls can be a challenging trek.

You will have to cross a number of rivers before reaching the waterfalls. There is also a chance for the trek to be cancelled if the current is too strong. On the other hand, if everything is good, you will reach the Sapang Angka Falls in one-and-a-half hours. The place is small and exudes  a peaceful ambiance, perfect if you want to relax this summer.

How to get there: From the Clark main gate, go to  Sitio Pidpid via 4×4 vehicle or van. From there, take the Delta 5 trail and trek for an hour and a half, until you reach the waterfalls.

Spending summer in Pampanga’s hidden waterfalls is truly an unforgettable experience., Now that you’ve heard about these hidden gems , get ready to leave your homes for a while and  discover for yourself some enchanting waterfalls this summer.

(Source: www.businesstimes.com.sg)

More Info: www.businesstimes.com.sg

Sometimes, we tend to look too far out that we ignore treasures nearby. This couple of short trips was all about that: adjusting the focus to see closer objects. Or, basically fitting trips within our hectic schedules.

Pagsanjan Falls is Cavinti Falls

Cavinti Falls is one of the first tourist destinations a Filipino would learn about. At least in my generation, it’s in the Philippines studies books. Since the first grade I have always known it to be Pagsanjan Falls. Well, it was recognized for that name. But did you know it is actually located in Cavinti and not Pagsanjan, Laguna? Only until recently when it gained the right to be called Cavinti, and rightfully associated to the town where it belongs.

I was glad to see its still good condition. I mean, still looks like it was in the old books’ photos – a good indicator.

All three of us saw this waterfall for the first time that day!

Limbones Island is Maruwi Island

It is off the coast of Limbones Cove, all right. But the island is named Maruwi – according to the Limbones Cove residents.

Limbones Cove is part of the successive coves along the coast of Luzon that extends all the way to Batangas. From the north going south, one would pass by Limbones Cove before the known destinations: Pico de Loro, Punta Fuego and Canyon Cove.

We went there via this route: Went to Maragondon, Cavite and looked for the river of the same name. That was the jump off point for the boat that would take us to the cove. We passed by cove after cove after cove, before reaching the destination.

Upon arriving, we were surprised to see an underwhelming beach. And I guess the people there were also surprised to see us. It’s not a tourist destination, haha! Good thing the locals were nice enough to accommodate us, even helping us prepare our lunch. Anyway, we made the trip fun given the circumstances. It’s a new place for us, after all.

Also, as shown in the video, Limbones Cove is the residence of a clan.

Those were quick and cheap trips that you could consider. But do look for other spots nearby Limbones Cove, okay? :D

Bert stood in the middle of a field, the wind blowing around him.

It was a supremely windy day, and Bert had been waiting for one like it for some weeks. Now, when it was finally here, he was excited.

The wind blew around him, changing direction, never fully certain. He waited, was patient. It kept changing, coming and going, sometimes restful and quiet, sometimes forceful, causing him to step back. But Bert was patient.

He had wanted to try this for some time, since he had read about trust falls and the joys and pitfalls that could come with those. He had very few friends, and none that he would trust enough to help him with this. None who would support him. So he waited for the wind.

The grass around him rolled in waves, the tide ebbing and flowing with great speed. The sea of green around him was roiling, getting ready for something big.

As the storm picked up, Bert smiled. It was time. The wind settled on a southerly direction, and Bert turned himself to catch it. He spread his arms, waited, and as another gust picked up, he leaned back.

The wind caught him. It held him up, the speed just enough to support Bert’s slight form, in his open jacket. His hair blew forward into his face, but his eyes were closed.

The support was like a chilly hug, holding him up and supporting him in everything, like a caress from a long-time lover, peace from all around.

The gust was dying down, and Bert caught himself before he fell. It had been everything he had hoped for, and he felt better with himself, with the world around him. He turned, bowed his head, and thanked the wind. He turned his back to it once more, and waited for the next gust.