Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Bicol Road Trip 1

It happened last summer when we decided to go on a road trip to Bicol (Bee-col) Region. Commonly known as Bicolandia is located in the southernmost tip of Luzon Island, the largest island in the Philippine archipelago. It can be reached either by plane, bus, train or cars. We chose to take the car so we could do town hopping in the region and visit some interesting places. It was a long drive but my eyes were filled with so many wonderful things as we travel along the road.

The first thing that comes to my mind when I hear Bicol is the majestic Mt. Mayon, the pride of the Bicol region. The picturesque volcano rises 2,462 meters above sea level and can be found in the province of Albay. "Magayon" in Bicolano dialect which means "beauty",  ranks second in the
12 Most Amazing Volcanoes on the Planet because of it's perfectly conical shape. As we travel along the circumference of Mt. Mayon, I noticed that the towns we passed by were gifted with verdant atmosphere as if the place was painted green with all the lush and big trees along the way. The sight of clear skies with soft clouds which sometimes hides the volcano makes a perfect subject of art.

                                                        (Please click image to enlarge)

Mt. Mayon is the most active volcano in the Philippines having erupted 49 times since records began in 1616. The most destructive recorded eruption was in 1819, when the entire town of Cagsawa was buried under 30 feet of  muds, rocks and volcanic ashes leaving 2,200 dead and only the bell tower of the town church was left standing. I only see this view in postcards, TV programs, books and that time I was speechless. There is the volcano sitting quietly right in front of me, spewing smoke as if watching me gaze.


                                                              (Please click image to enlarge)

The remains of the bell tower in Cagsawa has been the favorite destinations of local and foreign tourists and is always the most photographed structure. Being the foreground of Mt. Mayon it tells a story on how furious this beauty can be to mankind. Before leaving I offered prayers to those who perished and was buried underneath the ground where I am standing.

Thank you for reading.
This is posted for Our World Tuesday and Scenic Weekends!!

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Bunga Twin Falls

As I travel in some of the places in Laguna (La-goo-nuh), I was able to  visit Nagcarlan, a town located at the foot of the twin mountains Mt. San Cristobal and Mt. Banahaw. Nagcarlan is gifted with fertile land which is suitable for farming and other agricultural industries, it is also rich in historical and cultural heritage, the climate is favorable and the scenery is pleasing to the eyes, which is why this town is frequently visited by tourists all year round. I have seen the old parish church which dates back  to 17th century and the stylish underground cemetery which has become famous for its architecture and history.

Apart from this structures Nagcarlan has lush forests that keeps pristine body of waters which is visually vivid and pleasing. During summer, the temperature sometimes rose up to 36 degrees centigrade,  a very hot temperature which makes us go and seek cooler places like this. We hired a tricycle to take us to Bunga and asked the driver for directions on how to get to the place.


Careful slippery when wet.

It is just a 15-minute trek downhill from the village, we trod on a short but steep and slippery path and suddenly a loud gush of water, that sounds like music to my ears welcomed us. As I hurriedly walk down the rough road, I saw a natural pool with clear and fresh water flourished with green and thick trees that looks very refreshing to my dehydrated system!

SWIM!
I hurriedly went to find out what is that graceful rapid sound,  I didn't mind the bamboo bridge which harshly squeaked as if it will fall apart as I ran across!

Squeaky bamboo bridge.

And behold! Twin waterfalls boasts in  front of me as if inviting me to come and dive into the natural pool! The Bunga falls is separated by a big rock in the middle which makes the water flow into two identical falls that's why they called it twins! It is named after the "bunga" (betel nut), which used to grow in the area. Legend has it that a creature dwells and snatches newcomers by tugging their feet into10 meters deep pool...scary! I couldn't understand why tourists kept on going onto this enchanting place despite of this urban legend, it could probably be a way to get rid of the undoings of mankind and so as to keep the place secluded, fresh and pure.

Bunga twin falls!

My trip to Nagcarlan was amusing and different, I took a lot of pictures and saved it to my list of unforgettable places, even if it was just for a moment the memories of Bunga Falls will linger in my mind forever.

Thanks for reading.

HOW TO GET THERE?
1. Take a bus going to Sta. Cruz, Laguna in Alabang Provincial Terminal South Station across Star Mall.
2. Get off at Sta. Cruz, Laguna and wait for a jeepney bound for Nagcarlan or Liliw, Laguna.
3. If you will take the jeepney going to Liliw, you have to take another one going to Nagcarlan.
4. When you're in Nagcarlan, you can hire a tricycle to take you to Bunga Twin Falls.

Tuesday, April 2, 2013

The Alluring Beauty Of Magdalena


I know nothing about the town of Magdalena, not until we passed by this charmingly simple and peaceful place with a big and neat park in front of an old church which seems to have a lot of stories to tell. The town of Magdalena, by the way is situated in the province of  Laguna (La-goo-nuh), Philippines, a province known for its rich natural resources and just a few hours away from the capital city. Magdalena lies in the foothills of Mt. Banahaw, a mountain considered to be "holy" by pilgrims and mountain climbers. The town is dominated with coconut trees and lush vegetation which makes its landscape more panoramic.

                                                         

The first time I went to Magdalena, I only got the chance to see the parish church while doing the Visita Iglesias (church visit), a Catholic tradition done during Maundy Thursday to say the Way Of The Cross on fourteen churches. The church was built in 1861 through the help of the residents by giving donations for its bricks and other construction materials.The historical church of St. Magdalene is one of the landmark in Magdalena, it stands in the heart of the town proper and across it is the centuries-old town hall which was built in 1884.



We made a quick visit to the town's water dam, it is said that the water comes from Mt. Banahaw and supplies water to Magdalena and nearby towns. I saw children dabbling in its free flowing fresh water and as for me, I just stared at the vast view of heaven, man and earth.




I just can't imagine how many tons of water flows through this water system and how much households it can supply? Unfortunately this water dam was destroyed by a strong typhoon which hit the town few years ago and flooded the town when the water level rose up to where I am standing.


Before leaving the town  and because it's getting late we decided to pass by Magdalena river to catch the sunset and take a rest and enjoy the sound of the water running through pebbles, rocks and for the last but not the least...enjoy the pleasurable time of the golden hour.


Magdalena seems to have a magic spell which makes me recollect and think about its charm. I won't wonder if it has become one of  Philippine cinema's favorite shooting locations. There is something in Magdalena, maybe for some of you, it would rather look so ordinary but for me it's a revel with the physical world!!

Thank you for reading.