A Quiet Town with an Amazing Waterfalls : Luisiana, Laguna

I stumbled upon a blog post and saw the photo of Hulugan Falls. It captured me and I immediately fell in love. I have to be there, I want to go there, ASAP!

How to get there:

• From Sta. Cruz, Laguna, ride a jeepney going to Lucban/Lucena, Quezon and tell the conductor to drop you off at San Salvador (Hulugan Falls). Fare is Php 25.00.
• From the welcome arch of San Salvador, you will be approached by barangay staffs and they will assign a guide for you. (Guides are mandatory. As of the moment, there is no definite guide fee but please be considerate.) We are three in the group and we opted to pay Php 400.00 to our guide.
• We headed to the barangay captain's house to register and paid the corresponding amount of Php 10.00 as an entrance fee

on-going farm to market road

start of the trail 

(consist of rocky, muddy and slippery path)

River crossing at the top of Hulugan Falls.

Hello there! Love at first sight again.

After 45 minutes, we reached the falls. Who would have thought that in this small town of Luisiana lies a grand curtain falls. 

The highest falls in the jurisdiction of Luisiana, Laguna with an approximate height of 70 meters.

And there is a rainbow! My first time to witness this, up close and personal.

After spending few hours at Hulugan Falls, we bid goodbye and headed to Talon ng Talay. 

Talay Falls

There are benches and tables made of bamboo where we stayed and took some rest.

Water refilling station :)

During our trek, we told our guide that we also want to visit Aliw Falls which is located at Barangay San Jose. We ascended from Talon ng Talay, log out at the barangay captain's house and went to Aliw Falls.

Our guide once said "Mahirap daw puntahan ang Talon ng Aliw pero MAAALIW ka naman pag nakita mo na." The path is easier and dry compare to Hulugan falls, except for the descending part which means that we are fast approaching to the falls.

Aliw Falls
A waterfalls with approximate height of 25 meters and width of 30 meters.

Our guide told us that the barangay captain of San Jose (where Talon ng Aliw is located) plans to close the place on January 2016. Maybe they are planning to provide their own guide and collect registration fee just like what Hulugan Falls did.

Walk and Wok : A Gastronomic Adventure at Binondo Manila

How far can your Php 300.00 can go for an authentic Chinese food trip?

The answer? BINONDO!

PLEASE BRING A LOT OF ENERGY FOR WALKING

We were three in the group and agreed to contribute Php 300.00 each.
(We had Php 900.00 to spend for this food trip.)

Was the map helpful? Honestly, no! (Wala akong sense of direction eh)

I have a list of restaurants to visit (15 on my list), and end up visiting 7 resto. 

8 restaurants were left unvisited (This gives us the reason to have 2nd food trip. When? I hope before this year ends.)

Delicious Restaurant

Gonzalo Puyat st.

What we ordered: Siopao (ASADO & BOLA-BOLA)

Price: P44.00 each 

Verdict: (I might be bias because I love Asado more than Bola-bola). For me, the taste is ordinary, nothing too special.
*Am I willing to visit the place again? Maybe and try other foods they offer.

(ang siopao ng Binondo at Bicol pare-pareho lang, Bola-bola. Pare-pareho lang) -Ano daw?

Lan Zhou La Mien

818 Benavidez st.

What we ordered: Fried Pork dumpling (with Kuchay) 

Price: P200.00 (15 pcs.)

Drink: Jasmine tea [(I just assumed that it was a Jasmine tea) complimentary drink] 

Verdict: The dumpling tastes good and the sauce (dipping) enhances the taste. Awesome!
Concern: It took us time waiting for our order
*Their best seller is the beef noodles but we opted to try dumplings since Emark doesn't eat beef and we don't want to get full yet eating noodles.

Shanghai Fried Siopao

Ongpin cor. Bahamas st.

What we ordered: Fried Siopao
Price: P 18.00
Verdict: Not the typical siopao that we used to eat. Not "fried" but what makes it unique is that the bottom part is toasted. It doesn't have  sauce but it is really delicious. I will definitely visit this place again.

*We were eating siopao while heading to our next destination

Estero Fastfood (LGA Fast Food)

Ongpin st.

What we ordered: Chilli-Garlic Fried Frog Legs
Price: P 130.00
Verdict: as they said, it tastes like chicken (I forgot what it tastes like since I don't eat chicken because I have allergy). As for me, it tastes like meat. Hirap i-explain but yummy. The chilli and garlic compliments and upgrades the flavor.

*The place might be unappealing since it is located beside the "estero" but we had a pleasant stay.

*It was the first time that I ever tasted fried frog. (congrats to me).

Lord Stow's Bakery

G/f Unit E. Imperial Sky Garden, 707 Ongpin st.

What we ordered: Egg Tart
Price: P 42.00
Verdict: Flaky crust, creamy and not too sweet

*At first, I was a bit hesitant to try their egg tart because again, I have allergy (egg). But I think eating egg tart didn't hurt. :)

Cafe Mezzanine ; Eng Bee Tin

650 Ongpin cor. Yuchengco st.

Cafe Mezzanine
What we ordered: Kiampong & Siomai (4 pcs.)
Price: P 42.00 & P 50.00
Verdict: Kiampong rice that was served to us was without nuts (I don't know why). It taste a little bit salty compared to plain rice and the sticky one. But it goes well with the siomai.

Eng Bee Tin (pasalubong)
I bought their Hopia
Ube Langka (P 48.00)
Ube Queso (P 48.00)
Ube (P 50.00)
Custard (P 50.00)

*It needs to be consumed within 5 days after being purchase.

Dong Bei Dumpling

642 Yuchengco cor. V. Tytana st.

What we ordered: Pork with kuchay (14 pcs,)
Price: P 120.00
Verdict: Aside from being pizza monster, I'm a self-confessed dumpling person. I love the taste especially the strong flavour coming from Kutchay.
*They serve freshly handmade dumplings.
*The place is quite small with just 5 or 6 tables.
*Their dumplings are worth the travel time from Laguna to Binondo.
*The best way to end our food trip. My craving for dumplings was satisfied.

We enjoyed watching how dumplings are being done.

Total expenses:

Delicious Restaurant	Php 88.00
Lan Zhou La Mien	200.00
Shanghai Fried Siopao	54.00
LGA Fastfood	130.00
Lord Stow’s Bakery	126.00
Cafe Mezzanine	72.00
Dong Bei Dumpling	120.00
Total	Php 810.00

Buntot Palos Falls: Laguna's Hidden Gem

After my trip to Pagsanjan Falls, I challenged myself to experience and see more of God's beautiful creation.

For some reason, I feel emotional and decided to have a quick escape.

My friends and "favourite couple" Elma and Tim accompany me.

From Sta. Cruz, Laguna, we took a jeepney going to Siniloan and alight at Barangay Balian Church, Pangil, Laguna. Prior to that, I sent a text message to Kuya Joy 09472835415. I saw his contact number from several blog sites. He is from the barangay and coordinated our trip. The guide that was assigned to us was Kuya Ronnie. He fetches us at the Balian Church and went to barangay outpost to register and paid the corresponding amount of P25.00 (entrance) and P300.00 (guide). 

Our trek started from a cemented path. It get steeper as we reach the end of the road. Big formation of rocks welcomes us along the trail.  Horses and carabaos also passes onto the same muddy trail. I ask Kuya Ronnie why it is called Buntot Palos, and he answered that the trail is slippery same as the eel's tail. It only took us 1 hour to reach the falls. Along the way, we were greeted by the green scenery. The birds are chirping and singing. At some parts, the soil are colored red (clay).

our view

Pangil town

I was rushing descending to the falls as I hear the music from the waterfalls. 

I was in awe. I screamed with amazement, and they thought something happened to me. (Don't mind me, I scream, I shout when a get to excited or amaze. - The typical me, "OA" sa reaction)

this is LOVE at FIRST SIGHT

 Upon reaching the falls, we look for a place to stay.

I was mesmerized with your beauty. I can stare at you all day. 

 Closer look at the 80 ft. falls.

a rewarding experience

I will definitely visit you again and camp next time.

We reach Buntot Palos Falls at around 11:00am and left at 3:30pm.   

After our trip, we decided to have a rewarding dinner at Kamayan sa Palaisdaan at Bay, Laguna. 

Public Transport:

• From Sta. Cruz, Laguna, take a jeepney bound to Siniloan and alight at Barangay Balian Church (ETA 1 hour)

Expenses:

Jeepney fare from Sta. Cruz to Barangay Balian, Pangil, Laguna	P 35.00
Entrance fee	25.00
Guide fee	300.00 (3)
Wash up (Dr. Nielsen Donato’s rest house)	25.00
Pangil to Sta. Cruz, Laguna	35.00
Sta. Cruz to Bay, Laguna (Kamayan sa Palaisdaan)	27.00
Dinner	930.00 (3)

Note:

*1 guide for 4 persons

...........I got home at 11:00pm :)

  

The Road Less Travelled: Pueblo El Salvador Eco Park and Picnic Grounds

Mga Anyong Tubig. Talon. Pagsanjan Falls

One of my childhood dream is to reach Pagsanjan Falls as it is written in elementary textbooks along with another famous Ma. Cristina Falls. 

I was browsing on different blog sites and I found the cheapest way possible going to Pagsanjan Falls, and it is via Cavinti, Laguna. It's a good deal that will only cost P270.00 compare to via Pagsanjan that will cost P1,300.00 per person. Imagine the price difference! 

I tag along a friend and we decided to visit the place on Laguna Day. Thank God for the beautiful weather that morning. We met at Mc Donald's Sta. Cruz at around 9:00am. Bought our food for lunch at 711 and went to jeepney terminal going to Cavinti. 

It was in the year 2007 that the municipal government of Cavinti established Pueblo El Salvador, the gateway to the famous "Pagsanjan Falls" aka Cavinti Falls/Magdapio Falls. Upon reaching the eco park, we signed the waiver and paid the corresponding amount of P270.00 which includes payment for our guide, rappelling gear and life vest for the rafting. 

589 steps... No shortcuts.

View deck. Greens everywhere.

the Ladder. I must say, this is not easy. I'm catching my breath going down the staircase, but going up is another story. *sigh* 

Rappelling going down adds a little adventure. Hello fear of heights. :) My legs were shaking but there's no other way. So okay, rappelling also means shouting. Kuya, the rappel expert almost pushes me so that I can go down. I made it but wait, there's another one. 

Going up? We climb the metallic ladder, 90 degrees angle. (Spiderman moves)

Bangkeros of Pagsanjan.

Our guide told us that Cavinti is already working on having a boat ride exiting the falls so that tourists could experience both. (the trek and rappel & boat ride)

The famous falls on post cards and text books becomes reality.

(Now playing: 'cause I am falling in love (falling in love) with you. -The Corrs)

God's beautiful creation.

Rafting going to the falls and inside the Devil's cave. After the trekking and rappelling, it's our reward to encounter the falls. We were encouraged to experience the back massage. 

Photo op

Devil's Cave

I was shouting as we passes the water falls.

Trekking. Rappelling. Rafting. We survived!

Public Transport

• Take jeepney from Sta. Cruz, Laguna bound to Cavinti (ETA 45 minutes)
• Upon reaching Cavinti (cemetery), take tricycle going to Pueblo El salvador Nature's Park and Picnic Grove (ETA 5 minutes)  

*Don't hesitate to ask the locals for direction, they are more that willing to help. I even chatted with them.

Since we have plenty of time left, we visited Kamay ni Jesus in Lucban, Quezon. Travel time is almost an hour.

Itinerary

0900	Meet up – Sta. Cruz, Laguna (Mc Donald’s)
0920	Waiting for jeepney bound to Cavinti
0930	Sta. Cruz to Cavinti
1015	ETA Cavinti, Laguna (drop off point – cemetery)
1020	ETA Pueblo El Salvador (tricycle ride) -filling up of forms/waiver -payment
1035	START! Trekking & Rappelling
1105	ETA Cavinti Falls/Pagsanjan Falls/Magdapio Falls -rafting to Devil's Cave -picture taking -lunch
1230	Trek back to Pueblo El Salvador
1315	ETA at Pueblo El Salvador (wash up)
1430	Pueblo el Salvador to Cavinti junction via tricycle
1440	ETA Cavinti junction (waiting for jeepney bound to Lucban, Quezon)
1540	ETA Kamay ni Jesus, Lucban, Quezon
1710	Lucban, Quezon to Sta. Cruz, Laguna
1810	ETA Sta. Cruz, Laguna

Expenses

Fare Sta. Cruz to Cavinti	P 22.00
Cavinti to Pueblo El Salvador via tricycle	100.00 (2)
Pueblo El Salvador to Cavinti junction via tricycle	100.00 (2)
Cavinti junction to Lucban, Quezon	25.00
Lucban, Quezon to Sta. Cruz, Laguna	50.00
Entrance Pueblo El Salvador	270.00
Food	150.00
Pasalubong	100.00-200.00

Things to bring

-food

-water

-sun block

-insect repellant 

-clothes

-water proof case

-toiletries

Mount Makiling via UPLB

It is summer and I feel like going somewhere. I’m browsing thru the internet looking for places to visit and I found Mt. Makiling.

Meeting place..

 (across Umali Auditorium)

Forestry Department where the trail starts

Visitors have to pay P10.00 each

(very affordable)

greens along the way

and colorful flowers

Flat Rock Trail is short.

A good place for relaxing. The water is clean and so inviting for a quick dip.

We had fun climbing on flat rock. 

After spending some time at flat rock, we head back to the road going to Mud Spring.

I'm catching my breath while walking uphill. Already exhausted and tired, we met Manong (ice drop vendor). 

life saver

Finally..........

After a long climb we rested on one of the store near Station 8. We had buko juice, our thirst quencher. 

Photo op 

Mud Spring

Pool of mud was boiling. 

 It was almost 1:30 in the afternoon when we headed back down. It was much faster than going up.