Chasing Waterfalls Series : Mighty Casaroro

Casaroro Falls is located in the municipality of Valencia. Dubbed as Negros Oriental's 

most photographed waterfalls - it is lodged deep into the rock crevices of the rugged 

Valencia mountains - a jumpoff for Mt. Talinis. And with an astounding height of 100 feet, the water plunges into a deep cold basin before it flows down to a stream. Getting this info, Of course, with a description like that, it left me wanting to see it upclose and personal. 

On my last day at Negros Oriental, I was heading out to Valencia from Dumageute to finally spot the pride of this quiet town, I was running a couple hours late of my itinerary and dont know where to start - good thing the PEOPLE of Dumaguete is kind enough to guide me and provided all the details. From Dumaguete's port i directly went to the jeepney terminal bound to Valencia. 

After about 30 minutes i arrived at Valencia, the town is small, quiet, located in the 

mountains - this is also a starting point for treks up Mt. Talinis, and there are just too 

many Lanzaones trees grown in Valencia - and Almost every home in Valencia, has Lanzones in their backyards - luckily the last quarter of every year is usually the season for Lanzones in this town (according to my guide), and i think It would not be long when Valencia will be known as the land of Lanzones, to rival Camiguin - not just the variety but the taste.

From Valencia, the easiest way to get to casaroro is to hire a habal-habal. Please be reminded that the road to the falls is uphill, and some portions of the road is unpaved 

and rough and there are times that you have to go down and walk. And though its a nerve wrecking ride, that's all part of the experience. Honestly i'm accustomed to such rides. 

Arriving at the entrance, one needs to register first, but when we got to the entrance, there was nobody there. My guide told me to just start with the descend and just pay later. The first part is an easy walk going down, the trail is surrounded by lush greenery, with concrete stairway and handrail designed to be grasped by the hand so as to provide stability and support. Kuya Erning (my guide) told me that it is 350 plus of steps going down. What?? Seriously? I hate concrete stairs. Stairs do not mean a walk in the park, and the slope along which the stairs were built were so steep that my knees were shaking before i was even halfway down. I also hate the idea that i have to do the same trail going back. But im conditioning my mind already and preparing my legs later. 

After completing the stairs you can see the natural rock formations and can hear the strong sound of the falling water, then it’s a leisurely walk along a established trail, but this is not for too long. Casaroro Falls was one of those areas that got damaged when Typhoon Sendong hit the province - So, the trail all the way to the falls , the hanging bridge , all of these were damage. That means I need to climb over rocks and boulders, then cross the streams several times before i reach the falls.

Top 6 Must Do's in Siquijor

After recently returning from an amazing trip to SIQUIJOR, I thought I would give you all

a run down on the best things to do around the island.

1.) HIRE A MOTORCYCLE/TRICYCLE AND DRIVE AROUND

Finding your way in Siquijor is easy as 123. The island is small, compact and easy to see

in a day that you can travel around the island and pass through the 6 municipalities of

this province in 4-6 hours. Renting a MOTORCYCLE/TRICYCLE/MULTICAB is a very popular

option, and is definitely one of the top things to do in Siquijor. If you know how to

drive a motorcycle you may rent it for Php300.00 per day excluding the gas. The island has

a good motorway and cemented coastal roads - there's nothing can compares to the freedom

of driving around alone or with your guide to explore the whole island. I promise you, you

won’t forget the feeling of wind hitting your face as you drive through winding roads,and

some steep portions of the road to reach the tourists attractions offered in each

municipalities.

2.) TALK TO THE PEOPLE

Much has been said about the province of Siquijor, it is somehow famous for its

associations with all things mystical and spiritual, but the most common of it all is the

belief that the island is inhabited by mangkukulams or aswangs. And since the old times

the island is known for some unordinary practice of folk healing and potions. Needless to say

Siquijor is a place where some weird stories are still alive, there are no rational

explanations. So, when i decided to include Siquijor in my visayas trip i know i wont be

shock. In short, the trip went off without any untoward surprises. But, the highlight of

any trip to Siquijor is the people. They are warm, cheerful, welcoming, and very helpful.

3.) VISIT OLD CHURCHES

One of my favorite part in my Siquijor trip is a quick visit to the old churches in the

province. Each one is unique, beautiful, ancient, and has an incredible story along with

it. There are a lot of old churches within the island. If you are interested in nice

architecture, these old Churches is an absolute must when visiting Siquijor. Upon arrival

at the province  San Francis of Assisi Church will greet you. Other noteworthy churches

are the century old San Isidro Labrador Church, and one of the biggest convent in the

Philippines the San Isidro Labrador Convent - The church and the convent was very old-

looking, but I was really impressed that it continues to stand even today, St. Augustine

Church, Our Lady of Devine Providence, and St. Vicente De Ferrer Bell Tower.

4.) ENJOY THE BEACHES

The island is spotted with some white sand beaches. One of the most famous beach in the

island is Salagdoong Beach Resort - it has clear blue water, white sand beach, and some

rock formations which is favorable for cliff diving. But if you’re looking for the finest

beach front in the island - i highly recommend the ones in San Juan - specifically in

front of JJ's Cafe - The view was serene and beautiful. You can also visit the beaches of

Siquijor and Kagusuan.

5.) CHASING WATERFALLS AND SPRING

A popular swimming destination in Siquijor, Cambugahay Falls is a multi-tiered waterfall,

can be reached by taking a short hike from the main road down to a cemented stairs all the way to the falls. The water cascades into several catch basin, each flowing one into the other. On the main pool of the waterfalls, a 'baging' hangs from a tree that can be use as a swing before jumping into the blue waters. So, If you can swing it and jump from it, then you should go here. You can also visit Lugnason falls and Capilay Spring Park in San Juan.

6. ) ENJOY THE SUNSET

There are a lot of things to do in Siquijor and enjoying the sunset is one of these. A glorious sunset is the epitome of fleeting beauty. Siquijor’s sunset will enter your soul and will stay there forever. This is pure magic!

Chasing Waterfalls : Stunning Talay, Hidden and Hulugan Falls - and a sidetrip to Majayjay Falls

When planning a daytour near Manila - which include a visit to a waterfall - the province of Laguna will surely top your list. 

For the past few months I’ve planned of visiting Luisana, Laguna and the not so famous falls that time in San Salvador. I have seen the pictures. I know I wanted to go there, in fact, I have decided, attempted to go there, but FAILED big time.

Imagine my excitement. Finally. I got on a bus in cubao, bound for sta cruz, laguna — the province known for many awesome waterfalls - Magdapio Falls (a.k.a. Pagsanjan Falls), Cavinti, Laguna, Taytay Falls, Majayjay, Laguna, Bunga Falls, Nagcarlan, Laguna, buntot palos falls , Pangil, Laguna, 3 falls of sta. maria, laguna, among others. 

Talay, Hidden and Hulugan Falls are located in San Salvador, Luisiana, Laguna. 

7 AM.  Arrival at San Salvador - At the barangay entrance is an information area where you will first secure your guide, then the assigned guide led us to the barangay captain's residence for registration and last minute preparation.

7:30 AM we started hiking towards Talay falls-our first destination.  From the jump off our guide inform us that it would be about forty minutes hike away.  But It ended up being closer to a 2 hour descent with river crossing and muddy trail- but the views at the end were well worth it.  

Majestic cascades, raging torrents, glorious rapids welcome us at Talay and the Hidden Falls. 

My Special thanks to Manong Unyol for the Hulugan trip.

Finding Mt. Kofafey and Mt. Fato

I'm so glad to finally check Mt Kofafey off my Bucket list. I've made several attempts to climb Mt Kofafey but it just didnt happen. I however decided it was time to climb kofafey, that very few people visit while in Bontoc. And, Finally i made it back to Maligcong just six months after my last attempt and at the right time I completed Mt Kofafey traverse.

I took a long walk on the rice terraces and enjoyed the views. It really is spectacular. The hike is really beautiful and gives stunning views of the maligcong rice terraces. I hiked in the pouring rain, but my breathing and energy level was still good, and it was a fantastic experience. The setting alone is magnificent. The shape of the mountains are so unique and the landscape from every view point looked different and it changed throughout the day from the mist and clouds that would quickly move in and out. The intricately constructed rice terraces are on a mountain surrounded by other soaring peaks. It reminded me of the views at Batad, Hapao, Mayoyao and Banaue. Absolutely breathtaking!

I cannot believe I made it and I went to Mt kofafey without a GUIDE, I'm still amazed.

I had some time exploring, it was almost sunset - it was freezing cold, but i enjoy it and I admired the view. Though, there actually wasn't much of a sunset because it was overcast, I think the fog drifting throughout the mountains and terraces was even better.

After a few hours at the summit it was time to go - it started to rain hard - I kinda didn't want to leave, thinking this could be the only time I will ever see this, but i have to leave for now KOFAFEY - the descent down to the village was really steep with lots of steps. I thought the decline was harder than going up , so it took alot of my time and energy. I tried not to look down descending from the summit and that seemed to help.  The pictures don't do justice to how steep the trail going down.  In the end I'm glad I hiked Mt Kofafey.  The views from the top were amazing and I could see all of the mountain ranges in the distance.

I love nature and hiking, and I also love learning about other cultures. Maligcong really satisfied all these loves.

I rewarded myself for the long walk with a sumptuous dinner from Ate Suzette's and 3 cups of mountain tea to soothe my aching legs.  I laughed thinking after all these years of wanting to climb mt kofafey, FINALLY i successfully finish it!

P.s  My special thanks to KUNIG - the dog wonder - for being a wonderful GUIDE!!!


How to get to Maligcong,Bontoc?
Coming from Manila take a bus bound for Banaue or directly to Bontoc. In my case I took the Ohayami Bus Terminal in Fajardo St. Sampaloc, Manila. Fare of Php 450.00 is bound for Banaue. Coda Bus line offers direct trip to Bontoc for Php 750.

From Banaue, take a van/jeepney bound for Bontoc. Fare is Php 150 to 200.

Then from Bontoc there are regular jeepney transfers from Bontoc town proper to Maligcong and vice versa, schedules is from morning up to the late afternoon. The terminal is along the Capitol Road just behind the market. Jeepney fare is Php 25 and travel time is 25-30 minutes.

Accomodation
Suzette’s Maligcong Homestay
Rate: Php 300 per night per person
Owner: Suzette Chess  Contact Number: 09155463557

Footnotes
Planting season starts in March, so the best time to visit and see the green rice paddies is April and May. Harvest season is August and may -it may extend to September - and the Maligcong rice terraces at this time is in shades of gold and green.

Aside from trekking Mount Kofafey and Mt Fato, you can also explore the terraces and the surrounding villages either alone or by hiring a guide.