Category: Uncategorized

Lake Sebu – The Well Spring of the Grand Seven Falls

Enjoying the scenery of these stunning lotus flowers. Will they make you take the Owong (canoe) and row in Lake Sebu? January 2018

I visited Mindanao last January 19th, and all the way from Davao City, I paid a visit to Talicud Island, Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat and South Cotabato. It was only a four-day trip, but having a close encounter with these humble provinces made me realize more that the Philippines is certainly rich in culture and it is something that we should all be proud of!

From the pristine beaches of Talicud Island to my close encounter with Islam in Maguindanao, I just knew that placid Lake Sebu will complement my stay with a bang!

Now let me share how I did all the fun as I walk you through my 2018 Mindanao adventure! Follow along!

Click here for the Maguindanao write up

Where is Lake Sebu?

Lake Sebu is located in South Cotabato, SOCCSKSARGEN Region, where the humble province borders with Sultan Kudarat in the North and West, Sarangani to the South and Davao del Sur to the Northeast.

The Map of Lake Sebu and South Cotabato. Credits to the owner of the map.

South Cotabato can be reached by taking a plane bound for General Santos City or a plane headed to the more popular Davao City. Either flight would require a land travel to Koronadal (popularly known as Marbel) where vans or buses take routes to the placid Lake Sebu.

The Map of Koronadal and South Cotabato. Credits to the owner of the map.

The Placid Lake Sebu

My excitement to see Lake Sebu was unexplainable that day. I knew that I was about to see something magical again and the lake was just perfect to wrap up my Mindanao adventure.

Bird’s eye view picture of Lake Sebu. Lotus flowers abound the placid lake. January 2018

After taking almost a two-hour ride via a passenger van from A2Z terminal in Koronadal, we finally reached the Municipality of Lake Sebu.

Prior to our day of visit, we coordinated with the President of Tourist Drivers and Local Guides of Lake Sebu, Jorie Sabal, for our tour arrangements. Jorie is a proud T’boli and a local of Lake Sebu. He is a very informative guide and has several side stories to tell about the lake.

Our first destination was the very lake itself. I told Jorie that I wanted to see the lotus flowers first and he said that it is best to visit early in the morning just before the sun boast in full blast in broad day light.

These beautiful lotus flowers only bloom before the sun flaunts its optimal bright light. January 2018

We did a slight trek on our way to the lake. We passed by a small community of happy people who never failed to share a smile as Jorie kept his enthusiasm on giving insights about the lake. He mentioned that the lake was called El S’bu back in the old days and because of several immigrants settling in the town, the name evolved to Sebu or Lake Sebu.

Upon reaching the lake, Jorie asked if it is alright for me to take an Owong. He described it as a canoe or a boat without outrigger. I was a little hesitant at first because I know that the lake is 115 feet deep and I was not wearing a lifevest. He told me to just keep still and watch my balance as we get closer to the flowers. In the end, I decided to go on to see the lotuses upclose! It is not like I always have the time to visit South Cotabato, so the tour just went on!

Owong is the T’boli term for a canoe. It is a boat made out of dugout trunk of a tree. January 2018
Keeping my balance in the Owong or getting soaking wet falling on the 115-feet deep lake. January 2018

The lotus flowers of Lake Sebu are really stunning. A single flower is beautiful enough so what more if you get surrounded by a bunch of them?! I really couldn’t get enough and my fear of falling just faded away.

For P100.00 and the picturesque scene, who wouldn’t take this close encounter with nature? When you visit the place, make sure to get closer with these pink beauties and capture a magical moment with the lake! 🙂

January 2018
Lotus flowers abound this serene lake. I made sure to capture a moment with these beauties. January 2018

The Seven Falls

Lake Sebu is a total wonder! How can a lake supply the 7 falls without going significantly lower than its water level?

From the legend’s Boi Henwu forgetting to place the leaf cover in the source hole to the possibility of the rain cycle supplying the lake, my research was not able to answer my questioning mind!

For now, let us get to know the seven wonder falls of Lake Sebu!

1. Hikong Alo – T’boli: Passage Falls

This falls is the easiest to access. You can actually get closer and have it as a background for your Instagram post. Just be cautious with the mist as it might ruin your camera device. The falls is 35 feet high.

Getting closer to Hikong Alo. The greenish hue of the water suggests that it originated from the lake. January 2018
Hikong Alo is equally stunning from afar. January 2018

2. Hikong Bente – T’boli: Immeasurable Falls

Hikong Bente is the highest among the seven falls. At 70 feet high, they might want to rename it to measurable! Kidding aside, you can get closer to it by taking the concrete steps.

The falls’ rockwall formations, boulders and mist make it the most picturesque too. It was like a movie setting in the Amazons and I in search for the hidden paradise! The strong force of the falls and the mist gently tickling my face made my trip a worthwhile one!

The strong force of the lake produces this thick mist. A grand nature show off. January 2018

3. Hikong B’lebel – T’boli: Zigzag Falls

Most of the falls need to be hiked to witness them closely. But one exciting way to see this falls no. 3 is to take the zipline! For P250.00 on weekdays and P300.00 on weekends, this is already a treat for adventurers at heart!

The Zipline which is claimed as the highest in South East Asia was actually a total fun!!!! The view from above was absolutely breath taking! On the video below you will see the magnificent Hikong Bente and a short glimpse of Hikong B’lebel.

Unfortunately the other falls were not witnessed for safety reasons. Slippery trails are pretty dangerous for regular tourists like us!

4. Hikong Lowig – T’boli: Booth Falls

5. Hikong Ukol – T’boli: Wildflower Falls

6. Hikong K’fo-i – T’boli: Short Falls

7. Hikong Tonok – T’boli: Soil Falls

More about the Zipline adventures, the place also offers photopackages in case you want to take pictures of your seven falls encounter. You can even rent action cameras to record your reactions while in the heights! It is a must try if I may stress it!

One of the pictures taken as I try the highest Zipline in South East Asia. January 2018
I took a photopackage worth P350.00 for a two-way zipline picture taking which also includes CDs for the softcopies. January 2018

To inquire with Lake Sebu’s activities and recent offerings, you may contact our friend Jorie Sabal. He will gladly assist you for any travel related queries to his hometown. You may reach him through this number : 09058240725 or look for his Facebook account.

Jorie Sabal, myself and Datu Salazar after my Zipline encounter. January 2018

Visit Lake Sebu now and have fun! Happy traveling!

-jiyon

Canding Falls – When Tarlac is not “Just Tarlac”

The lowest tier of the falls. December 2017

It is almost Christmas, but that did not deter us from rediscovering places before the year folds. I received a text from my sister that her colleague is organizing a trip to Canding Falls, San Clemente, Tarlac, so when I heared about this, I told my self, “Tarlac finally!”
I visit far away places, so why not rediscover my home province? I have been in Tarlac my entire life, but the province still seems so unfamiliar to me! 

Drone shots of Canding Falls. December 2017

Follow me through as we both unveil what this humble province has to offer!

How to get to Canding Falls

Canding Falls is situated in Brgy. Maasin, San Clemente, Tarlac. Our group opted to hire a jeepney from San Miguel and departed around 9am. 

It is actually very easy to reach the falls. It is almost a straight 2 hour-travel from San Isidro bridge.

Upon reaching Brgy. Maasin, one has to pay the entrance fee of P10.00. You will need to do a short trek of about 20 minutes and cross three river trails. Just be cautious in crossing as the rocks can get really slimy. One technique that I was told of was to avoid the reddish rocks because those are the slippery ones. It will help trust me. 

The river’s width is about 15 to 20 steps so you will not break a sweat at all! You just really need to walk slowly but surely!

Rates in Canding Falls. December 2017

While trekking, you will pass by boulders, string beans plantation, tall weeds and bamboo bushes. The place is not that hilly, so it will not be a difficult one. You will just need the usual sun-block, hats for the shade and a good pair of sunglasses.

One of the student crossing the river. December 2017
String bean plantation on the way to the falls. December 2017
Students crossing the river. The stones can become really slimy. Extra caution is advised. December 2017

What to do in Canding Falls

Swimming

The falls is multi-tiered so it means there are several pools to choose from. The lowest tier has 3 falls but the shortest  among the three. It also has the narrowest pool so less tourists flock on it. The deepest point of the pool is around 6 feet.

Having fun in the lowest tier. Cool waters at its best. December 2017
The tail of the lowest tier. Still brimming with green hues. December 2017

The second tier is the main pool. I consider it the main one because most tourists do the swimming here and this is the spot where cliff diving is done. This is just an easy trek from the first tier so no wonder why it is the most crowded one. Its deepest point is 20 feet according to some good swimmers.

Drone shots of the main pool. Just right for swimmers at heart. December 2017
My siblings and the students having fun in the second tier. December 2017
Picturesque rock background in the main pool. Nature art is a bliss. December 2017

The third tier requires rock climbing. The climb is not really hard, but one has to have strong limbs to do it. You can have a good view of the lower tiers on this area and I have to say that it is breath taking! There are large boulders on this area too and the place is just perfect for pictorials! Its pool is also wide and is around 6 feet deep. This is the spot where you can do a cliff dive to the second tier pool.

The pool of the third tier. One has to climb from the second tier. December 2017
The third tier of the waterfalls. The background shows the rock that was needed to be climbed to reach the spot. December 2017

Rock Climbing

Rock climbing will start on the second tier. As mentioned, the climb is not hard but one has to be cautious. 

Rock climbing for good swimmers. These young men did a little twist for their rock climbing escapade. The swam across the deep main pool to reach the other end and climb to make a good fall. December 2017.

Cliff Diving

The second tier is perfect for cliff diving. The third tier can easily be climbed to do the plunge and the deep pools are very ideal for this adrenaline pumping jump!

The spot in the upper tier where you can cliff dive to the 20 feet-deep pool. December 2017

Fishing

The river has catfishes so you can use the rods if you have spare time for it. Unfortunately, cooking and eating is prohibitted in the area so you gotta bring the catch home. 🙂

Personal Insights

The place is captivating. I never knew that this place exists until a few months ago. The easy trek, the clear and clean waters, fun-filled activities available on the place and affordable prices will convince you to take a visit. The area is also less developed so you can have a close encounter with nature.

The clear water of Canding Falls. December 2017

The water in Canding falls is cold. Very refreshing and very revitalizing. It can tend to be very chilly though, but one thing that I discovered was that you just need to keep swimming so you won’t feel the chill! Perfect if you want to lose those calories after the holiday season!

The stretch of the second tier of Canding Falls. Shot by DJI Mavic Pro. December 2017

One sad thing that I have to say is that irresponsible guests ruin the place. Trash is evident and the place is not so maintained. I just hope that the local government would collect ample entrance fees to maintain the place. May this blog reach them so we could keep the place for our future generations to enjoy!

Overall, experience with Canding falls is a must try! Easy to access and very affordable! An 8.5 rating is well deserved!

So now you know that Tarlac is not just about rice fields and highways! We have rivers and falls too! 😛 Why not complete your project 81 and take Canding falls for Tarlac? Visit San Clemente, visit our province!

Feeling thankful for the natural wonder in the hanging bridge of Canding River. December 2017

-Jiyon

Silanguin Cove – Don’t Judge a Beach by Its Sands

Mountain view in Silanguin. The cove is not only perfect for swimming but also for hiking. Trek and rediscover the hidden falls. November 2017

We first encountered Pundaquit in November 2016 when I was looking for a quick getaway close to Manila. We were bound to Nagsasa that time and while waiting for the bus departure in Pasay terminal, I had a chance to converse with a couple who also manages tours in Pundaquit. They mentioned about the farthest cove in the area which usually takes an hour and a half by boat, less crowded and more mesmerizing! My fascination of Silanguin has ignited that day, and just last week, in time for the US thanksgiving, that very wanderlust became a reality.

The cove’s long stretch flaunts its powdery gray sands. November 2017

How to get to Silanguin Cove?

The best way to get to Silanguin is by private car for the land travel. You need to head to San Antonio, Zambales (destination before reaching Iba, Zambales) then take a route to Pundaquit. Once you reached the Pundaquit beach, rent a boat and tell the boatman that you are headed to Silanguin Cove. 

The tourism signage of San Antonio Zambales. November 2017
The crowdy Pundaquit Beach with its equally stunning mountain views. November 2017

Alternatively, you may take a bus bound for Iba, Zambales or Santa Cruz, Zambales. In our case, we took a Victory Liner Bus in Pasay Terminal and departed around 4AM. I suggest to buy tickets for San Antonio in the booth to secure a designated seat. You will not want a scene where you are comfortably seated and an irate passenger who just came in would tell you that you are on his seat. 

Travel time will take around 4 hours until you reach the town proper of San Antonio. Do not worry if you are not familiar with the place as the bus conductor will get everyone’s attention once the bus reaches the destination.

From San Antonio Municipal Hall, you will need to hire a tricycle going to Pundaquit. It will take around 15 minutes until you reach the beach where you can rent a boat for Silanguin. Travel time from Pundaquit beach will take around 2 hours to the cove.

The main landmark for San Antonio is its municipal hall. November 2017

Cost Breakdown to Silanguin Cove

Victory Liner Bus to San Antonio – PHP 550.00 round trip (PHP 275.00 one way)

Tricycle from San Antonio to Pundaquit Beach – PHP 60.00 per head round trip (PHP 30.00 one way)

Beautiful sceneries are usual in clean San Antonio. November 2017

Environmental Fee – PHP 40.00 per head

Boat good for 4 persons (Standard) – PHP 2,500.00 to PHP 3,500.00 round trip and inclusive of island hopping.

For Boat services, you may contact kuya Johnny Oligario at 09202224687. His rates for 4-passenger boats are as follows:

4 passengers  : PHP 3,000.00

2 passengers : PHP 2,500.00

5 passengers or more : PHP 2,500.00 per boat

On top of the round trip travel, service may include, tents, cooking utensils, drinking water, firewood, ice and cooler depending on the arrangement. (Make sure to mention these add-ons when you contact him)

TIP : NEVER PAY THE COMPLETE BOAT RATE RIGHT AWAY. I was advised by kuya Johnny to pay only half on our way to Silanguin and pay the other half on the way to Pundaquit to avoid getting scammed.

Entrance Fee: PHP 150.00 per head (We checked in to Mang Rading’s (Rodrigo Ogario) resort.

Cottage: PHP 500.00 per day for open cottages and PHP 800.00 per day for cottages with a super basic room/space for sleeping.

Activities to do in Silanguin

Aside from swimming, I would recommend walking along its long stretch. Its powdery sand makes walking on bare feet comfortable. Just make sure to do the walking on the late afternoon as the sands could get really hot at noon!

Who says gray sand and clear waters are not beautiful? Silanguin cove proves that you can never judge a beach by its sands. November 2017

The left portion of the cove when facing the sea is more amusing than the right. It has  a river and a sandbar which separates freshwater with the saltwater.

A closer look to the river with its curves and natural soil carving. November 2017
My sister and I having fun in the sandbar. The water in the foreground is freshwater while the one beyond the sandbar is saltwater. November 2017

You can have a quick plunge to the waist-level water of the river.  Its fresh, clear and cool water is very ideal for those who are not good swimmers but still want to have a splash! This spot of the cove equates to fun! Truly a stunning scenery and a natural playground where you can spend a day without getting bored! If not for the rain and the dusk coming in, we could have spent more time to the place. Definitely a good justification to revisit soon!

If you want a more challenging activity, you may opt to do hiking to chase the Silanguin waterfalls. In our case, we coordinated with the owner of the resort that we checked in and he recommended someone who could assist us to the falls. We started the trek around 6:30 AM for a rate of PHP 100.00 per head.

Trekking in Silanguin. We passed by tall weeds and huge boulders on our way to the falls. November 2017

The trek took us around an hour before we finally reached the falls. We passed by tall weeds, huge boulders and river trails. It was actually an easy trek, but it can tend to be a little slippery along the way. It is advisable to wear jogging pants, long sleeve tops and trekking shoes to avoid getting cuts and bruises along the way.

Trekking in Silanguin means passing by talls weeds and huge boulders in the river trail. November 2017

I was actually wishing that it will all be worth it. I initially had that feeling that they are promoting just anything to have additional offering on their ads, but boy, when we reached the destination, I wanted to plunge right away!

This low tiered falls will totally stun your eyes with its natural beauty. November 2017

The falls is a low-tiered falls, but it left us totally stunned! Its sweet and clear waters made the kid in me mind its usual routine as fun started to unfold.

The kid in me enjoyed the clear waters of the falls. Its black boulders accented mystery to its pool. November 2017

Personal Insights

Silanguin cove is far for sure, but a six-hour total travel is still tolerable enough to satisfy that wanderlust. The scenic view of the cove is so relaxing that it will replenish that zen that your mind is longing for. 

Wandering Silanguin is a total interaction with nature. November 2017

The farthest cove of Pundaquit delivers. Its long stretch of gray sands may seem ordinary for many, but if one would saunter around and witness the river, the natural soil carvings and the sandbars, he/she will definitely utter that this place is worthy to be revisited again and again and again.

Its gray sands will never be Silanguin’s debacle. Dark is equally beautiful. November 2017

The mountain range of the cove is ideal for active guests too. Just make sure that you trek with a guide to avoid accidents along the way. 

The hidden falls is also something to look forward to. Its untouched beauty is very welcoming and its a total relief for the busy mind. It is total interaction with Mother Nature!

All in all, the enthusiasm in me got retained up to this moment to the extent that I already have plans of visiting it again. I will definitely give this place a 9.8 soloist score!

I am certainly having fun. The rainbow’s end is just above me. I should be lucky. November 2017

– jiyon

Tinuy-an Falls – Towering from the Courage of the Heroic Natives

Towering at 55m, Tinuy-an falls is called the little Niagara Falls of the Philippines. November 2017

After our encounter with the Enchanted river, we went straight to Tinuy-an falls. I clearly remember that it was raining so badly and I was outloud wishing that the sky will get clearer even just for an hour! I was glad that the rain stopped and we had a good time in Bislig!

Taking more than an hour from Hinatuan, you can really feel that bumpy ride. I couldn’t thank enough that we opted to rent a van, for the road was muddy because of seasonal rains and the road projects were ongoing. (If interested in renting a van, kindly send me a message for the details of my contact. I am not in anyway connected with them)

It will take around an hour from Hinatuan to Bislig.

Going to Bislig was still a bliss though! The ubiquitous coconut trees were a sight to behold and I can recall my parents getting amazed at how these trees are just all around the place. They were even joking that how come there are no coconut juice vendor along the way.

Living the tourist life, we can never skip a tourist destination signage like this. November 2017

Upon reaching the destination, the lowest tier of the falls will greet you with a positive vibe. The water was pretty strong that day probably because of the recent rains but it was still picturesque nonetheless.

The lowest tier of the falls greeting every visitor. November 2017

To give a brief insight about Tinuy-an, the name was derived from Tinuyo-an; a native vernacular which means an intentional act to achieve a goal. There is actually an FYI post along the main entrance which narrates the ” Legend of Tinuy-an” involving the Magdiwata Mountain Settlers and the cruel tribesmen of Agusan. You may refer to the photo below:

A very short narration of how the name of the falls was derived. November 2017

Rates and Fees

The rates are pretty affordable. You can refer to the photo below for the actual rates as of November 2017.

Updated rates as of November 2017

Personal Insights

The place is amusing, after paying the entrance fee, you are free to saunter around and take pictures until you drop. You can go near the falls but you need to take the safety precautions. 

There is also a bamboo/wooden bridge across the river where you can get a front picture of the falls. This will also lead you to the function hall where you can get the left sided perspective of Tinuy-an. This is literally picture galore and you can take photos of different views as much as you want.

You can cross the bridge to get a better perspective of Tinuy-an. November 2017
The pavement leading closer to Tinuy-an. November 2017

The place was misty that day. Tinuy-an was mighty and you can visibly see the sun rays striking through the mist. It was an enchanting moment indeed!

Tinuy-an Falls tends to be misty after the rain, that sometimes you can spot a rainbow in the area. November 2017

You can also do the bamboo rafting where you can get much closer to the falls. It would be exciting to feel how powerful the falls can get and how cool its water is. Unfortunately on our end, we were running out of time. We needed to go to our next destination as the way out of Tinuy-an can get a little dark. That was on top of the muddy road and the busy road widening project that we experienced going to the place!!!! 

My parents and I taking a souvenir of Tinuy-an. You can see other guests doing bamboo rafting in the background. November 2017

All in all it was a fun-filled experience! So glad that I finally met mighty Tinuy-an. You better visit this peaceful place and let me know if you also had fun 🙂

Excited to finally meet Tinuy-an. A dream is now a reality. November 2017

-jiyon