WAT Day 2: Hello Again, Tinago Falls!

After being able to satisfy ourselves with our Maria Cristina falls tour, the group proceeded to the second waterfall in our itinerary, this enabled me to say another hello to the enchanting Tinago falls. Probably the second most famous waterfall Iligan is known for.

I can still recall all those details when I was a kid where Tinago Falls was the first waterfall I was able to swim along its waters. It was so cold that I couldn't manage staying afloat even for a minute. I would stay on a nearby pool situated beside the gushing stream.

Pool Beside the Stream

Wait, pool? Yup! I said that right. Actually, in the past, my Tinago falls experience was accompanied by a beautiful zoo-resort situated in the entrance of the said waterfall, of which is located 450 steps higher in elevation. While at present, the resort is nothing but ruins.

The Ruins of Tinago Resort

It may seem like I had some pity upon hearing the fate of the rundown resort, but not the waterfall. Tinago falls remained a beautiful family runabout about 13 kilometers off the city. With a height drop of 240 feet while covered with trees, Tinago, in English means, hidden.

To get here requires a habal-habal, about 30 php. Or a jeepney thru Brgy. Buru-un line, about 14php. Taxi's in Iligan normally goes for an agreed flat-rate price. So I don't usually recommend them.

Waterfalling Adventure Tour participants!

Ten Minute Hike Starts Here

Upon arriving at the old resort entrance. It takes another 10 minutes to trek down. Children are advised to stay with their parents mainly because some steps are too steep for their stride.

Bamboo Raft

There are no known food stalls in the area so make sure you're packing enough for the planned day. Life vests can be rented out at a minimal fee. While cottages are also present, I didn't bother asking since we didn't need one. There's also a bamboo raft ride which costs' 20php per head allowin you to get near the waterfall.

Tips:
- Prior to leaving the hotel, apply mosquito lotion since there are some mosquitoes flying over at the old resort ruins.
- Bring a lot big towels for changing clothes, there's no dressing room there.
- Empty your bowel beforehand. No toilets or portalets are available.

SHORT TRIPS | Biking Lake Pinamaloy, Don Carlos Bukidnon

It was supposed to be a good day for a bike ride to Lake Pinamaloy, Don Carlos, Bukidnon.

Before leaving Maramag, the wind was calm, skies cloudy, no signs of rain... It was beginning to be a good day. Until we covered about eight kilometers or so, the sky in Don Carlos felt heavy and teary.

Still, we're here. Rain or shine, our bikes were ready for an all-weather goodness.

Lake Pinamaloy should be a serene place offering 60 hectares of activity space. For active people, it is a good venue for runners and mountain bikers alike. For lovers, it's wide enough to show public display of affection. Meanwhile, for the laid-back people wanting to relax, the lake is heavily surrounded by trees providing a cool breeze of air for anyone wanting to read a book or have a picnic.

Mountain Biking at Lake Pinamaloy

A rough estimate of three kilometers is needed to loop the existing narrow road around the lake. With walls that enclose the area from any trespassers, it is however worth noting that the lake is always open for visitors free of charge.

Lake Pinamaloy is probably the most famous landmark Don Carlos, Bukidnon has to offer. It also brings fresh-drinking water for the people in the area.

The cool breeze makes it an ideal place to spend leisure time with family any day. If in case you intend to host a picnic in the area, bring as much food for the planned day since there are no food stalls in the area.

I would also like to inform everyone that swimming is never allowed in the lake premises.

Narrow roads are an addition to those wanting for a trail run or a bike ride.

How to get here?
Take a bus bound to Kibawe, Kalilangan, Dumulog, or Tacurong then de-board at Don Carlos Bus Terminal. Then take a tricycle, about 8 pesos per passenger.

Tips before going to the lake;
- Bring food for the day.
- Try bringing a hammock if anyone wants to read under the tree branches.
- Bring a bike for some leisure ride.
- Bring Frisbee.

SNAPSHOTS | A ride to Lake Manlamonay, Don Carlos, Bukidnon

Lake Manlamonoy

Lake Manlamonay is an infamous lake located at about seven kilometers away from the Sayre Highway, Don Carlos, Bukidnon. While being surrounded by coconut trees and a sugarcane field, it is actually a lake that provides agri-fishing for the people living nearby.

The moment I had the chance to see this lake upclose and personal. It was soul-inviting as the sun was setting down. It threw away my exhaustion, delivering me towards serenity even for just a moment.

My bike resting beside the lake.

Getting here can be done in the form of habal-habal. But since this is me, I opted to travel short distances on my mountain bike leaving Maramag at around 4 o'clock in the afternoon. I was able to reach home by six - contented with the picture I got.

If anyone wishes to visit the small lake, please bear in mind that, like its Lake Pinamaloy brother, this one isn't suitable for swimming. Picnic is also not advisable since farm animals' are common within the premises.

Acknowledgement:
Thanks to blogger Earl Bolivar of Bukidnon Photo Journal. His Lake Manlamonay article actually informed me of its existence. Read his article here.

SNAPSHOTS | Resting My Weary Soul in Mt. Apo

It has been two days of hiking and climbing the highest mountain in the Philippines - Mt. Apo, situated in Kidapawan City and Magpet, North Cotabato. The itch and the excitement was all part of the activity amongst friends in the mountaineering circle. But of course, the exhaustion was a constant battle to climb up here but Lord knows this was worth it.

You never know what's up there until you see it. But only when you're up there that you get to know yourself fully well. I'm resting a weary soul that is... Thanks to Mt. Apo for helping me zip things up.

I am the probably in the highest place in the Philippines, yet in this very moment, I am a nobody.

Stay tuned for my Mt. Apo series!

WAT Iligan Day 2: Visiting the Majestic Maria Cristina Falls

26 0900H September 2012 - It's my second day here in Iligan City, Philippines wherein I participated in the Waterfalling Adventure Tour hosted by the Iligan Bloggers Society. The first waterfall during the tour was the famous Maria Cristina Falls.

The thing is, I grew up with Maria Cristina falls not because I live in Iligan. I actually grew up knowing her because of the books I read back in grade school. Funny, ask anyone in primary school, they know lots of things about Maria and Cristina's story and why it became such a fairy tale of love about a boy. Oh I wish I was that boy...

It is actually my second time to visit her. The first visit wasn't much appreciated since I was very young then. But this date has been quite another personal meeting, I wondered on her beauty and how she supplies the electricity needed by the whole Northern Mindanao. She's never enchanting though, unlike Tinago Falls, but she's just as majestic. Sadly, this waterfall felt shy as I can't see Maria flowing with water.

After being able to rekindle an old past, the group went for a short zip course. I think it's the best zip course I've been to'. I initiated inverted positions without fear and I thought the day was just about to start.

Before we moved to another waterfall, a quick lunch from Jacko's Kan-anan was packed along with the trip. Delicious!

Fish Kinilaw

Pork Barbecue

Grilled Kitong with Soy Sauce

The next waterfall I will be featuring is the Tinago Falls. Stay tuned!