Dumbfounded by Daranak Falls

When some of our officemates decided to go to Tanay, specifically in Daranak, I no longer have to mull over but to join them. I already heard of it's finest falls, Daranak and Batlag, from my relatives and friends. Though it would only be a day trip, much to our likeness to spend over night. We boarded a passenger jeep, rented it for ourselves and left Manila at around 8am. 

 

The trip took a couple of hours but kept us away from boredom. And with friends packed with their own wittiness, the trip alone was totally fun.

Daranak falls is located in Brgy. Sampaloc, Tanay, Rizal, a few minutes from Tanay market. It is a government-owned park and part of the Laguna watershed. Daranak Falls nestles quietly at the foot of the Tanay mountains, preserved with the natural vegetation, complemented with beautiful waterfalls, ponds, and rivers cascading through elaborate tropical trees and plants.

 

As soon as we set our feet on the ground, we can't help but be amazed by the wonder of nature. Lush greeneries surrounds us. The feel of the cool breeze on our cheeks amidst the scorching heat of the sun. 

We've decided to stay at Batlag Falls, where there are very few people. Batlag falls is situated near the top of the falls. We all stayed in one cottage. Everyone had his own share of task, from food prep to taga-bantay ng gamit. Others started to have fun by taking pictures and videos of the place, others started to drink.

Knowing our stay would only be for a day, I didn't think of bringing any clothes. In short, I have no plan to get wet. But the waters and the falls enticed me. Cold, clear and clean. And that completed our stay in Tanay.

One thing I've noticed, since Daranak isn't just any ordinary falls to visit, is that they need to maintain it's beauty and cleanliness. Build more huts and cottages. Put a store that holds all items and so as to provide convenience for visitors. Well-kept road and pathways because it's too rocky and quite slimy. And promotion from local government. For sure, they could still attract tourists, local and foreign, and they don't wanna be left out by any other falls.

The Fighting Maroons' Lair: UP Diliman

Who wouldn't want to study in the Philippine's number 1 state university? I, myself, had dreamed of becoming a Fighting Maroon, tambay at the Sunken Garden, riding the UP Ikot jeep, looking at the bronze symbol of the university, the Oblation.

I'm one of those hundreds to thousands of aspiring applicants who took the UPCAT test. I passed. However, the result came late (mid May of 98) and I was already enrolled in LPU, just waiting for the classes to start. The opportunity of studying in UP didn't stop there. I just needed to finish the first semester and I could transfer. My mom wouldn't let me. So it stopped.

This year, I had the chance to visit it again. Not only to glance upon the Oblation but to satisfy my food cravings. I've heard of Rodics and it's good reviews. I want to try their famous tapa. So, I've gathered my friends and paid the fighting Maroons' lair a visit.

sunken garden

just for laugh: 

My good friend Jules didn't know that Sunken Garden is the name of this vast field. 'Til he asked me. I said, Sunken Garden. He said I just came up with that name because the garden is partly sunken. So I asked him, What's the name of this garden then? He said, Something garden. Then we all burst into laughter.. :)

the famous tapa

Here's a quick trip to UP Diliman: click me!

Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife

Can any spot in Metro Manila still offer fresh, woodland air? The good news is that there still are. 

A refreshing experience of the woods and its wildlife in a safe environment. Quezon City harbors such a place. Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife was started in the mid Martial Law years (late 70s to early 80s). It’s an 80-hectare city forest reserve for woodland and animal life. It is along the Elliptical Road in Diliman, Quezon City, across the Quezon Memorial Circle.

The park boasts a number of caged wild animals and tree and plant species, plus a vast playground, man-made lagoons, eatery, huts and cottages, among others. Lots of tourist, school excursions and photo & commercial shoots are scheduled in this spot. 

At a very affordable entrance fee, one can roam the park at his heart's content!

Hey, If you've watched the movie "My Amnesia Girl", some of the scenes were taken here. And I can't help myself say, I've been there! When we paid it a visit, we saw lots of couples doing their prenuptial pictures. Also, this is where I've realized I wanna venture into photography. :)

Pasig Ferry Ride

Conquer your fear or your fear will conquer you!

I am a hydrophobic.

I never had an experience of getting drowned. But the mere thought of me getting drowned scares me. I hate large bodies of water, rivers included. So whenever my friends invite me to go into a trip that involves water, I decline them. 

But it has changed when we visited Intramuros and found out that we can also travel by water aboard the Pasig ferry. I got curious at first but the adventurous me would like to give it a try. 

Pasig ferry

ticket from Plaza Mexico to Guadalupe

inside the ferry

Here are the sights to can see while on board the ferry: