CALBIGA: Lulugayan Falls

Day 1- The Arrival

Knowing me as a lakwatchera, my friend Gerard invited me to their (class) outing, I eventually said “YES” to him because we’re on the same college department, its sembreak and I’m after some adventure. I pack my things, met him and we headed to Tacloban New Bus Terminal where others were waiting. As soon as we’re complete, we hailed a van that brought us to Calbiga, Samar.

 

One way trip: Php50 fare per person

Calbiga is an hour travel away from Tacloban, known to be a fourth class municipality in the province of Samar. Passing through the famous San Juanico Bridge that connects the province of Samar and Leyte, couple of towns of Samar and some zigzag roads we reached the town quarter after two in the afternoon.

The famous 2.16 kilometers San Juanico Bridge

Met’s Place located right in front of Calbiga Town Plaza and Town Hall.

Its right wing serves as a gym and disco house (during Friday and Saturday nights only)

We headed right into our so-called quarters for three days- Met’s Place (owned by Jaecon’z family.)

After taking some rest and unpacking our things, we strolled around the town proper. Like other towns in Samar, the town proper is small and amazingly clean.

We walked towards the public market and we noticed that most of the houses were ancestral ones. Some where even restored making them more beautiful and eye catching. The narrow streets that serve as the town’s main road made Calbiga looked like Calle Crisologo in Vigan.

We call it a day earlier to get ready for the next day’s adventure.

Day 2 – To Lulugayan Falls and Rapids 

After eating our breakfast, cooked food for lunch and packed our things, we stepped out the house, where four habal-habals were already waiting for us. (Habal-habal are extended motorcycle that are known as the primary means of transportations on mountain parts of Visayas)The drivers agreed for a roundtrip fee of Php 100 per person.

The 45-minute ride was a real death defying one. Ridding on a small motorcycle with two others (Marianne and Manong Driver), the habal-habal had to pass through a 20 kilometer of dirt road composed of uphill and downhill that made the vehicle whine like it would die in the middle of it. If you’re not used to riding motorcycles, better brace yourself.

The view of the hills surrounding us lessened the horror that the road gave us.

At exactly 12:30 pm, we arrived at Brgy. Literon where we stopped in front of a house where a signage says: “Lulugayan Falls No Permit No Entry”. Jaecon asked for permit that included a tour guide and a cottage that costs Php 400. (Permit not included)

(L-R) Jay, Ronel, Hyacinth, Me, Jane, Gerard and Marriane.

From the barrio we walked another 15 minute through the 740-meter trail where we passed through rapids, two bridges and mini falls that made us more thrilled to see Lulugayan. Good thing that the trail is cemented that made our journey easier.

Part of the740-meter trail to Lulugayan Falls.

Who would have thought that there is actually a paradise hiding beneath the numerous hills of Calbiga?

We were like kids who saw a carnival for the first time (well, actually that was my first time to see such waterfalls. The very first thing I did was go to the water and splashed some on my face and took a video of the water falling angrily and flowing freely to the rapids.

Lulugayan is composed of hundreds of waterfalls cascade down the 14-kilometer rapids from the source at Lake Kalidongan to the Calbiga River. Approximately fifty meters wide, Lulugayan Falls has been dubbed by tourists as a Mini Niagara in the Philippines.

According to Manong Tour Guide (whose name I forgot to ask) Lulugayan is more beautiful during summer when the current of the water is too weak that make the rock formation of the falls visible and you can even climbed to the upstream  through the falls. Since it rained before the day we went there, the current was too strong that swimming was strictly prohibited that time.

We asked Manong if we could go to the upstream and if there’s a trail going there. Fortunately, he gave us a nod and led us to the stiff and bushy trail to the top that took us five minutes to hike. If you’d insist to climb be sure you’re not wearing short-shorts (if you’re not good in mounting climbing or trekking) for you might get wounded from wild plant and tree stems.

Up to the top.

Despite the current of the water, it didn’t stop u from walking through the upstream. The good thing was you just had to fight the current at first and once you’d reached the top, walking would be as easy as walking on a flat ground. We even managed to take a lot of picture there without worrying that we might be carried away by the water.

Manong Tourguide standing at the tip of the main waterfall.

(L-R) Hyacinth, Marriane, Perci, Ronel, Jane, Jay, Me and Jaecon.

The water was too refreshing made us forget that we told the drivers to wait until 3pm making us an hour late. We hurriedly went down the barrio and thanked Manong T.G but unfortunately, one of the drivers got bored and tried to get passengers in the town. We decided on what to do and we agreed that the first three habal-habal to leave and Jaecon, Perci and Gerard waited for their ride.

The ride going back at Met’s was too long because of exhaustion. When we arrived there; we’re too relieved that we reached home safe and sound. We thanked Manong Driver who had the biggest role in this trip. 30 minutes later the three guys arrived with the same relieved face we had.

Day 3- Kayaking

Eventually, after washing our face and brushing our teeth we hurriedly proceeded to the salug (waray-waray term for Ilog) without eating breakfast. The salug was clean and we noticed that there were people washing their cloths at the river bank.

By pair, we rode the kayak and paddled over the water of Calbiga River. At first I had Jay as my partner, followed by Jane. Over an hour later, Engr. Jumagdao brought a wooden banca that can carry 5-7 persons. Hungry we were, we had our lunch (prepared by Engr.) at the river bank and then proceeded on kayaking where we reached the hanging bridge that connects the main and the town’s High School. Going back, we decided to race going back to our starting place here Jane was my partner riding the kayak while Jaecon, Gerard, Hyacinth and Ronel were the ones riding the wooden banca. Unfortunately, we didn’t win over the experts in rowing.

Kayaks are available at Met’s with Php100 per hour rental rate.

Me and Jane while enjoying the clean water of Calbiga River.

Too bad, we had to return to Tacloban before lunch so we had to end the kayak activity and headed back to Met’s to take a bath and pack our things. We had a silent- quick lunch ( halatang ayaw umuwi..) while waiting for the van that brought us back to Tacloban.

Before leaving, we visited one of the ancestral houses, just beside Met’s. The house was full of antique furniture like the coffee table located in the living room and the china cabinet in the kitchen. I even took a picture of an inverted wooden horn hanging on the wall. I don’t really have an idea what it is but it catches my attention.

Calbiga gave me something that I will surely never forget. I’m looking forward on visiting the place couple of months now fro another adventure on the town’s treasure, Langun-Gobingob Cave ,the largest cave system in the Philippines, reputed to be the second largest in Asia and the world's third largest karst formation

               

I L O I L O with L O V E

DAY 1- RAINY SATURDAY

After having our Boracay Trip cancelled, and since we couldn’t go back to Tacloban earlier because of our scheduled return flight, Me, Kit, Chary, Duncan and Lyner decided to make our three days in Iloilo City worth it by taking a tour in the city, savoring their delicious cuisine, looking into their tourists spots and experiencing the modern and busy life of Ilonggos.

Riding a SM City – City Proper jeepney right in front of OngBun Pension House we first headed to Plazuela de Iloilo. I remember the structure catching my attention the very moment we arrived in Iloilo. It was a Venetian inspired commercial complex located just beside SM City Iloilo. It houses various restaurants and coffee shops that made the place perfect for relaxation after shopping or even during ordinary days. After taking some pictures, together with Angel, Paul, Jacob and Daj (UAPSA- WVCST Officers), we went to our next stop – JARO.

The structure looks grand with its Venetian columns and modernized roofing

It took us Php7.00 and a 10-minute JARO LIKO jeepney ride before we reached JARO, ILOILO. Since it was time for dinner, we first headed to town’s famous American grilled burger restaurant, PERRI TODD’S. Located not far from the center of the town (the name of the street which I forgot to ask people around), the burger house is famous with its mouth-watering 6” burger that is good for two to three persons and their taste-like-heaven thinner and crunchy version of Mojo, Todd’s Potato with dip. At first, we thought that eating the big burger would be a problem but we end up dealing with our bloated stomachs and saying.”Namit gid aah”.

After minutes of rest, we managed to reach JARO CATHEDRAL and BELLFRY TOWER between walks and jogs because of the rain.

Jaro Cathedral jam-packed with cars during Sunday Mass

The BELL FRY TOWER was the first one I noticed as we reached the place, I was stunned by it’s beauty at the same time wondering why a an old and colossal Spanish-era tower is standing in the middle of the town’s busiest road. JARO CATHEDRAL is an art deco cathedral that stands just in front of the tower. The cathedral is indeed old, like I saw in pictures I saw days ago before arriving in Iloilo, the two high staircases leading to a Sto. Niño replica adds more beauty to the famous church.

Bellfry Tower

Walking further, while eating Creamhorn, white crusty bread with a luscious white cream inside (courtesy of out tour guides) you’ll be delighted seeing various heritage houses. Like some featured houses on horror movies, the structures gave us creepy feeling at first thinking that they’re built decades or even centuries ago making it a perfect lounging place for ghost but at the same time they amazed us how they’re able to stand for such period of time making them more fine-looking and extra ordinary. It’s like Vigan transferred in Jaro, the only difference is that heritage houses are sandwiched between modern establishments, a good example of a great blend of the past and present era. We even saw the house of famous personalities like Sen. Franklin Drilon and the breath taking mansion of Lopez’s, owned by ABS-CBN’s CEO and Owner Gabby Lopez and a heritage restaurant that looked out of place in the city.

Creamhorn are only available at Margee’s Deli.

As the night gets darker, we decided to end our tour for that day and head back to the hotel.

DAY 2- SUNDAY FUNDAY

Having a “see food diet” (any food you see, you eat),sipping a tasteful La Paz Batchoy at Ted’s Old Timer was a great thing to do on a Sunday morning before going to church. Ted’s serves its batchoy-for-all-time in Super, Super Special and Extra Special bowl. They also have this combo meal, for Php49 you’ll get a small bowl of La Paz Batchoy, 2 pcs. of either pandesal or puto and a glass of soft drink(good for people who are on budgeting).Ted’s specialty is really something you’ll crave for.

 Ted's Budget Meal

After spending time in the church, I consumed time strolling in the city, riding from jeepney to jeepney. (The first thing you’d notice when you arrived in Lilo is that their jeepney are unique, unlike the typical, theirs are long with low ceiling but the thing that will make you enjoy every ride, its like they don’t go for the minimum or additional kilometer fare. You pay for Php8 for a distance that is far. Well, another factor that makes travelling more comfortable aside from knowing that Ilonggos are sweet and kind hearted people. Barato ang bayad sa jeep gale...)

Since we’d been eating since we arrived in Iloilo, having a walk in Esplanade was perfect to start another Lagaw-lagaw. Esplanade is a long bay walk that shows the province’s long river and also connects Iloilo City and the Town of Molo. The place is a great example of a waterfront. It has restobars, a common concession space, and a picnic ground over looking at the river. The place also serves as Taebo Grounds, a jogging & biking park for Ilonggos. Reaching the end of Esplanade, we walk straight to Molo plaza.

Molo Church's Interior

If a mosquito dared to enter my mouth, it succeeded, surely. I was astonished by the sight of Molo Church. The structure itself boasts how old and massive it is. From its columns to the main façade, you can say that the church really deserves to be one of UNESCO’s Heritages. Since there’s a mass going on, we weren’t able to go inside of the church but we managed to take some pictures of its interior from afar. Beside it is Convento de Molo, another heritage structure. In the town’s history, it was mentioned that Dr. Jose Rizal once visited the place during his journey in Iloilo making it more famous. And in front of the cathedral is Molo Plaza wherein we ate Iloilo’s version of Bibingka (Salamuch to Jacob Divinagracia for buying us some..Libre to). Thinner and smaller compare to Tacloban’s Bibingka that tastes really good. After a long walk, tired and hungry we went back to SM City.

Since there’s no SM Mall in Tacloban City, strolling around was a great thing to do. Also because it’s our last night in the city, our “friends” wanted to make it memorable than ever. (And yes, they did, really). Going for a 4d ride, which is Mask Rider, a good-for-five minutes roller coaster ride is extra-ordinary and a real adventure being squeezed between my new-found friends and shouting my heart out as the ride goes to its climax. The ride made us hungry, ending up at Mang Inasal. The dinner was quiet long (ung tipong last supper..xD) sharing stories and jokes with the OrComs and because it’s Sunday, the night was young and we’re so stuck on loving Iloilo, we decided to go somewhere.

Together with Jacob and Paul, we headed to Go Mart at Smallvile. Nightlife in Iloilo is found in this area where a lot of hotels like West Town and Iloilo Business Hotel, various bars, restaurants and coffee shops. Buildings are modern, showing excellent works of Architects. The other good factor is the safe makes you feel safer seeing roving guards. After having a cup of coffee at Coffee Break and some good-to-keep memories we finally call it a night and head back to Ong Bun thanking the two guys who we spent the night with.     

DAY 3- LAST DAY MONDAY

 Having hours left in Iloilo, we started packing our thing with the feeling of not wanting to leave city but (but of buts) we needed to be at the airport at 4pm. we went straight to SM City’s Traveler Lounge where we deposited our luggage and pent our last hour buying pasalubong and souvenir items. I bought a box of pasalubong from Biscocho Haus (Banana Loaf, Biscocho, Piyaya and Meringue Cookies).  After claiming our baggage at Traveler’s Lounge, we bid goodbye to Jacob with a heavy feeling and rode the taxi to Iloilo Airport.