beat the heat, find your own waterfall

It's summer and the heat is simply unbearable, what do you do? Well, aside from taking a shower every single time you enter the bathroom, you could take a break and head to one of the country's numerous waterfalls. While I wish I had one right outside the house, I may just have to comfort myself with the memory of some of the  waterfalls I've been to...

Hinulugang Taktak, Antipolo, Rizal is about 45 minutes to an hour away from Quezon City, depending on the traffic. Yes, the legendary HInulugang Taktak still exists today!  It's a beautiful sight to behold but a bit smelly and soapsud-filled from what we presumed were the waste of nearby factories. While I may not want to take a plunge in its waters  (however hot it may be), it certainly didn't stop the numerous barkada of kids and teens  who were there when we visited. (There are picnic tables galore and a pool for those who would rather not brave the waterfall.)

    

Cavinti, Laguna is where people gather to wash clothes in a roadside waterfall that you won't miss it when you cross  Caliraya to Cavinti proper.  A respite from the heat and a chance to catch up on what the natives are doing, the waterfall crosses an old road.... (Cavinti is home to many waterfalls including the famous shooting the rapids trek that starts from Pagsanjan)

Luisiana, Laguna - It may not technically be a waterfall, but how could you resist not stopping to freshen up from the cool water that flows through the mountains and trickles into the road via this tiny Luisiana water sprout? Wisik wisik na! 

Taytay Falls, Majayjay, Laguna - Okay, the Holy Week may not be the best time to take a dip in everybody's favorite Majayjay falls  -- mas marami ang tao kesa sa tubig (more people than water!) -- but it's still an ideal summer destination to cool off and spend the day and night in (camping is allowed). A little patience and leg work is required as you make your way down to the waterfalls via a well-developed pathway.

Kawasan Falls, Badian, Cebu -  The long walk from our small hut near the beach up to the numerous wateralls -- small, medium, large and in between -- was worth it. Whether you just want to eat after the long trek, take a plunge in the cool waters or take a raft ride to get a relaxing massage from the raging waters, Kawasan Falls is truly unforgettable. 

 I wonder where the next waterfall adventure will be. Recommendations, anyone?

cavinti is in laguna, and no, it's not cavite...

Farmers carrying their tools mingle with old ladies
in traditional bandannas to hear mass

facade of  the Transfiguration of our Lord Parish 

Stations of the Cross in the Church Courtyard below.

A tribute to World War II veterans

Nope, my parents weren't World War II veterans
but they had a nice time posing anyway.
My dad remembers how my lola would give him "sarsapilla" while they were hiding from the Japanese. It was actually  a combination of tutong (burnt rice) and water. My mom, on the other hand, saw her grandparents being dragged off by the Japanese for helping his fellow Filipinos.

At namalengke pa 

No wonder this lady's pwesto is a best-seller, she has a marvellous nice smile to go with her bananacue and adobong mane.

There's almost always a Rizal St. in a town somewhere

and of course, our National Hero in his winter coat
 (sabagay medyo malamig dito sa Cavinti)

lovely doorway, just a few steps away from the narrow road

funeral procession leaving the church via Rizal St.

On a road trip through Rizal and Laguna, we spent the night in Majayjay and were making our way down to Pagsanjan via Luisiana when we saw a sign leading upward to another destination. 

Driving without a map, guide book or anything else, we turned around to go up instead of down and discovered a treasure in  Cavinti.

While Cavinti may not be as "matunog" in our consicousness compared to it's sister Laguna towns, it is home to the man-made lakes of Caliraya and the real site of  Pagsanjan falls. The billboards along the road also proclaim it as the "eco-destination"  as there are   water-falls, forests, hiking trails and flowing rivers to discover.  The weather is cool, the wind is refreshingly sweet, the roads are wide and smooth (aside from the occasional dogs that consider the roads their bedroom, that is).

But what keeps us going back to Cavinti is the little community that houses the Cavinti Church (Transfiguration of our Lord Parish) and the Stations of the Cross outside it.

 It's an adventure itself to navigate through the small, winding roads to find the church,  a monument to commemorate the veterans of World War II, a small palengke a few steps below and warm, friendly people ready to greet you with their smiles.

So far, we've been back three times to witness  people trooping for the Visita Iglesias, a wedding, a funeral and an ongoing market day.

 So glad we turned back and discovered Cavinti  that fateful day. Maybe you should, too?