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?

two lechon adventures

Lechon denotes big celebrations and grand feasts but to my husband and I, the best way to enjoy lechon is dining al fresco, by the wayside, alone or in the company of friends.

Two road trips, one in Cebu and another in Ilocos Sur (on our way to Vigan) gave us two memorable lechon adventures,  but let the pictures do the talking...

We left La Union, 10 am, and passed major towns just as lunch time passed but we didn't want to eat at any fast food chains. We drove on, ignoring the hunger pains until  we   screeched to a halt at a lechon for sale sign.

the backyard is where they roast the lechon. manong makes use of what's left of the embers to cook dinuguan for his friend

Lechon take-away chopped fresh as you order

Our initial plan was to buy lechon and then head to the next town to buy paper plates and plastic spoons. But they were so nice at Liza's Lechon House that they let us eat right there, sa kanilang patio.

They even lent us their best china :)

Don't know (actually, I forgot) what leaves they used to stuff the lechon with
 but it tasted great

When I asked how much the rice was, the nice lady told me that they didn't sell rice and it was free for us :) Galing talaga ng Pinoy hospitality. 

Roasting chicken for their lunch

No, this panaderia in Cebu (before the town of Baljoon) does not serve lechon. But they graciously let us use their table to eat a very late lunch.  (3 pm)

Ned and his Cebuano friend bought lechon and rice wrapped in coconut leaves in Carcar. We bought lechon sauce and soda from the bakeshop.

Standing up while eating with our fingers and talking about life in general turned out to be a great way to enjoy lechon

Sunshiny Day

We spent the night in a small resort beside the beach in La Playa, Badian and were waiting for the bus to Cebu City when a young mom and her four kids with their bright smiles passed us by.

A lovely way to start a day. 

gate-crashing a wedding in Cebu

the gate-crashers watching the reception from above

On holiday in Cebu, we were on our way to dinner when we stopped by historic Fort San Pedro to get a sense of our past. 

We got more than that.

Aside from absorbing the beauty of the stone bastion and it's many stories, we also got to witness a couple celebrate their love. 

The guard let us into the fort and we proceeded up to the tower to look at the scenery -- beautiful Cebu and  the equally enthralling reception unfolding below us.

fish avenue

dilis! 

baskets full of dried delights

stalls devoted to danggit and company and the people who line up to buy them

oh what a beautiful sight 

Cebu longganisa for meat-lovers

I think I know what I want for breakfast..

...or do I?

sweet tooths will go crazy over the mango chips and juices, if they can find them in the melange of dried fish

taking a break from the danggit to peel a suha

If you ever get lost on your way to Danggitville or Dried Fish Heaven (Taboan Market), just follow your nose and you'll surely find your way. The smell of dried fish, squid and other sea creatures is hard to miss. Yes, it's that powerful.

Located right beside the biggest market in Cebu (Carbon), you'll find it quite a challenge to choose between salty, not too salty, no salt, crispy danggit in Taboan.( I wonder if there's a low fat version?)  And that's just for starters. What if you don't like danggit? Well, there's swordfish and numerous other dried fish that I don't even recognize in all shapes and sizes. Crazy for squid? There's small, medium, large, caramelized, colored, etc., etc. If you like them small, there's dilis in its original shape or maybe split open.  

However you want your dried fish, there's surely something here for you and at the right price. (Don't be afraid to haggle or combine choices for a better price)

Going back to the distinct smell of Taboan. If you're headed to the airport right after buying danggit, you better think twice. The odor sticks to your skin and clothes and it's pretty much like dousing yourself with perfume --

for  the cats.