We gathered ourselves for a short orientation by Karl de la Peña in front of Montessori and Fil-Estate entrance as we equipped ourselves with a powerful tool – PRAYER.

After a short orientation and a prayer, we started walking along J.R. Borja Ext. road, went straight ahead to Galaxy crossing section, passed by some quarry spots on the river side and hiked for about 2 kilometers until we’ve reached the starting point of the river trek.

Confident enough with my leather sandals, I didn’t hesitate to cross the cold crystal clear waters, as the current was manageable enough to allow us through it very smoothly. There were cases when some of us have to improvise their footwear by tying up with rubber band behind the ankles to prevent from getting washed out by the current and refrain them from slipping off the rocks and mud.

There were already established tracks used by the local residence so trekking was really easy. But if you really want to trek on the river ‘mismo’, that won’t be a problem too. There were times when we have to climb some slipper boulders, turned around some washed logs, vines and twigs, and even the easiest single track can hurt when you’re lucky enough to be caught by thorns from small plants. With all these challenges, such activity is guaranteed that you’ll never get thirsty while trekking.

It is quite amazing how I was not able to expect such awesome place exist near the city. For about 4 hours of walking (approximately 4,300 steps from starting point), we’ve reached the cascading waterfalls located in Sitio Mapawa.

We took our lunch near a waterfall about as high as a 3-storey building and a green (if not raining) lagoon at the bottom. On the left leads you to another set of cascades and a man-made stairs to climb until you’ve reach the area which is already a part of the Mapawa Eco Park. The actual ascent could take you to the top of the waterfall. There were actually a lot of levels on these cascading waterfalls with lagoons and somehow we’ve managed to climb up to the 2nd level only. Dito daw madalas yung rapelling at dati’y nagshoot ang Extra Challenge a few years ago.

At around 2PM, we started to pack our things to leave. The gray clouds started to show up too and we’ll still have to walk back but this time, we’re not going on a backtrack but instead, we headed west to Indahag. We’ve crossed some cornfields, picked some guavas along the way as we follow the tracks to “Torres”, a popular biking trails here in the city that exits to Camaman-an.

Special thanks to ATTACK Outdoor Club for making these things possible.

Calamba, Misamis Occidental

Calamba, Misamis Occidental – the birthplace of my father. I went there not take a vacation. My Lola died at 90+. I never had the chance to get close with my Lola. During my grandma’s wake, I could not stop wandering around especially during the day. I can’t just sit still. I asked my Lola if I could just take a walk outside with my Kuya and cousin. She nods.. I think she just did, or I’m just imagining. She understands. Whenever I’m in that place, she knows I love to go wander around specially to those natural places nearby.

Calamba is a small progressive municipality in Misamic Occidental. One thing that attracts me is its water resorts. There are already developed spring resorts nearby, but there’s one spot I’d love to go where it still remains somewhat untouched and natural – its river, a few meters away from the place I stayed. A single track away from the national road will lead you down to the white waters and the meander awaiting below.

While trekking, I recall my childhood the first time visited the place and the river. The clans took a picnic along its bank and we were busy playing in the waters while our aunts, uncles, parents were busy talking and preparing lunch. There was this moment when I tried to go after my slipper as it went off from my foot. That was a long time ago.

Staring and amazed by the water

Now, I’m getting close to those waters as I hear its music. A few steps away, it reveals the beauty of the meander.

I got excited and set foot in its cold waters. We crossed to the other side of the river where it has a good spot for swimming. My cousin and Kuya were already there. They’re getting ready for the plunge. I don’t want to be left out – took off my clothes and took a dive. SPLLAAAKKK! That was the best dive ever.. and my tummy went red. Aguy nuy!