Laguna Weekend Getaway – Pagsanjan Falls and Aling Taleng’s Halo-Halo!

Our Itinerary:

(Aug 17) Pagsanjan Falls – Aling Taleng – Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery – Liliw Shoes

(Aug 18) Makiling Botanical Garden – College of Forestry – Maria Makiling Entry Trail – National Arts of the Philippines --  Magnetic Hill --  Paciano Rizal Park and IRRI

Believe it or not, this simple 1-day trip was planned early of June 2013 and got to its boiling point by mid August. Personal schedules interfere mostly while planning this weekend getaway until finally; we've agreed to do it and set the date once and for all. The weather was too much to bear that this planned activity would be our oasis from the burning heat of summer, an encouraging breather on a monotonous 8-5 job.

Those long and often date-changing preparations made its clear course on the night of August 16, 2013 via HM bus bound for Olivarez. Our most willing and gracious officemate, Angela and her family welcomed us in their home (free board and lodging) with open arms! Angela and her mom even went their way to pick us up at Vega in the wee hour (12:30am, to be exact) of Saturday.

Before dozing myself off to dreamland, I set the alarm at 5am and reminded myself that we have a very busy day tomorrow (...or later).

Day 1 Itinerary – Pagsanjan Falls, Aling Taleng, Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery and side trip to Liliw.

The weather that greeted us was not the usual bright and sunny mode. It was more like a ‘so-so’ bed weather. Of course we didn’t let anything, not even a bad weather stop our vibrant spirit and so we went downstairs to formally meet our hostess....and the yummy breakfast!

Angela's mom busy preparing our breakfast

The 'simple breakfast' according to Angela :)

After the sumptuous breakfast prepared by Pablo family, we took off with our first agenda – Pagsanjan Falls.

the gang at Pagsanjan Arch

Marked as one of the most famous waterfalls in the country, this falls also known as Magdapio Falls is actually located in Cavinti, Laguna and not in Pagsanjan. And so, our journey started at the Pueblo El Salvador Nature’s Park originally known as Cavinti Eco-Park.

at the entrance of Pueblo El Salvador

Upon arrival at Pueblo El Salvador, we were assisted by the desk officer (Girly), got ourselves guide and of course paid the registration fee of Php 270. We were also given harness to aid us while doing the descent over the steep steel ladders. A few minutes after that, we started our trek (an hour, if I remembered it correctly) to the falls.

The trek started with a 15-20 minute walk down the cemented pavement. After that, came the forest and a statue of El Salvador del Mundo greeted us paving the way to the steel ladders. Did I mention – steep? Well, you be the judge.

At this point, we were geared up by our guide of our harnesses. 

Steep...ey!

view atop the enclosed vertical ladder

final descent to the falls...yes!

The endless metal stairs and two enclosed vertical ladders made us all weary. Good thing that the weather was not so sunny. In fact, it was starting to drizzle before we reached the ground.

And without further adom I give you Magdapio Falls.

And because we are up for the challenge....we braced ourselves and crossed the gigantic falls all the way to the Devil’s Cave which is hidden behind. It was exhilarating and scary (not everyone is a swimmer L ) at the same time.

After that adventure, we head back to the steep trails (again!). All soaking wet and still invigorated by the majestic view of Magdapio Falls, we had no choice but to push ourselves back to the top. Why in the world did we not go for the ‘shooting the rapids’? I suddenly dismissed the thought given that we are working on a very tight budget with this trip. L

Tired and exhausted and starting to dry up, we leaped the remaining steps to Angela’s car for our late lunch at Aling Taleng’s. My motto, ‘a great adventure always deserves a delicious reward meal.’

Less than an hour, we arrived at the famous Aling Taleng’s Halo-Halo!

It was an hour past lunch when we entered the simple and homey ambiance of Aling Taleng’s establishment. Mixture of wet clothes and chilling breeze coming from the centralized air-conditioning system made my tummy rumble all the more. The only thing in my mind is food.... nothing but delectable home-cooked meal paired with an offensive amount of steaming rice!

According to the food attendant, who was very accommodating to our group, the restaurant was actually an ancestral house and established around 1933 by Editha dela Fuente. Aside from serving food, they also offer room accommodations for a very reasonable price. The attendant was feeding us with lots of stories about Aling Taleng but my mind was too clouded with hunger. Food! Food!!!! After less than an hour, our orders are served and the feast began!

Of course, we will not leave the place without trying the ‘Best Halo-Halo in Pagsanjan’. And it’s truer than true! It was the best tasting, mouth-watering halo-halo I’ve ever tasted. For 75 pesos, I’m at lost for words!

with Kufi!

...to be concluded.

Till then!