One Fruitful Day in Bunga Waterfalls, San Pablo City

Part 2 of Laguna Trip with Team BANGAG.

After the head breaking, all night drinking session at Lake Yambo, we woke up with a little hangover that retarded our target itinerary. We had a little breakfast from the left over and some cooked okra and corned beef. We immediately clean the vicinity and segregated our garbage for proper disposal and packed our things back to our bags.

Before leaving we met the care taker of the compound and gave him some little cash for allowing us to stay at the cottage. In return, the caretaker allowed us to pick ripe rambutan fruits which were seasoned during that time in Laguna. There were dozens of rambutan trees and we can’t seemed help to choose which tree to pick on.

Fresh rambutan

Marvin climbed one tree and eagerly picked a lot of rambutan to the point we can no longer accommodate them in our bag, so to provide solution, we ate most of them instantly! Problem Solved! There were also lanzones in the area but we spared them for full ripening.

The path to Bunga Waterfalls

It was  prayer answered that  the tricycle driver that Strong contracted before coming to Lake Yambo returned to pick us up. If not, we would be forced to walk some 5-7 kilometers going to the falls. We asked the driver to take us to Barangay Bunga  where the waterfalls of Bunga await us . The target location was is a little bit “near” (provincial word- 'malapit lang')  from Lake Yambo, about 20-30 minutes tricycle ride.

We endured a rough ride of a dusty and bumpy road leading to the waterfalls. At the parking area, we saw a lot of motorcycles parked on one side of the supposed receiving area for visitors. We were met by the two child of the caretaker and paid a minimum fee of Php 5.00 each as usage fee.

The Lawin snapped the cottages (argg!)

During that time, Typhoon Lawin just weakened and left the Philippine Area of Responsibility. Upon seeing the surroundings, we witnessed the damages  brought by the typhoon to the area. Most of the cottages were destroyed. Shattered nipa and shafts of bamboo where scattered and trapped on the rocky sides of the river. Since the remaining cottages were occupied by the early visitors, we have no option but to settle in a rocky portion of the river and had our things placed over the grassy part.

Another master piece of Chief Marvin, Pork Steak with blanched Lady Finger and Fried Eggplant

What would be life without Chief Marvin?

With our stomachs grumbling (again), Marvin  led the way to complete the set in preparing our lunch. This time, pork steak with fried eggplant and salads were served and enjoyed by everyone. Of course a bottle of Emperador with matching soda won’t be missed and  just fitting to cut the chill brought about by the river.  

Chill killer

We  simply enjoyed each other’s company while dipping into the cold water of the river. We goofed and played around like small children back in days (except Kurt-he’s already a giant even before-peace men) with no split of seconds wasted for a pleasurable day on this simple retreat.

We walked towards the waterfalls to have a close view and checked its cascading power. Damn! The twin falls look stunning up close and personal with its white waters rushing down to a big deep pool. Some visitors even climb to the peak of the falls to have a share of adrenalin rush by jumping down to a 20 foot drop. 

And where is the chicken?

There was an itchy feeling in my heart to try jumping but the moment I was to utter my wish, I chickened out after seeing one did a stunt resulting to a giant splash! Whoaaaa! I have jumped before to a number of waterfalls but not as high as this one. Okay, I will just reserve my courage next time I drop by. Hahahaha. So we just settled dipping and swimming into the blue water pool of the waterfalls instead.

After we got tired, we returned to our classy rocky station and took a deep nap. I guess everyone had too much of last night’s activities with hangover still lingering in our head.

Vegel, Marvin, Kurt and Strong (Emil)

Before leaving, we packed all our garbage for proper disposal. We asked our tricycle driver to drop us back to  Nagcarlan Poblacion where a jeepney awaits for passengers bound for San Pablo City. We paid him Php 300.00  with free meal for the entire trip from Lake Yambo to Bunga Falls to Nagcarlan Proper .

And it's Over!

The two day retreat with Marvin, Kurt, Vejel and Strong (Emil) rekindled my active days in extreme outdoor activities which I haven’t done for some time. It was an activity that refreshed my mind and kept me away from thinking my worries in life. I sensed that getting connected with like-minded people would really make someone productive and would lift your spirit high becoming a responsive individual.

Tell me who your friends are, and I will tell you who you are -anonymous

In my travel, I always believe that the road I have taken is lifeless without the bliss brought by the people who joined my path to a meaningful journey .So lesson learned- ALWAYS STAY CONNECTED!

(photo credits : Vejel, Kurt, Marvin and Strong)

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