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 |
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.
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)
wow! really nice falls! and yummy foods also! craving for some corned tuloy since you mentioned it on your post haha but anyway. I love everything! is san pablo city in san pablo laguna? haha sorry I forgot the places where I live so im lucky if its there also! xx
ReplyDeleteWhat a great adventure, the falls is quite awesome and your food is superb! http://www.reymondjo-ann.com
ReplyDeleteyes Mary Jane Bunga Falls is in San Pablo Laguna, I was so lucky to bump here in one of my vacations in Luzon .. lovely place :)
ReplyDeleteBunga Falls looks very scenic like Lake Yambo in your previous post. The food looks really good.
ReplyDeleteMalapit lang ito saplace where I regilarly stay. Ayos ang experience nyo bro. Sarap ng mga pagkain at I beleive napakalamig din ng tubig dyan kagaya ng sa Liliw..
ReplyDeleteI wish all travelers are like you who are responsible enough by not leaving their garbage just scattered there around. I'm a lover of nature that's why I despise those people who just leave their disposals that could pollute the environment. I hope Bunga Falls will be kept in its good condition as I am seeing in the nice pictures you've posted, free from any litters.
ReplyDeleteThat waterfall is really beautiful sakto for happy hour. For sure, you all four had a great time!
ReplyDeleteYou guys looked like you had lots of fun! My dudes aren't the outdoor types so our "boys night outs" are usually bromance dates over dinner and beer :P
ReplyDeleteThe photos are stunning and each can already tells a lot of nice stories from your trip.
ReplyDeletemukhang nag enjoy kayo ah. tsaka masarp yung steak at yung fresh rambutan.
ReplyDeleteYour closeness are so inspiring. More travels and kudos to all of you guys!
ReplyDeletei know it's not my business but you made me curious about the "bromance" dates ....now you are intriguing..
ReplyDeletewe all have to or else nothing will be left for the next generation .. we need to show some good example to others...
ReplyDeleteTeam Bangag talaga? Haha. Hay naku Love, nakakainggit mga adventures mo! You and your friends look like you had so much fun!
ReplyDeleteAwesome trip to Bunga Falls! Kudos to Team Bangag! Hope you can visit us also here in South Cotabato.. :)
ReplyDeleteSarap nung steak ah. nakakagutpm.. nawala ang tingin ko sa falls.
ReplyDeleteastig nung falls.. plus the pork steak is just so mouthwatering!!
ReplyDeleteWow that watefalls is so great! I never seen even one in reality like that. And the food looks delicious.
ReplyDeleteOh wow. Such an adventure you and your friends had in Bunga Falls. Haven't heard about Typhoon Lawin. Hmmm. Might read more about that later.
ReplyDeleteI so miss rambutan! One of my favorite fruits in the world. Yum!
Really delish looking steak. I want a bit, too.
This post makes me miss my friends. Haven't seen them since 2010. Happy holidays!
You're so fortunate that Mindanao has a lot of waterfalls to go to including Bunga Falls. I'm sure tanggal amats nio dyan once tumapat kayo sa falls after ng isang inuman session. ^_^
ReplyDeleteIts really a great feeling to read and know more about places like San Pablo. I havent been there and I have very little knowledge about the place. I wish the local government will be able to preserve San Pablo's natural beauty.
ReplyDelete