Revisiting Taytay Falls, Majayjay, Laguna

It was 2006 or 2007 when I first stepped at Majayjay. I could hardly remember the travel to the place but I can still remember what beauty there is waiting for us. How campers go there to enjoy the icy cold waters of its fall called Taytay falls freely flowing at the foot of Mt. Banahaw? The barangay was small and they have horses and produce before getting near the entrance where you will find a staircase down to the long walk before reaching the falls. The numbers of steps were all a blur but the experience of the walk was still clear and its view is as vivid as a dream.

I was just informed by my colleagues that our Magalawa trip was changed to Majayjay trip and I was excited to know how the place has changed. I’m still hoping that it was not.

Gearing up for the trip I packed 3 Paella in can, energy bar, 1 litre of bottle water, windbreaker, rash guard, blanket, comfy clothes, leg sleeves, socks, and bennie. I cannot find my flashlight so I let others bring those to our trip (gladly they did).

Here’s our itinerary for the overnight at Taytay Falls, Majayjay, Laguna:

Day 1

0630A Meet up in Buendia-LRT

0700A Board bus to Sta. Cruz, Laguna

1000A ETA Sta. Cruz, Laguna; Board jeepney to Majayjay Town Proper

1100A ETA Brgy. Hall

1200A Lunch (at Brgy. Hall)

0130P Pitch our tents

0200P Rest (me time)

0300P Snacks

0400P Swimming Time

0700P Dinner

Day 2

0800A Breakfast

0900A ME TIME (Swim/picture picture/etc.)

0100P Tidy Up

0230P Take a Jeepney back to Majayjay town proper.

0430P Ride Jeepney to Sta. Cruz, Laguna

0600P Ride4 bus back to Manila

0900P ETA Buendia-LRT, Manila

How to get to Taytay Falls, Majayjay, Laguna and what to expect?

-          Take a bus in Buendia-LRT going to Sta. Cruz, Laguna (this travel might take about 2-3 hours, going to Laguna may have multiple battle neck where traffic is expected to be heavy, around Calamba area and other areas) and our fare is Php153.00**

-          At the terminal you can take a tricycle or look for the jeepney terminal to Majayjay Town Proper. (We took the tricycle which we paid Php70.00 each, I would suggest you take the jeepney which cost around Php17.00 unfortunately you need to watch out for the schedule of trips because they really don’t have scheduled trips they leave as the jeepneys got filled up.)

-          You will know that you are at Majayjay Town Proper if you see an old church called St. Gregory Parish Church. The tricycle or jeepney will take you to the terminal which is in front of St. Gregory Parish Cemetery.

-          At the terminal take another jeepney going to Taytay Falls. Take note of the schedule. I would suggest you arrive at the terminal at least before 2 PM because they often say that 2PM is their last trip. Jeepney fee is Php17.00

-          Disembark at Gagalot Brgy. Hall for registration costing Php30.00.

Before and After

I added before and after in this article Lori and I were totally shocked with the changes in the area. 

Following are the changes:

1. Tents for rent are lined up.
2. There are more houses that there was before.
3. Houses are built of stones now.
4. Resorts are already available that offers comfortable place to stay.
5. There are lots of stores before the entrance that sells food, barbecue(you have selections of chicken and pork), soft drinks, water, pansit habhab, alcoholic drinks, etc.
6. Souvenir shops
7. A guard that asks for a receipt of your payment and registration.
8. Paved way to the falls.
9. Hanging bridge
10. A resort after the hanging bridge that has a man-made pool which is like a catch basin of flowing Taytay Falls icy cold water.
11. The vine swing
12. DENR posting that it is a protected area.
13. You can no longer bring glass bottles to the falls. Plastic bottles are only allowed.
14. Multitude of campers and day hikers
15. The falls is shorter now.
16. You can no longer climb to the 2^nd falls or jump on the first falls.

What to expect?

Beside from the list above we supposedly maxed out our time as you've seen in the itinerary but frankly, we did not follow our itinerary at all. We found a very far place to pitch our tent to the falls so we decided to just rent a resort which have pool in it so we can still night swim. In the afternoon we went to the falls and we swim for about 30 minutes as it is indeed cold. Ronnie who loved staying in cold place finds the water really ICY COLD. Even it is call we still enjoyed the water and had fun staying and drinking “the bum” at the pool area and worry not about our uncomfy beds and pitch dark.

The next day as planned we had another stroll to the falls and went to the hanging bridge, had some photos, checked out the building that was built after it; and lastly enjoyed a nature made swing.

We went back and had our lunch enjoying the delicious grilled pork chop which cost about Php100.00 to Php120.00 and some itlog na pula or salted egg (I’ve heard just yesterday at Eat Bulaga’s episode where they have their segment at Victoria, Laguna that salted eggs and balut are the area’s best!). They we tidied up and waited for the jeepney. We had the worst experience waiting for the jeepney as we thought it will arrive at the filling area but to our surprise it got filled before it reached the terminal. So we decided to wait for about an hour for another at the Brgy. Hall and we got lucky.

Traveling back to Manila from Sta. Cruz was the worst as we have encountered bumper to bumper traffic. It was a Sunday and most people go back to Manila for work and school.

Hope you find this article helpful.

A Vintage Summer Experience with a Modern Twist of X-Factor

There are two things in this world that you can hardly mix - the modern and historical feel. An activity that has been taking its hype in the Philippines right now – the wake boarding. It’s has its own X-factor in it.  We can go to Camsur to enjoy this kind of activity but traveling to CamSur is very time consuming, so we search for another enjoying yet easy-to-visit wake boarding places near the metro and we found Pradera Water Park and another is in Nuvali. Nuvali waterpark is also taking a lead to the nearest wake boarding near the Metro and the fear of piling a long line before your turn made us to take Pradera Water Park instead. Our initial plan is to get to the Lubao and enjoy Pradera Water Park activity (wake boarding) and stay there overnight but the villa rent is expensive. We were given a quote of Php. 6000. Luckily Mel of Pradera informed us about Prado Farm. Without any clue how near it is in the place, we took our time to research and as well as check it out in Facebook. Good thing I did our research. Prado don’t accept walk-ins so I’ve called up their number – 09209030964 and was happily assisted by their Events Marketing Consultant, Ms. Susan Arcega. By luck we got a confirmation and sad I have not forwarded my request for dinner and breakfast 24 hours before our arrival.

Prado Farm – as you think about the name it was like Nipa house that were made like villas to stay with farm set up and those kind of sort but wait until what you will see in pictures. Doing my research, Prado Farm was managed by siblings of the Gutierrez family. It is known by the local as “Star Flame”. So if you will take buses which just ask them to drop you at “Star Flame”. Why Star Flame? Because this farm converted to hotel place is actually an old LPG tank bodega or factory. As Mrs. Amada Gutierrez wrote on her “Salangi Quo Po!” letter to their guests (try to find where you can read this) the farm has evolved and is still evolving, actually “under renovation” quoted from the letter, from the help of their guest. This touched my heart as it was like thank you letter from a dear friend whom you lend money to help them make their farm a better place.

How to get to Pradera and Prado Farm?

Doing a Commute:  You can take Genesis bus to Mariveles, Balanga, or Olongapo and the fare from Cubao to Lubao is Php. 150 – 156 only. If you can’t get any of three destinations, you can ask the conductors of the San Fernando if they will allow you to transfer once you reached SM/Robinsons San Fernando. Just an FYI, the conductor and the driver was the one who offered the transfer.

Travel Time:  It should take 1 hour to 1 ½ hour travel time to San Fernando and another hour or hour and a half to Lubao. They will drop you exactly at Star Flame or Prado Farm. There is no traffic we went there so it took as only 2 hours to get to Prado Farm. Expect delays if there are slow traffic movement around NLEX.

See Schedule for Genesis Transport  below:

What to expect at Pradera?

Nothing more to expect but FUN and extreme activity. Expect your armpits and joints to get hurt after a long day of wake boarding. So prepare yourself with stretching and trip poses to show on cam.

Kuya Arthur who was our coach and the operator of the mini lake who gave us instructions on how to wake board.

What to expect in Prado Farm?

There are more things to expect in Prado. You can have your Hispanic Summer feel in the area as our of the Gutierrez siblings, their Architect, designed the farm taking all old houses and structures both vintage and old woods built into a Spanish Era feel. They have the yellow house, red house, and  blue house which are all styled in a Spanish Harlem. You will also find their gate amazing as it was made out of old empty gas tanks. On the receiving area you will find their guard asking you to fill in a paper. Try to look up! You will find your missing scooter which your mom forget where she had it placed including your shoes and your black suite case together with your chairs hanged above you. The Azotea’s are exquisitely flavoured with Spanish touch as you like wearing your Barong and Maria Clara’s to pretend you’re in a Noli Me Tangere or El Felibusterismo scene.

My shot of Prado Farm's front view and gate. 

You will also find great iron or metal arts around the place. I love the GATE with the Flat Iron handle… Genius!...

My shot from below of a red staircase .

My shot of the red hall which you will pass along before you can get to Kera-kera hotel.

Feeling Hespanic

Not only arts but you will find culture in the area. You don’t need to go to Baguio to find a town hall and Ifugao house-like structures. As one of the gates allows you to get a chance to feel the breeze with the Cordillera inspired setup. You will find spa beds which will allow you to lay lazy and let the time pass. You will find a tree house too but for me it’s like Tarzan’s house with a terrace.

Igorot's town hall set up.

Ifugao house-like structures to complement the town hall.

Me enjoying the setup.

Kera-kera hotel is also like a museum with all of those candelabras, sculptures, old TV cabinets, and rattan chairs all over the place. The rooms don’t have TV’s but are comfy and very olden times.

There is an infinity pool in Prado which overlooks at the farm with a barn and you will find yourself amazed at a carabao (water buffalo) soaking himself/herself in mud and some ducks in the platform.

Sir Arthur also told us that if we have kids with us because it’s dry season in the Philippines around this time we can have them fly kites in the fields which I like trying again for the very long time. He also said that during the Anihan or Harvest Session they allow their guest to also go and check out the good harvest.

Expect your food to be expensive yet delicious. Mostly of the produce used in their cooking are from the farm and/or other farms in Bataan which are all ORGANIC.

For everyone’s knowledge Prado Farm promotes Bio-Dynamics which is also the reason why our soap was made out of oatmeal and charcoal and the shampoo is a little different it smells like mint or lemon grass. Also, the swimming pool was with flowing water and it does not smell like chlorine at all. You will smell farm with you are there every once in a while; or as the wind blows.

Because it is a farm, there is a lovely barn with tables and chairs in it. I love the intricate capiz windows that were used as ceiling. The ornate chariot on the side that is pulled by a four legged farm animal, a cow or a water buffalo. As you walk towards east, you will find sweet basil and Thai basil growing. At the rear part you will find a big fence which is not more a pigpen which black pigs run freely. We also saw a mommy pig breast feeding 1 big black pig with a black piglet, a brown piglet, a black dotted brown piglet, a white and black piglet, and a white one.

    

And the thing I love about Prado is the chapel where you will find straw mats on the floor with big pillows covered with old ornamented pillow sheets. On the altar was a ground to roof glass overlooking the greens behind the church where a big black wood cross stands – so picturesque and solemnly imaginative for a simply and sacred wedding played with the music of nature, the birds and the rustling of leaves made by the wind.

My shot of the Chapel from the door.

Rates:

Pradera’s 2 hours of Wake boarding – Php. 475.00 per head (I would suggest you do a whole day for Php. 1000 and do it on Sundays or Weekdays as long as not a holiday)

Pradera’s Villa rent – Php. 6000.00

Prado Farm’s Hotel – Php. 900 per head (Php 1750.00 for 2)

Prado Farm’s Meals:

Breakfast - Php. 250

AM Snack – Php. 200

LUNCH – Php. 450

PM Snack – Php. 200

DINNER – Php. 450

Note that for Prado all rates are subjected to 10% service charge.

Again, if you book your reservation include the meal at least 24 hours before the check especially if your company is less than 10 people because on Sundays they ask their staff to have their time off. Which I would let you know on the next article the whole experience of staying the in the hotel by yourself. For more inquiries check this link: https://www.facebook.com/pradofarmslubao

Planning for Summer Activity?

Here are my top lists for activities for summer:

10. Mountain Trekking or Hiking – hiking on a summer is tougher but still you can feel the comforting breeze of the summer winds kissing your sun-kissed skin giving you that nature and calming feel. If you are afraid of heights then you can cross this out of the list. You can check out these articles for your hiking ideas: 

Batulao - http://travelingwithyu.blogspot.com/2015/01/next-climb-mt-batulao.html

Sagada - http://travelingwithyu.blogspot.com/2014/05/message-from-old-friend-sagada.html

Mt. Pinatubo - http://travelingwithyu.blogspot.com/2015/01/mt-pinatubo-climb-itenerary.html

Mt. Talamitam - http://travelingwithyu.blogspot.com/2014/12/one-saturday-hike-at-mt-talamitam.html

Mt. Pundaquit - http://travelingwithyu.blogspot.com/2014/05/starting-summer-in-philippines-as-early.html

My shot of going downhill to Mt. Batulao

9. Kite Flying – kids nowadays may have little experience of the fields but kite flying is a childhood memory to beat the heat of summer on a windy afternoon along the rice fields or meadows. For a place where you can have your kids fly their kites check this article out. 

8. Food Tripping – filling your tummy is fulfilling than any activity there is for the day. Eating healthy and cold food during under the hot weather is a worthy try to beat it. Visit https://diningwithyu.blogspot.com for any suggestions. 

http://travelingwithyu.blogspot.com/2013/08/filipinos-fried.html

Photo Credit to NYTimes

7. Sunset Watching – watching the sun to go down is a reminder that everything ends after a cycle. Thus, watching it with someone you love will make it more romantic. It may be above the mountains or along the seashore. Here are my top 10 sunset views for 2015.

My shot of Pradera Wake Park at Sunset

My shot of Sunset at Puerto Galera

6. Amusement Park or Theme Park Riding – it’s always fun remembering yourself as a kid and enjoying these different rides and let the time pass. Having a group of people with you and all set of “kulitan”, you can definitely beat the heat of summer. Try out Hong Kong Disneyland or Enchanted Kingdom or Ocean Park Hong Kong or Ocean Park Manila for options. 

http://travelingwithyu.blogspot.com/2013/10/hong-kong-disneyland-tour-tips.html

http://travelingwithyu.blogspot.com/2013/09/a-magical-world-tour-hong-kong.html

http://travelingwithyu.blogspot.com/2013/10/a-magical-world-tour-hong-kong_3.html

5. Beach Partying – love to part? Party like there’s no tomorrow and tell yourself “We are young!” and yes beach party might come across your list to enjoy the summer. Find Boracay and Puerto Galera as your spots. You can also check out Phuket, Nah Trang, and Panglao for any beach parties.

4. Snorkeling or Scuba Diving – what else can make you be with nature and beat the summer at the same time but to do snorkeling or scuba diving to admire underwater world and the creatures from the deep. Surely winning the summer fun. Palawan may be on your top list for snorkeling and scuba but you can also try Binukbok Island at Bawan, Batangas if you are looking for somewhere near.

3. Kayaking or Canoeing – trying to take it slow and chillax, kayaking and canoeing along the river or in an open sea will certainly be a good fun to try during this hot season. Kayaking at Bolinao, Pangasinan beach or in Ilog Malino river or in Taal Lake, Batangas are good resorts. http://travelingwithyu.blogspot.com/2014/05/mi-quit-tama-na-bolinao-part-1.html

2. Wake Boarding or Water Skiing – wanted an extreme activity during the summer. Wake boarding will be on your list to try. This will definitely give you the adrenaline rush on summer. Listing CamSur, Nuvali, and Pradera for this activity. http://travelingwithyu.blogspot.com/2015/04/a-ventage-summer-experience-with-modern.html

1. Swimming – as always, the number one on the spot when we hear summer is coming more likely are we beach ready. Indeed beaching is one thing that you cannot take out of your list summer arrives. There are thousands of beaches around the Philippines you can select from to enjoy swimming. From north to south: La Union, Ilocos, Pangasinan, Bataan, Quezon, Boracay, Batangas, Cebu, Bohol, Davao, etc. You can also enjoy a pool just within a farm at Prado Farm which may be a good idea as well.

Next Climb: Mt. Batulao

Wanna know the details of my next climb? If yes, that's nice because I'm happy to share with you our itinerary and what should we expect from Mt. Batulao. Indeed, I'm climbing you baby...

Mt. Batulao - Nasugbu, Batangas
Jump-off point: Evercrest Golf Course, Nasugbu
LLA: 14.0408 N 120.8011 E 811 MASL
Days required / Hours to summit: 1 day / 2-4 hours
Specs: Minor climb, Difficulty 4/9, Trail class 3 with 60-70 degrees assault
Features: Open trails, rolling slopes, scenic views of Batangas

I heard that it's nice climbing Mt. Batulao from January - February because of the cool breeze and a good trekking weather. Suuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuweeet!

Here's our plan or our itinerary: (Thanks Rhose Anne Ramos for coordinating again... bless you!)

Mt. Batulao Day Hike on January 31, 2015

Itinerary:

5:00 am - Assembly Time (Coastal Mall)
6:00 am - ETD Bus to Nasugbu, Batangas
8:00 am - ETD Evercrest Golf Course in Nasugbu
8:15 am - Start Trek
2:00 pm - ETA Evercrest

Expenses:

120.00 - Bus fare from Coastal Mall to Nasugbu
20.00 - Tricycle fare from Evercrest to starting point
25.00 Registration (Old Trail)
25.00 Mountain Dew (Summit)
25.00 Registration (New Trail)
20.00 - Shower

Then I want to eat some Bulalo so we will be dropping at Leslie's or some Bulaluhan in Tagaytay...

You ca also try this:

ITINERARIES

Old to New Trail

0400 ETD Coastal Mall bus terminal to Nasugbu, Batangas
0715 Arrival at Evercrest
0730 Start trek
0845 Arrival at Fork. Take the left, downward trail that enters some woodland
0900 Arrival at Camp 1. Register.
1015 Arrival at Camp 8, commence final assault
1100 Arrival at summit; lunch
1200 Start descent via New Trail, which is opposite the Old Trail at the summit
1300 Arrival at New Trail Campsite. Register again.
1530 Back at Evercrest; clean-up at nearby sari-sari store
1600 ETD for Tagaytay by jeepney (P30.00)
1630 ETA Tagaytay; anything goes from here

New to Old Trail

0400 ETD Coastal Mall bus terminal to Nasugbu, Batangas
0715 Arrival at Evercrest
0730 Start trek
0845 Arrival at Fork. Take the middle/slightly right upward trail
0930 Arrival at New Trail Campsite. Rest / Register.
1030 Arrival at summit; early lunch
1200 Start descent via Old Trail, which is opposite the New Trail at the summit
1300 Arrival at New Trail Campsite. Register again.
1530 Back at Evercrest; clean-up at nearby sari-sari store
1600 ETD for Tagaytay by jeepney (P30.00)
1630 ETA Tagaytay; anything goes from here

Gearing Up for Mt. Pinatubo

Things to Bring:

• Hiking shoes or sandals (if you will be crossing the river, I suggest you bring sandals)
• Cap and Head Gear (to cover your nose if you are to ride 4X4… It gets dusty during summer or if it did not rain…) you can get this at a cheaper price in SM malls under accessories area, I got mine for Php  75. You can find some good stuff in Divisoria too price range 75 - 150.

• Shades or Eye Protector (same reason as above)
• Sunscreen
• 2-3 liters of bottled water
• Energy bars
• Comfortable hiking shorts or pants
• Comfortable clothes
• Arm sleeves or biker’s sleeves

• Extra clothes
• Earth mat or blanket which you can use once we are at the peak
• Jacket (Van’s AC might get too cold)
• Pillow
• Hiking Bag (make sure that you don't bring too heavy stuff because we are just having a day tour)
• Extra Money
• Camera or Camcorder to capture your memories
• Patience and appreciation

Enjoy and see you!

Mt. Pinatubo Climb Itinerary

All is set for our Mt. Pinatubo climb. We are short of hikers but we are still gonna push through.

For those who wanted to know what can we do on Mt. Pinatubo... check out this itinerary:

Tour date: Saturday 24 January 2015

Tour type: Public/shared group tour

Tour cost: Php2090/person

INCLUSIONS

·         round trip aircon van transfer (Manila-Pinatubo base camp-Manila)

·         round trip 4x4 wheel drive adventure

·         local guide

·         conservation fee

·         certificate of conquest

·         assistance of a tour coordinator from team TRIPinas (we trek with our clients)

Optional add-ons :

Shower at the base camp: Php50

Boat ride on the crater lake: currently unavailable

ITINERARY

0230 Meet up (McDonalds El Pueblo in Ortigas area near Megamall)

·         Make sure to have your breakfast and buy your packed lunch and water

·         Meet the tour coordinator - Pay your balance – Orientation - Sign the waiver form

0515 ETA Brgy. Sta. Juliana (base camp)

0530 to 0630 Board 4×4 vehicles.

0730 Start trekking (around 2 hours walking using the old way)

0930 ETA at the crater of Mt. Pinatubo.

Relax, photos, lecture, lunch (at clients' account)

1130 Start return trek (around 2 hours walking using the old way)

1330 Back to the 4x4s.

1430 Back at base camp. Freshen up

1530 Departure from the base camp to Manila.

1730-1830 (depending traffic) ETA Manila