HINULUGANG TAKTAK FALLS -- Antipolo, Rizal

We visited Hinulugang Taktak Falls in Antipolo for a tree-planting activity organized by hubby's highschool alumni.  We had a Singaporean guest who also has a love for nature and shares the same advocacy in preserving the mother earth.

It was our first time at the falls and we were told by the park attendants that restoration efforts are already on-going.  Though the stench odor is very much present, I can say that the “foams” at the catch basin were fewer than those in the pictures posted online.  But still, presence of trashes surrounding the basin is very visible.  

According to the DENR who's office is located just above the park, the inhabitants surrounding the water line above the falls should be relocated for a successful restoration.  Whew! Hinulugang Taktak faces a tough challenge.  Let’s all hope for the best for all the people concerned and to Hinulugang Taktak Park which can truly be a great tourist destination.  Maybe by then it will regain its mark and be once again the price of “Tayo na sa Antipolo”  tourism campaign.

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MT. BALAGBAG -- Rodriguez, Rizal

MT. BALAGBAG (Dayhike)

Rodriguez, Rizal

First jumpoff: Sitio Karahume, Brgy. Macabud, Rodriguez

second jumpoff: Sitio Balagbag, Brgy. San Isidro, Rodriguez

http://www.pinoymountaineer.com/2011/05/mt-balagbag-777-in-rodriguez-rizal.html

Mt. Balagbag -- Rodriguez, Rizal

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PURAY FALLS -- Montalban, Rizal

PURAY FALLS

Brgy. Puray Montalban, Rizal

We joined our friend bikers in one of their ride to Puray Falls -- we are on our motorcycle while they are on their bikes.  The ride was not as punishing as the experience encountered by other friends during the Christmas outreach activity held in December 2011.  Puray houses some of our Dumagat tribes and I admire the assistance extended by Trigo Para saTribu group for the future of the tribe.

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MT. SEMBRANO -- Pililia, Rizal

MT. SEMBRANO
Pililia, Rizal
Major jump-off: Brgy. Hall of Malaya, Pililla

http://www.pinoymountaineer.com/2007/09/mt-sembrano-745.html

We started our rainy Mt. Sembrano trek at 330pmm and we reached the campsite just before 6pm through a four-wheel maneuver trek.  The tall grasses serves as your guyline to keep yourself from falling over.  

I recalled my first Mt. Sembrano summer trek back in the late 90's -- it was a recon climb and three of us dared to pursue with very little information abouth the mountain.  We were lost at first, heading to the wrong summit.  It was a farmer that we passed by who directed the right trail and the right mountain.  By the time we reached the Mt. Sembrano summit, it was near already noon and we literally felt the burning heat of the sun.  What was worst was that we emptied already our only 1 liter trail water (1 liter for the three of us).  The hunger has added our agony.  To our desperation, we even started calling SOS to the passing helicopters but to no avail.  We also tried descending to waht looks like "shorter" route but all led to a steep dead end.  I cannot recall which trail we descended but we ended the trek seeing rangers/armies having a bath.  That must be the reason for the sight of the helicopters.  We found at later of an ongoing training and that we are near a camp.  LOL...
 

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MT. BATOLUSONG -- Tanay, Rizal

BATOLUSONG – MAPATAG – SUSONG DALAGA

Sitio Kayibon, Barangay Cuyambay, Tanay Rizal
Part of Sierra Madre Mountain Ranges

This was another road trip (via motorcycle) from Metro Manila to Tanay Rizal via Cogeo route.  For commuters, take a jeepney bound to PAENAN or Sampaloc either at Cogeo 2 or at Sumulong-Marcos Highway junction.  Then ask the driver to drop you off at PSD Outpost.  Please note that there is no other marker at the entrance of the trail.  

At the PSD marker, you will see a closed gate but a small opening at the right will lead you inside to the wide trail/road down to the neighborhood area.

Updates: Ask the jeepney driver to drop you off at the junction of Barangay San Andres.  From there, take a trike or habal-habal to the barangay hall where you will register and secure a guide.

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