Monday, February 29, 2016

Hulugan Falls: A Hidden Gem of Luisiana, Laguna

The Majestic Hulugan Falls
Chasing waterfalls is always interesting. Looking for an easy trek, we visited Hulugan Falls in Luisiana, Laguna. It is really great to have an easy-go-lucky travel buddies. One Friday afternoon, I saw a post from the net and I showed them the picture that made them eager for a new adventure. Giving them the idea that it can be a day trek, we decided right away to visit the falls the coming Sunday! 

Sunday morning after training from dragon boat, we headed directly to bus terminal. In order for us to catch the early trip, we took-out our breakfast and have it inside the bus. We are all happy and excited to trek for a hidden gem in the south of Manila. 

This way to Hulugan Falls.
It was an easy road trip. Tourists are required pay for the environmental fee of Php 10.00. You may choose to have a tour guide and haggle for the price. Funny how we met nice people who offered especial ride for us to the registration area. Imagine a big 4-wheel truck just carrying the five of us at the back standing felt like we were pigs and cows (haha). That experience was so memorable and we just paid 20.00 pesos each!  


The trek consists of rock and soft soil. Include a muddy area before crossing the river that made the trek more challenging. Be careful to take the long and winding trail down because it is really steep and slippery. It might be muddy during rainy season so I suggest wear your trekking shoes. 

"the falls taken a few meters away"
It was a new experience visiting a falls wherein you walk on top before you can head down to the basin. That was an "up and under" trekking experience. I think the water comes from the muddy areas of the mountains that made it unclear unlike any other falls that I have visited. 



We enjoyed our "baon". You just can't resist extra rice after a long and winding uphill and downhill trek. We enjoyed taking pictures. We also took the opportunity to get wet on the not so clear water. We were also lucky to witness rainbows under the falls. 



The falls breeze is so hard that can even reach the mini-cave area where we took our lunch. The view from the mini-cave is spectacular. Cool enough to freeze some minutes and enjoy the beauty of Hulugan Falls. 

"the mini-cave"


"Your blogger, Lauvee, Mel, Je and Maui"
This was another memorable trip for the five of us. I am always looking forward for more places to visit with these colleagues. They always made my travels more memorable and enjoyable. So if you want an interesting and easy-day chasing waterfalls, visit Hulugan Falls with your friends for a new adventure.  

"rainbow on our background"


HOW TO GET HERE:

There are plenty of bus companies that will take you to Sta. Cruz, Laguna. You can ride either JAC Liner or DLTB along Taft Ave. Manila cor Gil Puyat Ave. Take a jeep going to Brgy. San Salvador in Luisiana (you can ask locals for the jeep terminal). Tell the driver you will be going to Hulugan Falls. Drop off point is along highway so you have nothing to worry and travel time will take more or less than 30 minutes. 

Thursday, February 25, 2016

Ground Zero: A House of Pizza in Lucban, Quezon


Pahiyas Festival will never be the same without trying local foods in Lucban, Quezon. After strolling the busy street of Lucban, I decided to look for restaurant that will definitely give my stomach a great relief. I asked my friend, Je, who happens to live here. Knowing him, he will definitely give me a place where food is worth paying. 



He recommended, Ground Zero: House of Pizza. This restaurant is definitely not hard to find because it is a well-known restaurant in town. The interior design is great. The menu is mouth-watering. I ordered pancit lucban and a whole pizza just for myself. Servings are good enough for 2-3 persons. 

Doing a not so good selfie :)
Foods served was freshly cooked. The aroma was so good. I had my first bite on the pizza and it was all good. I had two slices pf pizza before I started attacking the pancit lucban. Indeed, the food I ordered was worth paying for. Interestingly, the crews were friendly. I will definitely go back here once I visit Lucban again. 

Now let's eat!!!