Pagsanjan Falls - Pagsanjan Laguna

Part of our Summer Vacation '2013 itinerary was Laguna.  Laguna is noted as the birthplace of our national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal.  Other than this, it is also known for the Pagsanjan Falls. However, we are not discounting the other beautiful towns of Laguna because they were also considered during this trip. As I have mentioned in my other posts, all of our trips this time were planned and scheduled.

Our trip to Laguna was fun and enjoyable.  We enjoyed the food, the warm water spring, their hand woven baskets and the natural scenery. We decided to have a two-night stay in two different hotels inorder to maximize going to the different towns that do not only have a historical contribution but also to appreciate what it can offer aside from the century old churches that we have visited, too.

We arrived in Pagsanjan in the afternoon and because we were famished at that time, we decided to try the Calle Arco Restaurant.  The food served was very good and delicious. It was an old house located along the main road and was transformed into a restaurant.

Old Town gate of Pagsanjan, Laguna

Calle Arco Restaurant

We reached the hotel where we spent the night and Dennis and I treated ourselves to a relaxing massage.  We had a very long and tiring trip, I would say, but it was all worthwhile. We requested a masseuse to our room. Since we were on the roof top, we were able to have a view of the river where we will have the boat ride the next day.

We woke up early the next day because we were scheduled for the 7:00 am trip, the first trip to the falls.  They offer other schedules, as well, but we preferred the early trip as it was still cool.  When we reached the boat station, the boat that we would be riding just arrived, too.  I felt a bit of hesitation to board the boat because it seemed that it could easily trip and capsize. Moreover, it can only accommodate 2 to 3 passengers. I just prayed.  I knew that we are being guided, anyway. Dennis and I shared the first boat while our company were on the second boat.

When the boatmen started the motor of the boat that was going pull us towards the middle of the river, and our boat began moving, I just remained still and stayed closer to Dennis. Whatever happens, I will just cling on to him because he knows how to swim and I don't. Since we rented two boats, the other boat was behind us and was tied to a rope on our boat.  Meaning, the two boats were being pulled by the motor boat.  When we reached quite a distance in the middle of the river, we were detached from the motor boat and the boatmen started paddling.  I was amazed how strong these guys were because going to the falls was upstream, meaning they were paddling against the current through rocks and boulders all the way to the falls.

The boat that brings you to Pagsanjan Falls

The boat is being steered through rocks and boulders

The boatman paddling against the current

Cavinti Shed

On our way, I saw a marker which said Cavinti.  I found out later that the Pagsanjan Falls was locally known as the Cavinti Falls and its indigenous name was Magdapio Falls.  The Pagsanjan Falls is actually located in Cavinti, a municipality of Laguna. (Cavinti, Laguna)

The boatmen were skilled and accredited.  Actually, they were even wearing an ID and a uniform shirt. While on the way, we were talking to them and we learned that it was their family's source of living. Incidentally, our boatmen were brothers and they said that they were trained by their father. The boat that we were riding was made of fiberglass contrary to what I thought was wood.   On our trip, the view was very scenic. It was so beautiful, serene and with lush vegetation and natural rock formations. I was able to see different types of butterflies and birds.  Our daughter said she saw monkeys, too.

 

When we reached halfway, we had a stop. The boatmen needed rest.  You could really see how tired they were because inspite the cool weather, they were indeed sweating all over.  Business was evident, too, because when we reached the place, they were offering chicken barbecue and coke.  Definitely, we were not hungry because we had a very good breakfast.  They told us to buy food for the boatmen because they were tired and we still had a long way to go. It could have been a modus operandi, but whatever it was, it's their conscience, not ours.  We were told not to bring anything because we will eventually get wet during the trip.  However, Dennis, who always sees things ahead, brought with him a few pesos, just enough to pay for their meal. He brought some money for the supposed tip of these boatmen, but we ended going home with one of them because the money that was left was just enough tip for the boatmen of the other boat.

The first falls that we saw on our stopover was a minor falls.  I thought that was the Pagsanjan Falls already.  They say that you can really appreciate the falls during rainy season because it is more turbulent. When we reached the major falls, lo and behold, i already saw in person the falls that i have only seen on post cards.  We rode a raft going to the falls. It was a wonderful experience just wading in the water and have the feel of the real cold water splashing on your face, but you have to watch out especially if you are not a swimmer because we were told that if you go closer to the middle of the falls, it was very deep. I just contented myself on the side.  Later, we were asked to go to the raft on a prone position. I was able to experience a natural "hard" back massage. After which, we headed back.

The exciting part of this trip was not only the sight of the falls in itself but experiencing the rapid descent downstream which is called "shooting the rapids". This is a "must-see" natural wonder.

Battle of Kakarong - Pandi, Bulacan

Pandi, a municipality of Bulacan, is an unfamiliar place to me. Though Pampanga is just a stone throw away from Bulacan, figuratively speaking, I never had the chance to see the place. I just learned about it while our summer trip was being planned. Owing to the countless researches and readings of Dennis about the different Philippine historical sites, he was able to discover a lot of places that we normally have not paid much attention to. 

But what could be significant about Pandi, Bulacan? To someone who has never been there, it would not even ring a bell. History says that Pandi has played a very significant and vital role in the fight for the Philippine Independence.  Does it make sense now? Our main objective then was to trace the historical events that transpired at that time in our ancestors' effort to gain our independence. What we did then, in our travels, was like putting pieces of history together to be able to get the picture, at least, if not the whole picture.

We headed for Pandi after we went back to see the Museum of the Barasoain Church in Malolos.  As I remember it, we went to the direction of Guiguinto, Bulacan and then Balagtas, Bulacan. We reached the poblacion of Pandi and we saw the Immaculada Concepcion Parish Church. The Church was old but the facade has been renovated.  Its antiquity is evidenced inside the church by its retable and the ceiling.  Fronting the church was a mini park of Jose Rizal.

Immaculate Concepcion Parish Church

Panoramic View of the Inside of the Church

Mini Rizal Park fronting the Church

As we were heading east, I felt that we were going farther away from civilization because we began treading an unpaved road.  It seemed to be road less traveled. It was quite a distance though until we reached our destination, the Real Kakarong de Sili. This is a small barangay where the bloodiest revolution took place in 1898. It is on this site where the 'Republic of Real de Kakarong de Sili' of 1896, one of the first Philippine revolutionary republic was established. It was in Kakarong de Sili, which about 6,000 Katipuneros from various towns of Bulacan headed by Brigadaire General Eusebio Roque, better known as "Maestrong Sebio or Dimabungo" that the Kakarong Republic was organized shortly after the Cry of Pugad Lawin. 

History and researchers, as well as records of the National Historical Commission, tells that the 'Kakarong Republic' was the first and truly organized revolutionary government established in the country to overthrow the Spaniards antedating event the famous Malolos Republic and the Biak na Bato Republic. In recognition thereof, these three "Republics" established in Bulacan have been incorporated in the seal of the province of Bulacan.

According to available records including the biography of General Gregorio del Pilar entitled "Life and Death of a Boy General" written by Teodoro Kalaw, former director of the National Library of the Philippines, a fort was constructed at 'Kakarong de Sili' that was like a miniature city. It had streets, an independent police force, a musical band, a factory of falconets, bolos and repair shops for rifles and cartridges. The 'Kakarong Republic' had a complete set of officials with Canuto Villanueva as Supreme Chief and 'Maestrong Sebio'- Eusebio Roque as Brigadaire General of the Army. The fort was attacked and totally destroyed on January 1, 1897 by a large Spanish force headed by General Olaguer-Fellie.  Gen. Gregorio del Pilar was only a lieutenant at that time and 'The Battle of Kakarong de Sili' was his first "baptism of fire". This was where he was first wounded and escaped to nearby barangay 'Manatal'.(Battle of Kakarong)

Welcome Arch of Real de Kakarong

View as we were approaching the Inang Filipina Shrine

Kakarong de Sili Shrine

Inang Filipina Shrine

 

 

The actual site of the "Battle of Kakarong de Sili" is now a part of the Barangay of Real de Kakarong where the Kakarong Lodge No. 168 of the Legionarios del Trabajo in memory of the 1,200 Katipuneros who perished in the battle erected a monument of the "Inang Pilipina" in 1924. No less than one of the greatest generals in the Philippines history, General Emilio Aguinaldo, visited this sacred ground in the late fifties. (Pandi History)

Having a little grasp of its history now makes me understand the sacrifice of life that our forebears have offered in exchange of our independence. Can you imagine if we were already born at that time? In which aspect could we have contributed to our history?

Since it is now considered as a park, we had our picnic here. It would have been nice if added amenities were offered at the park.  It was evident that there was no supply of water and electricity.  There was no evidence of a caretaker, as well.  If there would have been, I am not really sure who was the person because as we approached the small gate to the shrine, I saw a man seated by the make-shift guard house but did not even bother to approach us. 

We do not mind if we have been asked of an amount as a donation but, apparently, nobody was really in- charge of the place.  Since this is a historic site, it would have been much appreciated if this site was preserved and well-maintained.  I may not be in the position to be giving such remarks but I am just sharing my two-cents.

Underground Cemetary - Nagcarlan, Laguna

Our 2013 summer trip was planned long before Dennis came home for a vacation.  We wanted to maximize our bonding time by scheduling all our activities and calendar them so that a day would not be wasted.  We started with identifying places of historical significance within Pampanga, then Bulacan, Manila, and until we moved further south going to Cavite and Laguna.  While he was still in the US, he began searching for these places until he came across the underground cemetery in Nagcarlan, Laguna.  He shared the link to me and as I started reading, it seemed quite interesting.  It was only when we went to this place that I have proven myself wrong.  It was not only interesting but I was amazed by just looking at the facade along the highway.  You could already see its historicity, the painstaking preservation that the National Historic Commission have exerted together with the government of Nagcarlan.  It was indeed beautiful.

 

We took several steps from the main entrace to reach a small chapel inside.  As was inscripted, it was not just an exclusive cemetery for the Spanish Friars but it served as a meeting place for the revolutionary leaders, the katipuneros.

The Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery Historical Landmark is a fine example of Spanish colonial architecture. Built by the Franciscan Friar Vicente Velloc in 1845, its octagonal grounds are enclosed by a wall decorated with wrought-iron grills and stonework meant to look like drapery.
            

An arched gate leads to the chapel built into the cemetery's inner wall. Wings radiate from the sides of the chapel, forming an arc where the above ground niches are found. Under the chapel, two flights down, is the crypt.  This underground section of the cemetery played an important role in our history.  Throughout the Revolution of 1896 and the Filipino-American War, our fighting patriots used the crypt as a secret hideout, gathering here to plan their moves or to seek shelter.  Similarly, it became a safehouse for guerrillas during the World War II. (Underground Cemetery)

As we were walking towards the Chapel/Cemetery, I could not help but be amazed by how well kept it was.  It was so clean and green. There were a few tourists who were with us at that time.

The cemetary is indeed one of its kind. It is amazing how it was architecturally designed. You would enter through an arched wooden door which was preserved.  You would feel an eerie feeling as you enter because it was so quiet and at the same time having the thought that it was an old cemetery.  Although renovation has been done, they have preserved what was remaining of the wood on the ceiling. At the altar,  you will see the centerpiece image. It was said that this is where the final funeral rites are done before entombment.

The underground cemetery consists of two flights of stairs going down.  The underground was so cold and the feeling is quite different when you are there.  We took some shots although we were not allowed to use the flash of our cameras.

No entrance fee was collected however, donation was very much welcome. We were asked to register our names and personal details in the logbook.

Baler - Aurora Province

By word of mouth, I have heard about Baler. It is a place known not only for its beautiful scenery and as a surfing spot, but more than that, it has also contributed to our history.  I have mentioned Baler to Dennis when he was yet in the US and while we were planning for our trips. Actually, he was the one who researched about Baler and that was when I learned about its historical contribution about the "Siege of Baler".  I have heard about Baler, too, in a movie but never had the chance to watch the film until he came home when he was bringing with him a copy of the movie.

We planned our trip for Baler but we decided also, that on our way, we will stop by Cabanatuan City to see the exact spot where Antonio Luna was killed and to visit the POW Camp again. While on our way, I was already imagining what Baler would look like, specially when we were approaching the mountainous trail.  We have gone so far and when we stopped over at a gasoline station for a gas-up, we were told that we were on a different direction. Meaning we had to go back and find the exact route to Baler. Unfortunately, there were no visible directions or markers that could be seen along the road which could have helped us find our way.  We stopped to ask bystanders for directions. Actually,we were told that there are two routes to reach Baler. But we were advised to travel the longer route as the road condition was a lot better than the shorter route.

Scenic View on our way to Baler

Welcome Marker to Baler

We arrived in Baler late in the afternoon already. As we approached the town proper, the first that we saw was the house of the former First Lady of  the late President Manuel L. Quezon.   The house, which was converted into a museum, was already closed at that time.  The good thing was that they still allowed us to get inside when we told them that we came from a long trip just to see their place.  We were ushered in by a guy who opened the house/museum.  There was not much to see inside, actually, but there were a few framed memorabilias that we took pictures of. I was expecting to see more since it was already considered a museum.

House of the former First Lady, Dona Aurora Aragon Quezon

Historical Marker of the House 

Presidential Car

 

Inside the Museum

Framed Memorabilias

 

After our quick tour at the museum, we proceeded to the Baler Church.

Panoramic view of the Church

Church of Baler

 

Historic Marker of the Siege of Baler

Historic Marker of the Church of Baler

History says that the Baler Catholic Church is a historic church constructed from stone and brick which is found in the town of Baler in the province of Aurora. Originally constructed in 1611, the church is dedicated to San Luis Obispo de Tolosa and is known as the site of the Siege of Baler, which took place from 1898-1899 shortly following the end of the Spanish colonization of the Philippines.

On June 27, 1898, 50 Spanish soldiers and 4 officers took refuge inside the stone church, fearing that the Philippine insurgent army was too large for them to overpower. In reality, the Filipinos actually made their army seem more intimidating by burning wood to mimic the sounds of gunfire. Despite the fact that Philippine independence from Spanish domination had just been declared 15 days before they fortified themselves in the church, the Spanish contingent remained there for close to a year. Under the command of Capt. Enrique de las Morenas, the troops stayed in the church with rations that would last them for 6 months. However, the soldiers began to suffer from malnutrition within 2 months of the siege, contracting scurvy and dysentery. Morenas himself died from disease and was replaced by Lt. Saturnino Martin Cerezo, who proved to be a tough and rigid commander. Under his command, the troops continued to hold out against the Filipino troops as Cerezo refused to believe reports in the newspapers sent by the Filipinos to the garrison which cited that the Spanish government in Manila had already surrendered to America.

The Filipinos attempted to break down the morale of the troops with the use of some unorthodox methods such as holding a fiesta in front of a church. There have also been reports that women were also used to tempt the soldiers to come out but these are unconfirmed. On April 11, 1899, Lieutenant James C. Gillmore landed in Baler and attempted to rescue the Spanish soldiers against the wishes of Major Nemecio Bartolome, an officer in the Philippine army. The Philippine army captured Gillmore and his troop of 14 soldiers, marching them all the way to the Ilocos region and abandoning them there. The American party was later rescued on December 28, 1899.

The Spanish troops finally surrendered on June 2, 1899. A month before, Cerezo was already considering surrender due to the army’s extreme privation. Hewas finally convinced that the war was over by a newspaper left by Lt. Col. Cristobal Aguilar, which reported the surrender of Spain. The remaining 33 soldiers left the church in June to the sound of their trumpet of surrender and to the cries of “Amigos! Amigos!” from the Filipinos who had besieged them. The Spanish solders were officially commended by President Emilio Aguinaldo for their courage, given safe conduct passes, and permitted to go directly back to Spain. (Baler Church)

After a tour to the church and after taking some pictures, Dennis has started telling us of what he knew about the history of the church. We proceeded to the town plaza which was just adjacent to the church.

Just across the street, we have walked towards the Baler Museum and the humble nipa hut where Pres. Manuel L. Quezon was born. Again, because of time constraint, we were not able to go inside the Baler Museum because it was already late in the afternoon.  The day was not wasted though because we were able to see the places we wanted to see but there could have been a lot more. 

Birthplace of Pres. Manuel Luis Quezon

Historical Marker of the Birthplace of Pres. Quezon

 

Bronze Statue of Pres. Manuel L. Quezon

Presidential Car

We have not planned for an overnight, but before heading home, we went to the Sabang Beach where we treated ourselves to a sumptuous dinner.

 

 

 

 

It was not a futile trip though, but we still plan to go back to Baler, Aurora Province.  Aurora offers a lot of beautiful and scenic places that we still would want to see.  I, personally, would want to see more of Baler and I also would want to witness the break of dawn by the sea.