Pagsanjan, Laguna

This is our out-of-town escapade with my friends this holiday season. At first, we were suppose to be five, namely Aileen, Derick, Che, Ethel and Me, our plan is to visit Vigan in Ilocos Sur because we want to experience the old spanish architecture and the heritage it left here in the Philippines. But due to some uncontrollable circumstances, it is me, Ethel and Derick are the one who's available so I decided to visit Pagsanjan instead. We stayed in La Corona de Pagsanjan, one of the best hotel/resort in Pagsanjan. The rate is at Php 3500.00 and that is already a triple bed room. Afforadable huh?

Upon our arrival, we checked-in and rested for awhile inside the cottage. We dressed up to prepare ourselves for a thrilling boatride to Pagsanjan Falls. As we approached the front desk, they informed us that there was a municipal memo from Pagsanjan that the boatride will be only until the first falls since the water level of the river is high. So we decided to postpone the boatride until the next day instead we rested, slept, talked, sound tripped inside our cottage. The next day and still the same scenario, the boatride will be until the first fall only so this means that we will not be able to reach the main falls, which is the world-famous Pagsanjan Falls. We didn't let that ruined our vacation. We still paid for the fee which costs Php 800.00 that includes the life vest rental and the hard hat rental as well. Upon reaching the first falls, you will be stunned by the vendors as they give coke in cans and food to the boatmen "bangkeros" and that costs another Php 200.00 which is for me very expensive but the boatmen deserves it considering the amount of effort they put into bringing us to the falls. Another option is when you pay Php 90.00 per person and ride a raft that will lead you to the falls itself as you experience the water from the falls. A must option for the whole trip. Never miss the on hand experience with the falls. The water is cool, refreshing and very clean.

The boatride is one thrill experience. We two boatmen paddled our way through the steady stream and the rushing rapids as we route to the first falls. I was mesmerized by the scenic beauty that this place unfolded. The river is cold, though murky but still I find it clean. I am amazed at how good the boatmen were as they transverse the river on barefoot kicking rocks that blocks our way and paddled the banca smoothly. It is a good experience to actually visit some places other than beaches and resorts here in the Philippines.

More pics can be viewed at http://jonas321.multiply.com/

Pagsanjan is just a 2 to 3 hours drive away depending on the traffic volume, pass by South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) and exit at Calamba. Turn right towards Calamba, Laguna. You will pass several towns such as Calamba, Los Banos, Pila, Bay, Victoria, Sta. Cruz and Pagsanjan.