Monthly Archives: October 1994

Tamaraw Falls (Puerto Galera, Mindoro Oriental)

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Come morning, after breakfast, we packed up our swimming gear as well as a picnic lunch as we were headed for the Tamaraw Falls, the largest waterfall in the province and a popular swimming spot for weekenders.  The falls, located 131 m. above sea level, is a 15-km. drive from Calapan. We took tricycles to the Calapan town proper where we all boarded a jeepney bound for the resort town of Puerto Galera.

Tamaraw Falls
Once outside the city proper, the others went up the jeepney’s luggage rack to better enjoy the view and the air.  The narrow road towards Puerto Galera alternated from sometimes paved to mostly rough.   After about an hour, we espied the falls along the road and alighted beside the aptly named Waterfall Bridge, just a couple of meters from the falls.  At this distance, we could feel the mist of water from the falls as we posed by the bridge.
 
The waterfall’s natural pool
It being the eve of All Saints Day, we were expecting a lot of tourists at the falls but it seems we were the only visitors.  Passing jeepneys sometimes stop for their passengers to take pictures but, after a few minutes, continue on their way.  Just below the waterfall is a shallow natural pool, fed by waters coming from the forested ravine above.
 
Our cool  dip
There were some picnic tables and a changing room across the road from the waterfall and below it are 2 man-made pools fed by the waters of the falls.  Its waters were equally shallow as the wooden barrier which dammed up the water was removed.
 
The man-made pool
We quickly changed into our bathing attire and first tried the natural pool below the falls.  Later, we transferred to the man-made pools.  In both cases, the waters were bracingly cold but refreshing.  The rocks were also slippery so we had to watch our step.  Even after lunch, we continued frolicking at the pools.  After this refreshing dip, we packed up and hailed a Calapan-bound jeepney to get home.
 
Tamaraw Waterfalls: Brgy. Villaflor, Puerto Galera, Mindoro Oriental

Tour of Calapan (Mindoro Oriental)

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From Calapan port, we all boarded tricycles which brought us to Ronnie’s 2-storey house which is located by the sea. Upon arrival, we were welcomed by Ronnie’s elder sister Jing and their other relatives.  

At dining room with Ronnie (left) and Jing (center)
The porch overlooking the sea

Probably the only concrete house in the area, it had a spacious porch facing the sea (ideal for fishing and catching the sea breeze) and an airy roof deck where we had a panoramic view of the town, the sea and offshore islands.

View of Calapan Point
View of the town from the roof deck
View of offshore islands

After lunch, we all made a walking tour of the town proper.  At the town plaza, in front of the municipal hall, is a monument to a Mangyan youth.  There are also statues to our national heroes Jose Rizal and Andres Bonifacio as well local son Macario Adriatico, the first representative of Mindoro.

The town plaza

The Cathedral of the Holy Infant (Sto. Nino) is the seat of the Calapan Vicariate since October 3, 1951.  The original church, founded by Recollect Fr. Diego de la Madre in 1670, had two watchtowers.  It was torn down in 1959 to give way to the new cathedral. 

The Cathedral of the Holy Infant
After our sightseeing tour of the town center, we proceeded to the gray sand Aganhaw Beach which is located 4 kms. from the town proper.

Aganhaw Beach

After our sightseeing tour, we all proceeded to the house of Ronnie’s aunt where we had supper before returning home for a much needed rest.

My First Visit to Mindoro Oriental

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During the All Saints Day break, 8 year old Jandy and I joined Jandy’s TLC (The Learning Center) teachers Erwin Cifra, Glorain “Rainy” Canillas and Felipe Ronnie Martinez plus Rainy’s friends Lourdes “Lulu” Siguenza and Liezl Lumbao, on a tour of Mindoro Oriental, a first for both of us.  We plan to stay in Ronnie’s family home in Calapan, the capital of the province.  

L-R Erwin, Jandy, Rainy, Lulu & Liezl

From Manila, we all took the very early morning (4:30 AM) airconditioned  BLTB (Batangas Laguna Tayabas Bus) bus bound for Batangas City.  The land trip took just 2.5 hrs. and we arrived at Batangas International Port in time to buy tickets and catch the next RORO (Roll On Roll Off) ship to Calapan.

On our way

Aside from passengers, these ancient, ocean-going ships also carry wheeled cargo such as cars, trucks, trailers and buses that are driven on and off the ship on their own wheels.  They are so named for their built-in ramps and doors that allow cargo be “rolled on” and “rolled off” the vessel when in port.

One of the islands we passed

The boat trip, via the Verde Island Passage (one of the busiest sea lanes in the country) took a slow 2.5 hours.  Still, it was scenic all the way as our passed a bevy of islands.  Just out of Batangas Port, we were awed by the rugged cliffs and white sand beaches of the 8-km. long, thickly vegetated Verde Island.  Then, as we approached Calapan Bay, we passed the much   smaller but equally beautiful Baco Chico Island, Pulong Gitna and Pulong Munti.  We arrived at Calapan port by 9:30 AM.