After an early morning breakfast at the hotel, Alex, Rick, Jess and I, together with Boyet and Susan, all left on our van for a familiarization tour of Naga City’s favorite getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city: Consoscep Mountain Resort at the foot of Mt. Isarog in Tigaon. Accompanying us as guides were Ms. Melba Niebres and Ms. Shiela Clara of the Camarines Sur Tourism Office in Pili. The trip, via the Jose Fuentabella Highway, was to take all of an hour. Past the towns of Pili and Ocampo, we turned left at the intersection leading to the resort. The 8-km. uphill drive was scenic all the way as we passed abaca plantations and verdant forests. Turning off our airconditioning, we instead savored the cool caress of its Baguio-like mountain air. Along the way, we also passed the Parks and Wildlife Office. Nabontolan Springs are located within its grounds.
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| Consocep Resort |
A welcome arch signaled our entry into Consocep Resort. This resort, developed in 1989 during the term of Gov. Luis Villafuerte, is located at the 1,800-ft. level of Mt. Isarog. This extinct, isolated volcano’s vast 101.12-sq. km. (10,112-hectare) base covers Naga City and the towns of Calabanga, Goa, Pili, Tigaon and Tinambac. The mountain is said to be the home of the legendary Bicolano goddess Aligata and Negritos also live within its dipterocarp forest. Upon arrival, we parked our van at the park’s spacious lot.
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| Mt. Isarog |
From hereon, it would be all footwork. The appeal of this mountain resort is its fascinating waterfalls. The resort has 3 major waterfalls: Bulalacao Falls, Kawa-Kawa Falls and Tumaguiti Falls. There are also 2 smaller ones. Getting to these falls proved to be easy as we leisurely hiked along cemented, pebbled-washout or cobbled-stoned pathways and stairs (there are said to be 1,394 steps along the trail).
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| Entrance to the resort |
The first waterfall we reached, Tumaguiti Falls, was the park’s highest. Its name was derived from its rain shower-like gush of water. We weren’t prepared for a wet reception at this fall as we didn’t bring bathing attire or extra clothes. Boyet didn’t seem to care as he took, with gusto, his first “natural” shower, clothes and all. We could only watch in envy.
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| Tumaguiti Falls |
We soon continued on our way to our next destination: Kawa-Kawa Falls. Its name was derived from the native word kawameaning “big cauldron.” Although a David compared to the Goliath-like Tumaguiti Falls, it is still the best known and most popular because of its natural “slide” into a man-made swimming hole so structured as to blend naturally with its surroundings. Again, Boyet took a natural bath in its refreshing waters while we consoled ourselves by just breathing the cool mountain air and admiring the tall trees and giant ferns. We also interviewed 47-year old Domingo Saulon, one of the park’s four rangers.
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| Kawa-Kawa Falls |
After about 30 mins., we continued on our way to our final destination: Bulalacao Falls, so named because of its rushing cascade. After passing a dressing area and an impressive treehouse, we soon heard the rushing waters of the waterfalls. But first, we proceeded to its viewing deck. Quite tired and famished, we partook of the packed Bigg’s Diner packed lunch we brought along: fried chicken and laing (taro leaves with shrimps in coconut cream) cooked in true Bicolano fashion; hot and spicy. After this hearty lunch, our group proceeded down the steps, to the falls.
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| Bulalacao Falls |
What a falls it was! This third major waterfall truly lived up to its name, as its onrushing waters fell down, in graduated steps, to a deep, inviting pool surrounded by lush foliage. The temptation to dive in was irresistible and since I had already missed out on two beautiful falls, it would truly be a sin to miss out on this third and last opportunity. Clad only in my jogging pants, I waded its icy-cold waters for my own “natural” bath. Boyet, Alex and our guides; Melba and Sheila, soon followed suit. Susan, Jess and Rick still opted to remain as spectators, watching us as we lolled about the pool.
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| A treehouse at the resort |
After 30 mins. of sheer ecstasy, we reluctantly left the falls, drenched as a newborn chick, to make our way back to the park entrance. The return trip was all slightly uphill and our group was split in two as the others lagged behind. Reaching the parking lot ahead of them, I took the opportunity, while waiting for the others, to dry myself under the sun. Soon everyone was accounted for and we all boarded our van for the return trip down the mountain.