Radgirl Boondocks: Trekking the 7 Falls

It was a good day when a friend invited me for a climb at Mt. Romelo Famy-Siniloan, Laguna. I wasn't sure of what to wear, since I grew up in our mountain at Magallanes, Sorsogon City where we love to hike on foot full of mud, and ride Carabaos with "pakapang" (towed sledge). So, I left home with a red JanSport backpack (with extra shirts, big bottle of water, biscuits, candies, leggings), wore a printed shirt, a brown pedal pusher which is not advisable for a climb (haha), and my favorite Lee Cooper shoes that is somehow helpful for the climb (invest for good shoes if you want to climb). Who cares anyway, I know for a fact that I can climb a mountain.

We were six on our way to Mt. Romelo, and most of them are Pro-Hikers. It was a long hour drive, and it was fun getting to know each other during our trip. Upon arriving, we looked for a place to keep safe our friend's car. Good to know that there was an available parking space so he rewarded the person in-charge to look over his car overnight. It was around 3pm when we arrived at the foot of the mountain, had our names registered which costs 50 pesos per head. On the start of our trek, we crossed a swamp, and I thought of wearing my slippers. The trail was easy. It is good for newbie hikers, in spite its muddy nature when it rains. It took us 3 hours to reach the campsite, where nipa huts are found, a small sari-sari store and a wash and comfort room.

From left: Noah B., Jhowa B., Jac G. and Gie D.

Off to campsite with Jhowa B., Kris G., Gie D., Noah B., Jac G.

Below the campsite is a steep trail of the Buruwisan Falls that is ideal for photography and rappelling. It is the most popular because it is the most accessible among the falls. It has a drop of about 50-meters, giving it a reputation as "an excellent training ground for neophyte mountain climbers." The waters of Buruwisan eventually meet Lanzones Falls, a 70 ft. waterfalls that descends the jagged-edge of rocks with smaller catch basin compared to Buruwisan, and the lead to the bigger Binaytuan Falls, which has more or less 200-meter drop.

Lanzones Falls

The Buruwisan Falls with Jac G., Gie D., Noah B., Kris G.

On the other hand, upstream is the Batya-Batya Falls known as Guiling-Guiling, which was our last stop. I was in awe, because I saw God's creation in front of me. I was in love with the rock formation of Batya-Batya. There was a part though before reaching Batya-Batya Falls where you will get to swim, and have to walk through chest-deep waters. A plastic bag for your camera is a must. I also got the chance to climb the Batya-Batya Falls, and though it was slippery I nailed it! Just be careful not to slip when climbing to avoid injuries. We didn't have a chance to see the rest of the falls, because it requires more equipment, skills and we ran out of time. I didn't have the right training or gears for the climb, but I brought with me my unending eagerness for new adventures. It was ultimately rewarding and if you are into trekking, you will surely enjoy Mt. Romelo. We headed back to Manila and my whole day adventure was truly worth it.