Mother Falls (Baler, Quezon)

We were so tired when we arrived in Baler. The travel has not been easy. It had been inconvenient along the way, but immediately upon seeing the beach and the surfers, we felt thankful that we have taken the time and effort to travel to Baler. 

Baler boasts of a lot of tourist spots. It is a place perfect for sightseers and travelers. The tourist areas are not confined to its beaches, the sea and surfing. There are waterfalls, historical spots, museums, and places to eat and enjoy those gastronomic treats.  The places ideal for tourism are displayed on sign boards and tricycles. I can say that Baler aggressively promotes tourism.

But what I enjoyed most while in Baler is the trek to that falls, called the “Mother Falls”.

We started our journey to this falls on board a tricycle.  I think this

the most popular or the more common mode of transportation in the area. A tricycle is motorcycle where a carriage is attached to enable it to ferry passengers. With the carriage attached to the motorcycle, it transforms to a “three –wheeled” vehicle.

The minimum fare in a tricycle is ten (P 10.00) pesos per person. We were able to rent a tricycle for only Eight Hundred Pesos  (P 800.00) for a tour of Baler’s tourist spots. The cost of renting a tricycle for a day tour varies. A good haggling technique and patience is necessary to get the most affordable price. A placard showing the different tourists spots in the area are displayed in most tricycles indicating that they are joined in a common effort to promote tourism in the area. I think this is very beneficial to travelers and tourists. Having an organization among tricycles with the objective of promoting tourism gives added security and order in the ferrying of passengers.

On board a tricycle that we rented, we were able to visit a number of tourist spots such as the Mother Falls, the Century old Balete Tree, House of Dona Aurora Quezon, Cobra Point and the Ampere Beach. The travel was fast and there was absolutely no traffic. It was one convenient ride.  Tricycle drivers however have to be always mindful that it is always better to be safe than sorry. There is no need to rush in getting from one tourist area to the other.  The whole of Baler is one big tourist spot in itself. I really enjoyed the rural scenery as we traveled from one place to the other.

Without traffic, we were able to reach the start of the hike to the Mother Falls for less than forty five (45) minutes. I was not bored as the greenery and the serene urban landscape was very relaxing. But again, safety should always be a priority. Tricycle drivers, at the risk of redundancy, should always be mindful of the safety of passengers and tourists.

It is not an easy hike to  reach the Mother Falls. Do not expect that this falls can be reached without an effort. Falls are usually reached by hiking for a kilometer or more. Balagbag Falls in Real, Quezon however can be reached without difficulty.

We walked through a makeshift bridge made of several pieces of bamboo tied together. It is not high but it can be very difficult for senior citizens to cross. It is at this time that I felt that it is good to travel while the knees are much stronger. When young, try to travel a lot.  There may be financial constraints, but being young, healthy and strong can take you places.  While young, traveling is not much of an effort. It is easier to walk, hike and do a lot of things. I read in some tweets, that it is much better to spend on experience than on those expensive gadgets. Spending money on experience can be equated to putting time in a bottle. Being able to say “I have been there and done that” is a lot better that seeing those outmoded gadgets.  Time once lost can never be recovered.

I remember the time when we were at the Chocolate Hills in Bohol there were senior citizens trying to climb the top of a  hill that serves as a viewing deck. One of them remarked how she wished that she had been there decades before.  Anyway, tourists spots should provide access to senior citizens and to the differently abled.  There is a law mandating the creation of access paths to our senior citizens and to the differently abled. I support this law but not the plan to create a stairway to Mount Apo in Davao.

A sign prohibiting the carrying plastic bottles, food and other materials that may harm the falls and the environment is prominently displayed prior to the hike. I think everyone should follow the sign. Plastics are very harmful to the ecosystem. It take years, if not decades, before they decay and return to their original state. It is very appalling to see pieces of plastics on what God has created. Only He can create nature. No amount of human creativity can match or even compare  to what God has created. I really appreciate it that the people of Baler  are very much aware of the need of protecting the environment.  While tourism can bring loads of money, it does not justify the destruction of nature. I hope that all travelers to Baler would cooperate in the effort protect and preserve Mother Falls.

To reach the falls, we walked through a shallow river. The slippery rocks and the gushing water means that one has to be very careful. One slip can result to injury. We have to be very cautious while moving from one rock to the other.  There are rocks where moss has already accumulated making it very difficult to have a strong footing.  Hikers to this falls have to wear strong slippers or sandals.  Trekking should also be done in daylight.

Our tricycle driver also served as our guide. At first, I thought that this falls can be reached even without the assistance of a guide.  I learned however that the almost thirty  minute hike to the falls is better done with a guide. First timers can get lost on the way.  The guide also gives suggestions on the proper and most effective way of navigating the river.

It is  better to start this trek in the morning.  In this way, there would be enough time to hike and enjoy the falls upon reaching it.  The trek should be done slowly but surely.

The canopy of greens offers protection to the trekkers from the harmful sunrays and gives a very relaxing setting for the hike. It is in this moment that I really appreciate nature. The trees, the refreshing forest fragrance, the flowing river and the cacophony of sounds all made this experience something to be treasured.

After a few more struggles, we were able to reach the falls. It is very beautiful and breathtaking. Its stunning beauty has made the trip worth it. It was a very refreshing sight. Definitely, one of the best ways to enjoy summer. Get out and trek to the falls. Getting out of one’s comfort zone and trek to something spectacular such as the Mother Falls is one good endeavor to make during summer. You will not regret traveling to Baler after seeing this falls.

The water is crystal clear and very inviting. We never passed on the opportunity to swim in this falls.  For almost an hour we enjoyed the clean and cold waters of the Mother Falls. I really wished that we had more time to stay and experience this falls. Yet time really moves fast. It was just morning. But now we got to get back to our hotel and soon visiting Mother Falls in Baler would just be a part of our wonderful experience. 

Continue to travel. Traveling gives a different perspective about life. It educates. It gives not only an introduction about life but provides an entirety of what should be learned about the place and its people.

Trip to Baler, Quezon

Trip to Baler

The best way to travel to Baler in Quezon Province is to take the "Joy Bus" at the Genesis Bus Station in Cubao!

We tried to reserve the Joy Bus a week before our intended trip but it was already full. The staff at the bus station told us that it is best to reserve the Joy Bus at the earliest date possible. It is always full of passengers. Perhaps it is a good move to reserve this Joy Bus at least a month before the trip. 

While the fare at the Joy Bus is slightly higher than the deluxe, I would definitely suggest that tourists going to Baler should take this bus at the Genesis Bus station in Cubao. The travel to Baler that can last for more than six (6) hours can be very inconvenient, uncomfortable and challenging as it traverses the Sierra Madre Mountains. The twists, turns and the rugged terrain of the trip to Baler can be very arduous to endure in an inconvenient bus.

As we failed to make a reservation at Genesis in Cubao, We waited for hours at the bus terminal given the huge number of travelers bound for Baler. There were few buses. After hours of waiting, we were almost resolved to forego our plans of traveling to Baler as there is a slim chance riding a Genesis Bus direct to Baler. We even tried our luck as “chance passengers” in the Joy Bus. The moral of the story - it is a best move to make a reservation:

Genesis Bus Station – Telephone Nos. (02) 7090803/421425

After desperately waiting for hours, we were set that there is no way for us to take  a Genesis bus directly to Baler. We expected to take the 3 am schedule but with the long queue of travelers, we decided to call this trip off. As we were walking towards another bus terminal, we heard the conductor shouting for passengers to Cabanatuan.

We immediately took this bus bound for Cabanatuan with the plan of then riding a bus or van to Baler. This is an option taken by most tourists if there are no buses with a direct route to Baler. There are plenty buses in Cubao that can take you to Cabanatuan. From Cabanatuan, you can take a bus or van to Baler.

The travel was somehow tough and tiresome. The bus that we rode in has defective air conditioning. The aircon control buttons cannot be controlled. It was practically freezing inside the bus. During this occasion, it is best to have a blanket to cover you up. If you are traveling dressed up in a thick sweater, the travel inside this kind of bus may be worthwhile.

When we arrived in Cabanatuan, there was a bus bound for Casiguran, Aurora being filled up with passengers. It was a non- aircon bus that is commonly seen in provinces. Passengers with loads of baggage, cargoes, farm products and other personal belongings are fast filling up the bus. It was crowded. Several passengers are already standing. While inside the bus, we were told by the conductor that we have to sit on separate seats. As the bus appears to be overloaded and it would be very inconvenient for us to travel in this type of condition, we decided to get off and wait for the next bus. We are not even sure whether this bus bound for Casiguran, Aurora would take us to Baler.

After the bus bound for Casiguran, Aurora left the terminal, we tried to rest and had some coffee from a stall near the bus station. It was a long wait. There was no bus or van in sight. While waiting, we tried to get some sleep but it is really difficult to get a shut eye in a bus terminal. Next time I travel to Baler, I promise to reserve that Joy Bus or any bus that travels direct to Baler to avoid this kind of trouble. Taking the bus to Cabanatuan and transferring to another bus or van bound for Baler results to several hassles and lost of time. In traveling, it is always best to reserve a bus and a place to stay. It saves precious time and several forms of inconvenience and difficulties are avoided.

In Cabanatuan bus terminal, we waited for at least two (2) hours before the bus that would take us to Baler arrived. It was indeed a long wait. When the bus arrived, we still have to wait for an hour for the bus to be filled up with passengers. I can no longer wait. It is really difficult waiting.  Without any choice, we settled for this bus.

The sun was out when bus left the depot. The passengers came in slowly and after the bus was filled with a sizeable number of passengers it was only then that driver decided to leave the bus station and proceed with the trip.

When we arrived in Baler, the sun was at its peak. We can feel the dreadful heat of the sun as we traveled from the Cabanatuan to Baler. As we traveled, we were greeted with a spectacular view of greens and mountains. The Sierra Madre Mountain Range is one spectacular sight to behold. I imagined that the great Philippine Eagle used to live in its thick forest. I can imagine how this magnificent bird thrived when the mountain range is still full of life and trees. Now that a few portion of the mountain range is covered with forest, it is rare to find a Philippine Eagle in the Sierra Madre. I think it is about time to seriously consider and take action in ensuring the survival of the last remaining patches of forest cover.  Concrete actions have to be taken and reforestation projects should be immediately implemented. Deforestation and illegal logging have to be prevented through actions and not on mere lip service.  I really hope that someday we can revive those areas that appear to be bald patches of soil evident of the deforestation that has taken place for several years.

First Impressions

Baler is a place full of potential for tourism. It has the potential of being a traveler’s haven. Other than La Union, everything about Baler speaks of surfing.  

It is a place where the old is starting to change. It is rural but the signs of the coming change can be found in almost all corners. Sooner or later, the rural landscape will transform to an urban setting.  I hope that Baler can cope up with the rapid changes that are taking place.

Baler is a meant primarily for surfing. After getting off the bus, we then took a tricycle to our hotel near the beach.  Here we saw a great number of surfers trying to conquer the waves. The extreme heat of the sun is not enough to deter these surfers from their endless and repetitive attempt to stand at the board and fly above the sea.  It seems that just being able to stand up for a brief moment on the board is an achievement. Worries are forgotten and everything seems to be perfect on top on of the surfboard.

Surfing schools abound in Baler. Surfboards can be rented and you can have a surfing instructor on the spot. This place is meant for surfing.  The waves are perfect for this summer activity. It is neither too high nor intimidating. It is perfect for both beginners and enthusiasts.

Perhaps the trip to Baler or the heat of the sun or both has taken its toll on us. When we arrived in Baler, despite the lack of sleep, aching body, and after overcoming a lot of inconvenience, we would really like to get out and enjoy the sun and the waves. But given our physical limitations, we opted to take a rest in the hotel. Tomorrow is another day. But for Baler, we are glad to be here… at last.

Manila Zoo and Mali

I still recall that very old black and white photograph when I first visited the Manila Zoo with my late parents.  That old photograph, which unfortunately I can no longer locate despite the most diligent efforts, is still vivid in my mind and  continued to remind me of those simple yet happy old days. 

Visiting Manila Zoo is, more often than not, a part of childhood days of everyone born in the Metropolis and nearby provinces during the seventies and eighties.  Almost everyone has sat foot on this Zoological and Botanical Garden built in 1959.

Seeing those animals and birds as a child is more than fascinating.  It is a magical place where imagination runs wild. All animals and birds are a friend and qualified of being a pet.  Recalling my first visit to Manila Zoo, I felt that  everything appears to be on a stand still while my imagination went free as I look at the animals in their cages. I cannot help asking how their life is at these cages? Are they better off here than in their natural habitat?

Mali-the only captive elephant in the Philippines

 As a child my mind concocted the fantasy of having the lion or tiger as a pet.  Inside Manila Zoo, I felt that the world immediately transformed from something that is usual to extraordinary.  Inside the zoo, I had the unexplainable perception that everything is a standstill and waiting.  Inside those cages, there is nothing to do but wait.  The big question however is waiting for what?

I again had the chance to visit Manila Zoo decades after. Perhaps, it is to while away the time or simply my feet took me to that used to be classy mall known as "Harrison Plaza". As this zoo is just a few meters away, I took time to visit it and probably bring back those old memories.

I saw that elephant named “Mali”. She would be the first to greet you upon entering Manila Zoo. She holds that distinction of being the “only captive elephant in the Philippines”.  Mali has been described as “sad”, “lonely”, “miserable”,  “pitiful” and all other adjectives that connote nothing but unhappiness, melancholic or in a state of being deplorable.  As I look at her, all I can say is to agree.  Mali is indeed in a state of misery. Her cage is nothing compared to that great savannah where her relatives roam free. Mali is alone going back and forth in this concrete pen. If it is not the heat, it is definitely boredom that is killing her softly. Perhaps, the only consolation is that Mali is alone to walk in this concrete enclosure better than those incarcerated in Manila’s crowded jail system.

I observed Mali as she went around moving from one end of the cage to the other. I can imagine how deplorable her existence had been since she was separated from her mother when she was just three years old. Can you imagine being separated from your mother when you were very young and primarily dependent on her care and warmth?  If Mali has not been brought from Sri Lanka in 1974 to this zoo, she would have wondered and enjoyed the vast plains and lived a full life. Mali could have experienced the love and care of a family. She could have reared a beautiful calf herself.  She was denied all these for thirty-eight years!

It is dire agony to be captured, separated from your own kind and thereafter incarcerated without sin and transferred to a decrepit pen. Mali’s only fault is that she is an animal desired by most people to see. How hard can it be to be continually and held up in a concrete cage and be deprived of your freedom for more than three decades? Mali’s behavior inside her cage seem to show complete boredome and frustration.

There is a raging debate on whether Mali should be freed or be continually kept in this zoo. Some sectors say that Mali should be immediately freed and brought to a sanctuary somewhere in Thailand where she can have the needed company of other elephants. On the other hand, Manila Zoo authorities say that Mali, given her age and being in captivity for 38 years, is no longer fitted or capable of living in the wild.

Amidst pressure from animal rights group, the President is said to have issued a directive to officials to evaluate the circumstances of releasing Mali into the wild. The evaluation includes a study of Mali’s present health condition.   I think this is good news but when was that directive issued? If Mali’s health examination showed that she is no longer fit  to be freed or transferred to a sanctuary, would we just allow her to die and rot in this zoo? At the twilight years of her life, Mali should be given the chance to experience and feel how it is to roam and be free.  For 38 long years, Mali has been languishing in that concrete pen deprived of the complex needs of an elephant. If only she could speak, Mali may have long shouted to “give her freedom!” No one including an elephant would want to be deprived of that very basic need of being free.

As I continued to observe Mali, I can imagine how life had been so hard and how it has taken its toll on this country's only “captive elephant”.  For 38 years, Mali has provided all visitors to this zoo with awe and has fed their curiosity on how an elephant looked like. Many were mesmerized and held in astonishment on how huge such animal is. I think for 38 years, Mali is already qualified for retirement. She has rendered the service bestowed or forced upon her since she was 3 years old. I say enough is enough for Mali! She should be given that chance to experience foraging in the wild and to wade and play in the endless sea of mud just like what all elephants do. It is time to seriously consider that sanctuary in Thailand.

As I continued walking around Manila Zoo, I began to appreciate life even more. The different colors and variety of life, the vast array of flora and fauna, the immense diversity of life is truly astounding.  However, I cannot ignore that Manila Zoo needs  lots of improvement. By just looking around, I can see that the zoo suffers from budgetary constraints as several cages appear to have been neglected.  Animal cages suffer from rusts and the passage of time is very evident. 

I saw that now empty cage near those vendors and I remembered that lone Orangutan who used to give pleasure to visitors.  “Sisi” the Orangutan , just like Mali, lived alone for decades in an iron cage reported to be not suitable for her kind. I recalled that lonely look in her eyes and the sad emotion similar to an old man praying for succor.  Now the cage is empty. “Sisi”  gained her freedom through death in 2009. Poor Sisi has languished in her cage under very appalling circumstances for 28 years! Its only in death where her sufferings can be said to have ended. almost all her entire life, Sisi was detained in a cage with nothing to make her life worthwhile.

Manila Zoo is a landmark. Since it was built in 1959, the zoo has been a special place of interest.  Almost all children in Metro Manila and from other places have taken time to visit this zoo.  Visiting Manila Zoo is part of growing up and it seems not complete without a trip to this zoo.  It is almost customary and traditional for parents to bring their children here. Just ask around and it is easy to find a household where a child has a photo commemorating that first visit to Manila Zoo.  Children who visit this zoo gets easily entertained by the funny antics of monkeys, scared by the large reptiles, snakes and crocodiles and delighted by different kinds of birds with their beautiful colors and of different sizes.

This place is very ideal for family outings and gatherings. Aside from the Rizal Park, friends and those on a date can take refuge in this zoo whenever the budget is tough. Entrance fee is almost negligible. It cost less than forty pesos (P40.00) and Manila residents can avail of a discount. It is accessible for different types of transportation.  It is practically a walking distance from a mall, the Central Bank, and the reclaimed area of the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

While the City Government of Manila is doing its best to take care of the animals and to maintain the zoo despite the budgetary or financial constraints, it cannot be denied that this problem has very negative effects on this landmark.  It may have become a financial burden on the part of the City to take care of the zoo given the enormous cost of its maintenance.   It is not easy to ensure the well being of hundreds of animals, birds, reptiles, including those endemic species with a very limited budget. It is on this end that we can understand why Manila Zoo has become  to that awful state it is now. Perhaps, the bureaucratic red-tape and the convoluted governmental process have contributed into the ailing state of the zoo. As a government run institution, Manila Zoo is also affected by the very slow process of procuring the necessary tools and equipment to upgrade its facilities.

Despite the dilapidated or neglected structures of the zoo, I am not  ready to recommend, at this time, the closure of this facility. While I do not like to tolerate the thought of having animals captured in the wild and be made captive in such facilities, closing Manila Zoo would deprive future generations of children to experience and see animals, reptiles, birds and endemic species up close.  

Manila Zoo is one place where all sectors of society can enjoy. The entrance fee is reasonable and it is easy for the families to just pack up their food and enjoy a picnic within the limits of their budget.  During my visit, I saw that families and friends still enjoy a boat ride in the man -made lagoon or river despite its almost neglected and garbage ridden waters. Yet, I can see the smile of families with their children as they paddled their way in the river. Photos are even taken to capture the moment while in the boat. 

There was a time photographers abound the area inside and outside the Manila Zoo. They would take photos of visitors, print it and sell it for a price. With the emergence of digital cameras and cellphones capable of capturing awesome photos, being a Manila Zoo photographer is a dying profession.  In my surprise, I still saw a group of photographers offering their services. 

Another attraction of this zoo is the “kinder zoo” that has a separate entrance fee. It is here where children can  have a close encounter with a variety of animals and birds. Kinder zoo is a “petting zoo”.  You can have those colorful cuckatoos  and parrots perch on your shoulder and have yourself photographed.  Visitors can be experience touching a pot bellied pig, a giant tortoise and a beautiful colored snake.

As I looked at them whose photos are being taken while they hold the animals, I cannot help asking myself if the welfare of the animals are not prejudiced by their being in close contact with humans. I can imagine how stressed these animals and birds while they are being petted, held, embraced and sometimes squeezed during photo sessions.  Perhaps, it is time that the “encounter” between the animals and humans be defined and studied to determine whether there is a negative effect on both.

While inside Manila Zoo, I recalled my visit to Subic Safari where the closest recreation of the animals’ natural habitat can be seen. Pot bellied pigs and Ostriches are placed in a wide area where they can move freely. In Manila Zoo, its 5.5 hectares is not enough for around 500 animals reportedly consisting of 106 species.  

My visit to Manila Zoo brought back a lot of memories.  I remembered when I was a child, I cried over those artificially colored birds that are sold near the entrance.   When I was very young, I was really attracted to those chicks and birds that were multi-colored in blue, pink, violet and whatever color there is in the rainbow.  The birds or chicks are placed in small cages with provision for water and food. Yet, after a few days I am lucky to see them survive. I have not been able to raise a single chick into maturity during my younger days.

There is a continuing debate on whether or not this facility should be closed. The primordial consideration should be the welfare of the animals, birds and reptiles kept in this zoo including those endemic species.  There should be an objective and scientific study to determine whether they are taken cared of or not.  Veterinarians, concerned animal groups and organizations have to be called in to determine what is best for the animals.  Closing a landmark such as this should take serious deliberation. It should not be based on mere assumptions. There should be a balancing of interest between the animals and the future generations who would like to experience visiting Manila Zoo.

At any rate, it may be time to revisit Manila Zoo before it is too late… for Mali.