QuezLag Road Adventure

[A repost from Lensplorations, my secondary blog.]

Clear, flowing waters: a must-see attraction in the mountains of Quezon. 

In Laguna Day of 2017, we headed towards unplanned destinations along Laguna-Quezon upland border. Let me share to you what we have experienced and discovered:

1. Interview with an 86-Year-Old Japanese Occupation Survivor

I won`t forget Lola Fidela`s Japanese occupation stories. When our tire got flat on our way to Little Baguio, we were directed to a vulcanizing station beside her house. We haven't had breakfast that time, so we headed to the store, which her family owns. While we were waiting, she arrived and sat with us which gave us the opportunity to ask her about her background. Along with the list of surnames she`s related with, she shared her dark experiences in the hands of the Japanese soldiers which included the following details:

• their brief imprisonment in Gabaldon Building in Santa Maria Elementary School (located in front of our compound). 
• their ways of finding a shelter the moment they heard about the soldiers' coming. Upon coming back, they would discover that the uncooked rice was gone and some household items were damaged. 
• the dread she felt when she saw a file of boys marching with their hands tied while heading to a place where they would dig holes. That time, she thought that they were digging the areas where they would be buried. 
• the sight and sound of planes targetting Santa Maria, Laguna's plains with bombs. 

Note: When I learned that she`s 86 years old, I mentioned about what we do in our local historical committee, borrowed a pen and paper and abruptly shifted the discussion towards history. Haha.

2. The Unexpected Hike

When we arrived at Little Baguio, Ate Rachel welcomed us into her cute rustic house and offered us coffee. While chatting, she suggested that we climb the mountain located a few steps near her house. "Madali lang yun akyatin," she said, while describing us how the view looked like from atop. We didn`t expect how hard the hike would be, with all the slippery mud, thorns and steep terrain which awaited us. I gave in due to curiosity of what we would find there, knowing that I wasn't wearing the right hiking attire. The entire adventure lasted for two hours. 

3. Pinlak Falls Dip

We weren't prepared as we got here as well, so we just borrowed clothes from the lady whom we gave our entrance fee. Because we weren't that familiar with the place, we went through the wrong entrance. We didn't know that there were two resorts existing in the same area--one with the small pools and the other was the falls itself. So while we were having fun, a lady approached us and asked us to pay them. We went back to the lady whom we first approached and got our fees back. I just paid her for the clothes she lend us. 

4. Sidlakan Adventure Campsite

A place where you could relax + enjoy the instagrammable facilities and views. A 24-hour stay costs 1500 Php. I thank the owner for letting us explore the place and take photos of their site. Looking forward to bringing friends for an overnight stay here.