The Beauty Of Daranak

The Beauty Of Daranak

          In the stillness of the forest, one can hear water dropping abruptly from a rocky ledge as it cascades down to a plunge pool beneath. The mere sight of clean, clear emerald green waters where one can dip soothes the mind, soothes the nerves. 

           From afar, the chirping of birds, particularly the Zebra Doves, Black-Naped Orioles and Hanging Parrots, can be heard. If such is within one's hearing range, then, for sure, the sounds of insects, notably the crickets, are a give away.

          Looking around, noticeable are tall trees that provide shade, the green tropical plants and the fragrant flowers with some sprouting from rocks. Truly, one sees an endless verdure, a gift from nature. 

           Crossing a wooden bridge spanning two huge boulders, he sees bubbling waters moving past brown and gray rocks, persistent in reaching its destination.

          Daranak Falls, indeed, is a gem. Nestled at the vast Sierra Madre Mountain Range, Daranak is one of Tanay's top tourist attractions. It is the pride of Rizal Province.

           From the national road at Tandang Kutyo, the traveler takes a concrete feeder road and, in about 10 minutes, he is at the main entrance of Daranak Falls. No need to hike several kilometers of hazardous paths, no need to make balancing acts in crossing streams or brooks. Daranak Falls is only a few meters away from the road.

          But here's the rub. Because of Daranak's popularity and accessibility, hundreds, from near and far, motor to the place to unwind. It is overcrowded on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. Every available space is occupied. 

           The next best thing to do is visit Daranak on an ordinary day, not on a weekend. Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday is suggested. You have the place all to yourselves and you can better appreciate the beauty of Daranak. See you there !!

  -  Konted

Entrance to Daranak Falls

The footbridge that connects the main road to Daranak Falls

It is green all over Daranak

Height of Daranak Falls is 14 meters.

There is calmness at Daranak on weekdays.

. Balikbayan Rene Reyes of Victoria, Australia is stunned by the beauty of Daranak.

My souvenir shot

A baby waterfall

A black pig roaming at the parking lot

A rugged municipal jeep on standby for any eventuality. Daranak is managed by the Municipal Government of Tanay under Mayor Lito Tanjuatco..

Pretty lass Rachel has this to say: "I have been to Daranak many times before. My advice is for you to visit the place, not on a Saturday or Sunday, but on an ordinary day. It is not overcrowded."

                                                                                                                    

Juan Luna: His Bristle Brush And His Smoking Revolver

Juan Luna: His Bristle Brush And His Smoking Revolver

          Juan Luna, elder brother of General Antonio Luna, shook the world in 1884 when his oil painting entitled Spoliarium won a gold medal at the Exposicion Nacional de Bellas Artes in Madrid, Spain. Spoliarium, which is now on display at the National Museum, shows vanquished gladiators being dragged from the arena after fierce combat.

          Born in Badoc, Ilocos Norte, Juan came from a well-to-do family, his father being called by friends and acquaintances as Don Joaquin. He and his other siblings studied at the Ateneo Municipal de Manila. Wanting to have further studies and training in painting, he traveled to Europe and had Paris as his base. His circle of friends included Jose Rizal, Trinidad and Felix Pardo de Tavera, Valentin Ventura and Felix Resurreccion Hidalgo. Officially, he was the first Filipino to gain international recognition with his much-acclaimed Spoliarium.

          Juan Luna again made headlines when, on September 22, 1892, he killed his wife, Paz Pardo de Tavera, and his mother-in-law, Dona Juliana Pardo de Tavera, in Paris. The Pardo de Taveras were rich and influential. With a revolver, Juan shot Paz in the head and Juliana near the temple. They were shot at close range. Juan did it in a fit of jealousy, accusing his wife of having an affair with a Frenchman. His friend Trinidad Pardo de Tavera was also wounded.

          Painter Juan was arrested and jailed while trial was on going in Paris. After almost 5 months of hearing, the presiding judge came out with a ruling. Juan Luna was acquitted on grounds of temporary insanity. The judge viewed the case as a crime of passion. In those days, courts were lenient to an accused charged with murdering his spouse because of infidelity. Juan was set free, and with brother Antonio and son Andres, moved and stayed in Spain. After several years, they returned to the Philippines and Juan became active in the Propaganda Movement. He died of a heart attack in Hong Kong in 1899.

- Konted

The National Museum on Padre Burgos Avenue in Ermita, Manila

Spoliarium is Juan Luna's masterpiece.

Spoliarium is at the ground floor of the National Museum.

It is perhaps the most photographed work of art at the National Museum.

Luna's Portrait Of A Lady is said to be cursed as its previous owners suffered misfortunes.

Another Luna painting, Battle of Lepanto

Bust of Juan Luna y Novicio on display at the National Museum

Juan Luna's studio in Paris (National Museum)

Studio of Juan Luna's friend Felix Resurreccion Hidalgo in Paris (National Museum)

Pencil sketch of Juan Luna and Felix Resurreccion Hidalgo done by Jose Rizal (National Museum)

Juan Luna in his younger days (g'gle)

Paz Pardo de Tavera is at back row, 2nd from right. Also at back row and second from left is Jose Rizal. Dona Juliana Pardo de Tavera is shown carrying a child in white. (Esquire)

Juan Luna with friends Jose Rizal and Valentin Ventura.  Seated with child is Juan Luna's wife Paz Pardo de Tavera. (Esquire pic)

At right is Juan Luna's wife Paz Pardo de Tavera. Behind her is her mother Dona Juliana Pardo de Tavera. (G'gle)

House of the Lunas in Badoc, Ilocos Norte (wiki)

Merienda at Ma Mon Luk

Thanks to my granddaughter Kirsten for some pointers.

Baguio And The Monsoon Rains

Baguio And The Monsoon Rains

           Hard and drenching. But the monsoon rains did not stop us and by 7 a.m., we were exiting at Pozzorubio in Pangasinan, the farthest tollgate of the TPLEX. Kennon Road was closed and we took the wider Marcos Highway with its steep inclines made harder by thick fog that restricted our visibility. At the Green Valley area, approaching the city proper, traffic was moving at a snail's pace.

           Anticipating a high vehicle density at Legarda Road and Kisad, we decided to drive southeast by way of Military Cut-Off and South Drive. With our hotel check-in time still a few hours away, sight seeing was the order of the day. The horses were wet and out in the rain at Wright Park as there was no run-in shed. The stalls offering ethnic costumes for pictorials were not crowded. Here one could be an Ibaloi, Kankanaey, Isneg, Kalinga or Bontok. Even with intermittent rains, Mansion House had tourists crowding the main gate and taking photos. At the view deck of Mines View Park, thick, low clouds blocked the sight of the mining exploration sites that were active during the time of the Americans.

           At Outlook Drive, which is the enclave of the rich and famous, we stopped to do some routine check up. An eatery by the side of the road beckoned. And we could not resist. For Decades Fusion Restaurant, located on a ridge, has an ambiance no longer easy to find in the City of Pines. With varnished, hardwood tables and chairs, the main dining area provides a good view of tall Benguet Pines. The place exudes the Old Baguio. A fireplace, cage-like dining table, full bar and old-style lighting make the interior a cozy one.

           Decades resto serves good food. A standout is Strawberry Glazed Ribs with Lettuce and Onions. The meat is tender. Another excellent dish is the Beef Shank Steak with Gravy, Baguio Beans and Carrots. Waiting time for food to be served is about 20 minutes. Waiters are extra attentive to customers' needs. At Decades, it is fine dining without being expensive. 

            Next time, you need not drive to downtown Baguio where traffic is horrific most of the time. Simply drive to Decades at Outlook Drive, take a table by the window, place your orders and relax. Let Decades' staff do the rest for you.

- Konted

Decades Fusion Restaurant's main dining area

Good ambiance at Decades

View of Benguet Pines from the dining area. At this time of the year, it is often foggy.

Cage-like dining area

Strawberry Glazed Ribs with Lettuce and Onions

Grilled Pork Belly with Lettuce and Onions

Beef Shank Steak with Gravy, Baguio Beans and Carrots

Salmon with Aligue, Vegetable Salad and Red Rice

Fine dining at Decades

Decades' Full Bar

Too early for a drink?

Another group picture at the bar

Baguio is Konted's 2nd home

At the balcony facing the road

Where to dine al fresco

Baguio flower at Decades' front garden

Foggy Outlook Drive

Decades offers yummy food, fine service and good ambiance. Time to try it.

The Haunted Ruins Of Dominican Hill

The Haunted Ruins Of Dominican Hill

          There is that eerie silence when one steps inside the old structure. The hallways are bare with walls in fading, dirty white. There are spots that look like blood stains. 

           Rain water occasionally drops on the floor, forming puddles. The inner courtyard, with ornamental plants visible and moss sticking to the walls, has, for its center piece, an old fountain with water gently flowing. And as one makes his way to the upper level through a narrow, old staircase, the creepiness increases.

          Located at the highest point of Dominican Hill, the place used to be a vacation house of the Dominican Fathers during the American Regime. 

          When World War II broke out, civilians took refuge at what seemed to be a safe place. But Japanese troops forcibly occupied it until 1945 when the American Forces bombed the place to begin the liberation of Baguio and the Cordilleras. 

           The area, thickly forested with Benguet Pines, gained prominence in the 70s when psychic healer Tony Agpaoa turned it into what was then popularly known as Diplomat Hotel. But with his untimely death a few years after, it was abandoned and remained idle. The City Government of Baguio now owns the wide area atop Dominican Hill.

          Old folks tell stories of ghost sightings, of wailings presumably from victims of Japanese atrocities, of screeches said to be from the spirit of Japanese soldiers who didn't make it back to their homeland, of moans from Agpaoa's patients who breathed their last at the numerous rooms of the old hotel. These stories all the more make the place mysterious and scary.

          Today, the old haunted house at Dominican Hill is one of Baguio's top tourist attractions. Visitors, from near and far, come in droves to see for themselves what others before them have experienced. 

           Paranormal believers, as well as skeptics, make their own observations to further prove their point. Some photography enthusiasts, using SLR or digicam, have made the 17-hectare city government property their training ground. Admission is free and with ample parking slots.

- Konted

The old structure as seen from the main gate

Left flank of the historic structure at Dominican Hill in Baguio City

Right flank

Inner courtyard

Old fountain with water gently flowing

Two guests waiting for any possible ghost sighting

At the courtyard

View of the courtyard from the 2nd level

There is that eerie feeling of being watched.

Nice view from the top

The Ten Commandments tablet. It is said to be the biggest stone tablet in the world.

Dominican Hill is thickly forested with pine trees.

Beautiful flowers abound in the area

Dominican Hill is a nice place to photo shoot.

Souvenir photo with the haunted ruins in background

Part of the 17 hectare property of the City Government of Baguio

Another souvenir shot

The place is now officially called Heritage and Nature Park.

Houses at Dominican Hill near the haunted ruins

Road leading to what was then known as Diplomat Hotel. It is the highest point of Dominican Hill.