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."

                                                                                                                    

The Town of Teresa

The Town of Teresa

               

                I shifted to second gear as I began negotiating that winding, steep highway. I was making a descent. Cyclists in colorful jerseys were on their way up, reminiscent of the durable cycling legend Jose Sumalde who honed his skills pedaling his way up that curve that took him to the mountain top.

                 

                At the outskirts of the town, I stopped by the side of the road upon seeing Edna. Edna is a beautiful lady who, once upon a time, was the Reyna Elena in the annual Flores de Mayo. Every afternoon, she tends to her little garden, watering the euphorbia, milflores and the gumamela. A little to the right of the garden is a WWII vintage machine gun mounted on an elevated portion of the ground. It is used as prop. Edna and her husband live a tranquil life in the town of Teresa. 

                

                Teresa is a quiet, small municipality that lies on the slopes of the Sierra Madre. The slopes are sturdy and partly rocky. They are not prone to landslides. While this town is landlocked by Antipolo City and the town of Morong and is seemingly overshadowed by its more illustrious neighbors, Teresa boasts of rich natural resources, notably, lime stones and silica-silliceous rock mass.

                 Teresa is a first class municipality. Republic Cement Corporation, now owned and managed by La Farge, has a factory in Teresa that provides employment to its residents. Still, a great part of the land is planted to crops. The town of Teresa also has numerous spring resorts which are popular during the summer months.

                  On my way back, a cement mixer was traversing the dangerous bend at the highway. At the appropriate time and place, I made my move. I pumped on the gas, overtook the six wheeler and honked my horn. Nearing the top, I took one last look at Teresa's hills and valleys. For the next 100 years, it is a guarantee that the town's natural resources will not dry up. Truly, Teresa is blessed.

-  Konted

Breakfast at Tropical Hut near Marcos Highway

Special hamburger meal for only P98-

The descent to the town of Teresa.  Travel time from Antipolo City proper to Teresa is approximately 20 minutes.

The area near the Teresa-Antipolo boundary is limestone country.

Mining quarry of Teresa as viewed from the Marikina-Infanta Road

One of several resorts in Teresa

The Teresa Gas Station before you make the left turn to the Municipal Hall.

Municipal Hall of Teresa. I used to frequent this town hall during the time of my good friend Boying Santiago who was then the Municipal Planning and Development Officer.

Statue of Dr. Jose Rizal in front of the Municipal Hall. Incumbent mayor is Hon. Raul Palino.

Teresa's Fire Station is beside the Municipal Hall.

The old Saint Rose of Lima Church. St. Rose of Lima is the patron saint of the town. The town was formerly called Santa Rosa.  This was changed to Teresa as the townspeople's token of gratitude to the Spanish lawyer who petitioned the Governor General to grant autonomy to what was then a barrio of Morong. The Spanish lawyer's mother was called Dona Teresa.

Another gas station along the national road of Teresa.

A Jollibee outlet at the town proper. The newly constructed Church of Teresa is at the back of this food outlet.  

Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints in Teresa.

Fire Tree along the highway of Teresa. It is also known as the Flame Tree.

Bahay Kubo for sale for P18 thou 

Sineguelas or Spanish Plum at P60 per kilo 

Special suman

The road leading to Solid Cement Corporation plant.

FR Cement Corp. is now Republic Cement Corporation which is owned and managed  by LaFarge.

Higher side car

The Morong-Teresa-Antipolo route, specifically the uphill climb, was the training ground of cycling legend Jose Sumalde.

Jose Sumalde was back to back Tour of Luzon champion in 1964 and 1965.

I just cannot recall when this lady was Tour of Luzon champion.  Perhaps classmate Francis can help me.

Members of the Red Horse Cycling Club of Rizal. Every Sunday, they bike around the towns of Rizal.

To The Mountains Of Tanay Via The Marikina-Infanta Road

To The Mountains Of Tanay Via The Marikina-Infanta Road

A great portion of the town of Tanay consists of mountainous areas that form part of the vast Sierra Madre mountain range.  While the town center is near Laguna de Bay, several barangays are located in the mountains. People residing in these far-flung areas plant crops and raise animals for food or to sell in the market, making Tanay an agricultural town.               To reach these mountainous areas, the normal route is through the Manila East Road and as one reaches an intersection near the town proper, he turns left towards Sampaloc Road. From there, the ascent begins.  But there is another way to get to the mountain top.  And this is through the Marikina-Infanta Road, which is also known as Marcos Highway. From Quezon City, this route is shorter and more accessible.               The Marikina-Infanta Road was built in the '70s specifically to connect Metro Manila to Infanta, Quezon where a port was being established.  Though there are still some areas in the Laguna part of the road that need to be asphalted or cemented, the Manikina-Infanta Road is now considered as one of the most beautiful highways throughout the Philippines. The construction of this road is an engineering feat as it rivals that of Baguio-Nueva Viscaya Road as to design and beauty.                When one drives through the Boso Boso area in Antipolo City, the picturesque Sierra Madre looms on the horizon.  And as the ascent starts, the beauty of the mountains and the countryside becomes more glaring. With reflectorized warning signs at every turn or bend and metal barriers at dangerous cliffs, the traveler gets that safe feeling as he continues to marvel at the natural wonders of the mountains of Tanay.                 At Barangay Cuyambay in Tanay, there is a small community. One can see stores selling fruits and vegetables and even gasoline in bottles.  In this village where there is cool mountain air, there is a farm solely breeding fighting cocks.  And on the shoulders of the highway, horses and cows are grazing, unmindful of passing vehicles. And it is not surprising to see passenger jeepneys loaded with commuters up to the rooftop.               There are several resorts and restaurants as one gets to the summit. Sierra Madre Mountain Resort, Pranjetto, Paseo Rizal to name a few.  And a few kilometers away from Cuyambay is Sampaloc, which is perhaps the most populated mountain sitio of Tanay. Sampaloc is the mountain's business center. President Erap's resthouse is located there. Across and a few meters away is the famed Camp Capinpin which is called The Home of the Jungle Fighters.              Travel time from Masinag to Sampaloc is less than an hour.  There is no hassle. One breathes clean, fresh air.  And there is not much noise up there. People in the mountains are friendly and hospitable. And there are no dangerous elements that pose threat to life and property as there are checkpoints along the way.  It is no wonder this highway is a favorite route of cyclists, motorcycle riders and plain travelers. Next weekend, why not drive your car to the mountains of Tanay and find out for yourself what you have been missing all these years. Pronto !! - Konted Boso Boso area  in Antipolo City with a good view of the Sierra Madre Mountain Range Upper Antipolo and the quarry site of La Farge in Teresa, Rizal  can be seen from the Marikina-Infanta Road. Stretch of the Marikina-Infanta Road in Baras, Rizal Mountain was bulldozed to make way for the construction of the  highway. Start of ascent Warning signage.  Motorcycle riders on their way home Reflectorized signages to guide motorists Palo Alto is a residential and leisure farm developed by Sta Lucia Realty Corp.  It is located near the Tanay-Baras-Antipolo boundary. Approaching another subdivision Garden Cottages is a residential estate along the Marikina Infanta Road being developed by the Blue Star Construction and Development Corporation. It boasts of a nature park. View of the winding road from the gates of Garden Cottages Closer shot. This is part of Barangay Cuyambay in Tanay, Rizal. Elevation here is double that of Tagaytay City. A passenger jeepney descends. A cyclist taking it easy on his way down. Man waits at the bend. A country-style house at Garden Cottages Front garden Guard willingly takes photo. What lies ahead Beautiful landscape by the road Natural rocks at Garden Cottages Stopping by the side of the road for more shots View of the Sierra Madre at the bend A glimpse of Laguna de Bay Nearing the summit Motorcycle rider is homeward bound. Cow grazing on the roadside More cows grazing Another stop, another shot Part of the Marikina-Infanta Road lined with trees Farm solely breeding fighting cocks in Brgy Cuyambay in Tanay, Rizal Picturesque view Native horse near the road in Brgy Cuyambay Gasoline in bottles for sale Native bananas for sale Gingers for sale in another store in Brgy Cuyambay Gabi or Taro More gingers and bananas Niyog or coconut Store owner Aling Emma gamely poses in Barangay Cuyambay. Another view of Laguna de Bay Feeder road at Brgy Cuyambay leading to the farms Way to the Dept of Agriculture station in Cuyambay, Tanay, Rizal Closer view of Laguna de Bay :Lush greens of mountains beyond mountains Sierra Madre Mountain Resort Sierra Madre Mountain Resort is planted with a wide variety of trees. Standard pool at the resort Sayote (Chayote), Chico (Sapodilla), Kalabasa (Squash),  & Kamote (Sweet Potato) being sold at a small store in Sitio Malagay Sitaw (String Beans), Upo (White Squash), Kamoteng Kahoy &  Ube (Purple Yam) Ginger (Luya) Young girl tending the store answers: Malapit na ho ang Sampaloc.  Naka kotse naman kayo. Taking my snack of one footlong hot dog sandwich at the mountain top Footlong Hot Dog Sandwich Beautiful Gumamela or Rosemallow.  In Spanish, it is called Flor de Jamaica. View of the mountains of Rizal, Laguna and Quezon Excellent road condition Wild sunflowers Another stop, another shot Natural wonders Paseo Rizal offers native cuisine. It is located at Sitio Mayagay. Bungang China or Native Palm for sale in Tanay Native Anahaw or Anahaw Palm also for sale Another horse by the road Pranjetto Hills Hotel and Resort is situated at Sito Mayagay, Brgy Sampaloc in Tanay, Rizal. It has a swimming pool and function rooms for seminars and weddings. Busy intersection at Brgy Sampaloc in Tanay, Rizal President Erap's resthouse in Sampaloc, Tanay where he was placed under house arrest. Pres. Erap's resthouse is now a resort. Across and a few meters away from Pres. Erap's resthouse is Camp Capinpin which is known as The Home Of The Junglefighters. Sipping coffee under the cool shade of mango trees Another store selling fruits and vegetables in Sampaloc Sampaloc Inn Iglesia Ni Cristo in Sampaloc One of two gasoline stations in Sampaloc International Peace Leadership College compound along the Marikina-Infanta Road in Brgy Sampaloc, Tanay, Rizal.  It is a theological seminary. There is a majestic view wherever you go. Stopping to feel the cool breeze Near the Bureau of Plant Industry station St. Scholastica's Compound along the highway Man walks towards the next sitio. Barriers at dangerous cliffs No overtaking near the bend Warning signage of falling rocks There are falling rocks after a heavy rain or during the rainy season. Rider accelerating speed on his way up Police outpost in Brgy Cuyambay Another warning signage at a dangerous portion of the highway