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.