Palogtoc Falls back to nature

The true 'green' mower for this expanse is the ever reliable Philippine carabao that keeps this coconut farm patch  always freshly trimmed and neat looking.

Thumbs up for the carabao - a perfect bio-grass mower. This local grass species that the carabao grazes on is called (what else?) - carabao grass.

Local villagers from the vicinity of  Palogtoc Falls enjoy free plunge and bath according to a local teen - at least for now. We however paid 25pesos each as entrance fee.

The overflowing waters from the big pool that catches the waterfalls is still as fresh and clear as the Falls itself. The  presence of several local villagers mostly kids enjoying a cool plunge and bath is not enough to dilute the water's quality because of the sheer volume of it.

The local villagers know exactly how to frolic with the waters of Palogtoc Falls.

A long and shaded journey of a gushing mountain stream manifests itself into a beauty here in Palogtoc falls.  The waters  still  carry the taste of subtle mineral waters.

My niece, Yapa (in red attire) and cousin An-ge enjoying the 'bunlawan'  (rinse area) that serves also as a kiddie pool. This is just beside the big pool where the Palogtoc Falls continuously refresh and replenish the waters with its rushing head stream.

Embracing the front and sides of Palogtoc Falls are brooks and rivulets which are captivating on their own.

The brook fronting the Palogtoc Falls sings a melodious water sound complementing the louder sound of the rushing voice of the water falls.

Palogtoc Falls was actually a third choice for a Sunday  picnic destination for three visiting nieces for the summer break. Fulo Resort and Masacrot Spring were overflowing with visitors so as to make us turn our gears to Palogtoc. The headtrail of Palogtoc that starts along the road needs a walk of around 500 meters, enough to discourage those that flocked to the other pools along the road.

We found out however, that the 500m walk to the lovely nature grotto that is Palogtoc is worth the extra walk not to mention the sights near the end of the trail - a green-always-freshly grazed carabao grass expanse under a coconut farm patch courtesy of a mainstay carabao mower. The trail has no signage as to where we are going.

The only sign that gave as the clue that we are nearing Palogtoc Falls is the sound of the rushing waters that becomes louder and louder as we are nearing the Falls and makes one imagine in advance what to expect - fresh and abundant flow of mountain spring that converge into a big stout water falls. Short water falls actually since the rest of it is hidden. The water falls that is visible at the big 'gorgeous' pool is in fact an end point of a low lying source of rushing hidden and shaded waters.

Palogtoc is so lovely alright (as described by Lonely Planet in its review) with the elemental nature feel to it. Like a fairy land, says my niece. She is referring of course to the abundant giant ferns, wild trees, and tropical flora forming an impressive array of a picturesque tropical mountain paradise!

The drawbacks however were articulated also by my nieces - where is the CR? where is the changing and wash room? where are we going to pee?
Me for one was puzzled too on what happened to Palogtoc.  It seems that its management has relegated to nature even the simple amenities mentioned by my nieces.

I just answered the girls with this: Go back to the  smaller pool (used as rinse pool or 'bunlawan') and take a pee there while on a dip, the flow of the waters will exit to  the side brook and will not affect the main pool of the Falls.

Back to nature. Back to the free water fun for the local villagers.

Note: Heard from the local grapevine that Palogtoc property is currently for sale. This needs verification though for those who are interested.

Palogtoc Falls, Bulusan, Philippines
Photos by Alma P. Gamil

Happy Earth Day!

A village boy enjoying a plunge on the natural pool of Palogtoc Falls in Bulusan.


Photo by Alma P. Gamil
Palogtoc Falls, San Roque, Bulusan
Philippines

Kamandiis: Philippine endemic still growing wild in Bulusan

My recent visit to Odikin was rewarded with a chance encounter with another endemic Philippine tree, Kamandiis, growing wild along the mountain road.

The small-built tree looks more compact and charming in situ. I will love this growing in my backyard (if I have my own) for this reason alone. The flowers that seem to be always in the bud stage are the color of delicious berries arranged spatially in the twigs in random order. It is the kind of twig that will look excellent in a flower vase arrangement ikebana style.

But the most interesting trait of Kamandiis  in addition to its look is the taste. Not the fruit because at this time it is still in the flowering stage but the leaves and the flowers! I chewed one small leaf just to test if it tasted really sour or tart as related by Oya Choleng, my village guide. The taste is sour alright but not the kind of acidity that the Lubas leaf (another native) offers.

The fruit is used as souring agent for some local cooking recipes and a rich source of natural vitamin C. It gives added tartness to stewed fishes and vegetables in lieu of vinegar according to Oya Choleng, a village native.

Highlighted photo to emphasize the flower buds attached close to the twigs and branches. At this month of the year, the Kamandiis is profused with  minute red flowers.

The ASEAN Tropical Plant database classified Kamandiis as a Philippine endemic. Taxonomic record from the data base is as follows:

Scientific name	Garcinia rubra Merr.
Family name	Clusiaceae

Kamandiis minute flower buds

Reminder: "If forests were not disturbed, this would have been the safest place to permanently keep these valuable plant resources." ~ Roberto E. Coronel, foremost fruit scientist of Asia

Photos by Alma P. Gamil
Santa Barbara (Odikin), Bulusan, Sorsogon

Sea thoughts

“There is one spectacle grander than the sea, that is the sky; there is one spectacle grander than the sky, that is the interior of the soul.”

― Victor Hugo, Les Misérables

Dancalan Beach
Photo by Alma P. Gamil
Bulusan,  Sorsogon, Philippines

Easy way to beat the heat in Bulusan

Bulusan river is just one of the several water spots in Bulusan. It is however the most accessible being located just a block away from the town plaza. In the photo is a local boy ready for a swim.

In Bulusan, beating the heat is easy with countless springs and rivers dotting its whole landscape. From water falls to gushing river to springs -  the choices are varied. The whole summer vacation is not even enough to  plunge and dip in all  of these known and unknown water spots. 

Photo by Alma P. Gamil
Bulusan, Sorsogon, Philippines

Bulusan's Mexican Connection

On a limited appearance last Holy Week in Bulusan were the altar silver centerpieces, part of the local parish church's ecclesiastical heirlooms. The priceless heritage altarpieces under the care of Saint James the Greater Parish include also several pieces of antique silver candle holders seen during the Huwebes Santo vigils.

According to several posts about the pieces, the frontal silver altarpieces with ornate silver relief design and style were brought to the shores of Bulusan via  the galleon trade during the Spanish colonial period. The craftsmanship and materials probably originated from Mexico since there were no similar silver craftsmanship techniques of the same style existing in the Philippines at the time these pieces appeared in Bulusan.

But according to a National Library article, Mexican influences in Philippine culture is still lacking in available scholarly studies. In this case, these elegant Bulusan silver altarpieces from the 18th century era will be valuable sources of evident materials.

Photographs by Alma P. Gamil
Bulusan, Sorsogon, Philippines