LAGUNA VISITA IGLESIA 2020: PART 1 (OF 2)

My college buddies wanted to welcome, and bond with, two foreign-based buddies, through a Laguna Day tour. I suggested to have a combination of an early Laguna Visita Iglesia and a cultural-food trip, and we were able to do so on March 8, 2020, amidst the start of the spread of COVID-19, and a day before President Duterte declared a State of Public Health Emergency.

For foreign readers, know more about Visita Iglesia in a related post: Foreign Seniors Ask: WHAT IS VISITA IGLESIA?

I searched for a simple Visita Iglesia Prayer Guide and sent it beforehand, via Viber, to the group so we could easily access the prayers via our cellphones. Here is the link: https://www.facebook.com/notes/100-katolikong-pinoy/prayer-guide-for-visita-iglesia-for-personal-use/10150162372814645/

I am based in Lumban, Laguna, so I met them in a branch of McDonalds, in Sta Cruz, Laguna slightly before 9AM. They were able to stretch a bit after a long trip of almost 3 hours from Metro Manila, braving the traffic and on-going road constructions. I told them not to have a heavy breakfast before leaving Metro Manila and just buy coffee in the said fast food establishment.

Let Tita S tell you about this early Visita Iglesia cum historical-cultural-food trip:

Since we were in Sta. Cruz, I first brought them to the tallest Rizal statue in the world, located in the Laguna Sports Complex, Barangay Bubukal. See my post about this statue in Laguna, Philippines: TWO TALLEST RIZAL MONUMENTS IN THE WORLD

We then proceeded towards the town of Pangil, about half an hour away. Why? I wanted to start with the farthest town in the fourth district of Laguna that I wanted them to visit.

Passing through the town of Lumban, we stopped by a bakery specializing in hot malunggay pandesal, bought newly home-made kesong puti, and ate in the van, enroute to our first church-stop.   

Here are the seven Laguna churches we visited for our early 2020 Visita Iglesia (name of church – town):

1. Nuestra Señora de la Natividad Parish Church – Pangil
2. Peter of Alcantara Parish Church – Pakil
3. James the Apostle Parish Church – Paete
4. Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish Church – Pagsanjan
5. Mary Magdalene Parish Church – Magdalena
6. John the Baptist Parish Church – Liliw
7. San Antonio de Padua Parish Church – Pila

All these seven churches are unique and special, and Tita S will tell you why, as she chronologically recalls the day.

On our way to our first church, we picked up a local kakanin of Pangil, Suman Binamban. I will write about it after this pandemic. Basically, it is a square, steamed, native rice cake made of sticky rice, sugar, with strips of, or chopped, buko, cooked in coconut milk, and individually wrapped in coconut leaves. We enjoyed it even before we arrived in Pangil. See, I told you this was a food trip too! Hot pandesal with kesong puti and suman, even before our first church-stop. Burp!  

Anyway, we finally arrived at Nuestra Señora de la Natividad Parish Church of the town of Pangil, recited our Visita Iglesia prayer for the first church, reflected, prayed for personal concerns and included protection and a cure for COVID-19.

Interior, facing the altar, Nuestra Señora de la Natividad Parish Church, Pangil, Laguna Source: Judgefloro, own work, created 12 May 2019, http://www.commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:148.Nuestra_Señora_de_la_Natividad_Parish_Church_20.jpg

Interior, looking at the entrance, Nuestra Señora de la Natividad Parish Church, Pangil, Laguna – Source: Judgefloro, own work, created 12 May 2019, http://www.commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?search=nuestra+señora+de+la+natividad+parish+church&title=Special:Search&go=Go&nsO=1&ns6=1&ns12=1&ns14=1&ns100=1&ns106=1#/media/File:148.Nuestra_Señora_de_la_Natividad-Parish-Church_15.jpg

The statues of Nuestra Señora de la O (Our Lady of the O) and Santo Niño de la O (Holy Child of the O) were gifts of King Carlos III of Spain to Nuestra Señora de la Natividad Parish Church, Pangil, Laguna – Source: Facebook account: Nuestra Señora de la Natividad Parish – Pangil, Laguna

The statue of Nuestra Señora de la O (Our Lady of the O) to the right of the altar, Nuestra Señora de la Natividad Parish Church, Pangil, Laguna

If you want to virtually visit this church, a la Visita Iglesia, through this post by looking at the pictures above, here is the prayer for the first church:

VISITA IGLESIA PRAYER – FIRST CHURCH

(Kneel)    In the Name…     L: Let us praise the Lord,       A: and give him thanks!

LET US PRAY:

L: Holy Spirit, you who reveal Jesus to us, help us to discover him in his Eucharistic presence;

Beneath the veil of the Host, show us the powerful and generous Christ of the Gospels;

Let us see the Good Shepherd who knows each one of us, watches over us and calls us by name;

Allow us to listen to the incomparable Master who presents His doctrine and wishes to enlighten us in all things.

A: Let us touch the Savior whose contact heals, and transforms bodies and souls;

Let us recognize this friend, happy to live with us and share our human existence;

Allow us to recognize the victim of Calvary who spares nothing of the gift of Himself to obtain for us pardon and holiness.

Give us a profound attachment to Jesus in the Eucharist; that his ardent desire to remain among us be met by our readiness to welcome Him.

L: Holy Virgin, you who knew how to look at Jesus and penetrate the most profound depth of his person:

Teach us to look at Him, to look at him at length and quietly, in the tabernacle where he is present.

Teach us to listen in silence to the words which he speaks to us and establish an intimate dialogue with him.

A: Let us see the marvels which he desires to work in the depths of our souls.

Teach us to appreciate his closeness to us and the immeasurable friendship he shows us.

Help us to respond to his love with all the fire of our being, and like you, to immerse ourselves in a loving gaze on him.

L: Lord Jesus, as we contemplate on the miracle of your precious Body and Blood, help us to revere this sacred mystery more in our daily life. May we reflect and ponder on your great love for us that made you offer yourself as a Holy and Living Sacrifice for all. Teach us to love you in every Altar at every Mass. May we recognize your sacred presence in Holy Communion. Most of all, help us to live in the spirit of the wondrous sacrament of love and sacrifice for all.

You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever.

A: AMEN.

(sit)

Reader: From the Gospel of John. (14, 1-7)

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you.  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.”

Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?”

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.  If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.”

The Gospel of the Lord.

All: Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ!

Reflection…

(kneel)   Prayer:

Lord Jesus, you truly are the Way, which leads us to the Father. You are the Truth, where we find all knowledge and wisdom we need to face every day’s struggles. You are the Life, for without you we are nothing. We praise you this night and thank you for the gift of your Eucharistic Presence.

You never leave us alone. You shared with us this sacred meal for us to partake, and share with others, for our salvation. Transform us to your image, and help us to live continually according to your law. May we continuously show our love for the holy Eucharist, which is our way, truth and life in our daily struggles until we come to see you in eternal glory. Amen.

(We shall spend this time for our personal prayer.)

All: Soul of Christ, sanctify me; Body of Christ, save me; Blood of Christ, inebriate me;

Water from the side of Christ, wash me; Passion of Christ, strengthen me;

O good Jesus, hear me; within Thy wounds, hide me;

Permit me not to be separated from Thee; from the malignant enemy, defend me

In the hour of my death, call me, and bid me come unto Thee

That with thy Saints I may praise Thee, forever and ever, Amen.

Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory Be… In the name of the Father …

Here are the highlights about the first church we visited:

• Nuestra Señora de la Natividad Parish Church, or Our Lady’s Nativity Parish Church, is the only church in the Philippines dedicated to a pregnant Virgin Mary, located in Pangil, Laguna.
• The statue of Nuestra Señora de la O (Our Lady of the O) and the statue of Santo Niño de la O (Holy Child of the O) were gifts of King Carlos III of Spain.

Read more about this church in my post: NUESTRA SEÑORA DE LA NATIVIDAD PARISH CHURCH, PANGIL, LAGUNA

Our second church was St. Peter of Alcantara Parish Church in the nearby town of Pakil, about 20 minutes away from Pangil. We recited the Visita Iglesia prayer for the second church, reflected, prayed for personal concerns and again included protection and a cure for COVID-19.

Saint Peter of Alcantara Parish Church, Pakil, Laguna, Home of Our Lady of Turumba    By Richard Eusebio, own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, created 30 November 2011, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Peter_of_Alcantara_Parish_Church#/media/File:The_Pakil_Church_or_the_San_Pablo_de_Alcantara_Church_in_Pakil,_Laguna.jpg

Photo of St. Peter of Alcantara is the profile picture of the Facebook account: Saint Peter of Alcantara Parish; photo of the original image of the oil painting of Our Lady of Sorrows of Turumba was taken by Randy Caponpon, DM, https://en. wikipedia.org/wiki/Our_Lady_of_Turumba#/media/File:TurumbaIcon.jpg

Photos in the collage were obtained from http://www.facebook.com/pg/SaBirhen/photos/?tab=album&album_id=504921503470929

If you want to virtually visit this church, ala Visita Iglesia, through this post by looking at the pictures, here is the prayer for the second church:

VISITA IGLESIA PRAYER – SECOND CHURCH

(Kneel)   In the Name…       L: Let us praise the Lord,       A: and give him thanks!

LET US PRAY:

L: Holy Spirit, you who reveal Jesus to us, help us to discover him in his Eucharistic presence;

Beneath the veil of the Host, show us the powerful and generous Christ of the Gospels;

Let us see the Good Shepherd who knows each one of us, watches over us and calls us by name;

Allow us to listen to the incomparable Master who presents His doctrine and wishes to enlighten us in all things.

A: Let us touch the Savior whose contact heals, and transforms bodies and souls;

Let us recognize this friend, happy to live with us and share our human existence;

Allow us to recognize the victim of Calvary who spares nothing of the gift of Himself to obtain for us pardon and holiness.

Give us a profound attachment to Jesus in the Eucharist; that his ardent desire to remain among us be met by our readiness to welcome Him.

L: Holy Virgin, you who knew how to look at Jesus and penetrate the most profound depth of his person:

Teach us to look at Him, to look at him at length and quietly, in the tabernacle where he is present.

Teach us to listen in silence to the words which he speaks to us and establish an intimate dialogue with him.

A: Let us see the marvels which he desires to work in the depths of our souls.

Teach us to appreciate his closeness to us and the immeasurable friendship he shows us.

Help us to respond to his love with all the fire of our being, and like you, to immerse ourselves in a loving gaze on him.

L: Lord Jesus, as we contemplate on the miracle of your precious Body and Blood, help us to revere this sacred mystery more in our daily life. May we reflect and ponder on your great love for us that made you offer yourself as a Holy and Living Sacrifice for all. Teach us to love you in every Altar at every Mass. May we recognize your sacred presence in Holy Communion. Most of all, help us to live in the spirit of the wondrous sacrament of love and sacrifice for all.

You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever.

A: AMEN.

(sit)   Reader: From the Gospel of John. (15, 1-8)

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.  You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.  If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you.  This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.

The Gospel of the Lord.

All: Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ!

Reflection…

(kneel)   Prayer:

We are truly connected to you, Lord Jesus. Like the vine and its branches, we continually receive the grace and life from you alone. We especially remember this in the Holy Eucharist. Your body is the food which nourishes our spirit and makes us live more according to your will.

We pray, Jesus! Continue to nourish us in body and spirit through the Bread of Life which you provide us in every Mass we attend. Enliven in us the sacredness of this Sacrament that we may continuously live as what you will. Amen.

We shall spend this time for our personal prayer.

All: Soul of Christ, sanctify me; Body of Christ, save me; Blood of Christ, inebriate me

Water from the side of Christ, wash me; Passion of Christ, strengthen me

O good Jesus, hear me; within Thy wounds, hide me

Permit me not to be separated from Thee; from the malignant enemy, defend me

In the hour of my death, call me, and bid me come unto Thee

That with thy Saints I may praise Thee, forever and ever. Amen.

Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory Be… In the name of the Father …

Here are the highlights about our second church and related information:

• Saint Peter of Alcantara Parish Church, in the Pakil, Laguna, under the patronage of Peter of Alcantara, was designated the Diocesan Shrine of Nuestra Señora de los Dolores de Turumba. It enshrines the Our Lady of Sorrows of Turumba painting. Know more about the latter in my post: NOW YOU KNOW: NUESTRA SEÑORA DE LOS DOLORES DE TURUMBA
• Adjoining the church, at the second floor, passing through the right side of the church, is an adoration room/chapel in honor of Our Lady of Turumba. The original oil painting, found by fishermen, can also be found inside the chapel. When you have the time after this pandemic, why not visit this chapel for its miraculous oil? Read more in my post:  ST. PETER OF ALCANTARA PARISH CHURCH, PAKIL, LAGUNA
• The Chancery of the Roman Catholic Diocese of San Pablo confirmed that the diocese received a letter from Santos Cardinal Abril, Archpriest of the Papal Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome. The letter conferred a Spiritual Bond of Affinity between the basilica and the church of Pakil.
• The Turumba Festival, in honor of Our Lady of Sorrows of Turumba, is the longest religious celebration in the Philippines. It consists of seven Turumba novenas, or lupi, for seven months, commemorating the seven sorrows of the Virgin Mary, starting on the Friday preceding Palm Sunday. I featured this festival in another post: NOW YOU KNOW: TURUMBA FESTIVAL, PAKIL, LAGUNA.

Read more about this church in my post: ST. PETER OF ALCANTARA PARISH CHURCH, PAKIL, LAGUNA

The third church was St. James the Apostle Parish Church, in the next town called Paete, about 2 km away from Pakil. We recited the Visita Iglesia prayer for the third church, reflected, prayed for personal concerns and again included protection and a cure for COVID-19.

Facade, Saint James the Apostle Parish Church, Paete, Laguna – Photo by Carlo Joseph M. Moskito, own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, created 15 October 2014, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_James_the_Apostle_Parish_Church_(Paete)#/media/File:Facade_of_Paete_Church,_Laguna.jpg

Interior, St. James the Apostle Parish Church, Paete, Laguna

Murals, Interior, St. James the Apostle Parish Church, Paete, Laguna

Intricate metalwork and stained glass window, St. James the Apostle Parish Church, Paete, Laguna

If you want to virtually visit this church, ala Visita Iglesia, through this post by looking at the pictures, here is the prayer for the third church:

VISITA IGLESIA PRAYER – THIRD CHURCH

(Kneel)       In the Name…       L: Let us praise the Lord,       A: and give him thanks!

LET US PRAY:

L: Holy Spirit, you who reveal Jesus to us, help us to discover him in his Eucharistic presence;

Beneath the veil of the Host, show us the powerful and generous Christ of the Gospels;

Let us see the Good Shepherd who knows each one of us, watches over us and calls us by name;

Allow us to listen to the incomparable Master who presents His doctrine and wishes to enlighten us in all things.

A: Let us touch the Savior whose contact heals, and transforms bodies and souls;

Let us recognize this friend, happy to live with us and share our human existence;

Allow us to recognize the victim of Calvary who spares nothing of the gift of Himself to obtain for us pardon and holiness.

Give us a profound attachment to Jesus in the Eucharist; that his ardent desire to remain among us be met by our readiness to welcome Him.

L: Holy Virgin, you who knew how to look at Jesus and penetrate the most profound depth of his person:

Teach us to look at Him, to look at him at length and quietly, in the tabernacle where he is present.

Teach us to listen in silence to the words which he speaks to us and establish an intimate dialogue with him.

A: Let us see the marvels which he desires to work in the depths of our souls.

Teach us to appreciate his closeness to us and the immeasurable friendship he shows us.

Help us to respond to his love with all the fire of our being, and like you, to immerse ourselves in a loving gaze on him.

L: Lord Jesus, as we contemplate on the miracle of your precious Body and Blood, help us to revere this sacred mystery more in our daily life. May we reflect and ponder on your great love for us that made you offer yourself as a Holy and Living Sacrifice for all. Teach us to love you in every Altar at every Mass. May we recognize your sacred presence in Holy Communion. Most of all, help us to live in the spirit of the wondrous sacrament of love and sacrifice for all.

You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever.

A: AMEN.

(sit)  Reader: From the Gospel of John. (15, 9-17)

“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.  My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. This is my command: Love each other. “

The Gospel of the Lord.

All: Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ!

Reflection…

(kneel)   Prayer:

You loved us, Lord Jesus. You loved us until your death. You loved us as friends. You loved us with an ultimate love. This is far greater than anything we can feel or imagine! You commanded us to extend the same love to others, without anything in reserve. Your love remains with us in the Eucharist, this love we receive in every Communion when we eat your precious Body and drink your sacred Blood. This is the great manifesto of your love for us.

Teach us to show greater love for you in the Holy Sacrifice. Make us receive you in a greater disposition, prepared and in the state of grace. Every time we sin against you, help us to be sorry first for our iniquities before we accept you in Communion. Make every moment a loving one with your divine presence in us. And when the priest tells us, Ite, Missa Est, guide us as we become a living Eucharist of love to our brothers and sisters, even to the point of offering our lives for you and for them. Amen.

We shall spend this time for our personal prayer.

All: Soul of Christ, sanctify me; Body of Christ, save me; Blood of Christ, inebriate me

Water from the side of Christ, wash me; Passion of Christ, strengthen me

O good Jesus, hear me within Thy wounds, hide me;

Permit me not to be separated from Thee; from the malignant enemy, defend me

In the hour of my death, call me, and bid me come unto Thee

That with thy Saints I may praise Thee, forever and ever. Amen.

Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory Be… In the name of the Father …

Here are the highlights about our third church:

• James the Apostle Parish Church is a Roman Catholic church, under the patronage of St. James the Apostle, located in Paete, Laguna.
• The intricate retablo pieces were made by Paetenian natives, known for their wood carving skills.
• This church is known for its century-old murals, huge collection of images depicting the Passion of Christ, and wooden images of saints.
• The large wall paintings on wood panels inside the church were executed by a notable son of Paete, Luciano Dans. These depict Heaven, Earth and Hell (Langit, Lupa, Impiyerno), and large murals of St. Christopher (San Cristobal). Dans used natural color pigments mixed with volcanic ash and brushes made from cats’ hair to create the murals. Awesome murals but are currently being restored due to termite infestation.
• At the start of the Lenten season, owners of privately owned religious images that were handed down from generations put up an exhibit of their religious icons on the church’s hall. My group was privileged to see this collection of vintage religious images.

Read more about this church in my post: ST. JAMES THE APOSTLE PARISH CHURCH, PAETE, LAGUNA

We stopped by a big souvenir store and some of the members of the group bought wooden carvings and decorations. Sorry, no pictures this visit.

These pictures were taken during my Visita Iglesia 2011.

Before we knew it, it was already 1PM, and most of us were hungry. We opted to dine at my favorite Japanese restaurant in Pagsanjan, Hana Japanese Restaurant. If you want to know more about this restaurant, read my post: HANA: HAPPY TUMMY ALL THE TIME!

Photos in collage obtained from the official Facebook account of Hana: https://www.facebook.com/Shin-Hana-Japanese-Restaurant-1474939912794500/

We did not order dessert in Hana because my buddies wanted to try the halo-halo of Aling Taleng’s Halo-Halo. What is unique about the halo-halo served in this restaurant is the topping, sweetened tubo (ng niyog)! I need to feature this ingredient and restaurant in the future.

Please join us to the next four churches in the next post (LAGUNA VISITA IGLESIA 2020: PART 2 (OF 2)), not only to known more about Laguna, but hopefully finish your virtual Visita Iglesia: LAGUNA VISITA IGLESIA 2020: PART 2 (OF 2)

• Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish Church, in the town of Pagsanjan
• Mary Magdalene Parish Church, in the town of Magdalena
• John the Baptist Parish Church, in the town of Liliw
• San Antonio de Padua Parish Church, in the town of Pila

I purposely did not use any footnotes in this two-part Visita Iglesia post. If you want to know more about the seven churches we visited, please visit the links I provided.

This is not a sponsored post. I just want my readers to know more about the Philippines.

Did you find this post informative? I would like to hear from you about any Visita Iglesia you made in Laguna or elsewhere.

See other interesting places through other posts in this category and other categories of SCapades, Pinoy Delights, and Smart Traveler – Now You Know, Short and Simple, and Say, Say, Say. Happy reading, and I hope that you will appreciate what I shared and some of the featured destinations will be part of your future travel plans!

Remember to share this post with your friends, follow me by clicking on the bottom right corner of your device, and do not forget to like this post. Thank you.

THE SWEET REWARD OF TREKKING: AMBON-AMBON FALLS (Paguil River Eco-Park, Pangil, Laguna, Philippines)

Dear readers, let me ask you these questions first:

1.Do you reside in Metro Manila, Laguna, Batangas, Quezon, or nearby areas, and just want to spend the whole day with your family far away from work, school, the traffic and pollution of the city?

2. Do you love nature-tripping but do not want to go too far from your home?

3. Are you fond of picnicking? Do you love to bring your signature adobo, steamed rice, vegetables with sweet/spicy bagoong, marinated chicken/pork to be barbecued on-site, fresh fruits, junk food, and whatever else you fancy? Or, are you the type who does not cook at all and who is willing to try native “lutong bahay”, i.e., home-cooked dishes; not gourmet but decent enough dishes, and pay accordingly? If you belong to the latter, no worries, there is a small kitchen in this destination with a local cook. Just tell them when you arrive so they can do the marketing. Seniors, do not forget to inform them of your dietary restrictions (like low salt, low fat, etc.).      some dishes you can order in-house (Adobong Baboy, Fried Tilapia and Pinakbet)

4. Are you willing to trek 15 minutes for a River Tubing adventure? Or are you game to trek all the way to Ambon-Ambon Falls, i.e., 30 minutes one way, then 15 minutes going back for the River Tubing? Are you out of shape or not sure if you can make it all the way but would like to see and be near the falls? No worries, you can stop and rest anytime/anywhere along the path; trek/walk at your own pace; the guides are very helpful. Seeing the falls is worth the trek!

5. Is it okay for you to walk and get wet along the side of the river, climb a couple of rocks (sometimes with flowing water), cross the river about 3 times through a bamboo bridge, and ride 3 bamboo rafts along the way?
6. Do you want to personally witness an awesome falls and have a “back-massage” from its thundering water? Or do you just want to soak in the sun, swim/wade in shallow waters with your “apos” (grandchildren) and loved ones?

If you answered “yes” to most of these questions, then I have a suggested place for you – the AMBON-AMBON FALLS in the Panguil¹ River Eco-Park, Barangay Natividad, in the town of Pangil¹, province of Laguna, Region IV-A, in the Philippines.

It would only take about 2 – 2 1/2 hours once you exit Calamba from the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), depending on the traffic in Calamba and Los Baños.

Interested families or groups can go to the Eco-Park any month of the year but, personally, the best months to enjoy this adventure is from October till February, when the water is right for River Tubing, except when there is a typhoon.

Use the Waze app in your cell phone to tell you where to pass. Less techie? No problem, I always advise my visitors going to this destination to just follow the national road and look for directional and feeder signs. Your destination: Pangil¹, Laguna!

I suggest you all wear your swimming/trekking attire before you ride your vehicle so it would be easy to start your adventure once you reach the place. Fully charge your cell phones and power banks but designate just one or two cell phones to be brought to the River Tubing/Ambon Ambon Falls. Make sure to place each cell phone in a water-proof container that you can then bring during your trek and waterfall moment/s. You can ask your guide to take pictures while you/your group are under the falls. Do not worry, they are used to doing this, and know the right places to take the shots, as well as how to take care of your device/s. I also recommend applying sun block 30 minutes beforehand to take effect. A pair of reliable, non-slippery footwear that can get wet and still be good for trekking along the set path, walking along the river, and crossing bamboo bridges is recommended. Eat breakfast and finish your morning “ceremonies/rituals”. You can actually stop along SLEX for breakfast and/or clean public rest rooms. Bring bottled water for trekking, if necessary.

Tell your designated driver to just follow the slotted/solid white lines or solid yellow lines (solid lines for no overtaking; better observe traffic rules to be safe) painted at the middle of the road –that’s an indication that you are cruising along the national highway. You will pass through the following towns from SLEX (Calamba exit coming from Makati/Paranaque): Calamba, Los Baños, Bay, Calauan, Victoria, Pila, Sta. Cruz, Pagsanjan, Lumban, Kalayaan, Paete and Pakil. “Marami ba?” (Do you find it too many?) Do not be turned off; you will only be passing through these towns and not going inside any town proper. And, once you exit Los Baños, it’s the end of traffic.

Along the way, just enjoy the view that includes lots of rice fields (stare at the greenery – that is good for your eyes), coconut trees, and even some stands offering local and seasonal fruits. You can stop, bargain some, and maybe buy the fresh fruits you want to munch on the road. You can also buy native delicacies (puto, kuchinta, buko pie, espasol, etc.) in Los Baños. (Note: remember your doctor’s advice, if any, regarding your restricted dietary intake.) Moderation always; nothing in excess, ok?

The road leading to Panguil River Eco-Park — from where you can access Ambon Ambon Falls — does not have a sign ever since the national highway of the said town was widened. But the General Manager told me that a directional sign will be installed soon. In the meantime, just remember that when you reach the town of Pangil (there are directional signs for this along the way), watch out for a short bridge followed by the barangay hall of Brgy. Natividad to your right. Turn right on that small road and just drive straight till you hit the end of the road – that’s it! You have reached your destination!

                                Entrance – Panguil River Eco-Park, Pangil, Laguna

If you have a big group, or are the type of traveler who is “sigurista” (a person who wants to be sure that all aspects of his/her trip are well organized) like me, I suggest you reserve a cottage or even an air-conditioned room (contact information at the end of this post) to ensure you have the kind of accommodation you and your family could enjoy for the whole day or even overnight (although I have not tried doing the latter).

For smaller groups, you can rent a native hut for eating/resting for day use only. I suggest you designate one person in your group to watch over your belongings in the hut while the others swim/wade, go to the falls, or experience the River Tubing.

There are separate structures for public shower-cum-rest rooms for males and females. Bring plastic bags for your wet clothes/toiletries for easy packing if you will use the public shower rooms. Unfortunately, dearest Seniors, there is no hot water for showers, neither in the public shower rooms nor in the rented rooms. (For me, these are just minor details that will not spoil your adventure of the refreshing and awesome Ambon-Ambon Falls.)

Are you still interested? Then, read on.

You have now parked your vehicle in the designated paid parking space. It is safe, I assure you, just lock your vehicle/s and keep your valuables safe with a designated person/watcher. Better still, do not bring any jewelry.

One person from your group must go inside the Admin. office to pay the required fees. Beforehand, you need to count how many you are in your group (separate the count for adults and children, 5-10 years old).                                       Entrance, Admin Office, Panguil River Eco-Park

                                      Interior of Admin Office, Panguil River Eco-Park

                              The hospitable staff, Amin Office, Panguil River Eco-Park

The breakdown of fees is shown below. Once payments are made, guides will be assigned to you, depending on how many you are in your group and your desired activity/activities.

You must now carry your things to your rented cottage/room (for overnight) or native hut (for day use). I am sure the guide/s will help to transport your stuff.

                                       Turn right and proceed to the Hanging Bridge

                                          Mini-stores for snacks and basic necessities

You then cross a Hanging Bridge. You can start your selfie/group poses here. For those with vertigo, those who easily get dizzy, or those who are afraid of heights, go slow on this bridge and just look straight ahead; do not look down or sideways.

                                          Left view from the hanging bridge

                                       Huts, viewed from the hanging bridge

                                                    The end of the hanging bridge

At the end of the bridge is a round cemented area with the name of the eco-park – another group shot here, for sure! All persons who will go to the falls are required to wear the safety vests. Ask assistance from the guide/s if you have difficulty attaching all clasps, especially the one that goes around the bottom.

                       The Pasalubong Center to the left of the central round cemented area

                                 More huts to the right of the round cemented area

                        More huts for rent at the right side of the end of the hanging bridge

              Another hut overlooking the cool stream from the Ambon-Ambon Falls

For the not-so-adventurous readers, you may opt to just wade in the shallow waters near the rented native huts. Enjoy your “blue space”² with your “apos” (grandchildren) and other companions. Breathe in the clean air. Savor the cooling effect of the running water, coming all the way from the falls.

                               Trekking? Gear up! This is how the trail surface looks like

For the more adventuresome, you’re now geared up to start your trek. Just relax, breathe normally, do not hold your breath. The path goes up and down along the side of the river and you can rest whenever you need to, dear Seniors. The guides will adjust to your pace. Do not forget to take pictures along the way. The guides are more than willing to patiently take as many pictures as you want. Just do not forget to give them a tip later, ok?

You may opt to just walk for about 15 minutes and ask for the River Tubing adventure. It is about a 5-minute thrill of riding on connected inflated rubber tubes.

You can ask your guide to take pictures of your group as you glide downstream to the lower part of this park, near the rented native huts for the day.

Or, you may opt to ask a member of your group to stay on the hanging bridge and to click away as you glide towards the end point of the ride. Then, you can just join the wading people of your group, grab a snack, and share your brief ride downstream. Why don’t you convince them to experience River Tubing too?

For the more fit and “game”, bring water (to quench your thirst) and a towel (to be used after your “falls experience” just in case “ginawin ka” (you easily feel cold). Well then, brave Seniors, trek onwards, for a total of about 30 minutes towards the Ambon-Ambon Falls.

At certain points, you will cross the river three times over a bamboo bridge, climb a couple of rocks (with or without flowing water, depending on the season), and ride a total of three bamboo rafts till you reach the falls. Ask the tour guide to take pictures of each interesting point of your trek.

                                        You will ride a bamboo raft three times

What’s this, you tell me you can’t swim? Or are you not confident in your swimming skills for the slightly deep part, right before the falls? No worries! Just float facing the sky and your guide will pull you towards the falls through your safety vest. Do not forget to leave your cell phone with the guide so he can take pictures in strategic locations. This way, your group will have memorable shots near/under the falls.

When your group is now complete near/under the falls, pose in unison and tell the designated guide-photographer to wait for your wacky poses, and then some! Keep smiling! Achieve!

You have all reached your final destination – the Ambon Ambon Falls!

You are allowed to stay as long as you want near/under the falls. I dare you to try a hard back massage under the falls (depending on the pressure of the water). This “blue space²” experience will surely be a big hit when you talk about it with your “amigos/amigas” (male/female friends) the next time you see each other back home.

Once you signal your guide that you want to return, he will again pull the safety vests of floating persons who do not want to swim the deep water till they reach the first raft going back. You will go back the same way until you reach the River Tubing spot, after about 15 minutes of trekking. Refer to the same guidelines I gave earlier.

The River Tubing is the last time you will see your guides so I am sure you want to thank them. Please do not forget to give a tip to your guides when you land, ok?

After the River Tubing experience, you can then go back and join the rest of your group in your rented private room (for those staying overnight) or native hut (for day use only). Some may decide to snack, have brunch, or opt to shower/take a bath and change clothes.

                                                           Cottages for rent

                                      Separate male and female shower/rest rooms

                                             Interior of female shower/rest room

                                           Camping Site – tents are available for rent

                                                                Swimming Pool

                                                 the Pavilion for large get-togethers

I have been entertaining family members and friends through the years in this destination but have not experienced staying overnight. Who knows, I might do it next time so I can share the experience with you as well.

By the way, I always pay for my visits and all comments are based on my repeated experience in this Eco-Park.

I was also told by General Manager (GM) Raymund Diaz about the following additional offerings of the Eco-Park:

1. Massage-Therapy, i.e., Hilot-Wellness Full Body Massage at PHP300 per hour, starting April. This is good news for interested seniors! They have five massage beds and about 20 trained massage-therapists on call. I need to try this!

2. A 200-meter trail leading to a point where one can have a panoramic view of the town of Pangil and Laguna de Bay, along with a bambusetum, a garden with a collection of bamboo plants. This, I’ve got to see during my next visit!

3. An extension of the River Tubing to double the length of the ride so that means double the fun, fun, fun for all to enjoy going downstream! Watch out for it; it is coming soon!

Special thanks to the following for the information shared: GM Diaz, Assistant GM Richmond Samson and Cashiers: Mafeh, Rose Ann and Dhang!

Bottomline, this is an exciting and reasonably-priced day trip for you and your family/friends. This “blue space²” is just about 3 hours (or less, depending on the traffic) from the Calamba exit of SLEX. The air is fresh, so you can declog your urban-polluted lungs. Only basic facilities are offered, thus, do not expect five-star facilities/services. You will definitely feel a bit tired, but fulfilled, from this experience.

This is not a sponsored post. I just want my readers to know more about the Philippines.

Did you find this post informative? Have you also experienced going to the Panguil River Eco-Park, either just for the day or overnight? I would like to hear your comment/s.

See other interesting places through other posts in this category and other categories of SCapades, Pinoy Delights, and Smart Traveler – Now You Know, Short and Simple, and Say, Say, Say. Happy reading, and I hope that you will appreciate what I shared and some of the featured destinations will be part of your future travel plans!

Remember to share this post with your friends, follow me by clicking on the bottom right corner of your device, and do not forget to like this post. Thank you.

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¹Panguil is the original spelling of Pangil, the town in Laguna, where the Ambon Ambon Falls is located.

²Blue space is the term for visible water needed to improve the quality of life.¹ Examples of blue spaces are beaches, canals, fountains, harbors, islands, islets, lakes, marinas, ponds, ports, rivers, streams, and waterfront parks.  To know more about blue space, see my post: Short and Simple: WHAT IS BLUE SPACE?