Random Musings: Abril 2013

March 29, 2013 - Holy Friday, I and my friends had decided to explore the other towns in Zambales after our overnight stay at Pundakit, San Antonio, Zambales.

We hit the road at exactly 9:45AM, with some stop overs. We all agreed to go up to Iba, Zambales and check some beaches and other possible tourist spots. While having lunch we found out that there is a secret falls in Iba, Zambales, not even the locals are familiar with it.

We were told to go to Brgy. Sta. Barbara (one of the baranggays in Iba), then look for the Baranggay Hall and ask the Baranggay Chairman for permit and for a guide. Off we go to Sta. Barbara, which is not that far from the Market of Iba, Zambales.

We were just so happy that the Kapitan gave in to our request and found some Baranggay Tanod Volunteers to be our Tour guides.

Here are some important tips if you decide to explore Sta. Barbara's falls :

You really have to ask permit from the Baranggay Hall of Sta. Barbara, as far as I know, this is for free.
It is a must that you get a tour guide!
The trek is about 1 to 1/2 hour if by simply walking from the entrance going to the foot of the mountain
Leave your car at the baranggay hall premises, unless you have 4x4 Jeep, SUV then take it with you, your trip going to the foot of the mountain will be much faster.
BUT THE BEST OPTION is get a tricycle with big wheels, it can take you up to the nearest pathway to the falls. Then your trip would cut short! It can be 25 to 30 minutes from the start of the 'trek'. Then another 10 to 15 minutes going down to go inside the mountain. All cars or tricycle has to be parked in an area before going down the falls, so from there on, you really have to walk..... It is just an easy trek, just bring enough water on a hot day it can sustain you well.

Our 1 hour and 15 minutes walk started here. We can no longer bring the car inside cause of the big rocks along the way.

We started walking at around 2:00PM, just when the sun is raging!

This is suppose to be a river, but since it's summer, there is no water according to our tour guide

After an hour of walking my earthly body is starting to give up..... I asked our tour guide to contact their base via Radio to send us tricycle that we can use when we return to the place where we left the car. I don't think I can survive going back. But he said, there is no more signal to where we were, I desperately shouted and prayed ; "Lord! Send us 4x4 Jeep or at least a tricycle please....." and in less than 10 minutes... Answered prayer!!!! Our guide saw one of his comrades who lives within the area, asked me if it is okay for us to ride in a trike that they are using for charcoal delivery, I just agreed and said yes, it doesn't matter what kind as long as it can take us faster back to the car.

My friends and I are quite relieved with the thought that we will not be walking the same distance going back, so we continued walking towards the goal.... The Sta. Barbara Falls. Lo and behold!!! as we enter the foot of the mountain, one of the falls is already greeting their guests with a warmth sound of water.