Trekking is not just about reaching the destination. It is about the sore feet, the laughter in between, and the stories you bring home. This was exactly what our ocular trip for TUMCSI Faculty gave us on February 16.
Our destinations were two hidden gems in Quezon Province — Cauayan River and Baluti Island. I was told beforehand that we would be wading through a river and climbing cliffs. I expected it to be challenging, and it truly was.
The Long Road to Real, Quezon
We took the never-ending zigzags of Antipolo. Almost three hours of sharp curves and steep climbs, and we finally reached Real, Quezon Province. The aftermath of the zigzags was terrible that I barely touched my lunch. But the moment we stepped out, the fresh air and the smell of wild plants freed me from exhaustion.
After lunch, the real activity began — trekking.
Wading Through Cauayan River — The Best Part
Our objective was to explore Cauayan River and see the Seven Falls. The water was not crystal clear, but the sound it created — rushing, splashing, swirling — blended perfectly with our group's laughter.
This was where the real adventure started.
We waded through strong currents, holding each other's arms to keep our balance. The riverbed was full of slimy stones that made every step a careful dance. One slip and you would be sitting in the cold water. The rocky trail on the sides was just as tricky, but it failed to defy our vigor.
Along the way, we saw small cascades — beautiful mini-falls that served as a preview of the Seven Falls.
We laughed, we screamed when the current pushed us, and we helped each other cross the deeper parts. It was not just a trek — it was a river adventure that tested our teamwork.
The Tough Climb: A Thin Wire and a Brave Heart
So we reached the so-called tough climb. To see the top of the falls, we had to climb a slippery cliff.
There was nothing to hold on to except for a thin makeshift rope. And when I say rope, it was actually an old electrical wire — the kind that looks like it was snatched from someone's appliance. It swayed and I doubted if it could hold my weight.
Nevertheless, I bravely took the challenge. Inch by inch, gripping that thin wire, stepping on wet, mossy rock, I climbed. And I triumphantly reached the top of the falls.
Two more followed and joined me and the three tour guides for picture taking atop the falls. It was really fun and scary at the same time. It was not the height that posed the real challenge, but the slippery cliff and the very narrow trail to its peak. One wrong move and the climber would certainly fall to the rocky ground below.
My company decided to stop there as we would still be going to another place — Baluti Island.
Baluti Island: Beauty in Abandonment
From the river, we proceeded to the harbour and took a boat to the island. We sailed for almost 20 minutes and docked on the resort's bay.
The place appeared to be unattended for some time. The cottages looked as if they had been shattered by a storm. We surveyed the resort nonetheless and took pictures. I could not contain my curiosity and asked the guide why it looked that way.
He replied that renovation typically takes place a month before summer, the season when people naturally go to beach resorts. There was no reason for the owner to maintain the place while there were no customers coming in.
His answer made me realize the disadvantage of resort business — beauty that needs a season to survive.
We still enjoyed the island. We explored the lagoon and the spot where mangroves thrive. The cool water was refreshing and we had fun chasing the elusive frogfish. One of us even climbed up a fully grown tree. It was my first time to see a live sea urchin — it disgorged a thick yellow substance as it seemed to be inhaling.
The Unforgettable Dinner
The best part of the trip was the dinner.
As we left the island and washed ourselves at the barangay chairman's house, a freshly-caught tanigue (Spanish Mackerel) was prepared for us. It was cooked in three varied dishes — fried, sinigang, and kilawin. It was presented without garnishing, simple and rustic.
Despite that, the taste of each dish was distinctive and truly savoury. Each of us enjoyed the dinner that we found our tummies bloated afterwards. The barangay chairman's incomparable hospitality provided us a really filling meal and a great time for bonding.
The trek and the people — The Road Patriots — who made it possible truly deserve our thanks. This has been another remarkable trek in my list and a very unforgettable dinner for all of us. Can't wait for the continuation on April.
Thanks to Robi and Mr. Jun Manzano for the documentation. Without the pics, I would have not given a vivid narrative of the event.
Search Description for this post (paste in Search Description): Trekking Cauayan River in Real, Quezon to Seven Falls — wading strong currents, climbing a slippery cliff with a thin wire, plus our boat trip to Baluti Island and unforgettable dinner.
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