Daranak Falls of Tanay, Rizal : Dadanak ang Saya Dito

 

Wazzup Pilipinas!

My summer vacation was full of surprises and activities. We’ve gone to different places to ease the hot weather. I attended review classes in preparation for the UP Examination. My cousin celebrated her birthday and my Aunt got married last April. Indeed, Summer 2013 was fun at all.

We had our review class in the Ateneo Campus and their campus was very big, as the others say; it was one of the elite campuses in the Philippines. I had the leisure time with my friends; talked and study together; roaming around the campus. How I’d wish we can be like that everyday.

As a sequel for my vacation, we went to a certain place called as “Daranak Falls”. If you want a taste of nature but hate long travel time then I believe this one suits you.

 

Daranak falls, a 14 meters-high falls that has a catch basin pool, with a very cool and relaxing waters for swimming, is a popular summer getaway for locals, neighboring town folks and tourists alike. Daranak Falls means "Dadanak ang Dugo" or "The Coming of the Blood". It is convenient to get to because it is only about twenty minutes or so from the town proper then a scenic five to ten-minute route into the mountain side from the main road. Even if you came in from Metro Manila, it wouldn’t take you more than three hours to get there, give or take.

One of the closest natural bathing grounds near the Metro, Daranak falls is considered to be one of the most beautiful natural formations in the country, protected by government laws and maintained by Tanay’s local government.

The water was so clean and refreshing. I can’t forget the scenery as the water falls from atop causing splashing sounds. At the very least, I managed to be at the base of the falls, I felt the cold water rushing down abruptly.

There was also another falls nearby at the top of Daranak Falls which was called Batlag Falls and was only a few walks away but Daranak Falls was bigger and better.

Last April, my Aunt got married and I was one of the spectator. We had a big celebration after the wedding. My mother prepared different dishes and we invited our relatives. My Aunt married a seaman and I supposed he was the right guy after all. I just missed my Aunt because now, she will have her own family soon. Moreover, my cousin celebrated her 1st birthday, my Aunt prepared a party for her only daughter, Ma. Divine. They hired a clown. The clown was dressed in colourful costumes and fancy make-up. His tricks were amazing. Everybody enjoyed the show. Apart from the show, we had the karaoke competition. I watched them as they sang as if it will never ends.

We, Filipinos are happy people and optimistic. We laugh at our problems. Summer vacation will be fun if you appreciate it and if you are celebrating it together with your family. We must be grateful for the blessings and the time we had with our family. Live our life to the fullest!


Contributed by Shiella May Lumbo