(meaning of title: Going to Pagsanjan)

On January 20, 2008 (Sunday) with Keen and Iris (a new friend), we gamely went to Pagsanjan, Laguna. Despite the light downpour which plagued us on the way, and some unplanned hitches, we persevered in our adventure.





It is Sinulog in Cebu on this day. Still, I didn't mind too much since they also were celebrating our beloved Sto. Niño in Laguna. Lots of anecdotes but I will let the pictures tell the story.

At the end of the day, I went back home squishing in my wet sandals and pants but I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. I only wish I had my two-piece (as if meron, ehem) and rubber ducky so I could also have plonked myself under the falls!

We went home earlier than our planned schedule due to the rain which sort of hampered our walking around the place and a good thing too since it took a longer time going back to Manila.
Being half-wet like a cat which fell halfway into a canal, I still managed to do some shopping before finally succumbing to sleep upon arrival and dreaming about the falls.

Thanks to Keen for pushing for this trip, introducing me to Iris and making an otherwise rainy, dreary Sunday which I would have spent under the blankets, as an exciting day.

Thanks also to Tourism Officer Mark Vicuño and his brother Meynard for their hospitality and helping us easily experience the wonderful boat ride.





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How to get there:
Public transport: (1) JAM TRANSIT
Green Star or South Star
Air-conditioned buses
Departure: from 5:00 A.M. onwards
Fare: PHP 100-120

Instructions: Get off the Bus terminal at Barrio Binan, Pagsanjan after Pagsawitan, Sta.Cruz.
Take a Jeepney to Pagsanjan....additional fare 7.50 Pesos.

Public transport: (2) FX TAMARAW
From Alabang/Muntinlupa, Rizal to Pagsanjan, Laguna
Fare: PHP 70-100

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(taken from the brochure and other sites)

The PAGSANJAN FALLS
The town of Pagsanjan in Laguna is noted for the famous Pagsanjan Falls. The trip to Pagsanjan Falls is an experience of lifetime – another of nature's treats. This is an exhilarating two-hour boat ride from Pagsanjan River to the Falls and back. The multi-colored native canoe is expertly maneuvered against strong currents through 14 rapids by two seasoned boatmen. Moreover, one can imagine being lost in the wilderness when the boatmen paddle and lift their canoe at least five times going up through the gorges and in between the long 400-foot high cliffs of the clear river. Upon reaching the main falls, one can take a climatic ride on board a crudely- made bamboo raft to "devils cave" right behind the heavily cascading water of the Falls.

The return trip is where one experiences the thrill of " shooting the rapids", a headlong joyride with a smooth and swift guide with the current downriver, splashing through cool and foamy waters.





PUERTA REAL (Town Gate)
This structure is the most strategic and historical landmark of Pagsanjan. This 124 year old town gate was constructed in 1878-1880. It was inaugurated in 1884 by Don Pedro A. Paterno, and was restored in 1975 by then Mayor Gregorio F. Zaide, an internationally known historian.

This stone gate recalls the legendary miracle of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the town's beloved Patroness. In December 8, 1877, terroristic bandits led by Tankad came to loot and plunder the town, it is said that here they were stopped by a luminous apparition of a beautiful lady holding aloft a shining sword. To express their gratitude, the Pagsanjeños erected the ornate stone gate on the very line drawn by her sword.





OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE PARISH
The new church now stands in graceful beauty – a worthy shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Every Pagsanjeño has every reason in the world to rejoice and render homage to Our Lady of Guadalupe. By her grace and guidance, Pagsanjan will be great again.