Hydro Falls in Baguio

We woke up with a hang over. Oh no, I wish that was the case to let us both just stay in bed. After our first 24 hours in the City of Pines, the plan (according to marx) was to check out the waterfalls in Camp 6. First of all I haven't heard of a waterfalls in the area (except for some along Marcos Highway/Kennon Road - yung mga agos ng tubig sa rocks, feeling ko yun na yung "falls"). Second, where in the world is Camp 6? Well if you haven't read about it yet, I didn't include myself (intentionally) in the "planning" process of this trip. All I know is that me and marx were going to Baguio then head straight to La Union. 

We had some coffee and cup noodles for breakfast and packed our bags. We checked out early 'coz we thought that it would take time to trek and reach the waterfalls. The staff of Azalea Residences were so kind enough to safekeep our stuff while we were out. 

From the hotel, we took a jeepney (8.50 pesos) to get to Jollibee at T.Claudio street corner Harrison road (in between Session Road and the Burnham park). We were looking for the jeep with the signboard "Camp 6". We waited for sometime for it to arrive and waited a few more for it to be full. 

We paid 17 pesos for the ride and took the familiar road to Kennon Road. We constantly remind the driver that we are going to the Hydro Falls. After almost 40 minutes, we were dropped off at a small waiting shed, he told us to cross the hanging bridge to get to the other side. Just keep in mind that when you see the famous Lion's head, then you're near the area. We did what manong driver said and followed our instincts in looking for the trail.

We passed by some houses. And then a basketball court. And then a road block (parang Amazing Race lang ang peg). We were hindered by a goat, yes, a goat. We were thinking on how to cross over it but then that would be scary. What if it's pregnant, it would think that we are enemies. Overacting. And then I called a boy who was playing on the basketball court, we asked him to make way for us by asking the goat to leave holding the goat so it won't block the way. He did and we thanked him but forgot to ask where the Hydro falls is. 

roadblock goatie

eh kung ganito ba naman ang buong trail...

We moved on. Followed our instincts again (oh well, sige instinct pala ni marx). We just followed a path that seemed to look like what people use. And then that path ended. There was no way but to go down the "hill" (again, pardon my mountaineering stuff language) and cross the stream with big rocks. We thought that it was just a small stretch. But wait there's more!

The happy trail ended and the endless rocks went on for the rest of the journey. Two things on my mind; first was where is the falls? are we actually moving closer? I can't hear it, and second, the rocks were awesomely awesome. It was rocks-water and then water with rocks and then rocks again. I'm super impatient but there's no way but to move forward. 

ano na marx? san na tayo?

I teach PE (but Arts is my forte) but I am so lampa. I am so careless that bruises and scratches are very normal thing for me. Don't get me wrong, I was not scared that I might fall and die instantly but I hate the idea of the long agony just to see that dang waterfalls (palusot pa). 

ginusto mo mag-dress ha!

more bato...

more and more bato...

So I am not a quitter nor I am the type who pushes myself to the limits. I am so lazy that I just want the perfect balance of adventure and comfort. And as we were getting near (still not knowing where the heck it was) I slipped and the rocks solidly hit my bum. I was worried about my camera (salamat sa dry bag) but Marx was worried about me - he asked me if I was okay. Of course I am not okay but I stood up (agad-agad) and went on. I noticed how marx was constantly looking at me and always checks if I'm still alive after that. We got lost and went back to what seemed like the trail. I was so proud of myself for not complaining. Until we saw the falls. The problem was huge rocks were blocking it. Roadblock # 273, how to cross those rocks. 

tatawid pa rin diyan?!

ako ay L-A-M-P-A
sige tawid ka diyan

Marx looked for a way for us. It took us 1 1/2 hours to get to the falls from the Kennon Road. If it weren't for me maybe he would reach it in like 40 minutes. Thoughts running on my mind. How "amazing" is this waterfalls that we are chasing. Is it worth all my effort? And then when I saw it, I sat down. Quietly.  It was beautiful. The two levels were so high and just hearing the sound felt so nice. I surrendered and put everything behind me. Even my bum wasn't complaining anymore. 

just in awe

Hydro Falls

After sucking it all up (it - stillness of the scene) a rush immediately came into me - I need to test the waters. I know it would be cold but who cares? I sunbathed for 1 1/2 hours while trekking (with no sunblock) so a dip can be a very refreshing one. And so I did. It was cold and deep. The pressure from the water was so strong that I was immediately pushed away after just a few meters of swim. 

I have just one wish - people, please do bring your trash with you. I saw some shampoo sachets, chips, broken glass of beers and some other stuff. Just a very sad scene.

Going back, I was hoping that everything will be easier and faster. We've done the hardest part anyway. But then, when we were crossing this huge rock and I was doing my i-know-how-to-cross-this-thing move, I fell. With my hands losing its grip on the rock I did fall again. Tsk tsk tsk. I was laughing my shame away. Good thing I fell in the water. It was deep by the way. But We moved on. No turning back. And after seeing the goat again we were ecstatic. We did it! With both of us alive - well no doubt for him. 

And then we have to wait for a Baguio city-bound jeep on the highway. We waited for a few minutes and thought of hitchhiking with me doing the sign. And then the jeepney came. There was a bench in the middle so we decided to sit there. The people were insisting for me to sit on the side but I told them that I was wet. They won. I sat between two women and when we arrived at the city we were all wet (told yah...). We paid 17 pesos for the trip. 

take note of the shed on the right side

wet after I fell twice

We were HUNGRY and went to Good Taste Restaurant. I haven't heard of that before and thanks to marx for introducing it to me. It is located at # 8 Lapu-Lapu street. Just behind the Baguio Center Mall. Fried rice for 65 pesos (for 2), Chopsuey for 115 pesos and oh, the Buttered Chicken for 150 pesos (half). The food was yummy and for its price it surely is a hit. The servings were huge and it even sufficed for our dinner. 

Fried rice- 65 pesos

Chopsuey - 115 pesos

Buttered chicken - 150 pesos (half)

It isn't my first time to be in the city. But everything me and marx did was so refreshing and it sets the tone of my future trips. Either first time or not, I want to see each place way beyond its "famous spot" or the must-go places. 

a special shout out to marx. salamat. lalo na sa nakaw photos ko. mang-uumit lang :)   

Check Baguio accommodations here