Article Contributor: Dyan Real
When we talk of Laguna, one of the top places that cross our mind is the Pagsanjan Falls which we knew as the most famous falls in the Philippines and one of the major attractions in the region. The enchanting beauty of this place fascinates not only locals but expatriates as well.
Actually, the name of the falls is Magdapio Falls, located the next town, Cavinti. However, the falls has been popularly known as Pagsanjan Falls because the trip to the falls, referred to as “shooting the rapids”, starts from Pagsanjan.
Located approximately 101 kilometers southeast of Manila, Pagsanjan in Laguna has been the province’s main tourist destination through its splendid 70-foot tall Pagsanjan Falls which surely attract nature lovers and adventurers to navigate in its sparkling falling water.
There is a thrilling and extremely wet, boat trip up the rapids to Pagsanjan Falls. Along the boat ride, one will usually see monkeys in the riverbanks, trying to throw something to the boat riders. Expect your boat to pass strong currents and huge stones as well. Get extremely wet by renting a bamboo raft, to go behind the waterfall, a natural way to have a soothing back massage. A one of a kind experience that will surely make you scream!
According to legend: Long, long time ago in a land now called Laguna, there were no falls. There were only foliage highlands and Twin Rivers, called Bumbungan and Balanac. Right at the eastern bank of Bumbungan River, there lived two brothers named Balubad and Magdapio . For many years, they have enjoyed a life of peace and happiness.
But a calamity struck one day. A terrible drought brought famine and death. No rain came for successive months. The land became dry and the birds, deer and other animals fled, some had died. The twin river, creeks, and other bodies of water dried up too. Not a single drop of water in any area was left.
Balubad and Magdapio suffered greatly. They prayed for rain each day and night but those were unanswered prayers. Days passed and the brothers grew weak and later on Balubad died. Magdapio grieved and cried in sorrow. He buried his brother on the slope of the mountain overlooking the river delta.
Left alone in the waterless world, he searched the region for water but couldn’t find any. He cried and cursed the gods for his despair. Angrily he hurled down his cane on the rocks and suddenly, a spring bubbled. Rapidly it grew bigger, the fresh waters roared down the canyon walls, soon becoming a booming waterfall. Thus, the falls of Pagsanjan emerged.
This story may be always remembered as a legend but what more important are the lessons that each people acquired from it that will surely motivate us to preserve this wonderful place and share its beauty to the world and to the next generation as a pay of respect to those who sacrificed and died for this captivating Pagsanjan Falls.
KEYWORD: news and features, Pagsanjan Falls Laguna, Laguna, Pagsanjan Falls, Cavinti, Tourist spot in Laguna, The legend of Pagsanjan Falls, Story of Pagsanjan Falls, Famous Falls in the Philippines, Water Falls in Laguna, Pagsanjan Laguna.
images from: travelphilippinesnow.com
luzpalma.com
