A few days ago we were browsing the net for possible places to explore for our weekly photography exodus. I knew that we only had one day (Sunday) to take photographs which meant our trip needed to be within just a few hours of Quezon city so we can make it back by nightfall. Browsing the net, we soon arrived at the decision to visit Mt. Romelo and photograph Buruwisan and Lanzones falls.
The trip getting there was real easy since the route was basically the same as going to Caliraya only shorter. We took the Antipolo route passing the towns of Teresa, Baras , Tanay all the way to Siniloan where we proceeded to Barangay Macatad - the jump off point for the hike. Once there, a lady was kind enough to offer their garage for parking. Turns out they own a sari-sari store at the campsite too which was convenient because it meant we did not need to lug additional supplies up. Soon after her son offered his services as a guide which we gladly accepted as we had no idea how to get to the falls.
It was supposed to be an easy trek up the mountain. Unfortunately it rained the night before and as we took the first ascent, our guide casually warned that the trail might be little muddy. Understatement of the year buddy!
In no time at all we we slipping and sliding all over the place. Couple that with some of the steep ascents we had to climb, it was not a pretty sight. Especially for someone like me who hasn't had decent exercise in months! We literally clawed and crawled our way up the better half of the mountain. The latter half was spent sliding and stepping into thigh-high mudpools full of horse shit and pee (No kidding). Eventually it came to a point that we were so filthy that sloshing through crap or mud or pee seemed to make no difference anymore. Oh and a leech mistook my foot for a nice breakfast nook. Fantastic.
I definitely would not recommend to go here for a casual hike during the rainy season.
But with that said, when we finally arrived at the campsite and had our first look at the waterfalls, we knew the journey was worth it.