Chasing Roars and Hidden Cascades (Tabing Bisay and Ariada Falls)

We revisited the area two weeks after our visit to Agila Falls and explore the remaining 2 waterfalls. Our plan was to climb above Agila Falls at tuntunin ang dalawa pang falls by trekking the river. Yung pauwi na trail, bale instinct na ang bahala. :)

Part 1: Mt. Cuyapo

Part 2: Agila Falls

Part 3: Tabing Bisay and Ariada Falls

The Giant Gabi and the Kumunoy:

We traced back our steps going to the campsite above Agila Falls. The crest of Agila Falls is the water source of the community. Near the campsite, you'll spot waterlines bundled together that we used to trace the water source.

Waterline leading to Agila Falls Crest

We were successful in locating it at nagkagulatan kami kasing laki ng tao mga gabi! We powered through the dense gabi and were able to go down to the river.

Agila Falls Crest and Community Water Source

Pag talon ni Rames sa bangin, lumubog paa niya sa kumunoy. We laughed it out and moved forward to our goal. There are small cascades before arriving at our destination. We river trekked for at least 30 mins going through boulders and dense vegetation.

Kumunoy

Water Cascades

Naming Tabing Bisay:

While trekking, we heard a roaring sound of water. Nagkatinginan kaming tatlo, we got excited dahil alam namin na malapit na kami! There is a last ascent before arriving at the destination, and as we reached the top, a curtain of water appeared!

Tabing Bisay

Tabing Bisay, Me for Scale

Tabing Bisay

I estimated the height to be at least 60 meters tall. We named it Tabing Bisay (Magbukun language) meaning Curtain Waterfall.

A Dream Born from Boulders:

We created a trail beside the falls, ascending towards the third waterfall.

We arrived in a flat area and tried to move forward until we saw a glimpse of a white line in the dense green forest. We moved forward and found the crest of Tabing Bisay and boulders everywhere.

Trail going to Ariada Falls

Ariada Falls Boulders

As we ascended the boulders, we were again surprised with the beauty of the waterfall! There are four drops of water. Nagyayabang ang Mt. Cuyapo sa amin!

Ariada Falls with Rames and Jeremy on Frame

Ariada Falls

I've never expected na ganito kaganda ang makikita namin at meron pa palang tinatagong ganda sa Bataan! We celebrated our achievement and trekked back to the jump-off. As we trekked back, a new vision took hold: I dreamt of leading an initiative with the Department of Tourism to formally open these spots as Eco-Tourism sites.