Pedo’s Journey: Hiking at Wawa Dam

I have invited a friend, and his son, to marvel and see Wawa Dam, located in Rodriguez Rizal. They came fully equipped, complete with hiking shoes, backpack, bottled water and ofcourse, heavy lunch.

I did not bring food for I plan to just show them the sight up, go down before noon and then have lunch at the town center. But we ended up having lunch at the riverside, with our bare hands, at one of the makeshift cottages in the area. Naki-share na lang ako ng pagkain nila. Sarap!

We saw some people crossing the river and we asked where they have come from. We learned that there is a waterfall nearby, a 15-minute walk from where we are. So we bravely crossed the river.

Initially, we removed our shoes so it won't get wet. But the stones are hurting our feet so we decided to wear our shoes again and just let it get wet. Bahala na. Finally, we reached the Karugo Falls. The water is quite inviting but we do not have extra clothes then. Next time, we'll take a dip there for sure.

We were greeted by some groups there enjoying their excursion at the falls. They readily posed for a picture. They even asked us to eat with them. But we just continued to walk up the river trail. Sige, kaya pa (hingal)...

Here is the back of the mountain, Bundok ng Susong Dalaga, part of Barangay Kayropa. We passed by a few houses on our hike. We were told by some folks there that a Korean national recently died inside the cave. They even told us the legend about a beautiful mermaid guarding the enchanted cave and the magnificent pool inside. I was just amused.

We exchanged pleasantries with Aling Maura, a friendly and doting mother who tends a small pineapple plantation up the mountains. She also peddles "Hotel Intercon" scraps to her neighbors - slippers, soaps, and even left-over foods (I can't take that!).

We also met Aling Maura's daughter, who was busy washing their clothes along the river (I noticed that she has some kind of make-up on her face, for protection from the sun probably?). We told her what Aling Maura would have wished for her, that she be able to finish her studies and not marry at an early age. She just smiled.

Here is a picturesque spot at the river. During summer, thatch cottages can be seen below, complete with videoke equipment. Hanggang doon ba naman...

Beautiful and magnificent rocks along the Wawa River. But some already have vandals. Ang Pinoy talaga...

There is what they believed to be the footprint of Bernardo Carpio. I do not believe the legend ofcourse, but it's worth seeing.

Upon reaching Sto. Niño Bridge, we saw some young boys, probably the same age as my son, carrying cases of beer. They are being paid P10 for each case brought to that hillside community nearby. Poor boys.

We saw some locals there packing charcoals, burned from up the mountains and brought to the riverbanks. We saw small kids working in this trade, together with their mothers. Sigh.

Domingo, a Grade 4 student we met during the hike. When I asked him of his dreams after finishing his education, he said that he will leave their place and work in Manila. He would not want to stay and grow old there. May the Lord guide and bless his paths!

Overall, we enjoyed the hike. I'll go back there someday and bring with me my kids. And hopefully meet again Aling Maura and her kids...