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ALIWAGWAG FALLS - CATEEL
The devastation done by Typhoon Pablo opened up a window of opportunity for me to be of help as we conducted an Art Therapy Workshop for the kids of Cateel. For two days, we spent our time with the kids, teaching them the basics of art and theater arts. Inspiring and healing their wounds from the tragic experiences they encountered.
After our successful two day workshop, the best next thing to do is to unwind and enjoy the remaining hours before we'll journey back to Davao City. Our guide and host friend, Olan Emboscado of thetravelteller.com - a proud son of Cateel - invited us to Aliwagwag falls
Aliwagwag falls was recognized as the highest falls in the Philippines and the most beautiful waterfalls in Mindanao. Located in barangay Aliwagwag, about 25 kilometers from the center of Cateel, this famous waterfall has a towering height of 1,100 feet with a width of 20 meters that boasts of 84 cascades blessed with different shapes and height that ranges from 6 to 110 feet. Seeing it from afar is like a huge stairway forming almost a hundred steps cascading from heaven down to earth. A stairway to heaven indeed.
As we travel to the falls, we can clearly see the damage left by the typhoon. The scenery is heartbreaking. The once lush green vegetation has been ripped off, leaving nothing but debris of the once beautiful landscape. But, despite the depressing scenery, I am thankful that the denuded forest and all affected people are now slowly recovering.
As we passed by the bridge, the lovely view of Aliwagwag falls welcomed us with crowning glory and of course, with pride. It was absolutely... stunningly... breathtakingly beautiful. What caught my attention after praising this majestic beauty of nature was the logs that fell off the falls and the balded trees - a clear indication of Pablo's wrath. Although some logs are blocking the view, the breathtaking beauty of Aliwagwag falls still prevails.
I took some photographs then eventually joined the rest of the group enjoying the cold rushing waters of Aliwagwag falls. I even dare jump on that log and it was so exciting and thrilling. We even tried climbing the falls but we eventually stopped since the current was unbearable. It was such an amazing experience being with them.
Visiting Aliwagwag falls has been on my "must visit list" since I started this travel blog, but I never expected to get to this majestic waterfall this soon. I may have not gotten to this priceless work of nature if not for ate Kit, kuya Dan, te sar, sir Olan and to the rest of the Pens of Hope in Davao volunteers and Help Cateel Volunteers who invited me to become a volunteer for the workshop.
How to get to Aliwagwag Falls
- From Davao City, ride a bus or van going to Cateel, Davao Oriental (5 hours travel time). Then hail a habal-habal going to barangay Aliwagwag where the falls was located.
Glad you've finally marveled of the source of my pride in my hometown of Cateel Jayve. :) You are always welcome to come back to our HOME and our "grandiose pride"! :)
ReplyDeleteThe waterfalls is still beautiful! I thought it was totally wrecked by the typhoon.
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