“Nganong nanguyog man ta ani uy. Pwede raman unta ta maglaag-laag sa Ayala unya mag-chill-chill. Kape-kape,” Vahn amusingly stated as if he had already planned a more relaxed and laid-back day. This lighthearted ‘complaint’ drew laughs from the group, as if setting a playful tone for the struggles of that day.
There was so little that I knew about Argao. Back then, it was just a quaint town I know situated a bit farther from Carcar. Little did I know that this place, famous for its torta and the legend of Maria Cacao, would become the gateway to countless adventures.
Bound by the constraints of work, I eagerly accepted an invitation from a college friend for a hiking adventure. Desperate for a breath of fresh air, I was completely captivated by the Facebook photos of waterfalls and caves, and I impulsively agreed to join despite a hectic work schedule the following day. In my naivety, I thought everything would go as planned. But once again, the universe proved me mistaken.
Unforgettable Adventure in Argao
Our adventure in Argao commenced with a combination of river and highland trekking. From the jump-off point, we trekked about four to five kilometers until we finally reached the mystical Agta Cave (Balay sa Agata). To get there, we had to rappel down cliffs and carefully navigate into the cave’s mouth.
Agta Cave
During an interview with one of our local guides, we learned that exploring the cave via our chosen route was once considered impossible. The only known entry was through a hole at the cave’s top, where a tree believed to be the home of the Agta (a mythical creature) stood. Hence, the name Agta Cave.
Bugasok Falls
After exploring Agta Cave, our next destination was Bugasok Falls. The cold waters of the cascades provided immense relief to our exhausted bodies. Standing at an estimated fifty meters tall, Bugasok Falls is a crucial water source for the locals. Given its height, many in our group hesitated to try the extreme adventure suggested by the local guides—cliff jumping from the top.
Strangely, I felt a surge of courage and decided it was a “now or never” moment. As I jumped, I lost my voice in a scream, felt the cold air rush past me, and braced for impact.
The experience was surreal; it felt like my soul left this body (like literally, HAHA). Midair, I couldn’t believe why I had done such a random act. But, there was no backing out. Despite the strong current, I was unharmed, thanks to the rescuers, who handed me a coconut husk (bunot), a surprisingly effective lifesaver.
Argao Coal Mine Resort
After the thrilling waterfall jump, we began our trek to the Argao Coal Mine Resort, the final destination for our action-packed day. The trek, lasting around four hours, depending on pace, was a true test of stamina and determination.
By the end, we were lagging behind, utterly exhausted, and on the verge of giving up. I owe immense gratitude to Vahn and Sir Mark, who encouraged us to keep moving, assuring us that just a few more “minutes nalang” would bring us to the resort.
Dead tired upon arrival was an understatement. We practically crawled to the resort, but we made it, thanks to those who never stopped encouraging us. The heart-shaped swimming pool provided much-needed comfort for our worn-out bodies. But best of all, the food prepared was to die for—tinola for the win!
And just when we thought our journey had ended, we faced one final quest: returning to the town proper via a bumpy truck ride. Torn between sleep and survival, we persevered through the rough road.
Looking back, my nineteen-year-old self will always cherish this day. It taught me the importance of appreciating those who support us during tough times, those who catch us when we fall (kudos to the rescuers), those who remain humble despite their achievements (huge thanks to Vice Mayor Stanley Caminero), those who welcome strangers with open arms (thank you for the sikwate and pain reliever, Doc Hayce!), and the friendships forged along the way. Truly, the journey is always better than the destination.
PS. Photos, unless otherwise stated, are not mine. Thanks to Sir Niel Cordova Jarina , Adam’s Apple , Marc Lumayag, and Francis Mike Acuña for capturing these amazing moments and bringing our adventure to life through your lenses. 🫶🫶🫶
Argao Adventure Itinerary:
- 3:00am – Assembly Time
- 3:00 – 4:30 – Travel to Argao (to Dr. Hayce’s house where sikwati, puto and torta were served for us)
- 4:30 – 6:00 – Breakfast
- 7:00 – Start of the river and highland trek
- 9:00am – Arrival to Agta Cave
- 12:00 – 1:00pm – Trek to Bugasok Falls
- 1:00 – 3:00pm – Lunch, waterfall jumping and rappelling
- 3:00 – 4:00pm – Packing up
- 4:00 – 7:00pm – Trek to Coal Mines View Resort
- 7:00 – 8:00pm – Dinner
- 8:00 – 9:30pm – Truck ride to Argao proper
- 9:30 – 11:00pm – Travel back to the city
- 11:30 – Home sweet home
Should there be further inquiries, feel free to post in the comment box or message me directly on Facebook and Instagram!
PS. I’ve visited Bugasok Falls and Agta Cave recently. Read my latest adventure HERE.
Dakilanglaagan 