Economic stability comes with a price. In Cebu’s case, it’s still an unresolved issue concerning traffic. And what’s more depressing than this thought is the fact that we can’t complain about it since we are part of it. Hence pointing all those accusing fingers at the government. I used to do that. But I’m trying to fend off from it. Not only is it stressful, it also adds to the clamor inside the jeepney. Instead, I think of happy thoughts. I look outside the window and imagine what is in store for me on the other side of the highway.
Trek to Matun-og Falls in Minglanilla, Cebu
I have heard of Matun-og Falls several times. In fact, had time favored us, my friends and I could have set foot in the area after our Calbasaan Peak hike. To be honest, the waterfalls didn’t ignite any interest in me. After seeing Masbate’s Catandayagan Waterfalls, I think I have had enough of those chasing waterfall escapades. However, odd as it may seem, there is wisdom in the quote that goes: the mountains are calling and I must go. Only that it took the form of rivers and waterfalls this time.
Together with some colleagues, who were highly encouraged by a Music protégée, we then paid a visit to Matun-og Falls in Minglanilla. Also with was the Basura Run founder, Sir Tony Galon, and two of his trail running buddies. The hike commenced past seven in the morning due to some… delays. HAHA.
After an hour of dealing with sands and boulders, we were then welcomed by the 20-25-foot cascading waters of Matun-og Falls. Mosses are growing abundantly on trails, signaling that very few have gone to such a place.
Just when I thought we had found what we were looking for, Sir asked us to climb and see a better version of what we’d seen in Matun-og Falls. On top of the first level of the waterfalls are another two levels which looked very inviting to swim.
While the others were busy taking numerous photographs of Matun-og Falls, some took time to survey the area and found bonfires and trash left by the local visitors. The group then started picking up plastic wrappers in the area and all through the rest of the hike. Sir Tony’s input on the importance of minimizing the use of plastics and its lasting impact on the environment made us realize the value that we have placed on these commodities.
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After visiting Matun-og Falls, which by the way is a local term for the word “cold” (tun-og), our guides told us that we’d be visiting another waterfall in the area – Kabugbugan Falls. The trail was somewhat similar in going to Matun-og, only that the boulders are slippery because of the mosses that amply grew on the area.
Sidetrip to Kabugbugan Falls in Minglanilla, Cebu
Just when we were about to indulge in another photo op, Sir Dom asked if we wanted to discover the source of the water of the waterfalls. While the rest wanted to just stay and chill, some got curious as well. And even with the very tactical and steep path, six of us managed to climb up Kabugbugan Falls and tried to locate the source.
Obviously, the trail to these nearby waterfalls was unexplored by many. In fact, I haven’t seen similar photos of it online. Sir Dom shared that it was, as well, his first time in the area even though they have been trail running these rivers for quite some time. Conversations went on until we heard a loud rush of water cascading. We continued blazing until we saw this.
It was one of the tallest waterfalls I’ve seen so far! Eager for more thrilling adventures and breathtaking spots, we climbed up and continued marveling at the beauty set before us. As much as we wanted to proceed and climb its highest point to discover more, we were afraid that the remaining group might worry about us. Moreover, going up needs more secure equipment – say harnesses and rock climbing ropes. But well, at least we have more reasons to go back.
We ended the half-day Matun-og Falls activity by filling our stomachs with caldereta, tinolang manok, and nilat-ang baka at Minglanilla market. Obviously, the group hadn’t gotten over with the activity yet, so we ended up still talking about our experiences in between spoonfuls of our meals. All in all, it was a great activity. Surely, there’s more to Cebu than what I have already explored. There’s more to the traffic that we usually face head-on every day. And there’s more to life than the usual routine that we do.
I hope you get to plan your next adventure or travel the next time you get stuck in traffic. Channel your energies into something good, something productive. Be a stress reliever instead of a stressor. See you on the trails!
PERSONAL NOTE:
For the safety of inexperienced visitors, I’d like to disclose some information about going to these waterfalls. But if you really want to visit these places, you can make some arrangements with the locals or those whom you know who’ve visited the area. Again, this is for your safety and for the sustainability of the environment as well.
Best of all, the joy is always in the hunt. Right? Good luck searching for Matun-og Falls and Kabugbugan Falls in Minglanilla, Cebu.
Dakilanglaagan 