Showing posts with label nature. Show all posts
Showing posts with label nature. Show all posts

Sunday, June 24, 2018

85. 8 WATER FALLS IN PAMPANGA YOU SHOULD KNOW

And you thought that, since  Pampanga is one of the Central Plain of Luzon provinces, it would all be flatland. But remember , Pampanga is hemmed with mountains , hills, valleys and cliffs too, where water can run, cascade and fall. Here is a list of Pampanga’s waterfalls—some already popular with tourists, others not so well-known.
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DARABULBUL FALLS, Porac
The Darabulbul or simply, Dara Falls can be found in hilly Brgy. Jalung, Porac. It is so named because of the gurgling sound created by the strong water flow that emanates from the mountains. Often likened to Pagsanjan Falls of laguna, Dara Falls is a favorite destination of locals during the summer months. The falls can be reached after a 15 minute trek from the Porac bridge.

HADUAN FALLS, Mabalacat
The Haduan Falls is located in Sitio Haduan, within Mabalacat City, accessible through the Gate 14 of the Clark Freeport Zone, but only after a 2-hour trek through the rocky and cold Haduan River. The river is used freely by Aetas for washing and feeding livestock. The trekking experience with an Aeta guide includes crossing a hanging bridge and climbing a stone wall to reach the falls, which is not really high but is described as serenely beautiful. A waiver is needed prior to the trek as the Gate is part f a leased property. The local government has plans to develop Haduan Falls as a major tourist destination of the city.

MIYAMIT FALLS, Porac
Miyamit Falls is perhaps Pampanga’s most popular natural wonder, as it has been used several times for extreme sports and ultra-marathons. Located at Sapang Uwak in Porac, the hundred-feet Miyamit Falls is known for its strong water surges and rock formations. The water is clean, potable and cool, views are enchantingly relaxing and scenic. Access to Miyamit Falls is via a long trek, and requires a signed waiver from the Porac Municipal Hall.

MT. ARAYAT NATIONAL PARK FALLS, Arayat
Established on 27 June 1933, the national park in San Juan, Baño has natural scenic attractions including  a spring-fed waterfall that cascades into the crystal-clear waters of the swimming pools.

MT. PINATUBO TWIN FALLS, Porac
After a long, arduous trek through the Delta 5 trail going to the volcano, the adventurer will be treated to the wondrous view of the Mt. Pinatubo Twin Falls  that falls through the crevice between  steep walls.  The waters cascade quietly in two levels, hence the name.  The main fall  descend to a lower rocky tier, where the water flows and collects into a pool., set amidst an awe-inspiring scenery. The twin falls could be accessed through Porac, and requires a 4x4 vehicle to reach. Those with more strength and stamina can opt for a 9-hour trek.

PAU FALLS,  Arayat
Located at barangay Baliti in Arayat, Pau Waterfalls can be reached via narrow, steep  trails. However, the waterfall and its environs are not well-kept; trash is often found in the water. It is hope that the local leaders can maintain and clean the area as the Pau Waterfall has the potential to be a major tourism revenue generator.

SAPANG ANGKA FALLS, Porac
The Sapang Angka Falls got its name from the jackfruit (angka) that once abound in the place before Pinatubo wiped them out. Going to Sapang Angka involves crossing many treacherous river trails via the Delta 5 route from sitio Pidpid. On a hassle-free day, it can be reached after an hour and a half of trekking from the Delta 5 trail. The area around the Sapang Angka Falls is small, but the atmosphere is serenely beautiful and relaxing.

3rd FALLS, Sapang Bato
Said to be a refreshing summer spot for Aetas in the past, the 3rd Falls in Barangay Sapang Bato can be accessed by traversing the lahar-filled valley of Sitio Target. It is a mini-waterfall that cascades on craggy rocks, but the chilly water is invigorating, a welcome respite to the summer-weary visitor.

 CREDITS:
Photos:
Haduan Falls: courtesy of Elijah Manlapaz, Mabalacat City News FB group, https://www.facebook.com/MabalacatCityNews/photos/pcb.183276175655222/183272678988905/?type=3&theater
Dara Falls, 3rd Falls,  Miyamit Falls, Mt. Arayat Park Waterfall: www.pampangatalents.com
Sapang Angka falls: 1D Trek to Sapang Angka Falls, Porac Pampanga
By Armela Patalud -  November 8, 2016, aroundthemetro.ph, http://aroundthemetro.ph/sapang-angka-falls-porac-pampanga/

Info:
5 Stunning Waterfalls in Pampanga You Shouldn’t Miss This Summer, Traveller Buddy: https://travellerbuddy.wordpress.com/2017/04/11/5-stunning-waterfalls-in-pampanga-you-shouldnt-miss-this-summer/
Mabalacat City News FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/MabalacatCityNews/

Sunday, March 4, 2018

75. 11 POINTS OF INTEREST IN AND AROUND PINATUBO IN 1925

In January 17, 1925, Capt. H.A. Myers of the 26th Cavalry, by order of Col. Cavanaugh, prepared and circulated a guide to provide persons interested in riding, with information concerning the best trails an roads to take when riding out of the Post proper. The Stotsenburg Reservation and nearby country, in general, offers much that is worth exploring, for there is a lot of beautiful scenery and many interesting landmarks to be found there. A list of these trails and scenic spots, in and around Pinatubo, as well as  Bamban, are contained in the memo. Some of the names and locations of these trails have been lost to memory.
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1. FERN CANYON
This canyon probably offers the finest scenery of its kind around Camp Stotsenburg and should be visited at least once by every person of the garrison. Here, one can see beautiful array of typical shrubbery, particularly ferns, the abundance and variety of which gives the canyon its name.

Wild fowl abound, especially the smaller birds many of which are bedecked with the brightest of plumage. After entering the canyon proper, it narrows down into a gorge only a few feet wide with walls of slid rock on either side varying from 75 to more than 150 feet in height. Huge trees jut out from the walls many feet overhead. Only at midday does the sun ever reach the depths of the canyon and the air is always cool and laden with the fragrance of wild flowers.

2. THREE-CRATER TRAIL
This trail, which forms part of the first part of the 24th Field Artillery China Sea Trail, is very much worthwhile. The trail follows along a canyon which opens out frequently into circular clearings similar to and probably are, very old craters. There is a heavy growth of plant life on all sides and birds and animal life abound. Interesting and unusual geological formations are frequently encountered. The stream which flows through this canyon furnishes a portion of Stotsenburg’s water supply and the water line and settling basin are passed shortly after entering the canyon. Here and there are short trails leading up into the surrounding hills. Persons talking this ride should try and follow the trail as far as the Bamban River which is encountered at the end of the canyon about 4 miles from the Post. Due to its being used throughout the year and forming part of the 24th Field Artillery China Sea Trail, this trail is generally in good shape. Take your camera.

3. LOST CANYON
Lying just south of the the larger and more imposing canyon of the Three Crater Trail, Lost Canyon is very frequently overlooked by equestrians but this oversight is the distinct loss of the latter because Lost Canyon, with its misleading off-shoots and dense growth offers a haven for the seeker of the unusual and uncertain. Entering the canyon, one passes through the gardens of several enlisted men, after which the narrow trail follows along a small stream. The canyon is narrow and overgrown with dense tropical shrubbery, vines and trees. Here, one can find everything in its natural state, there being few evidences of changes made by man. Vari-colored birds flit among the trees and shrubbery, unconscious if intruders, Air plants such as epiphytic orchids grace the front porches of most quarters in the Post and many varieties can be seen as they grow in their natural state. Lost Canyon extends for a considerable distance but for the mounted visitor, only about 1 mile. There are numerous off-shoots from the main trail easily mistaken for the latter, but all finally coming to an end in some inaccessible spot. No doubt, some early pioneer, after struggling to find his way through the canyon, found inspiration for giving it its name. This is a fine place to cool off on hot, tropical days.

4. SOUTH BOUNDARY TRAIL
Following along the Southern Boundary of the reservation from Camp Stotsenburg to Dau, this trail—which in reality is a second class road—offers an excellent route for person desiring to take a ride of several miles over level country. The dirt road is soft and makes a good footing for horses, particularly if gaits faster than a walk are desired. The trail, after being taken to the outskirts of Tacondo, leads almost directly east to Dau. From this point, persons can either return over the same route or take the main Stotsenburg-Dau road. The country along the entire route is level and if desired, one can ride cross-country or; make us of the numerous small trails which run in every direction.

5. SPANISH CUT-SECOND AND THIRD RIVER TRAILS
This is one of the most interesting rides that can be taken around Stotsenburg. Leaving the Post proper, the route leads past the Forage Farm, across Pistil Gulch to the Bamban River. In making the descent to the river, the trail leads down to a long steep bank, somewhat thrilling to ride down, but not at all dangerous if taken slowly. Crossing the river—which is never deep nor dangerous except in the rainy season—the trail leads into a deep cut covered overhead with trees and shrubbery. Following up the cut which is quite steep but accessible, the trail emerges at the top and leads on generally North between, over and around hills, across small streams and through thickets. The scenery here is beautiful. Second River is reached about 1 mile North of the Bamban, and the Third River is a large pool of cool, clear, sparkling water. This is an excellent place for swimming and in years gone by, it was quite the thing to arrange swimming parties here, tents being taken out  of pack mules for dressing rooms. There are any number of excellent sites along the route for staging picnics.

6. DRY RIVER BED TRAIL
This trail offers an excellent route for beginners as it runs through the sandy river bed, has an easy footing for horses and is about the best place one can find to fall off. This trail is also an excellent place to work frisky, nervous horses as the deep sand tends to quiet them down. Except during rainy weather, this stream bed can be followed to a point south east of Dolores and in very dry weather, even further. Trees line the stream bed forming natural barriers on either side. Beginners who are reluctant to try a trot or gallop should do their first work at increased gaits in this sandy stretch. In going over the trail, one can either ride down as far as a point south of Dolores and then return over the same ground or take the Banyan Trail leading through the Banana Grove and back to the Post via Air Service, Murrayville, etc.

7.BANYAN TRAIL
This is an excellent route to take for a short ride. One can leave the Post, cover this trail to where it joins the Dolores Road and return in about three quarters of an hour. The trail is taken near the Air Service then runs through the Banana Grove where the famous Banyan Tree is passed. There is a very dense growth in the Banana Grove and as the sun seldom filters through the thick foliage, it is always cool here. Leaving the Banana Grove, one can either return via the Dry River Bed or take the Dolores Road back to the Post.

8. THE ARTILLERY TRAIL TO THE CHINA SEA
The Artillery Trail to the China Sea constructed by the 24th Artillery is open from about the first of November to the first of July for individually-mounted parties and pack animals. A 2 ½ hour ride, without one hill, brings one to Camp 3 located on the Bamban River. An excellent place for a picnic or to camp (plenty of tent poles, benches and firewood always on hand). A good swimming hole about 200 yards from the camp. During this ride, you will pass through th  4 craters and are struck by the scenic beauty and marvelous rock formation, reminders of the Pre-Glacial  Age.

About a half hour’s ride from the fourth crater, the typical forest begins and continues to the base of Mount Pinatubo. The beauty and wonders of this forest cannot be appreciated unless seen. There is practically no animal life but abundant flora; ferns, air plants, orchids, giant fern trees and other tress 250 feet tall and 25 to 30 feet in diameter. Other beautiful flora peculiar to this forest only, and never named.

From Camp 3 to Camp 4 is about a 1 hour ride following the Bamban River over a practically level trail. Camp 4 is a good halfway camp if going to Pinatubo. Animals should be rested and packs removed before going up out of Bamban as at this point, the only difficult climb begins. The trail follows a gorge out of the Canyon of the Bamban and reaches the divide between the Bamban and Dry Pasig valleys. After following the divide for about four miles, you make a slight descent coming out of the forestand by a slight climb into Zambales Pass and Camp 6. The altitude of Camp 6 is about 4,000 feet The cool climate and invigorating atmosphere rivals Baguio. It is an excellent place to camp with plenty of good spring water available.

The view from Zambales Pass is incomparable with anything in the Philippine Islands. Looking back to the east, the plains of Pampanga are visible for scores of miles and to the West, the mountains of the coast and over them,the China Sea and the Capones islands. From Camp 6, you should ride about a mile further to the north and view Pnatubo Crater. It is beyond description with its walls rising from 500 to 2,000 feet. Parties should not attempt to go beyond this pint unless prepared to stay out sometime. Also, parties going beynd Camp 3 should consist of at least 5 persons, and should be armed.

9. TRAIL TO DRY PASIG
This trail requires about 4 hours to cover but is very worthwhile, and should be taken at least once by everyone. It runs from the Post proper to Sapang Bato Ridge, and then southwest through numerous cultivated areas, a hacienda, a large coconut grove, the latter the only one near the Stotsenburg reservation. Several pretty canyons are crossed and the country in general, offers much in scenic beauty. The trail terminates at what is known as Dry Pasig, a stream bed usually having little, if any, water but deriving its name from the fact that the head waters of the Pasig River originate in this area. The trail, of course, continues on further from this point, but persons coming from Camp Stotsenburg will hardly care to ride beyond.

10. GRIFFITH’S PEAK
The ride to the summit of Griffiths Peak is one of the nicest that can be taken in or around Stotsenburg. The climb up the Peak is steep but not difficult, and once at the top, one can get a very excellent vew of the country for miles around. On clear days, the Central Luzon Valley stretches out to the east and is plainly visible as far as the mountain ranges that run North and South along the Pacific coast of Luzon. Angeles, San Fernando, San Pedro Magalang, and in fact, all of the towns and barrios to the east and South can be seen on clear days. If one cares to take the ride, there is a rail running down the northwestern slope of Griffiths Peak that leads to a point on the Bamban River just above the Intake Station, the latter being where Stotsenburg secures its water supply. The trail from the high South bank of Bamban, down to the stream bed where the Station is located is too steep to be attempted by a horse. However, persons can go down dismounted with no difficulty and should do so as the spot where the Station is located is picturesque. At one point near is a long tunnel where the water line runs under a high hill. This tunnel is large enough for a person to walk through and offers an interesting diversion for persons desiring to explore . This trip should best be taken after the grass has been pruned off and only in dry weather.

11. TOP ‘O THE WORLD
This hill is reached by so many trails that any attempt to describe them all is difficult and unnecessary. It is possible to approach the hill from most any direction and encounter a trail or several of them. However, there are a few general routes over and around the hill which offer the best footing and are therefore the most advisable ones to follow. First, there is a trail which runs West along the crest of a ridge that begins back of the T line. This trail goes over the Reservoir Hill and on along the ridge, turns North and then  goes to a point on the South side of Top ‘O the World. From here, one can go up to the uppermost point on the Top ‘O the World or else proceed on West along the south side of the hill, and then northwest along the ridge that runs along the Top ‘O the World to Griffiths Peak. From the highest point of Top ‘O the World, there is a trail that running dwn the crest of the ridge in a northeasterly direction. This is called the “Knife’s Edge” . The trail is very narrow with steep slopes on either side. None but the very experienced rider who has confidence in his horse should ride over this portion of the trail. The view from Top ‘O the World is excellent. Persons desiring to cover a formidable but safe hill trail should take one of the several trails leading up and around Top ‘O the World, as they are all in good condition, well-travelled and offer no onstacle which the average rider on the average horse should not be able to negotiate.

CREDITS, PINATUBO TRAILS:
NOTE: While most of these photos are Stotsenburg photos, some are representational.
Banyan Forest picture (representation only): https://www.flickr.com/photos/nitinmnair/3968634739, posted by Alel, 30 Sep. 2009

Saturday, August 6, 2016

10. 23 NAMES OF COMMON (AND NOT-SO-COMMON) INSECTS IN KAPAMPANGAN

Sure, you've heard of salaguinto, salagubang, alitaptap, ipas, panas--familiar terms for those six-legged insects that crawl, fly and creep, that we swat, squeeze, or spray with pesticide. But have you heard of aniguan? Or seen a kobung-kobung? Or how do you call in Kapampangan that small devious-looking creature with horned pincers on its head? Here are more seldom-heard Kapampangan names for bugs, insects and other creepy-crawlies in the house and garden.


1. APSANG. A name for any tiny, pesky insect like mites and gnats.
2. AYUP-AYUPAN. Winged termites. Literally, mock birds. These small, winged flies with soft bodies that are actually mature winged termites that swarm like birds around sources of light. They resemble winged ants, only their wings are longer and they don’t bite.
3. BABAGUA or BAGUA. Spider. These web-spinning Arachnids are known to many Kapampangan children as they were a source of leisure in the old days. Babagua matches were conducted with two spiders fighting it out while perched on a ‘tingting’ (spine of a palm leaf). Spider types even had names: Big spiders are called GANGATO. TAIMIS refers to argiope spiders that rested in the center of webs in an “X” position, hence the name. The dreaded SAGUAN are spiders with horned backs.
 4. BOMBUAN or BUAN-BUAN. Bee. Bees belong to the order Hymenoptera which makes them relatives of wasps and aunts and are known to be busybodies, with important roles in pollination. A honey bee is called PUCQUITAN and the wild variety is called ANIGUAN. No wonder, the busy bee is the mascot of the country’s most popular burger chain, but the fastfood insists that “Jollibee is not a bee….he is your friend!”.
 5. DURUN. Grasshopper. Locusts are short-horned grasshoppers that can become pests. The green variety with sharp, serrated legs are called KANABSI. Children often play with ‘durun’ by removing the legs and squeezing the fleshy femur while asking,”Nukarin ya ing banwa?”. This causes the hind leg to point upwards. When the kids ask,”Nukarin ya ing yatu?”, the hind leg points down, when unsqueezed.
 6. KAMARU. Mole cricket. Kamaru are of the same order as grasshoppers, locusts and crickets (Orthoptera). They have cylindrical, fleshy bodies with small eyes and flipper-like forelimbs ideal for burrowing. In Pampanga, kamarus are culinary delicacies often cooked adobo-style.


 7. KAMBUBULAG. Moth,especially referring to the large, nocturnal variety. Related to butterflies (of the order Lepidoptera), they are so called because it is the belief that that powdery substance on the moth’s wings and bodies can cause blindness when it comes in contact with the eyes. The powder is actually tiny pigmented scales made from modified hair that gives color and pattern to the moth’s wings.
 8. KANSASAMBA. Praying mantis. Members of the order Mantodea are characterized by triangular head, large eyes on a long neck, with elongated bodies, and all have greatly-enlarged fore arms. When a kansasamba is in an upright position with folded fore arms, it looks like it is praying, hence the name. A praying mantis is also called PAPALAKUL, because the movement of the arms of this predatory insect mimics a chopping action. It is also called MANGANAK-UBINGAN (snake-bearer), because of the belief that a mantis can give birth to a snake.
 9. KOBUNG-KOBUNG. Antlion. Kobung-kobung are the larvae of an insect family called Myrmeleontidae, which eventually become flying insects that look like dragonflies or lacewings. Kobung-Kobung are known for digging pits to trap passing ants or other prey. Children often amuse themselves by catching kobung-kobung by stirring the pit with a strand of hair. This causes the kobung-kobung to grasp the hair strand, which is then pulled out to retrieve the strange-looking bug.
10. KULIGLIG. Cicada. These insects, relative of leafhoppers and aphids are known for their prominent eyes set wide apart, short antennae, and iridescent front wings. Kuligigs are known for their loud song, produced by rapidly vibrating a drumlike, exo-skeletal membrane called tymbals. It is no wonder that noisy tricycles in some provinces are called “kuligig”.
 11. LAIPAN. Centipede. Centipedes are arthropods, elongated creatures with segmented bodies that can have a number of legs from 30 to over 300. Centipedes are known to be venomous, with a pair of poison claws, and a “kinis-laipan” (centipede bite) can cause fever and can prove fatal.
 12. LIBANGO. Stink bug. A term for small, black bugs that exude a distinct unpleasant odor when crushed. Fray Diego Bergaño, the famed 18th c. dictionarist, notes that libango cause damage to palay, corn and other plants and infect the air with their stench.


 13. LIPAKTUNG. Field Cricket. Lipaktung belong to the Gryllidae family with cylindrical bodies and long antenna. These jumpers also make a distinct chirping sound at night. Lipaktung are also another Kapampangan insect delicacy, cooked adobo-style, or friend to a crisp.
 14. PAPALTUK. Click Beetle. These insects from the Elateridae family are characterized by the unusual click mechanism they possess. Elaterids have a spine on the pro-sternum that can be snapped to produce a loud ‘click’(paltuk) sound, and which can bounce the beetle into the air. This is also useful when the papaltuk is on its back and needs to right itself. Kids often play with papaltuk beetles by putting them on top of a can, so they can “click” their heads on the tin can to produce a louder clicking, drumming sound.
 15. PAPATUT. Bombardier Beetle. So called, because these beetles from the Carabidae family are most notable for the defense mechanism when disturbed-- they eject a foul-smelling spray from their abdomen, producing gas to propel the spray with a popping sound. Papatut are ground beetles, preferring tto stay under the leaves of vegetable plants.
 16. PATUAG-PATUAG, or PAPATUAG. Mosquito larva. These jumpy, little creatures that jerk and rock back and forth (papatuwag) in stagnant water are larvae of mosquitos.
 17. SIBAUNG . Water beetle. These edible, water-dwelling black beetles gave Manibaug in Porac its name, which was once overrun with these insects. Bergaño, however, defines them mistakenly as black wasps that could destroy palm trees, penetrate people’s ears, but could be killed with strong wine. “Manibaung kata!”, was an invitation to go on a sibaung-catching in the fields of this municipality. “Manibaung” was contracted to “Manibaug”.
 18. TALUBANG. Butterfly. These brightly-colored winged insects are part of a class of fluttering creatures in the order Lepidoptera, along with the moths. The local name, ‘talubang’, is derived from a native game which involves asking lady participants who have adopted the name of flowers, the whereabouts of a “butterfly”. The one who fails to answer is penalized by giving up a personal item. The games is also known as ‘bulaklakan’ or ‘juego de prenda’. Today, the Spanish “mariposa” is used more than “talubang”.


 19. TATABUAN. Wasp. Like the ant and the bee, wasps or “tatabuan” are descended from a suborder of insects called Apocrita. They are aggressive stingers and are noted for their slim waists. The most common wasp is the hornet with the more familiar local name-TAMUMU. Hornets are known to sting people when their nesting sites are threatened, and their stings are more dangerous than bees.
 20. TULANG. Dragonfly. Belonging to the order Odonata, dragonflies have large multifaceted eyes, two pairs of transparent wings, and an elongated body and tail. Dragonfly varieties include “tulang dapu” (green and large), “tulang babi” (orange) and slender “tulang karayum” (damsel flies). When catching “tulang’, children chant a juvenile rhyme to keep the insect still—“Tulang, Tulang, silut daka pitaklan” (Dragonfly, dragonfly, I’ll stick something in your butt). This refers to the practice of inserting a thin grass stalk into the tail of a ‘tulang’ so it could fly low, thus making it easy to be retrieved.
 21. TUNGAO. Mite. Tiny blood-sucking insect that penetrates the skin. Bergaño notes that the tungao can become very red because of the blood it sucks.
 22. UANG. Rhinoceros Beetle. The horned beetle Kapampangans call “uang’ is a member of the scarab family of beetles (Scarabaeidae). The two horns almost meet and by moving its head, the beetle can pinch with them. ‘Uangs’ make ideal play pets; captured beetles are often tied to a hanging sugarcane stalk on which to feed. The uang is a strong bug; it can escape danger by digging and burying itself underground.
 23. PIRIS or ULAD BUGSUKAN. Hairy Caterpillar. A common name for the larvae of members of the order Lepidoptera ( butterflies and moths). In Kapampangan, “piris” refers to the spiny and hairy caterpillar variety which causes an itchy rash when touched. 

Picture Sources: 
Moth: commons.wikimedia.org 
Cicada: songsofinsects.com 
Grasshopper: animalia-life.com
Flying termite: www.colonialpest.com
Antlion: www.opsu.edu
Bombardier beetle:  en.wikipedia.org
Cicada: songsofinsects.com
Filed Cricket: www.alamy.com
Click Beetle: www.australianmuseum.net
Whirligig (water beetele): bugguide.net
Mite: identifyus.com
Rhinoceros beetle: turbosquid.com
Mole cricket, St.Andrew’s Spider :  www.asknature.org
Hairy caterpillar: www.shutterstock.com
All others: free clip art

Wikipedia.org