Day 45: Easter in Mantayupan Falls

A scenic view of Mantayupan Falls

It's the 45th day of my ICS Volunteering Journey. It means we're half way towards the end of the program. Today is also Easter Sunday and most of us usually spend it either going to the beach or some place very relaxing.

I wasn't able to join the procession earlier because we needed to also leave around 6 AM to go to Mantayupan Falls in Barili, Cebu. It took us about 2-3 hours traveling on a van. But it was all worth the wait especially if you have friends who always breaks the ice.

A very noticeable landmark in a rotunda of Carcar

Before reaching Barili, we stopped by at the Municipality of Carcar which is famous for making the best Ampao and Chicharon ( Filipino delicacies) in the Cebu Province. Tita Emma, our host mother, bought some Lechon, drinks and some chips for snacks and lunch in their market place.

Puto stalls at the Municipality of Carcar's Market place.

In less than an hour, we arrived our destination! I'm very excited because it's going to be my 2nd water falls to visit here in Cebu! Mantayupan falls is also actually being utilized for power generation. It is a mini-hydro electric power plant since 1985.

Green Energy. Use of water to generate energy.

The entrance to the falls is decorated by Flordeluz giving me a nature-comforting welcome. It's like an entering into a fairies kingdom.

Entrance gate of the Mantayupan falls
decorated with Flordeluz

 There were two water basins which they usually refer as the 1st floor and the 2nd floor. The first floor has two water falls. The water flow isn't that much  but the water can be good for a back massage.

1st Floor of the Mantayupan Water Falls 

I haven't tried the 1st floor's water basin but I guess it's not that deep. People don't usually prefer to swim in this area.

A snapshot of the 1st floor's water basin.

 Going to the second floor, you have to cross a concrete bridge with iron bars. You can also have a fantastic view of the 1st floor. It's a bit narrow that usually it can only fit 1 person at a time.

The bridge leading to the 2nd floor of Mantayupan falls.

 Further, the mountain wall is made of rocks and covered with greens. It gives you a bit of an impression that you are in the heart of the forest.

Mountain wall going to the 2nd floor.

It will only take few minutes before you reach the 2nd Floor of Mantayupan falls! Its fall is higher compared to Kawasan falls but its water basin is not as big as the last.

L-R: Isabella and Tita Emm; at the back
is the 2nd floor of Mantayupan falls.

 The water is very cold and refreshing. If you want to go nearer the water fall, there is a rope that is connected across the mountain walls that you can hold. Also, the  stone floor is very slippery which should something to be cautious about.

Mantayupan Falls! Thank you and
Come Again!

 Because of so much enjoyment, we thought it's already late in the afternoon. We left the place around 2 PM and journeyed back to Cebu City. We arrived home at 5 PM and then prepared to go to mass.

Easter Sunday is after all a celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus. Tomorrow is  another team day. For the next half of my ICS journey, I hope I will be doing better and always do the best that I could!