A Summer to Remember in Timangguyob

‘The best things in life are the people you love, the places you’ve seen, and the memories you’ve made along the way.’

It was in the middle of the summer season when a planned trip to the summer capital didn’t push through I decided to look for a worthy destination just near the city. And since its summer, waterfalls were the obvious alternative for beaches. And when we talk about waterfalls here in Tarlac, only one name will come to mind: Timangguyob. This is considered as the most visited and well known as compared to other waterfalls in the province of Tarlac. It has a 15 meter high waterfall located at Sitio Dueg, Barangay Maasin in the municipality of San Clemente. It was the unanimous choice of destination for a summer escapade with my colleagues.

The planning stage of the Timangguyob trip started at a road block. Our biggest concern was that we don’t have any idea how to get there. And since it was a supposed dayhike, we needed a tour guide going there. I had to be resourceful and the most logical thing that I can do was to utilize social media in order to ask around. In the process of looking for a guide to our Timangguyob dayhike, I was led to a friend and former colleague. I was relieved when he told me that he knows a tour guide and he himself also wanted to join us on the trip. After I got in touch with the guide what followed was to decide on the number of participants who will join me, the mode of transportation, the budget, and the exact date of the trip. I invited the people I knew would be up to the challenge of a dayhike. A couple hastily replied and mostly friends and colleagues. I was expecting of maximum of 15 participants for this event considering the capacity of private vehicle we rented out. After elaborate planning, all things were settled and I made the itinerary.

It was Saturday when we met in the early morning at our workplace. A total of thirteen people decided to join me in this dayhike to Timangguyob Falls. We made a short stopover at Camiling, Tarlac to fetch other participants and meet our guide, Manong Eddie. Manong Eddie led us to Barangay Maasin in San Clemente. As we got nearer to our destination, the mountains became visible and we started the ascent, passing along the mountain side. After a few more minutes, we arrived at the end of the concrete road. Our van could not go on anymore because the terrain was quite steep and rough which meant that it was only passable to certain types of vehicle. We decided to unload and made consultations with each other on what to do next. To start the trek from that point or ride a habal-habal going to the jump off point? In the end, it was agreed upon that we will begin the trek there. Manong Eddie then informed us that the location was indeed a preferred jump-off point by some hikers. If you don’t mind trekking the extra mile you can definitely start at that point.  Nevertheless, if your vehicle is capable to pass the rugged terrain you can continue until you reach the alternative jump-off point.

With little to no hesitation from my companions, we began our trek from that part of the road. I had reservations at the beginning because the majority of the group was female and it was their first time doing a dayhike. I doubted if they will be able go on up to the end of the trail but then they showed determination which made me relieved. For the most part of the trail, it was shady so we didn’t have to worry about exposure to the heat of the sun. As we went on, it seemed that the journey was a struggle to some of the girls in the group to the point that one of them was not able to go on anymore and had to ride a habal-habal. It took us at least two hours to reach the waiting shade and the marker to Timangguyob Falls. This is the alternative jump off point particularly to those who don’t want to do the optional two hours trek that started from the rugged terrain. Beside the waiting shed was the trail going to the waterfall.

We did some photo ops at the marker and after that we started our trek to the waterfalls. The trail is consisted of mostly shaded parts, and narrow, and at some point, steep path. It was again a struggle for most of the girls but Manong Eddie proved to be accommodating and generous enough in assisting them. We crossed two rivers, stepped and jumped over huge boulders; passed lush vegetation planted with native pineapples and bamboo grass, ascended and descended steep soil. And after almost one hour of whining and complaining, finally we reached the famed falls.

There were already two groups of hikers at the falls when we arrived there. We immediately secured a shaded spot in the area and took rested. Upon settling our things, we decided to eat early lunch. We brought a lot of food and we were all starving and tired at the same time. No wonder we ate like there’s no tomorrow.

After filling our stomachs, we started to explore the falls. It was also time for a photo shoot. The falls was unique and different from other falls I’ve seen. Because of the pressure and the constant pounding of water, the falls created two basin-like structures. The first basin is elevated and separated from the second basin. We didn’t dare swim near the first basin because it was too deep. Manong Eddie told us that they don’t have any idea how deep it is. They tried to determine using two poles as high as electric poles but they did not reach the bottom. Even their best divers weren’t able to reach the bottom of the first basin.

The second basin below the falls was not that deep and is much wider than the first one. It’s where we decided to swim to stay safe since none of us was a professional swimmer. We immersed ourselves in the cold and invigorating water for at least two hours before retiring. It was still the middle of the afternoon when we decided to prepare and start our trek back to the waiting shed. It took us no more than an hour before reaching the waiting shed. Upon arriving there we decide to change plans and deviate from our itinerary. Since most of us were already exhausted and the heat of the afternoon sun was so intense, it was evident that we cannot go on anymore. It was decided then that we will just ride the habal-habal going to the jump off point where our van was waiting. So after enjoying our cold refreshments, we proceeded with our plan. Riding the habal-habal was a first for me. I admit that I am beginning to like extreme adventures so I may say I enjoyed the experience. Our van was waiting for us at the jump off point. We immediately boarded the van as we we’re all eager to go home.

Hiking Timangguyob was a learning experience for all of us. Because none of us had been there before, we didn’t know what to expect. Even I, who hiked a few mountains, did not expect the trail to be that challenging. Despite the fact that the trail was already established and a short one, at least three to four kilometers I think, still it was not an easy trek for me. Gulugod Baboy is far easier than Timangguyob, even Pico de Loro was relatively a piece of cake. Hiking Timangguyob during rainy season will be much harder, I presume. For that reason, I commend my companions especially the ladies for being courageous enough to finish the hike despite the heat and the challenge posed by the trail. I salute them for their bravery and determination, and for not letting me down. But seriously, I am also thankful that none of us got injured and we all got home unharmed and safe to our families.

Our hike to Timangguyob Falls was both a struggle and a challenge. Looking back, I don’t have any hint of slightest regrets about pursuing that dayhike. Even though we experienced adversities along the way, we are able to create beautiful memories in our quest for fun and leisure. And isn’t it that memories are what matters most in every journey? The camaraderie among us made us stronger in withstanding the obstacles along our path. Friendship indeed makes us invincible in time of trials and distress.
  

Itinerary

05:00  AM - Assembly

05:30  AM - ETD to San Clemente, Tarlac

06:45  AM - ETA jump off point. Last minute prep

07:00  AM - Start trek

09:00  AM - Arrive at Timangguyob marker/waiting shed

09:15  AM - Start trek to waterfalls

10:15  AM - ETA to Timangguyob Falls

10:30  AM - Early lunch

11:00  AM - Swimming at the falls, explore and photo op

01:00  PM - Clean up. Last minute prep

02:00  PM - Start trek back to Timangguyob marker/waiting shed

03:00  PM - Arrive at Timangguyob marker/waiting shed

03:30  PM - Rest and eat snack

04:30  PM - Ride habal-habal to jump off point

04:40  PM - Arrival at jump off point

04:45  PM - ETD to Tarlac City

06:00  PM - ETA at Tarlac City