Mangrove Forest

Pagbilao Mangrove Experimental Forest
N13°58.5250' E121°43.5230'

This mangrove forest is a living proof of a successful rehabilitation effort. Even before World War II, the area was a favorite to poachers who gather the "bakawan" which is a very good material for charcoal. In 1975, the 145 hectare area was declared as Pagbilao Mangrove Experimental Forest by virtue of Bureau of Forest Development (BFD) Administrative Order No. 7 (s. 1975). This declaration provided the necessary protection (and funding) and further poaching was prevented. Now, the diverse ecosystem makes the area a favorite field trip destination mostly of botany and zoology students from prestigious universities.   But since government funding is not enough to sustain this treasure, the private sector like Mirant Philippines came in and joined in the effort. They dubbed this project "Carbon Sink Initiative". They are helping rehabilitate forest zones to help absorb pollutants in the air like carbon. And this mangrove forest is one of them. Its proximity to the Coal-Fired Plant will help absorb the emitted carbons and convert them back to oxygen.

The Entrance Marker to Mangrove Forest as seen along the Highway

How to get there?
Access to Mangrove Forest is, interestingly, just across (right side of the Highway) from the access point to other featured destinations: Palsabangon Dam , Kagbuho Falls and Kamaluya Falls:

After about 4 km eastbound from Pagbilao town proper, look out for the high voltage transmission lines of the National Power Corp crossing the highway about a hundred meters after KM142. While you could already see gigantic towers even before reaching the area, don't be confused as the wires cross the highway only in that vicinity where you will find a sign on the right side of the Highway as shown in the above photo.
 
The 1.7km access road branching out from the highway will cross the railroad after about a hundred meters. From thereon, it turns left and runs parallel to the railroad for a few hundred meters. Then, the road turns to the right and winds between rice fields until it reaches the destination. At this point, the road will then have a branch where the left branch leads to the Mangrove Forest via a foot bridge across the river. While the right branch leads to the Nursery. 

The Big Change
When we visited the site in February 2003, it was disappointing to see the facilities in disrepair. I got surprised when, coming back after only three months, I saw new facilities and some of the existing ones repaired. Here, I present "before and after" photos:

The access bridge used to be made of bamboo and one needs a little courage to cross	The bridge has since been replaced with a wider wooden one where you can even ride your bike on
The wooden boardwalk used be here. Only scattered wooden remnants were seen when we toured the area in February	The reconstructed (permanently concreted) boardwalk provides the visitors with a liesurely 770meter walk in the forest. The farther end of this boardwalk (near the viewdeck) obviously shows that further lengthening is proposed

New Facilities

This view deck (actually a tower) is one of the new facilities. Accessible via the boardwalk, the tower's view deck provides a nice view of the Mirant Pagbilao Power Plant, Angas Point, Binahaan and Malicboy mountain ranges and the extent of the Mangrove Forest toward the sea. However, the forest cover is so thick in the northwest side that you cannot see Mt. Banahaw. Yes, on some parts, the mangrove trees are taller than the tower.

Placing all pictures in this webpage would not be possible. So here is the info board to let you know what are in store. The Exhibit Hall features specimens of various Mangrove varieties, including the "Nilad" which gave the City of Manila its name "Maynilad". You have to go there to see for yourself. That is the purpose of this website anyway

Photos and Narratives by 

Engr. Gerry B. Lontok ©2003

Kwebang Lampas

Kwebang Lampas
13° 53.077N 121° 45.117E

	The place derived its name from a rock formation which forms part of a cove in Brgy. Ibabang Polo in the southern part of Pagbilao Grande Island.  Continuing wave action has sculpted the rock into a lovely and unique cave. The beach is bounded by the property of Lu kang, an old time chinese. Some locals call the place by that name. Lu kang's caretakers charge Php10.00 per head for keeping the place trash free. Three-walled cottages may be rented from Php200 to 400. Hover your mouse over the pictures to know more: View of the cove from the cave View of the wave in the cave How to get there? A simpler way known to outsiders is to hire a boat from Brgy. Bantigue. But there is a way of reaching the place via dry land: From Pagbilao, just follow the National Highway going to Atimonan. The first Y-junction, a few hundred meters after KM 146 and just infront of Binahaan Elementary School, is the access road to Mirant Pagbilao Coal-fired Power Plant (an Independent Power Producer). It is marked by an impressive modern directional sign which looks out of place in a rural setting. So follow that sign which tells you to take the junction to the right. Just a few meters therein will be a railroad crossing without a safety barrier, so stop, look and listen. You will notice that the road's kilometer posts are not related to the ones in the main highway. Be watchful of road humps strategically placed at school zones, barangay centers, pedestrian crossings and dirt road junctions. The concrete road passes thru Brgy. Binahaan. Then, going across the Spillway over Locohin River will take you thru a winding and rolling road within Brgy. Kanlurang Malicboy. In the vicinity of KM8, you can leave the Island of Luzon without having to fly or to swim, because Quipot Bridge was there to join Brgy. Kanlurang Malicboy in the Luzon mainland and Brgy. Ilayang Polo in Pagbilao Grande Island. Then, more of winding and rolling road will lead you to Sito Capalos in Brgy. Ibabang Polo where the main entrance of the Power Plant is located. By now, you have driven 15km from the junction at Binahaan. Sitio Capalos also hosts the jeepney terminal a few meters before the plant entrance gate. Jeepneys regularly ply the Capalos-Pagbilao-Lucena route for those who do not have a private transport. From Capalos, there are two routes. First is if you got prior permission to go thru the plant premises (getting permission on the spot could not be possible, no one among the guards can decide). The second route is by going around the plant's perimeter fence. The first route is easy if you have obtained prior permission. After security check at the plant's main entrance, follow the fence to your left until you find another gate. That gate is the service gate for the Cooling Water Outfall Canal. This is where the sea water used to condense the plant's steam is allowed to cool down before returning to the sea (sounds good for the environmentalists?). Follow the dirt road on the Canal's left side. The end of the Outfall Canal Road is the farthest your vehicles can go, if you were allowed to go thru the service gate. Otherwise, you may have to walk from the service gate an additional 330m to the end of the Outfall. For the second route, face the police detachment at the corner near the plant gate, then follow the road to your left. Starting from concrete, the road will become asphalt, then broken asphalt, then gravel road. About 670m from the police detachment will be a junction where you should turn left. After another 355m, turn right at the next junction. Then, follow the road for another 935m, which passes thru cogonal area. Stop when you reach a residential area. That is the farthest your vehicle can go and you have to pay a Php100 parking fee as a sign on a tree says. You will find out that you are just outside the fence of the Power Plant. Walk alongside the fence. There is one part of the fence where you have to make a 180 degree turn and keep on following a trail with the fence to your right until you reach the service gate described in the first route. From parking area to the gate is 240m plus another 330m to the end of the outfall. That means a total of 570m additional walk compared to the first route From hereon, no matter which route you take, the direction will be similar: From the end of the Outfall Canal, turn 90degrees left, pass over a short stretch of sandy beach. Then find a trail in a grassy area. The trail passes thru jagged rocks. (Without those rocks, it would have been possible to get our bikes thru.)My 550 paces (1.4 paces per meter) measured the trail to be about 400meters. Thus taking the second route will give you a 970m brisk exercise. Now, if you have to rely on public transport and have to walk all the way from the police detachment, that would give you almost three kilometers. The walk, no matter how long or short, will be rewarded with this view:
	Not only for a good view but for a nice swim too.
	The distances featured in the narratives were obtained using a handlebar-mounted cyclocomputer, which was later calibrated using the access road's kilometer posts. Results may not be accurate due to the difference in road surface conditions in the measured distance and the calibrated distance. See Kwebang Lampas feature on waypoints.ph Photos and Narratives by  Engr. Gerry B. Lontok ©2002

Katapang Falls

Katapang Falls

N14°00.0080' E121°45.7330'

Katapang Falls is probably the highest waterfalls in Pagbilao. To describe how high it is, you need to take photos from at least three locations to capture the whole height. First photo position is at the two cascades at the bottom. Then you have to climb these two cascades to take another shot of the next set of cascades. At this part, the cascades are difficult to count as the water falls in various locations along the angled slope of the rock face. After climbing the rocks along these cascades up to the top, you will see another set of cascades to your right. In other words, coming from the topmost part, the falls took a left turn. Thus, with the turns and numerous cascades, the whole falls will not fit in one frame. My daughter Geraldine and her cousin Roderick at the first two cascades at the bottom of Katapang Falls Only when you are on top of the first two cascades could you have a good view of the second set of cascades. The number of cascades in the second set is difficult to count. The rock slope is climbable though for a beginner Hikers will enjoy scaling the angled rock face such that the climb gets tougher as one gets higher. I have proven myself that it was more difficult climbing down on the way back. I contented myself up to the top of the second set of cascades where I took the GPS mark of this feature. My nephew Roderick climbed one-third of the topmost set of cascades before I asked him not to go any further. I judged that that part is better scaled by trained mountaineers. When taking pictures at the bottom of the falls, it is difficult to visualize the height. This downward-angled shot from the second set of cascades gives a better idea of how much it would hurt if you fall (i.e. roll). In this photo, there are two people standing at two different locations. If you can't see both of them, that tells you how high the falls is - and we are not yet at the top. Similarly, when you are on top of the second set of cascades, you could have a good view of the topmost set of cascades. The climb gets tougher as one get higher Since the name "Katapang" pertains to "Brave", I can only surmise about its meaning: One needs to be brave to scale the rocks up to the top.

How to get there? Pagbilao is the next town, 9 km from Lucena City traversed by the National Highway going to Bicol. From Pagbilao, just follow the National Highway going to Atimonan. Counting bridges may help to let you know that you are at the right track. First is Tambak Bridge right at the boundary of the town proper. Second is Palsabangon Bridge. Third, at Sta. 145+500, is Iringan Bridge. Fourth, at Sta. 147+388.70 is Binahaan Bridge. This bridge (also known as Locohin Bridge) can be found a few hundred meters after KM Post 147. The access from the highway is common for Katapang Falls and Bahay-Pagi Falls. (Opps! Don't click these links now. Click that later after seeing the Katapang Falls feature). Just before crossing Binahaan Bridge, find a dirt road to your left near a waiting shed. This area used to be a Log Pond, hence, the locals call it "Lagpan". You will notice the expanse of vacant area, which also features the ubiquitous basketball court. If you are commuting, your target stop would be that corner of the dirt road just before Binahaan Bridge

Turn left to the dirt road just before Binahaan Bridge (Sta. 147+388.70)

If you have your own vehicle, you may drive further thru the dirt road. Follow the road that goes beyond the former Log Pond. From here, the road makes an abrupt right turn and then gradually winds its ways through a coconut plantation. After driving for 555 meters from the highway, you will reach a T-junction. At the T-junction, you have two options:

Option 1
If you want to reach Katapang via Bahay-Pagi, turn right at this T-junction (to the "stem" of the "T") and drive (or walk) the remaining 200 meters of the road until you reach the Telemetry Station by the river bank. At this point, the road ends. Park and lock your vehicle and start walking along the river bank following the Locohin River upstream. After a few meters, you will get off the river bank and ford the water upstream. Bahay-Pagi Falls can be found after the next river bend. The walk (or fording) from the road end is only 400 meters.
From Bahay-Pagi Falls, walk further upstream for another 460 meters and find a small tributary to the left. Enter this tributary which is the Katapang Creek. After about 45 meters upstream of this tributary, you will find the remnants of an spillway crossing the river. Disregard this road crossing and continue walking upstream the Katapang Creek. From hereon, the route will be the same for the two options

Option 2
If you want to go direct to Katapang (by-passing Bahay-Pagi), disembark at the T-junction area and start walking thru the road (along the "head" of the "T") straight ahead to the north. The road ahead is in sad state, so it is advisable to leave your vehicle near where there are houses and walk the rest of the way. After walking for 600 meters, find the remnants of a spillway crossing the creek. At this road/creek crossing, turn left and continue walking upstream the Katapang Creek. From hereon, the route will be the same for the two options


Whether you walked direct to the spillway/road crossing at Katapang Creek or passed by Bahay-Pagi Falls thru the Locohin River, you cannot be lost from hereon. Katapang Falls is just another half-a-kilometer walk upstream.
Therefore, the trip to Katapang would be only 1650 meters from the highway and 2160 meters if via Bahay-Pagi Falls.

Tip: Be ready to get yourself wet. Fording the water means it could be chest deep on some portions (depending on your height). Wallets, cellphones, etc are better wrapped in plastic and kept in your backpack. My daughter was smart to bring an inflatable flotation toy which I used to keep my camera (and GPS too) above the water. Sandals or aqua shoes is the recommended footwear - leave your expensive sneakers behind. When leaving your vehicle, it is not difficult to ask one of the locals to watch it for you. When parking, make sure you leave enough space for other vehicles to pass by. Yes even at the road end, you have to park properly as other vehicles may need the space to make a round-about. The road to the Telemetry Station has a gate, we do not know if there are ocassions that it would be closed. The road is a common passage for the locals so maybe it stays open.

See Katapang Falls Feature at WaypointsDotPH

See Katapang Falls Vicinity Map at WaypointsDotPH

Photos and Narratives by 

Engr. Gerry B. Lontok ©2004

Kamaluya Falls

Kamaluya Falls

	How to get there? (Access to Kamaluya is from the same point as in Kagbuho until the latter branches out to its own tributary.) Pagbilao is the next town, 9 km from Lucena City traversed by the National Highway going to Bicol. After about 4 km eastbound from Pagbilao town proper, look out for the high voltage transmission lines of the National Power Corp crossing the highway about a hundred meters after KM142. While you could already see gigantic towers even before reaching the area, don't be confused as the wires cross the highway only in that vicinity where you will find a Barangay Road branching out to your left. At this point, the highway goes uphill and curves to the right. There is a limited line of sight against incoming dowhhill traffic which is dangerous while you are attempting to swerve to the left. Thus, it is suggested that while still far away from the said curve, you may carefully swerve to the left when the road is clear and use the shoulder to "crawl" to the start of the Barangay Road. That way, you will keep the main road free. Don't forget to turn on your hazard lights to warn incoming vehicles that you are staying on the shoulder. Likewise, don't turn your headlights on as it may confuse the oncoming vehicle that you are coming back to the pavement. Thru this Barangay Road, proceed to the residential area (locally known as "Boyet") at Brgy Ilayang Palsabangon. It is about 1.1 km from the highway. You will have to park your vehicle in that area if the water in the river is too deep to allow a safe crossing. From that point, it is a leisurely two-hour hike across the river and thru an old quarry road and thru a trail along, across and within the river. During the summer months, even a sedan may cross the river. That would save you about 1.5 km hike. On other seasons of the year, when the water is deep, a 4WD vehicle or a 6 wheeler truck may ferry hikers accross the first river-crossing up to the end of the quarry road (locally known as "Sentro"). From "Sentro" you will have to wade thru the water most of the time. Hiking sandals or aqua shoes are recommended. Aside from the falls itself, the hike features interesting geologic formations. You will also see smaller falls along the way. Hiking upstream, a right turn two tributares after the Kagbuho junction will bring you later to the highest falls in the Palsabangon River system:
		How high is that? Kamaluya Falls feature three cascades as viewed from the bottom. I calculated the height, using crude trigonometry, to be about 160 feet. Imagine 8 pieces of 20-ft pipes stacked end to end. Had it not been during summer when this picture was taken, a bigger volume of water will be falling and mist will be over the place. That gives us a reason to go back there.

	Here are two of the smaller falls (cascades) downstream on the way to Kamaluya:

<<Here is our Certificate of Participation. HILI KAYO ANO? (Eat your heart out.) Pity those who need to get on an airplane just to be here!!! Pity those who are already here in Pagbilao but have not seen these wonders of nature. (Picture taken in summer when water volume was minimal) Standing, in white T-shirt, is the Webmaster.

Photos and Narratives by 

Engr. Gerry B. Lontok ©2002

Kagbuho Falls

Kagbuho Falls
14° 01.036N 121° 43.882E

	How to get there? (Access to Kagbuho is from the same point as Kamaluya until the former branches out to its own tributary.) Pagbilao is the next town, 9 km from Lucena City traversed by the National Highway going to Bicol. After about 4 km eastbound from Pagbilao town proper, look out for the high voltage transmission lines of the National Power Corp crossing the highway about a hundred meters after KM142. While you could already see gigantic towers even before reaching the area, don't be confused as the wires cross the highway only in that vicinity where you will find a Barangay Road branching out to your left. At this point, the highway goes uphill and curves to the right. There is a limited line of sight against incoming dowhhill traffic which is dangerous while you are attempting to swerve to the left. Thus, it is suggested that while still far away from the said curve, you may carefully swerve to the left when the road is clear and use the shoulder to "crawl" to the start of the Barangay Road. That way, you will keep the main road free. Don't forget to turn on your hazard lights to warn oncoming vehicles that you are staying on the shoulder. Likewise, don't turn your headlights on as it may confuse the incoming vehicle that you are coming back to the pavement. Thru this Barangay Road, proceed to the residential area (locally known as "Boyet") at Brgy Ilayang Palsabangon. It is about 1.1 km from the highway. You will have to park your vehicle in that area if the water in the river is too deep to allow a safe crossing. From that point, it is a leisurely two-hour hike across the river and thru an old quarry road and thru a trail along, across and within the river. During the summer months, even a sedan may cross the river. That would save you about 1.5 km hike. On other seasons of the year, when the water is deep, a 4WD vehicle or a 6 wheeler truck may ferry hikers accross the first river-crossing up to the end of the quarry road (locally known as "Sentro"). From "Sentro" you will have to wade thru the water most of the time. Hiking sandals or aqua shoes are recommended. Hiking upstream, a right turn to the second tributary will bring you later to this magnificient view.>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Aside from the falls itself, the trail features interesting geologic formations. You will also see smaller falls along the way.
		The webmaster of waypoints.ph (Ed Garcia) visited this website and was not satisfied seeing the falls in cyberspace. So he arranged with me to see the falls in real life. Their Kia Pride crossed Palsabangon River with ease (because it was summer, 06/15/02). Picture shows Joel's Suzuki Vitara waiting for the outcome from behind. All of these was after my wife drove the jeep ahead to show the visitors how to cross the river. (My wife wouldn't admit I taught her)
	Talon Bilog This is called Talon Bilog (Round Falls) due to the shape of the pool and the sorrounding rocks.	After an exciting rock climb over a 60° cliff, you will enjoy a smaller falls with a deeper pool (Talon Bilog, left) less than a hundred meters upstream of the main Kagbuho Falls.

	Tatlong Talon Hiking about 750 meters further uptream, you will find Tatlong Talon (Three Falls). So called because of the three cascades falling into natural pools where you may enjoy swimming or just leisurely sitting as in a jacuzzi. Also, you may consume your packed lunch here because it would be almost noontime by the time you reach the area. GPS data shows that this is 4.2 km from the start of hike at the end of the quarry road. Going Back At about 100m right bank downstream, find a trail going to the hilltop Mang Kanor's tapahan. Cellphone signal will be available there to inform the outside world that you are on your return trip. Clockwise from right: The first cascade with a pool about 4 ft deep. The second cascade with a pool more than 6 ft deep. The third cascade serves as a background for Mars, the pitbull who reached the falls with us. (Don't you envy him? He had his own packed lunch too)
		<<Here is our Certificate of Participation. HILI KAYO ANO? (Eat your heart out!) Pity those who need to get on an airplane just to be here!!! Pity those who are already here in Pagbilao but have not seen these wonders of nature. (Photos of Tatlong Talon and River Crossing were taken during summer when the water at Kagbuho and Talon Bilog were not as majestic as shown here) For GPS Trekkers, waypoints data may be downloaded from www.waypoints.ph. But you still need a guide for safety reasons.

Above photo dedicated to the Memory of Joseph "Odong" Maqueda(2nd from L) and Nelson Martinez (4th from L)

WARNING: Palsabangon River System is prone to flash flood and is extremely dangerous. If you wish to go hiking as we did, we recommend securing the services of a guide who can bring you to safer grounds in an emergency. For assistance, please come to my house landmarked as Geraldine Store (N13°58.7010' E121°41.7790' Alt 12.0) along the National Highway in Brgy Ikirin, Pagbilao, Quezon. Coconut farmers and copra haulers from our neighborhood may serve as guides. We will be glad to help you arrange with them. You may email me direct by clicking my name below. See Kagbuho Falls Feature at WaypointsDotPH See Kagbuho Falls Vicinity Map at WaypointsDotPH Photos and Narratives by  Engr. Gerry B. Lontok ©2002

Iringan Falls

Iringan Falls
N14°00.2900' E121°44.4340'

Iringan Falls is one of the hidden beauties of Pagbilao. I did not even knew of its existence until I saw a painting of it in Pabs Glodoviza's workshop. Kuya Pabs calls himself the "painter by the river" as he loves the river like the one in this feature. He is locally known for his lifelike paintings and murals and undertakes many church renovation projects.

Pabs Glodoviza painting

The Iringan Falls painting, together with his other works can be seen in his studio at Rizal Street, near the corner of Gomez Street in the Pagbilao town Proper My first visit to Iringan Falls was made during the regular Sunday ride of the Pagbilao Bikers Club. On 19 October 2003, I was not able to catch up the rest of the group after I got a flat tire twice. As I was cruising alone towards Malicboy, I met fellow biker Ding Franco on his way back. He said the group went on to Atimonan and he decided to turn back. We decided to shift to hiking instead. So we went to Sitio Iringan. Found a guide named Gerry. Locked our bikes to a coconut tree and went upstream thru the Iringan River. The trek took us only forty minutes. The rocks at the river are hiker-friendly. If the water is not too high, one can reach the falls without getting his feet wet by jumping over these rocks. The term "Iringan" is pronounced slowly in the locality. Strangers who might pronounce it with a fast accent on the second sylable would make the the word to mean "a petty quarrel". So, be careful!

How to get there?
From Pagbilao, just follow the National Highway going to Atimonan. Counting bridges may help to let you know that you are at the right track. First is Tambak Bridge right at the boundary of the town proper. Second is Palsabangon Bridge (Opps! Don't click it now. Click that later after seeing the Iringan Falls feature). Third, at Sta. 145+500, Iringan Bridge is just after a right-turning curve.

Access to Iringan Falls is not difficult to find because of your landmark Iringan Bridge. It is located about 6.5 kilometers from Pagbilao proper. Go beyond this bridge for another 195 meters. You will find a waiting shed at the corner of the highway and a dirt road to your left.

If you are commuting, this is your target stop and the corner by the waiting shed is your start of trek. From this point, the falls is approximately 1.85 kilometers away.

If you have your own vehicle, you may drive further thru the dirt road. The dirt road will allow your vehicle get in further and save your legs another 300 meters walk. The dirt road has at least two branches. First is a T-branch to the right, then a Y-branch also to the right. To get to your destination, ignore these branches and always go straight north. At the road end, there are very few houses. It could be advisable for you not to "consume" the whole 300 meters of the dirt road. Instead park your vehicle closer to the residential area where you could ask someone to watch it. The residents will assure you though that your vehicle will be safe - and they will proudly say "Walang nakikialam dito" ("No one from here will tinker with that"). I should say however that somebody "not from here" could happen to pass by.

Iringan Bridge will remind you that your target stop is only 195 meters away.

From the road end, follow a cart trail that goes northwest. Then you will reach the river after about 190 meters. From hereon, you cannot be lost as you just need to follow the river upstream for the next 1.36 kilometers.

Iringan Falls was uploaded at WaypointsDotPH by Mr. Ed Garcia after I submitted. GPS trekkers may simply download GPS track data from that site and upload them to their receivers and use the dumb LCD screen as guide. Find the links to WaypointsDotPH after enjoying the pictures below.

The Artist's Frame  

A nice vantage point to see also the pool at the bottom of the waterfalls	Years ahead of this photograph, artist Pabs Glodoviza painted a picture of Iringan Falls. His painting "zoomed-in" on the outline of the waterfalls.

The walk to the falls is so short that you do not need to bring food provisions, unless you went there for a picnic. The pool at the bottom is a nice swimming spot (We have not measured its depth yet)

After carefully climbing a cliff while saying a lot of prayers, this is the rewarding view looking down from the trail beside the top of the falls. This photo was taken while doing a tricky stunt of holding around a tree trunk by the cliff.

This shot would need a stuntman's skill as the rock on the top of the falls is very slippery. If you are seeing this, it means the photographer survived. (In the two photos, note how a bare-chested Ding Franco standing at the bottom of the falls looked so small from this height)

See Iringan Falls Feature at WaypointsDotPH

See Iringan Falls Vicinity Map at WaypointsDotPH

See Pabs Glodoviza's website

Photos and Narratives by 

Engr. Gerry B. Lontok ©2003

Binahaan Mountain

Binahaan Mountain

N13°59.951´ E121° 45.382´ Elev: 375m

The imposing mountain range which serves as a majestic backdrop of Barangay Binahaan has a steep slope and plateau-like top. This mountain has become a favorite site for tree-planting activities. 

Directly under the slope of this mountain is the Binahaan Elementary School. According to the school principal, experts has suggested the relocation of school because of the threat of landslide; hence, the tree planting activities being undertaken by various sectors will be significant to help this threat subside (irregardless if the school would indeed be relocated).
Promoting this spot as a mountaineer's destination, Mountainers/Trekkers are known nature lovers that they are envisioned to also help in the tree planting effort.

Army troopers who has to climb this mountain as part of their physical training has dubbed it as "Ahon Walang Ngiti" - to emphasize that the slope is so steep that climbers will be unable to smile. Yet, even overweight people were also able to climb and rewarded with the unexplainable sense of accomplishment upon reaching the top.

The "Ahon Walang Ngiti" as seen from behind the Binahaan Elementary School

Looking down from the top of the slope, Binahaan junction in front of Binahaan Elementary School can be seen.

How to get there?
Pagbilao is the next town, 9 km from Lucena City traversed by the National Highway going to Bicol.

To reach Brgy. Binahaan from Pagbilao, just follow the National Highway going to Atimonan. Counting bridges may help to let you know that you are at the right track. First is Tambak Bridge right at the boundary of the town proper. Second is Palsabangon Bridge. Third, at Sta. 145+500, is Iringan Bridge. A little farther, find Binahaan Elementary School to your left in the vicinity of the junction of the access road to Pagbilao Power Station. Find the trail head to the left of the highway a few meters from the school. The trail to the top was measured by GPS to be approximately 1.4km reaching a height of 375m above sea level.


View from the Top
It was said that this mountain is a favorite destination for climbers during the lenten season. That may no longer be true. The climbing may become whole year round, due to increasing awareness of the status of the mountain. The Army, Police, Reservists, Youth Organizations, Barangay people, Students, Employees, NGOs and other concerned citizens have been participating in climbs and bringing up seedlings for planting.

These pictures may not look good because the real thing of being there on top to see the whole view is exponentially better.

View towards Malicboy	View of Pagbilao Grande Island with the Pagbilao Power Station
View of Pagbilao Bay with Patayan Island almost at the center of picture	View towards Pagbilao town proper with Lucena City in the distance

Trekkers have a choice of tracing back the same route to return to civilization or to hike further north and emerge from the other side of the mountain in the vicinity of Katapang Falls. However, for the second option, a guide is recommended since the trail is unclear.

View from Afar

The mountain can be easily recognized as viewed from the zigzag road of the Quezon National Forest Park

Photos and Narratives by 

Engr. Gerry B. Lontok ©2009