First Trip, Our Preparation

We live in a world that is fast-paced and oftentimes, we tend to be caught up with the stress of the society. It’s important to disconnect and appreciate the things around us, take some deep breaths and appreciate life. Instead of getting frustrated, we could take some time off to clear your minds and relax, so come and join us on our adventure!

  

NOTE: Please click HD for good quality of the video.

The gadgets that we used for our first trip in a place that have a hidden gem called TANAY, RIZAL.

ITINERARY:
0730 – Assembly in Informatics College Eastwood Campus
0830 – ETD to Pililla Wind Mill Farm Rizal
1040 – ETA at Pililla Wind Mill Farm Rizal
1145 – ETD to Bulawan Floating Restaurant, Pililla
1200 – ETA at Bulawan Floating Restaurant, Pililla
          Eat Lunch
0130 – ETD to Daranak Falls, Tanay Rizal
0220 – ETA at Daranak Falls, Tanay Rizal
0300 – ETD to Batlag Falls, Tanay Rizal
0315 – ETA at  Batlag Falls, Tanay Rizal
0400 - ETD to Informatics College Eastwood Campus
0600 – ETA at Informatics College Eastwood Campus


THINGS TO BRING:
•  Water
•  Swimming clothes
•  Extra Clothes (for swimming)
•  Towel
•  Slippers
•  Insect repellant
•  Sunblock
•  Cap / Scarf
•  Umbrella
•  Shades
•  Lunch
•  Foods / Snacks
•  First Aid kit
•  Flashlight
•  Rain cover
•  Swiss Knife
•  Dry bag

Our first Stop over!!!

Selfie first after a long way of driving, we've decided to stop over by the road that can view Real Cove's signage, Provincial Road of Baranggay Dalig.

Our first group picture.

Everyone is smiling at the picture except Kristel. :D

Street Photography.

Finally, We arrived at Pililla Wind Farm Rizal

Touch down! Pililla Wind Farm Rizal

The view from far far away

Here's our first groufie photo in the Windmill Farm.

Posing at the Windmill.

Jump shot photo!!! Girls only :)

Jumping again and again! #GirlsJustWannaHaveFun

How about the boys?

The bad boy: always more fun. - Ian McShane

Groufie with other tourists! We have a short video interview with a group of bikers named SG Fake Bikers from Bulacan. We asked about their experiences and how they have managed the struggles to come to this beautiful place. 

Photo with SG Fake Bikers of Bulacan.

Pililla Wind Farm in Rizal: 

Located in the humble barangay of Halayhayin in Pililla, to be more precise, the Rizal Wind Farm is the newest addition to the growing list of tourism hotspots within close proximity of the capital, just two hours away. According to Alternergy Wind One Corp, the company that leads the operations of the farm, Pililla is an ideal setting for a wind farm because “it is part of a natural wind corridor created by the unique geographical features surrounding the lake.”

A lane of 27 wind turbines stand atop sloping hills at 300 meters above sea level, towering over Laguna de Bay and standing along the NW-SE line to capture the Amihan from October to March, whose speeds can reach 36km/hour. Each turbine can produce 2MW. The entire farm is estimated to be able to generate almost 150 Gigawatt hours of electricity every year.

Hello Panda!

A 2015 Inquirer article reports that this $100-million project was built to supplement energy supply in Rizal and Metro Manila, the country’s largest electricity demand area.

Windmills shot.

“This means the electricity generated by this wind farm only needs to travel a short distance to be consumed, ensuring all the electricity generated here will be used without grid constraint or transmission loss,” Alternergy adds.

There were a dozen vehicles occupying the parking lot when we arrived, so it isn’t exactly a secret anymore, but many of them simply made a stop here on the way to or from the capital. Other than gawking at the humongous fans and learning more about renewable energy, there isn’t much to do here. But if you’re touring parts of Rizal or Laguna, a stop here can be a refreshing addition to your itinerary. We visited at morning, as we go ahead to our next destination will be in Batlag Falls, but if you can, stay until sunset, when the golden rays of the sun make its way through the windmills.

Another shot of the Windmills.

How to get to Rizal Wind Farm in Pililla?  

(You may use Waze for directions)

By Private Transportation (Driving Directions)

We all came from Informatics College Eastwood and traveled all the way up to Pililla Rizal. We were all very excited and interested in this trip, given the fact that we were only 2  hours away from Metro Manila. On our way to Pililla, Rizal, we saw a lot of livestock along the highway that told us that Pililla Rizal is also abundant of livestock industry. As we went ahead, we saw innumerable and vast rice fields, carabaos and the iconic nipa huts. So, basically it's a typical province set up. Highways are totally developed therefore, the driving experience was smooth and great.

Entrance of Pililla Wind Farm.

During our ride, we enjoyed watching the green and large trees along the highway that added up to the atmosphere of excitement. The accessibility of the said town is also easy for commuters since a lot of Public Utility Vehicles are continuous. Jeeps and tricycles are the main public transportation within the town.

Meanwhile, from a long span of trip after the windmill, there we go!

We've reached the Famous Restaurant in Pililla named Bulawan Floating Restaurant. 

Bulawan Floating Restaurant.

Pose at the tower! #justjoking

Group Photo by the entrance of the Floating Restaurant.

Bulawan Floating Restaurant in Pililla, Rizal

Cuisine: Filipino, seafood and vegetarian

Parking: Parking Lot

Price Range: Peso

Specialties: Serves lunch, dinner, coffee and drinks

Services: Takes Reservations

Walk-Ins Welcome: Good For Groups, Good For Kids

Menu Side A.

Menu Side B.

Pesa with Miso Sauce.

Crispy Binagoongan.

Kare-Kare.

Buko Juice.

Sisig, Liempo Inihaw and Garlic Rice.

Dining View of Bulawan Floating Restaurant.

Before we eat, we take groufie!

How to get to Bulawan Floating Restaurant?  

(You may use Waze for directions)

By Private Transportation (Driving Directions)

The Lake.

Back View! :D

Daranak and Batlag Falls

Daranak Falls

They say that Daranak Falls is one of the flagship destination in Tanay and a popular summer getaway for tourist and locals.

Daranak Falls is at the foot of the Tanay mountains, preserved with the natural vegetation. Aside from rock balancing art along the river that feeds the falls, you can swim in the catch basin. This 14-meter high falls is truly a refreshing location.

The bridge that connects the way to Daranak Falls.

Tourist Information

Entrance Fee: P50.00 (Children below 3ft. are free of charge)

Picnic Shed: P300

Picnic Table: P200

Operation Hours: Monday to Sunday, 8AM to 5PM

They have lifebuoy or in tagalog we call it "salbabida" for rent.

Additional Reminder: In compliance with Municipal Ordinance #2 Series of 2005, PLASTIC and/or STYROFORE ARE NOT PERMISSIBLE in Daranak Falls. Further, ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES and PETS ARE NOT ALLOWED.

They also offer life vests and some snacks.

The breathtaking view in Daranak Falls.

Groupie at Daranak Falls.

Say Cheese! 📷

Just a 10 minute hike away from Daranak through a bridge that passes over the stream feeding into the falls and a short uphill trek.

Another bridge leading to Batlag Falls.

Batlag Falls

Since you are within the same vicinity, why not visit Batlag falls which is just several steps up the hills from Daranak Falls.  The pathway trail is cemented and would only take about 10-15 minutes so, even children and the elderly can visit.

However, there is another entrance fee of 100php for adults and 50php for kids, but believe us, it is worth it. Batlag Falls is less crowded than Daranak Falls. The area is not as maintained as Daranak Falls and restrooms are not well managed.

First waterfalls in Batlag.

There are 2 swimming areas where the waterfall is. One is around 4-5 feet deep while the other is around 14 feet deep. The shallow one has a larger swimming area while the bigger waterfall has the deeper. The water is noticeably clearer and the entire atmosphere is very serene.

Second waterfalls in Batlag.

The ambience will make you feel like you are in a different world, an enchanting place similar to fantasy tales. If you are looking for a place to yourself, a place of solitude, then this is the place to be.

How to get to Daranak and Batlag Falls?  

(You may use Waze for directions)

By Private Transportation (Driving Directions)