San Felipe's Anghalo Falls

Before my accident, we were able to go exploring again in northern Zambales. This time, we roamed through the outskirts of San Felipe, the fourth and northernmost San of the consecutive "Four Sans" (San Felipe, San Narciso, San Antonio, San Marcelino).

Taking a TIMs bus (Zamodca), we traveled from Olongapo City to San Felipe. We got off at the municipal hall and asked around from there. As usual, most of the locals had no idea what I was referring to. But eventually, a tricycle driver mumbled that he knew what I was talking about. With confidence, he kick-started his tricycle and told us to hop in.

Winding through rural roads and finally climbing a short stretch of rocky paths, he said that this was it. Getting off, I noticed a few well-built nipa huts and a long winding staircase nearby. As the tricycle zoomed away, I scouted around for the waterfalls.

An old lady emerged from one of the huts. She asked what we were looking for. I replied that we were looking for the waterfalls, Anghalo. She said that this was not it, as this place was called Kabarwam and the only site here was the religious grotto atop the long staircase. "And it's pronounced An-guh-lo, not Ang-ha-lo," she added.

So, we trekked towards Anghalo Falls according to her directions, forewarned that it could only be reached on foot. Taking a dirt path, we walked through a field of talahib grass towards distant mountains. Though the path split into several offshoots, we were fortunate enough to have taken the right ones.

The talahib grass grew thicker and taller as we neared the mountains. Soon I heard some voices. A group of teenagers suddenly came out of nowhere. I asked them if they knew where the waterfalls was located. They said it's right over there, pointing towards some bushes. Seeming to be fellow adventurers, they offered to show me the way.

Just past the bushes was Anghalo Falls. Though not as thick as the Twin Falls, Anghalo was taller. Waving to come follow, the teenage boys said that it is even better at the top. From the bottom of the waterfalls, it is a literally vertical climb to the top, requiring one to be very alert about their grasp and footing. After climbing several feet, we reached the top.

From there we walked a little ways passing a few ponds. The boys said that the ponds supposedly represent the markings of Anghalo, the legendary giant, when he knelt down to take a drink of water. Rock-hopping past the ponds was another even taller waterfalls, similar to the multi-level style of the Twin Falls.

There the teenagers, which I'll call the bicycle barkada (group, usually of friends) due to their fondness of bicycling, began to jump in and invited me as well. They told me that the color is a beautiful clear green right after the rainy season. Taking a swim at the pond below the falls, I noticed that it was very deep. My notion was confirmed as, surprisingly, the bicycle barkada began jumping off the cliff near the top of the waterfalls. They smiled, having a good time. They waved me to come and try. At first I refused due to it being a very high jump and the terrain being rocky. But as I observed them and how and where they jumped, I managed to muster up enough courage to give it a try.

Climbing the slippery rocks up to the top, my heart fluttered as I did not know what I was getting into. At the top, I approached the edge of the cliff and surveyed the area, deciding on a spot to land. After a few seconds of which was perhaps more of prolonging the moment of execution than analyzing the path of the jump, I went for it and just jumped to get it over with. I made sure to jump far enough so as not to hit any rocks. It was silent except for the wind blowing and the final crash into the water. I expected the leap to be done instantaneously, so I was caught off guard as I travelled through the air for a good three seconds feeling my stomach rise. The water slapped hard on my body. I was relieved to finally plunge into the water. The pond was indeed very deep (we estimated it to be about 20 feet deep) as I did not hit any rocks. As I floated to the top of the water, I smiled and gave a choking chuckle as some water had entered my nose.

Shortly after, the bicycle barkada did a little stunt where they all jumped at once into the pond. Soon, we decided to call it a day.

The bicycle barkada led the way out. We talked a bit as we walked. I learned that they lived north of San Felipe and made a habit out of bicycling to neighboring cities. They too enjoyed exploring and adventures, which kind of made me want to spend some time with them roaming around as I thought we would get along quite well. Instead of taking a tricycle to the main road, they lent us a bike. We all biked along the rural roads, two on each bike, with Liza sitting in front of me.

When we reached the main road, I shook hands with them and invited them to come over to Subic some time. They said they would certainly give it a try one day. They waved goodbye as they biked off.

It seemed the heavens were also happy as a rainbow was visible on the way home.

Anghalo Falls, San Felipe, Zambales Pictures / Photos: