We decided to take the Tanay route in going to Siniloan, which I think is most convenient by far. We hailed a jeep at Kapitolyo, Pasig bound to Tanay and cost us Php50 only. It took us about two hours just to get there. How unfortunate for us that the jitney bound to Siniloan that moment just got filled by the time we arrived. Standing in front of the public restroom, a tricycle stopped in front of us and offered to bring us to Siniloan in 40 minutes for Php300. Having said that the driver knew the place, we closed the deal only to find out that its more than what he promised but took us for another 2 hours. Tanay-Pililla-Mabitac-Famy-Siniloan-Mabitac-Famy-Siniloan: that's how he drove us! Instead of givng him Php300 for the service, he pleaded to add some amount and we did (evident it is for him that he doesn't have a pair of slippers when he drove us there.) So we have no choice but to ask the locals as to where the road to Mt. Romelo is located and pointed us to the road bound to Infanta,Quezon. I was very observant with the place as I keep on eyeing on every restaurant to find the resto having the name TROIS (the landmark). We decided to have lunch there as we arrived at around 12 noon already. The staff were saying that it would take us 2-3 hours to climb and be at the campsite, and we actually did. They also warned us about the thieves roaming around the campsite and stealing things out of the tent of the campers.
You may opt to have lunch here before the climb. :)
We looked for a guide to get us there and found Samuel (we called him Sam), the son of the bibingka vendor in front of TROIS. We haggled and made a deal to pay him Php250 for the six of us. We headed to the registration area, Php50 per head was collected. So there, we started the climb.
Call him Sam.
As what I've mentioned, it took us 3 hours to reach the campsite. But mind you, those hours were filled were laughter. The first few meters of the climb was a bit rough for us beginners, given that it was muddy that time. One of my co-teachers, Gen, would like to retract and go back to Manila at the first stop-over. But we didn't let that happen as we have to reach the destination together. We didn't bother to have a horse ride but walk the talk instead, CLIMB. On our way, we saw the Old Buruwisan Falls from a distance. How would I forget the leeches, the locals called it alimatik that sucked my ankle on our way back. And of course, the rise and fall of everyone with thick mud on our shirts which turned out to be humorous as we see each others faces of disgust and laughter.
Old Buruwisan Falls also referred to Binaytuan Falls.
We arrived at the campsite around 3pm and looked for a hut where we will stay for a night as we can't go back for the darkness of the night might come on our way. The three girls were dead tired and look for a seat to rest. We planned our dinner upon taking our seats only to find out the the store will close in a while so we bought some canned goods at Php50 each (not bad). Our guide even prepared our dinner! Thanks Sam! Right after dinner, we soaked ourselves in the cold water of the river, close to Buruwisan Falls and washed up before bedtime (oh! we didn't have any sleeping mat to sleep on but used garbage bag instead!)
With discomfort, two of my co-teachers wished to depart early the next day as one is having a fever that time but still chose to climb. We were not able to see the waterfalls up-close, not even one but still we did enjoy the climb. We departed at 7am and reached the registration area before noon. With the experience that we had, a first for all of us, the waterfalls maybe a bonus. Perhaps, someday we will get to see these wonders if weather permits.
Wash and brush!
HOW TO GET THERE:
EDSA Crossing (Parklea Terminal in front of Starmall) - Take a jeep bound to Tanay @ Php53
then from Tanay, another jeep bound to Siniloan at around Php45. Drop off at the junction going to Infanta and take a tricycle for Php15 per head and ask the driver to take you to KM3 Restaurant (TROIS)
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