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Tourism is one of the industries that was severely affected by the COVID19 pandemic. The strict travel restrictions and the added costs that go with travel has limited the movement among those who explore. This affected thousands of lives from airline and bus company employees down to local guides and small entrepreneurs in these communities.  Dona Remedios Trinidad is the least explored municipality in Bulacan. However, there are still opportunities to explore destinations although it is very limited. It is usually confined in provinces and regions that share the same quarantine status with minimal travel requirements. For travelers like me, this is a welcome relief from months of staying at home. This week’s travel destination gave more than just that. It was a surprise that such a place exists in the province of Bulacan! This is Dona Remedios Trinidad! Dona Remedios Trinidad is the largest and the youngest municipality in Bulacan. Established in 1977, it covers one-third of the province’s land area that was originally from the municipalities of Angat, Norzagaray, and San Miguel. DRT’s pristine natural attractions are the least travelled destinations in province, earning it the monicker “Bulacan’s Last Frontier”. Dona Remedios Trinidad Welcome Arch The first to greet you once you arrive at Dona Remedios Trinidad is its welcome arch. It is one of the brief stops that is usually included in organized tours. It is a popular stop so expect crowds flocking and having their pictures taken in the area.  Dona Remedios Trinidad was established in 1977 making it the youngest municipality in the province. From this vantage point, it already gives you an idea of the municipality’s rustic and rugged vibe. The arch is located along the main road that is carved along the hillside of the municipality and runs parallel to a river. The view deck gives you a sneak peek to the rugged and still to be explored beauty of Dona Remedios Trinidad. Tila Pilon Hills, Brgy. Kalawakan Dubbed as Bulacan’s version of the Chocolate Hills, Tila Pilon offers a 360-degree view of DRT’s rolling terrain. The municipality sits on the southern side of the Sierra Madre mountain ranges giving it a majestic and rugged terrain to explore and enjoy. If I remember it right, the name was derived from the Spanish word “pilon” that means basin or trough. The hillside looks like an inverted pilon hence the name “Tila Pilon” or like a trough.  Enjoying the rugged beauty of Tila Pilon Hills. One needs to take a 30-minute trek to the view deck of Tila Pilon to appreciate its beauty. The trek weaves through the farmlands of DRT giving you that relaxing provincial vibe. We did our hike early in the morning and we enjoyed the cool and crisp morning whiff of the farmlands. Be aware of your surroundings during the trek and you might be able to catch a glimpse of an eagle that frequents the place. The last stretch of the hike is a steep ascent to the view deck of the hills. On its base, you get to see the trail heading up and the famous “Tila Pilon” sign. This is one of the perfect spots to have your picture taken as you climb up the hill.
Tila Pilon offers a panoramic view of DRT’s rugged terrains. From this vantage point, you get to see the Sierra Madre mountain ranges. The view will keep you in awe as you get to enjoy the greens, breathe the crisp morning breeze, and feel the warmth of the early morning sun. It was a perfect view to admire after months of quarantine. From here, you get to hike back along an easier trail where locals have installed “photo stops” that guests can enjoy.
I highly recommend that you do the hike in the early morning or late afternoon as the view deck does not have much vegetation for cover. I think it is a good place to catch the sunrise. Candle Monument / Mount Lumot, Brgy. Camachin The Candle Monument stands to honor those who gave their lives during the battle against the guerrillas in 1938. The monument was designed as an obelisk with a candle flame on its top as a symbol of freedom. It was installed on the summit of Mount Lumot, the highest peak in the province.  The Candle Monument stands atop Bulacan's highest peak. The summit of Mount Lumot offers a panoramic view of the flat plains of Bulacan and Pampanga. You can see the clear contrast of the rugged Sierra Madre mountain ranges and the flat terrains of Central Luzon from this vantage point. If you are lucky to have a clear day, you will be treated with a good view of Metro Manila and Mount Arayat from Bulacan’s roof. 13 Waterfalls, Brgy. Camachin A popular day trip destination in DRT, the 13 Falls in Camachin is a waterfalls system that runs through Sapang Adarna. The “waterfalls” is actually a series of cascades that you get to enjoy as you trek up to its headwaters. The trek can be quite a challenge as it will entail river crossing, clambering up slippery rocks and muddy trails, and, at one part, bouldering so you need to make sure that you wear the right footwear.  Enjoying the cool waters of DRT's 13 Falls in Camachin. As much as you would want to see the 13 falls, let me align the reality that there is a high chance that most of these waterfalls will go unnoticed. Why? The cascades are small that you would not even think it is a waterfall. You would actually be surprised that you missed a few along the trail. Don’t worry because it won’t dampen the experience. Waterfalls 7 to the 13th have more noticeable cascades, compared to the first 6, and its basins are deeper making it more ideal for swimming and cliff diving. Waterfalls 7 or Adarna Falls is a favorite because of its stronger and higher drop. You can enjoy a cold dip and a water massage from the base of Adarna Falls.  Waterfalls #7 had the highest cascade and a basin where you can enjoy its cool waters. Waterfalls 10 became a personal favorite because this is where I found my jacuzzi spot. I really enjoyed my “spa moment” where I laid down on a small puddle of cold water while spring water washed over me giving me a gentle massage. Waterfalls 11 and 12 was a beauty to watch. The twin cascade was majestic when viewed from the base of 11th waterfall.
Finally, Waterfall 13 boasts of a wider and deeper basin where you can enjoy a cool dip or get that adrenaline rush by jumping off its cliff. This is where most of the trekkers congregate before heading back down to the jump-off point. Avalon Eco-farm and Resort, Brgy. Camachin Instead of heading back down the 13 Falls trail, our group went on to visit the Avalon Eco-farm and Resort. This farm resort sits atop one of the hills in Camachin and offers a peaceful sanctuary that is close to nature. It is a campsite with basic facilities. It does not have a pool so if you are up for a swim... the 13th waterfall is just a 5-minute hike away. But what makes this resort popular is Mang Larry’s Binalakawan. This delectable chicken broth dish is a local dish in DRT that is similar to Sinampalukang Manok. It uses the leaves of a local plant to give a sour taste for its rich broth. I really enjoyed the unique flavor of the Binalakawan and that alone made the side trip worth taking. POST TRAVEL NOTES Mention Bulacan and the first thing that would come into mind is its historical significance and sites. It never crossed my mind that a rugged side of the province exists. Dona Remedios Trinidad gives Bulacan a different face - one that will excite a lot of local and international travelers. What makes it more exciting is that it is only a few hours from the metro. DRT is rugged, untouched, and ready to be explored and discovered.  San ang sunod nating gala? Hmm... We still have a lot of destinations to discover in the Philippines. It is amazing to explore an off-beat spot and see it get traction among travelers. Dona Remedios Trinidad is a testament that we do not need to travel very far to appreciate the rustic beauty of our country. All we need is to have an appreciative eye and a keen sense of adventure. Kaya #PinasMuna tayo! Nakabyahe ka na, nakatulong ka pa! Getting there: Dona Remedios Trinidad is a huge area and one day is not enough to cover all of its major tourist attractions. There are a number of FB travel groups that organizes daytrip and overnight trips to DRT. I recommend World Landing Travel and Buhay Kalye Gala who organized the trips that I joined in to explore Dona Remedios Trinidad.
1 Comment
harold
10/7/2021 12:04:28 am
hi your vlog is so helpful may i ask if you have any vlog in balistada hills? Leave a Reply. |
Marc del Rosario
I believe in education, entrepreneurship, and caring for the environment. 
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