It’s wet year-round, but who’s complaining?
People call it “apon ti tudu” (rain’s nest), as if it’s a bad thing. But if the unpredictable rain is the reason for the lush forest cover and an abundant supply of water, words will never hurt Santa Praxedes town in Cagayan province. On the contrary, with the cascades that dot the town, any resident can only manage a smile whenever they hear that.
The frequent rain showers maintain the hidden wonders that provide an escape for residents and tourists.
The Macatel Falls is a five-minute drive from the village of Lablabig in Claveria town, although it does not come close to the fame of its celebrated neighbor 2 kilometers away.
Cottages have been built near the waterfall, which boasts of a pool deepened by the rushing water over time.
A waterfall emptying into the sea may be an uncommon sight. An hour’s walk through the forest will reward the adventurous with the sight of the twin Bilbilagot Falls, known by most as “Mingay.” The waterfalls are an added attraction on the Mingay Beach, where tourists may watch locals skillfully harvest nori, known locally as “gamet,” on rocks nearby.
For those who do not have much time, boat rides from the village of Taggat Norte in Claveria or Barangay (village) Pasaleng in Pagudpud town, Ilocos Norte province, take less than 20 minutes.
Another pair of falls can be found at Cagayan’s boundary with Apayao. Over an hour from the road in the village of Cadongdongan in Santa Praxedes, the Tuaoen cascades can be a refuge for those who hate crowds.
Few can bear the tiring road, locals say, but the water at the farther waterfall that drops 10 meters on a mouth about 4 meters wide is quite a reward.
Two other cascades that Santa Praxedes shares with Apayao are Sicul, named after a barangay with about 100 residents, and the nearby Bondor. Both are accessible through Cadcadir West in Claveria.
Sicul has a wide and shallow basin, ideal for picnics with children.
The rain feeds the bodies of water year-round, ensuring that Santa Praxedes’ waterfalls will not run dry. Vaughn Alviar
