"Seriously? In Nueva Ecija?" That was my reaction when I came across a photo of Minalungao National Park on the internet. Not much was written about it at that time. From there, I knew I had to see it for myself. 

Dubbed as "Nueva Ecija's Well-kep Secret", this  "hidden gem" can be found at Gen. Tinio (formerly known as Papaya), Nueva Ecija, just a few hours away from the Metro. With those abstract rock formations, towering limestone walls and emerald waters, at first glance, the place is to some extent reminiscent of the lakes in Palawan. 

The color of the Peñaranda River was eye-catching but unlike in Palawan, the water isn't really pellucid. The water's actually more of opaque than translucent. Nonetheless, the unique rock formations surrounding the river really amused me. As we explored the place, I took my time admiring the rocks. Some of the rocks were irregularly shaped but smooth, making them slippery. It's like stepping on a bathroom tile, so watch your steps, guys. According to the locals, the water level used to be almost as high as the limestone walls, carving the rocks over time. 

Cliff jumping is a must! Well, it's actually more of jumping off a huge rock because there was no cliff to start with. I did much higher and terrifying jumps before but I must admit, I was a bit hesitant on this one. Probably because of the opacity of the water. I wasn't that comfortable not knowing what's under that water.  He-he. 

(On the left: Sequence shot of my second jump as we failed to capture the first. Ha-ha! 
 On the right: On weekends, most of the guides in Minalungao are children. This is their way of earning for their school expenses. They don't have fixed rates so you can give them whatever you can. They're even polite enough to say "Bahala na po kayo." )

Hard work knows no age. 

In my honest to goodness opinion, I think the place is a bit overrated. It's ideal for picnic goers and lazy weekends but not really for adventure seekers.  Still, who would have thought that something like that lies in the heart of Region III? It's still worth visiting, though. Will I go back to this place? Most likely. 

Tip Bits:  

• It's cheaper to rent a tricycle in Gapan going to the Minalungao National Park than to get another one from Gen. Tinio (Papaya).
• Guides are optional. The place is just small so you can explore it on your own. 

(Credit goes to my father for my solo pictures. )

With a 7am-10pm work schedule, hours of talking non-stop, you can just guess how bored and drained I was. I felt the need to go go somewhere quiet, peaceful, and just isolate myself from all the hustle and bustle. Yes, I desperately needed a break! 

In came Seollal (Lunar New Year), one of the few (emphasis on few) holidays that our company recognizes, and thus my first solo camping trip. It's almost a year since then. 

I went on a friday so I got the whole resort to myself. The stillness of the surrounding was de-stressing in itself. I was finally able to relax without anyone nagging me, plus I got to pitch my tent whenever I want. Hehe. By noon the following day, this side of the island already resembled a tent city. 

I went solo but was I really alone? No, I wasn't. Some of the guests were really friendly and easy to get along with. We shared stories about anything under the sun. Not bad for a first timer, eh? 

Before I went camping, a  Korean friend told me that watching the day break on Seollal will bring you luck the entire year. Good thing, I woke up just in time even though I lacked sleep for days. Ha-ha.

Right then and there, I fell in love with the sunrise that I almost forgot the take a picture.  I have seen a hundred sunrises in this lifetime but this was different. The way the cloud burst while the sun slowly peeked through the mountain, it was overwhelming. I can't even describe it enough. 

So, did the Seollal sunrise bring me luck? I believe so. :)

__________________________

How to get to Magalawa Island:

(1) Ride a bus/UV express bound to Iba/Sta. Cruz and ask the conductor or driver to drop you off at Radio Veritas in Palauig. If there are no direct trips to Iba from your area, you may ride a bus/UV express bound to Olongapo. From there, ride another bus bound to Iba or Sta. Cruz.

(2) From the drop off point, ride a tricycle going to the port. Be sure to tell Manong driver  which resort you'll be staying at as there are different pick up points for the resorts. 

(3) While enjoying the bumpy trike ride, contact the resort's boatman, so he can pick you up at the port.