WATER, WIND AND UNWINDING by Joey Delgado

Nature in a tropical country like the Philippines is not just to be observed for passive enjoyment; it has to be felt, experienced and treasured for a lasting memory of a lifetime!

Laguna's rustic ambiance remains unaffected despite the rapid phase of urbanization of its neighboring towns. It provides an antidote to the stresses and strains of a cosmopolitan city life.

Shooting the Rapids

Discover the rich and unspoilt beauty of Pagsanjan Falls is still the traditional attraction in Laguna. Cruising leisurely downstream on a wooden canoe is fun and exciting. One feels so close to nature after observing the panoramic view of the fascinating geographical variation on both sides of the river.

The enchanting river is secured on both sides by two giant mountain ranges forested by flowering trees and plants, huge assortment of bamboos, palms, creepers and vines. As one moves to the inner sanctum of the river he will be amazed by a wide variety of wild flowers of different hues dancing on the crystal-clear water. In many areas along the coast one will enjoy the multicolored butterflies, diverse exotic birds, and peculiar species of fish feeding on the weeds.

Canoes are paddled by a pair of pilots who stay at the head and tail while the two passengers stay at the middle. The dry season is tough challenge for pilots because oftentimes they have to push, pull and even lift the canoe when passing through the rocky-river terrain. But during the rainy season when the tides hide the huge rocks and the current is swift, you will feel a different kind of high as you shoot the rapids of Pagsanjan. The long and winding ride will lead to a vibrant and dynamic waterfalls. Its fresh and lucid water is a welcome respite to invigorate tired and aching muscles.

Enchanting Laguna Bay

Los Baños is another town in Laguna unfazed by the industrialization surrounding its
Territorial boundaries. In the west side of Los Baños is a huge body of water called Laguna de Bay. Dotting the shorelines are diverse restaurants where one can unwind and listen to the whisper of the wind.

If you are a nature lover of a tourist seeking fun, pamper yourself by visiting the seemingly boundless water of Laguna de Bay, then dine to any restaurants that suit your palate.

Dalampasigan (shoreline) is a huge watering hole frequented by both locals and tourists and caters to everyone's fancy. While the music of the wind refreshes the soul and spirit, the piping music kundiman (love song) provides a soothing sensation to the heart.

Broiled milkfish on banana leaves or pork barbeque with native lemon and soy sauce are matching appetizers to ice-cold bottles of San Miguel beer. Native green mango chopped in small pieces mixed with anchovies (local caviar) provides an exciting variation on the usual beef, fish or pork-pica appetizers.

The native sinigang na hipon (soured shrimp soup) provide a preliminary viand. Pork adobo (pork with soy sauce, garlic and pepper), pinakbet (mix of string beans, amargoso, eggplant, squash and anchovies), boiled fresh milkfish, lumpiang shanghai (sautéed ground beef wrapped with think sheet of flour and egg yolk), spicy tuna with vinegar or native snails with coconut milk, are only few of the most sought-after orders from Dalampasigan.

The stillness of Laguna Lake at times is mysterious, like life full of unexpected turns after a long, tiring silence. At the end of the day we realize that nature is one with us, in us -- touching us, giving us life!

Splash Island

Splash Island is a 30-minute drive from Manila and located just across Southwoods, a millionaires' subdivision south of Manila.

It has swimming pools with varying depths to satisfy one's craving for water, especially during the summer months. It also offers different fancy attractions like a 30-foot slide. In a prone position, the gravitational pull of the earth will take you down the ground with uncontrollable speed due to the slippery slide. There are tubes of varying height levels that challenge one to try the slides. The tubes are laid in crawling fashion so that when you start descending, you slide swiftly on the slimy surface of the fiberglass tubes culminating in the lucid water of the pool.

The part is, of course, tidy. The Bermuda grass is trimmed and the trees and plants pampered with water to afford visitors every opportunity to actively explore and appreciate the truly wonderful world of Splash Island.

Why not choose Laguna, which is a stone throw away from Manila, when you have a stopover in Manila. If you really love water, wind and unwinding, the tourist spots aforementioned can be enjoyed in a day. You can simply luxuriate under the palm tree at Splash Island, shoot the rapids in Pagsanjan or daydream while listening to the will of winds at the mysterious Laguna Lake!

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